Membership
When you join MARS you are joining a network of rail shippers and their carrier partners and can tap into this network of your peers to gain valuable knowledge, connections and more member benefits. Qualifications for all memberships are listed in the by-laws.
benefits
MARS predecessor organization started meeting in 1924 to solve transportation difficulties experienced by rail freight customers. Initially railroads were not allowed to be members but were available to assist in problem solving. In 1968 MARS became the first region to allow railroad membership. MARS continues to serve as a popular and effective forum for resolving important issues in rail freight transportation. Today, MARS is often called the premier rail shippers organization and stands out as the best conference value for rail freight executives to attend. MARS membership is a valued credential.
MARS meets in January and July each year providing top quality speakers addressing a variety of topics of interest to rail freight decision makers, as well as a chance to meet hundreds of others in the industry. In addition, MARS hosts several subject specific break out sessions. The most cost effective conference available.
The agendas at the MARS conferences feature noteworthy executives from all segments of business that affects rail freight, addressing the most current subject matter.
MARS membership is made up of officers and decision makers of rail customers, railroads and suppliers of rail freight oriented goods and services. MARS conferences have among the highest attendance of the rail shippers’ associations with recent meeting registrations running close to 1000 in January for the Winter Meeting and nearly 500 in July for the Summer Meeting. Meetings are organized to provide plenty of networking time and bring the latest topics and speakers of significance to the rail freight industry.
MARS’ Scholarship Program is available to children and grandchildren of active members. Each year the program awards over $50,000 in scholarship awards. Applications are typically open in the Fall, submission deadline is in late January and recipients are announced in the Spring.
The top award of the MARS Scholarship Fund is the Bernard J. Thomas Scholarship Award and is given annually in the amount of $5,000. Bernard J. Thomas was an integral part in the foundation of the MARS Scholarship Fund in 2008 and strong contributor to the MARS organization.
The Craig Longardner Scholarship Award is presented to an individual applicant pursuing a degree in logistics, transportation or supply chain management at an accredited university. The Scholarship award is in the amount of $3,000. Craig Longardner has been an advocate of establishing and guiding the MARS scholarship program and the Young Professionals Group.
Through participating in MARS organizational activities or through a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities MARS provides a great deal of recognition at our meetings as well as on our website.
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