Associations & Trade Groups

Letters of Support Received to Date:

2000

including more than 700 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.

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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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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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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*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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Jeremy Ferguson

SMART-TD President

"Beyond workforce stability, this merger presents significant opportunities to strengthen freight mobility nationwide. The creation of the nation's first coast-to-coast railroad would expand service options, improve network fluidity, reduce truck congestion on taxpayer funded highways, and support long-term economic growth."

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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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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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Mario H. Lopez

President of the Hispanic Leadership Fund

“A coast-to-coast network is more than a logistical achievement. It could be a needed boost for communities too often left behind. Too many communities, particularly in rural America, struggle to access reliable freight service. When products can’t move efficiently, businesses stall and workers lose opportunities. A seamless national rail system would help close those gaps, ensuring that economic growth reaches more corners of the country.”

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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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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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Dan Culhane

President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance

"The merger would bring modernization across the network—better technology, upgraded tracks and improved service coordination—benefiting local firms during implementation and strengthening infrastructure for decades to come. This merger isn’t just about two rail companies. It’s about building a more efficient, connected and competitive freight system—one that supports stronger businesses, stronger communities and a stronger Iowa."

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*Mike Pistone

President of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers (NCFO)

“The NCFO recognizes that this merger presents an opportunity to strengthen long-term stability, expand opportunities for our members and protect quality jobs for the future… We believe that by combining resources and expertise, this merger will enhance job security, create pathways for member growth and improve working conditions through sustainable investment and innovation.”

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Timothy Simmons

International President of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

“The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is proud to support the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Railway Company. This merger represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the railroad industry, expand high-quality union jobs and secure a promising future for Boilermakers working in mechanical and related crafts across the combined system.”

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*International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

“This merger represents a transformative opportunity for the railroad industry and its workforce... We encourage the relevant authorities to recognize Union Pacific's commitment to protecting its workforce and bear in mind the positive impact this merger will have on labor and the broader economy.”

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*Builders FirstSource

“[We are] writing to express our strong support... We believe that the proposed merger will enhance competition and yield significant benefits for Union Pacific customers like us."

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*Brotherhood Railway Carmen Division

“This merger represents a transformative opportunity for the railroad industry and its workforce, strengthening long-term stability and protecting quality jobs for the future. BRC and Union Pacific entered into a historic agreement guaranteeing job protection for BRC members for the length of their careers.”

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* America’s Power

“The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has the potential to improve rail connectivity, increase reliability and spur efficiency by creating a more integrated network with fewer interchanges and better coordination in both operations and future investments in the rail network.”

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Jeremy R. Ferguson

President of SMART-TD

“Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground. We are protecting jobs, protecting families and protecting the future of the U.S. supply chain... This is a bold agreement, and I’m proud of the mutually beneficial work done here and what Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and SMART-TD were able to accomplish.”

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Sharon Mason

President & CEO, Cobb Chamber of Commerce

"Modernizing our freight rail system will further enhance our competitive advantage. Rail transport reduces carbon emissions by 71% compared to trucking, thus removing the equivalent of 3.9 million trucks from Georgia highways annually. A more interconnected national rail network will provide faster service, fewer delays and greater supply chain resilience, all of which are vital for Cobb's manufacturers, distributors and logistics sector."

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Matt Williams

Interim President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“A more seamless, connected rail network has the potential to enhance reliability, reduce friction in the movement of goods, and improve service for businesses that depend on rail,” Williams said. “For many industries, efficient freight movement is a key determinant in where they invest and how they grow.”

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Heath Mello

President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber

“This is about whether the United States is serious about competing in a global economy where speed, reliability, and scale matter,” said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “Since the beginning, Union Pacific and Omaha have grown together, with a shared history rooted in building connections that power our economy. Today as always, Omaha stands firmly behind Union Pacific as they make their biggest move yet that will strengthen our supply chains, support business growth, and will ultimately benefit all Americans.”

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Jaime di Paulo Zozaya

President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

"A seamless transcontinental rail network is not just a transportation investment, it is a strategic economic opportunity for Illinois and North America. This opportunity is especially critical for U.S.–Mexico trade. Mexico is Illinois’ second, largest export market, and nearshoring is rapidly accelerating cross-border commerce in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction materials. Strengthening rail connectivity across the continent would reinforce north–south trade corridors, reduce costly bottlenecks, and provide Illinois businesses with faster, more reliable access to Mexican markets. At the same time, it would help secure and modernize North American supply chains at a moment when resilience and competitiveness matter more than ever."

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*Source not publicly available online. Quote obtained via print media, broadcast appearance, interview, newsletter, STB filing or SEC filing.