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Introduction to the Florida East Coast Railway Society

An introduction to the society from the viewpoints of former CEO and Presidents Jim Hertwig and Dave Rohal

Jim Hertwig
FEC CEO (2010-2017)

In 2010, upon becoming the President and CEO of the Florida East Coast Railway (FECR), I had the opportunity to meet members of the Florida East Coast Rail Society (FECRS).
 
Quite frankly, I was initially skeptical about the organization and the value it could bring to the railroad. That changed quickly. I was soon invited to attend the FECRS’s annual convention in Ft. Pierce, Florida, to present the company’s strategy and goals for 2011.
 
I soon became a strong believer in the Society. I was deeply impressed by the knowledge and positive attitude of the FECRS members regarding the railroad. During the open question period, one member asked what the Society could do to help the FECR. My response was twofold: always be safe around the railroad, and provide support at local, regional, or state governmental meetings regarding political issues impacting the company. I told them that their support would be greatly appreciated.
 
On the trip back to Jacksonville in the business cars, David Maddox and others on the team discussed how beneficial the FECRS was and could become to the FEC Railway.
 
This convention also marked the creation of our first Santa Train, an initiative that grew year after year to benefit Toys For Tots at various locations along our line. I was proud to be a part of this effort and had the privilege of playing Santa for seven years.
 
Another particularly memorable convention was in Stuart, Florida, where I was once again providing the FECRS members with an update on the railroad. As I was preparing to close my presentation, I noticed a man waving his hands excitedly in the back of the room. I stopped and asked what he needed. His reply was simple: "Sir, the train was coming, and we needed to go out and wave to David Shelley." So, we all stepped outside, waved to David, and then I returned to finish my presentation.
 
That moment was incredibly moving. It truly impressed upon me how thoughtful, respectful, and appreciative the Society was of the Railroad.
 
I am grateful for the many other positive moments I was privileged to share with the FECRS and for all the dedicated support they provided throughout my Presidency.
 
Thank you, FECRS.
 
Jim Hertwig

David Rohal
FEC President (2007-2009)

I remember the FECRS quite fondly. What other industry has so much history and also so many people with such deep interest in current operations?

I really respected and appreciated that depth of interest and understanding from the FECRS. I shared their a deep appreciation of the importance of a well-run railroad. It is a daily challenge to run trains on time, and FEC ran a scheduled, precision railroad long before some other guys coined “precision scheduled railroading.”

I enjoyed chatting with FECRS members. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Although they approached the railroad with a variety of perspectives, I recall informed questions about the operation and the health of the company. Just a great group!

Membership Benefits and Dues

US Mailing Address

$ 40 per year
     

International Address

$ 50 per year
     
Link with an enthusiastic group of FEC fans

Receive our quarterly newsletter The Speedway filled with colorful pictures and articles covering the latest current and future news about the FEC and look-backs at its rich and colorful history

Attend the annual convention and attend special mini-conventions, with tours of FEC facilities and talks by FEC and Brightline leaders

Access members’ unique knowledge-base about FEC operations, train schedules, and good train-watching and photography locations

Upon receipt of your membership application and annual dues, you will also receive a membership card

National Railway Historical Society Affiliation

The FECRS is an Affiliate of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), a leading organization in the preservation of railroading and railroad history. Two major activities of the NRHS are the Rail Heritage Grants program, and RailCamp. The NRHS Bulletin is published four times a year with articles highlighting historical railroads, operations and preservation. 

The Rail Heritage Grants program, provides monetary grants to organizations to assist in the restoration or preservation of railroad artifacts, equipment, and facilities, each year. Click here to visit our page on RailCamp.

As an NRHS affiliate, our members may attend NRHS conferences and conventions. There are several two- or three-day conferences each year in different locales around the country with opportunities to visit local railroad attractions. There are usually presentations of interest of railroad history and preservation. The conventions happen in the warmer months in different cities each year for four days featuring several railroad activities, seminars, and the Annual Meeting of the NRHS. 

More information about the NRHS and its activities and programs can be found at www.nrhs.com. 

Still Have Questions?

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Mobirise
Mailing Address

FECRS
7415 SW 170th Ter
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157-4888

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The Florida East Coast Railway mark and trade names are the property of the Florida East Coast Railway, L.L.C. and are used under license from the Florida East Coast Railway

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