Associations & Trade Groups

Letters of Support Received to Date:

1,688

including 626 from commercial partners

Associations & Trade Groups

Non-profit, membership-based organizations, including chambers of commerce, economic development groups and trade associations, back the combination as a catalyst for growth and competitiveness. Their support reflects the confidence of the broader business community.

Steve Stivers

President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce
“The proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific represents a bold step toward building a future-ready logistics network—one grounded in free-market principles that streamline operations, enhance infrastructure and foster innovation. This strategic move has the potential to increase competition, generate good-paying jobs and strengthen Ohio’s role in a modern supply chain built for global commerce. By creating a seamless rail network spanning 10 international interchanges and approximately 100 ports, this merger would fundamentally reshape how American manufacturers compete on the world stage. It would unlock stronger trade routes, allowing Ohio’s manufacturers to reach global markets more efficiently and cost-effectively.”‍‍
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Karen Gibler

President and CAO of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce (Nebraska)

“The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce encourages the Surface Transportation Board to consider the broad economic, environmental and logistical advantages of this merger. We believe this partnership will create a more competitive, connected and forward-looking rail system—one that strengthens American industry and benefits communities like ours that depend on strong transportation networks.”

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Derrell Hartwick

President and CEO of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce

“This merger changes everything. For the first time, America will have uninterrupted coast-to-coast rail service connecting 50,000 route miles across 43 states and linking more than 100 major ports. This is not just a step forward; it's a transformational leap toward a truly unified national freight system.”

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Dawson Brunswick

President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce (Nebraska)

“The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger offers an opportunity to ensure long-term reliability for our rail infrastructure and deliver long-term benefits for our manufacturers and our business community at large. The merger promises faster, more dependable service, reduced congestion and expanded market reach for our businesses. It also means continued investment in rail infrastructure that will lead to enhanced safety, job creation and ensuring the Columbus community is in a position to grow and succeed economically in an increasingly competitive economic environment.”

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Todd R. Bingham

President and CEO of Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the recent announcement about the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern as a forward-looking development with the potential to strengthen the national transportation network and support continued economic growth.”

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Abby Osborne

Chair of Utah Inland Port Authority and Chief of Staff for the Utah House of Representatives

“Utah’s inland position makes us a natural gateway in this new network. This strengthens our role as a critical logistics hub, giving Utah manufacturers, shippers, and businesses faster, more reliable connections while boosting our economy and workforce.”

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Chad Schreck

President and CEO of North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp.

“What does the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger mean for North Iowa? Better connections to the East Coast and global markets, more affordable and efficient shipping for our industries, and stronger opportunities for our local economy.”

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Heath Mello

President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber

“The Greater Omaha Chamber extends its congratulations to Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern on this historic announcement—uniting their networks to create America’s first coast-to-coast railroad. This landmark achievement honors the very spirit upon which our nation’s railroads were founded: to connect a growing country through infrastructure, innovation, and purpose. Railroads were built in America to bring people, communities, and commerce together—and this new transcontinental network is the embodiment of this dream. This partnership will strengthen domestic supply chains, open new markets, and reinforce our nation’s global competitiveness.”

 

“We are especially proud that Union Pacific Railroad, one of the most iconic names in American industry, continues to call Omaha, Nebraska home. Their leadership in reshaping the future of freight transportation reinforces our region’s central role in building a more connected and prosperous nation. The Chamber and business community looks forward to supporting this new rail partnership that will deliver for generations to come.”

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