KC SmartPort's "Momentum 2012" Event Drives Discussion on Kansas City's Rail Industry

National rail executives offer insight into future of the industry   

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- KC SmartPort hosted Momentum 2012 yesterday, featuring a panel of national rail executives from BNSF, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern and Watco Companies. The event focused on business trends including the future of the rail sector, which is making record level capital investments and seeing record revenue profits.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120405/DC83359)

"The Kansas City region is the nation's largest rail center based on tonnage. When C-level executives from some of our country's most successful rail lines come to KC to participate in a panel discussion, it proves how valuable the Kansas City region is to the rail industry," said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. "Yesterday's event proved that Kansas City continues to have the assets and opportunities that impact the success and growth of the rail sector nationally."

The Momentum 2012 panelists included: John Lanigan, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, BNSF; Brian McDonald, vice president of intermodal, Union Pacific; Pat Ottensmeyer, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Kansas City Southern and Rick Webb, CEO, Watco Companies.

Momentum 2012 offered insight into how critical it is for the rail industry to harmonize with all forms of transportation due to the increased demand for door-to-door intermodal services. They expressed how this harmonization is a long-term growth opportunity that is good for business and the environment.

Panelists also discussed industry challenges including the amount of capital investment and technology needed to implement Positive Train Control, as well as a necessity to recruit top talent due to an aging workforce. The event stressed the importance of creating uniform policies across the United States in order to generate a more efficient transportation ecosystem and to remain competitive internationally.

The panel highlighted Kansas City's position as an outstanding point-of-entry into the main flow of U.S. transportation systems due to the region's central location and infrastructure. KC continues to be an integral part of the future for the rail industry bringing intrinsic value in location and workforce assets.  

"The Momentum 2012 event proved that Kansas City is well positioned to support the supply chain industry due to our robust rail infrastructure, but this region also has critical highway, barge and air cargo assets that make it a truly ideal location for logistics operations," said Eric McDonald, KC SmartPort board chair and senior vice president of national accounts for Storage Solutions.

About KC SmartPort
KC SmartPort is the authority on logistics and opportunities in the 18-county, bi-state Kansas City region. A non-profit economic development organization, KC SmartPort promotes and enhances the Kansas City region's status as a leading North American logistics hub.  KC SmartPort is affiliated with the Kansas City Area Development Council, the regional economic development organization for the 18-county Kansas City metro.  www.KCSmartPort.com

About Greater Kansas City
Home to 2.5 million people, the Kansas City region offers the benefits of more than 50 unique communities and 18 counties in Kansas and Missouri. Called "America's Creative Crossroads," the region's distinctive qualities come from a confluence of artistry and innovation.  Kansas City and its corporations, universities and lifestyle assets are nationally ranked among the best places to work, innovate and explore. Contact the Kansas City Area Development Council to learn more about business and career opportunities in the Greater KC area.  http://www.thinkKC.com 

SOURCE KC SmartPort; Kansas City Area Development Council