The Diolkos Wagonway, 600 B.C.- 50 A.D., transported cargo safely across Northern Corinth so that ships could avoid the treacherous Peloponnese Seas to deliver cargo to and from Athens’ lucrative markets.
The Diolkos Award honors a stellar executive with vision, integrity, and strategic implementation who delivers innovative results for transporting cargo safely and profitably.
Henry Posner’s methods are executed with integrity and sustainability. The ubiquitous hallmark Posner shares with the founders of the Diolkos Wagonway is his results are driven to realize a better way, a better method rather than with a need to have his name memorialized.
Posner is an extraordinary example of a global railroad investor who is an ambitious partner, who puts people over profit while maintaining the highest integrity in every action he takes in his business endeavors.
RDC is a family owned business with investments in 3 continents, North America, Europe, South America as well as in England. A brilliant strategist, Posner has a keen eye and commitment to appropriate expansion. Professionally and personally, Posner sets a new standard.
The Outstanding Leadership of Katie Farmer prompted us to create the Legendary Award. This award was specifically created to honor the inspiring leadership Farmer has ceaselessly delivered.
Customer Centric. Safety. Consistent Strategic Growth Implementation. These are hallmarks of her leadership. Farmer’s profound knowledge of every aspect of BNSF coupled with her gracious manner and a warm heart have resulted in deep loyalty from all team members.
Farmer is a railroader through and through. Her vision and razor focus on their goals have led to ground-breaking achievements.
BNSF is a privately held company. Farmer oversees 32,500 miles of rail that include 13,000+ bridges and 99 tunnels across the Western U.S. Their team of 36,500 operate in 28 states and 3 Canadian provinces.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN Secure Your Spot Now
June 22, 2026 Domestic Supply Chain + Festive Networking Reception June 23, 2026 1/2 Day on Global Trade
Attend, Learn, & Grow Your Business
REGISTER NOW!
Click HERE to Register
$1,030
Attendees come prepared to initiate business. Presenters Stay to Network.
All Registrations Are Final. You can easily substitute names of attendees. Pls send all name changes and dietary requests by June 2, 2026 to: mpitz@mepitzassociates.com.
ULC Room Block
The ULC has a room block for a standard king size room @ $269 per night plus a 20% surcharge for taxes and fees. To reserve a room, call 312-427-7800. Ask for the Hotel Desk. Mention the 2026 Rail and Maritime Summit. Then give them your credit card.
Our 16th Annual Summit Safety & Service Drive Business Ratifying USMCA & Global Trade Are Goals
Some of our 2026 C-Suite Presenters Are:
Kent Britton, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Corpus Christi
Max Callahan, Managing Director, Fulcrum Rail
Kathryn Farmer, President & Chief Executive Officer, BNSF Railway
Peter Gilbertson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company
Kyle Hogan, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Corpus Christi
Merritt Lane, President & Chief Executive Office, Canal Barge Company
Todd Main, Director, Market Development, Illinois Soybean Association
Michael Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Genessee & Wyoming Inc., N.A.
Sheldon Norton, Vice President, Feed Segment Lead, Cargill Branded Feed
Henry Posner III, Chairman, Iowa Interstate Railroad; Chairman, Railroad Development
Corporation, (RDC)
Ida Posner, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Railroad Development Corporation (RDC)
Patrick Russell, President, Russell Marine Group (RMG)
Thomas Russell, Co-Owner of Russell Marine Group (RMG)
Gina Trombley, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Chief Commercial Officer,
WABTEC
Rodney Weinzierl, Executive Director, Illinois Corn Growers Association
Thank You To Our Platinum Sponsors!
Thanks to our valued sponsors, we deliver the Summit year after year. Our 2026 Platinum Sponsors are BNSF Railway and Illinois Soybean Association.
BNSF Railway
As the only private Class One Railroad, BNSF has the best Safety record among the Class Ones. BNSF believes every accident can be prevented. As proof of their diligence, their employee injury rate is 10% lower than their previous record. Rail equipment incidents have also been reduced 13%. With 27 intermodal facilities, they are also the largest intermodal railroad handling more than a million intermodal loads more annually than any other railroad.
ISA – Beans & Biodiesel
ISA has certifications from independent laboratories that clearly document the U.S. soybean is the best soybean produced globally. The U.S. soybean is evaluated for their superior quality, reliability, nutrition, and sustainability. Utilizing updated methods to ensure soil health has paid dividends.
ISA strongly encourages soybean-based biodiesel (B20). This provides sustainable, low-carbon fuel alternatives. B20 works in existing engines improving lubrication. ISA developed and continues to support the Soy Innovation Center. Their mission is to develop new, sustainable, and commercially viable soy-based products.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN Secure Your Spot Now!
June 22, 2026 Domestic Supply Chain + Festive Networking Reception June 23, 2026 1/2 Day on Global Trade
Attend, Learn, & Grow Your Business
REGISTER NOW!
Click HERE to Register
$1,030
Attendees come prepared to initiate business. Presenters Stay to Network.
All Registrations Are Final. You can easily substitute names of attendees. Pls send all name changes and dietary requests by June 2, 2026 to: mpitz@mepitzassociates.com.
ULC Room Block
The ULC has a room block for a standard king size room @ $269 per night plus a 20% surcharge for taxes and fees. To reserve a room, call 312-427-7800. Ask for the Hotel Desk. Mention the 2026 Rail and Maritime Summit. Then give them your credit card.
ADDRESS
205 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60601
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© 2025 MEP&A
Mary Elisabeth Pitz & Associates