Feature from the President
Legacy

Reflection

As I reflect on the happenings of the past quarter, I am somewhat overwhelmed.

From the awards and accolades, to the impressive work of our track crews; from the inter-workings of our Marketing Department, to the unveiling of our Military Locomotives; from the many rail safety presentations, to the advancement of our customers - I am so impressed with how much our team accomplished in a few short months- a snapshot in our 40 year history- imagine all that has been accomplished during that period!

As we celebrate those 40 years of company history this year, it is humbling to consider that 20% of our team has been here for at least 10 years (or a quarter of our company’s life). Between the long tenured employees and the amazing new talent we have added to the team, we are so incredibly fortunate and well situated for the future. Our corporate philosophy is exemplified by the hard (and safe) working individuals who come in for their safety briefings and put in a solid day’s work. In keeping with rich railroad tradition, they grind for our company, our customers, and (ultimately) their families.

Putting Things Into Perspective

• The Pennsylvania Railroad Company (PRR): 1846 to 1968 - 122 years

• New York Central Railroad: 1853 to 1968 - 115 years

• Northern Pacific Railroad (Transcontinental Railroad): 1870 to 1970 - 100 years

• Bellefonte Central Railroad: 1892 to 1985 - 93 years

• Reading Railroad (Reading Lines): 1924 to 1976 - 52 years

• Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail): 1976 to 1999 - 23 years

• Erie Lackawanna Railroad: 1960 to 1976 - 16 years

• Penn Central Transportation Company (Penn Central): 1968 to 1976 - eight years

While we have well-surpassed the lifespan of Penn Central or original Conrail, we will continue to forge ahead, leaving a positive impact on our customers and communities, while aspiring to meet and surpass the tenures of the Bellefonte Central and PRR.

And though I know none of our current employees (or I) will be working here in 82 years, I also know there is great strength in our philosophy that what we are doing is important, valued- and good. That creates a strong foundation for us to carry on such important tradition, striving so hard to work together to build a legacy for future generations of railroaders. With the team and talent we have in place right now, the possibilities are endless. We will continue to work together, building our legacy - one day.. one month.. one quarter.. one year at a time.

Notes from Marketing
The Best of What Might Be

Summertime is always the best of what might be.

- Charles Bowden.

The quote above sums up our efforts as we roll into the long days of the hot summer months. We are always looking for the best of what might be! Some examples of that are below.

Our Marketing Team continues to work on various projects and discussions on many opportunities and leads. Recently, Joe Kantz and Todd Hunter were guests of the Finger Lakes Railway’s Business Development Manager, Bruce Habberfield, as they toured the operations of Delong Grain in Geneva, NY. The purpose of the visit was to see what rail business and truck conversions we could work on jointly with the Finger Lakes Railway Marketing Team.

Often, new projects take far longer than one can imagine for many reasons. One particular project that was recently finished was the expansion of a track for Sims Metal, on the Lycoming Valley Railroad, in Williamsport, PA.

The concept for this project was initially conceived and pitched to the former owner ten years ago. With the help of PennDOT’s RFAP grant program, this project has doubled the available track space for the loading of shredded scrap material for Sims.

Many factors delayed this long-desired project, including": market conditions, the COVID pandemic, and the recent sale. However, perseverance on all sides is what got it done.

Prior to this extension and rebuild, LVRR locomotives and crews never ventured past the scrap yard fence. The photos seen here are the first placement of this many railcars for loading and the first time LVRR locomotives have ventured into the yard. We look forward to working with Sims to fully utilize their new expanded rail capacity.

We are patient and determined. That makes us a great partner for helping you grow your business. We are willing to work with you for one, two, 10, or more years to get your rail project off the ground. How can we help you grow your business?

Notes from Maintenance of Way
What Summer Means to Me

Military Locomotives
LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit)
LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit)

On May 17, 2024 (the day before Armed Forces Day), we unveiled and dedicated two military locomotives (LVRR 9052 and LVRR 9050). You can read our full press release here.

Awards and Accolades

In May of this year, we were honored to receive the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business of the Year Award! We humbly accepted this recognition and give all credit to our employees!

In the acceptance speech, PR & Media Manager, Loni Martz Briner, said, “It is a surprise to be recognized in a way like this. Most of the time, people only recognize the railroad when they are stuck at a crossing, waiting on one of our trains. What they don’t see is how much work goes behind each of those railcars and how important each railcar is to our customers and economy. Our employees are the ones who make it all happen, so they are the ones who deserve the recognition.”

In the Community

Rail Safety | Boy Scouts Spring Camporee

On April 8th, Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad General Manger, Jim Mackey, spent the morning with the Boy Scouts of America at the Nittany District Spring Camporee! He did an amazing job meeting with the kids and teaching them about rail safety. He loved the watching the kids sign their names, as they vowed to stay off of the tracks.

Tartaglia Railroad Services
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