Rail: Connecting Our Economy
Our annual business conference.
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Presenting Sponsor
Game Changers Business Conference
Rail: Connecting Our Economy
In its 8th year, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Game Changers Expo and Conference will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023. Rail: Connecting Our Economy, will focus on rail as being a key transportation piece that is imperative to the movement of goods and people by providing critical connections across the New England region and beyond.
Join us for this half day event where you will learn about the future of the East/West rail, freight rail growth, and the environmental benefits of rail utilization. Expand your professional network, and engage in thought provoking sessions and discussions. Our event agenda is composed of experts in the industry and public policy leaders who are excited to share their thoughts and insights about how passenger and freight rail keeps us competitive both at home and on the global stage. The Game Changers Expo is Worcester’s largest business networking and educational event for business leaders and employees.
“Rail is more than a service, it provides a robust, efficient, and climate-friendly way to keep American industries connected. When freight rail works, America works.” – Association of American Railroads
7:30 am – 8:00 am
Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:00 am – 9:30 am
Welcome & Awards
Morning Keynote:
TBD
9:30 am – 9:45 am
Coffee Break and Networking
9:45 am – 10:45 am
Panel Session I: Freight Rail- Jobs & Logistics in a fast-moving economy
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Panel Session II: Strengthening the link between New England’s Two Largest Cities-Further improvement & Expansion of Commuter Rail
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch & Keynote
Fireside Chat with
Congressman Jim McGovern & Congressman Richard Neal
Keynote Speaker
Morning Keynote: Announcement Coming Soon!
Lunch Keynote:
A Fireside Chat with Congressman Jim McGovern & Congressman Richard Neal
Facilitated by: Diana Szynal, President, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce
Morning Keynote Sponsor
Game Changer Awards Presentation
Sponsored by
Breakfast Sponsor
Sponsored by
HONOREES
TBD
Panel 1
Freight Rail- Jobs & Logistics in a fast-moving economy
Freight rail is the lynchpin to the manufacturing logistics and distribution sector that drives much of New England’s economy. Nearly 30% of all freight rail passes through central Massachustts. Central MA is also home to many manufacturing, logistics, and distribution companies which provide jobs and opportunities for area residents. The bipartisan federal infrastructure bill and CSX’s recent acquisition of PanAm provide further opportunities to bring in investment and diversify and strengthen the central Massachusetts economy.
Moderator: To be announced
Panelist: Andy Koziol, Director of Rail & Transit, MassDOT
Panelist: Steve Cotrone, President, Intransit Container Inc.
Panelist: Maurice O’Connell, Regional VP at CSX Transportation
Moderator & Panelists to be announced shortly
Panel Sponsor
Session Sponsors
More information coming soon
Panel 2
Strengthening the Link Between New England’s Two Largest Cities-Further Improvement & Expansion of Commuter Rail
The expansion and improvement of the central Massachusetts rail network has been critical to the region’s economic growth, both as it relates to passenger rail and freight rail. The MBTA’s expansion of commuter rail has resulted in unprecedented investments in the region and Worcester’s downtown core with additional opportunities available
The East-West rail connecting Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and NYC will further add to this momentum and connectivity. Come hear about the future expansion of commuter rail between Worcester and Boston as well as the planning and timeline for East/West rail.
Moderator: To be announced
Panelist: To be announced
Panelist: Jeff Gonville, Assistant General Manager, MBTA
Panelist: Mike Muller, CEO, MBTA
Workshop Sponsor
Session Sponsors
Keynote Speaker & Closing Remarks
More information coming soon
Session Sponsor
More information coming soon
Corporate Sponsors
Media Sponsor
