A Letter from the ARDA President
Dear ARDA Members, Sponsors, and Supporters,
This fall marks the beginning of a truly remarkable milestone for our organization: ARDA’s 120th year. Founded in 1906 as the American Railway Industrial Association, ARDA was originally formed to support collaboration among railroad officials focused on land use, industrial development, and property management. Its early mission centered on attracting industry to rail-served sites and advancing the strategic use of railroad real estate. As the needs of the industry evolved, so did ARDA’s scope. Throughout the 20th century, the organization broadened its focus to include environmental concerns, legal and regulatory developments, and the increasing role of technology in rail infrastructure and planning. This steady evolution is a testament to ARDA’s ability to remain relevant and responsive to change, while continuing to serve as a trusted forum for dialogue, education, and professional growth across the rail industry.
While our early focus centered on real estate and economic development, ARDA has evolved into a forum that now embraces a broader set of issues, including environmental, legal, and technology concerns. As we approach 2026, our theme, Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future, captures both the legacy we celebrate and the vision we share for what lies ahead.
Before looking forward, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together. Under the exceptional leadership of Chris Ingraham, ARDA’s 2025 President, this past year brought renewed momentum and connection. Our Executive Forum in Atlanta, held at Norfolk Southern’s corporate headquarters, opened the year with timely insights and meaningful dialogue. In July, our Annual Meeting in St. Louis continued that energy with compelling speakers, strong attendance, and a memorable train trip hosted by the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. Thank you, Chris, for guiding ARDA through such a successful and impactful year.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that the 2026 Executive Forum will take place February 2–4 in Charlotte, North Carolina, a vibrant and growing hub of rail activity. Later in the year, we return to where it all began. The Annual Meeting will be held June 14–17, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, at the Fairmont Chicago – Millennium Park. This symbolic homecoming, back to the city where ARDA was founded 120 years ago, will be an opportunity not only to honor our history but also to shape the conversations that will define our future. If you missed it, you can preview both events in our 2026 announcement video, first shown in St. Louis.
ARDA’s strength lies in its community. I want to thank our Board of Directors, Section leaders, and the team at Twelve One Collective — Ashley and Claudia — for their tireless behind-the-scenes work. I also extend our gratitude to ARDA’s sponsors, whose continued support enables us to offer high-quality programming and engaging events. If your organization hasn’t yet pledged for the coming year, please take a moment to review our Sponsorship Pledge Form. Your support is especially meaningful as we celebrate this historic anniversary.
Our monthly Section calls are also resuming this month, and I encourage each of you to participate. These calls are one of the best ways to connect with peers across the industry, share insights, and help shape the content of our upcoming Executive Forum and Annual Meeting. Whether you’re new to ARDA or a long-time member, your voice and perspective matter. These conversations are where our program ideas begin to take shape and where relationships are built throughout the year.
Our membership drive has launched, and I encourage you to renew your membership and share the value of ARDA with your colleagues and industry peers. By growing our network, we amplify the shared expertise, passion, and innovation that define our community.
Thank you for your continued engagement with ARDA. I look forward to seeing many of you in Charlotte this February, and again in Chicago next June as we honor our past and shape our future together.
Thank you for being part of ARDA’s journey,
Cameron R. Rex, MAI, R/W-AC, GISP
2026 ARDA President
