New England 2017 Regional NARP Meeting – Springfield, MA
‘A Connected New England’
Presented by the National Association of Railroad Passengers
Sa. August 19, 2017
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sheration Monarch Place Hotel
1 Monarch Place
Springfield, Ma.
MEETING SUMMARY
Springfield is at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively. From the remodeled Union Station to the under-construction MGM Casino, major investments are being made in Springfield’s civic and economic growth. And geographically, Springfield is a key connecting point between the Boston area and upstate New York, as well as between Western Connecticut and Vermont.
Join us as we discuss the role of passenger rail in connecting these regions and the economic development that inevitably follows such investments.
Among other issues, we’ll discuss the need to extend the MBTA’s commuter rail west from Worcester to Springfield, as well as the need to run more frequent service north and south along the “knowledge corridor” between Springfield and Greenfield via Holyoke and Northampton.
A Connected New England benefits the entire region, and Springfield is key.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Timothy Brennan
Executive Director
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Jim Mathews
President/CEO
National Association of Railroad Passengers
Lunch Remarks:
Springfield Mayor
Dominic Sarno
Meeting Program Includes A Complete Hot Lunch Buffet
REGISTRATION LEVELS
Early Regular Attendee Registration
$45.00 If Paid In Full By August 11
Late Attendee Registration
$50.00 If Paid After August 11 or At Door
Student Attendee Registration – $25.00
Sponsor Level Registration – $100.00
On-line Registration is now Closed
Please register in-person at the registration table at the event between 10:30 am and 11 am.
Click here to Register ON-LINE Here Today
Click here for the Register By Mail Form
TENTATIVE AGENDA
9:30: Morning tour of Springfield Union Station (RSVP required)
10:30 – 11:00: Check-in and on-site registration
11:00 – 11:10: Welcoming remarks and council introductions
11:10 – 11:50: Jim Mathews, plus Q&A
11:50 – 12:00: Break
12:00 – 13:00: LUNCH, with speakers
> 12:15: Brief remarks from Mayor Sarno
> 12:30ish: State updates, complete by 12:50
13:00 – 14:00: Tim Brennan, plus Q&A
“Leveraging Rail Assets and Connections to Move the Knowledge Corridor’s Economy”
14:00 – 15:00: Adjourn and socialize
15:30: Afternoon tour of Union Station (RSVP not required)
SPRINGFIELD UNION STATION TOURS
For meeting attendees, a general post-meeting tour of the newly-remodeled Springfield Union Station will be available at 3:30 pm.
A pre-meeting tour at 9:30 am is available by specific advance request. If you are interested in a tour at this time please contact Tom Girsch at tgirsch@yahoo.com to reserve a spot.
Last updated: August 19, 2017