OmniTRAX
Infrastructure company OmniTRAX on Dec. 10 announced that Economic Development Director Ashley Wolfe has earned global economic development certification by the IEDC. The gold standard of economic development expertise, IEDC’s Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) accreditation has only been earned by development professionals from three North American railroads: OmniTRAX, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and Union Pacific (UP).
“Economic development expertise is an invaluable benefit for companies making capital investment decisions,” said OmniTRAX EVP Ryan Dreier. “IEDC certification shows prospective development partners that they are working with trusted, trained professionals and I’m proud that OmniTRAX is the only railroad to have its entire economic development team achieve IEDC certification.”
The global accreditation denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to professional growth. Worldwide, approximately 1,200 economic developers have achieved the prestigious CEcD designation. Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create and retain high-quality jobs and community investment.
Wolfe’s work to grow Arizona’s Sonoran Valley Railroad with customers such as Wright Asphalt and her collaboration with Phelps County Development Corporation to attract projects like Nebraskaland Aviation’s new facilities to the Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado Railway are examples of her recent economic development projects.
“Economic developers play a vital role in shaping the future of their communities. They drive investment, support businesses, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life,” shared IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Becoming a Certified Economic Developer represents the highest standard of excellence in our field. These individuals have invested in their growth as leaders, and in doing so, they strengthen the economic future of the regions they serve.”
LRW
ASLRRA Senior Vice President Law and General Counsel Sarah Yurasko was named the LRW 2025 Member of the Year.
Announcement of the award, which recognizes the “outstanding contributions” of an LRW member, was made during the LRW’s annual membership meeting, noting Yurasko’s “continued dedication to LRW and its mission, her support for LRW members, and her overarching generosity and leadership.”
