ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS, U.S. — Hosted by the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the Soy Transportation Coalition and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Ag Transportation Summit is planned Aug. 4-5 in Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.

The event brings together leaders from agricultural producer organizations, agribusinesses and government to focus on the importance of inland waterway, rail, truck and vessel transportation to the competitiveness and profitability of U.S. agriculture.

Deb Miller, member, Surface Transportation Board, who until recently had served as acting chairman of the agency responsible for regulatory oversight of the freight rail industry since Dec. 31, 2014, will provide an overview of major rail proceedings currently underway during an extremely active period at the STB.

These include such issues as:

• Competitive switching.
• The method the STB uses to determine the revenue adequacy of rail carriers.
• An exploration of potential new approaches for resolving grain rail rate challenge.

Miller, who was confirmed by the Senate and joined the STB in April 2014, most recently served as a senior consultant with Cambridge Systematics, Inc., a firm specializing in transportation planning and policy, primarily for public-sector clients. From 2003 to 2011, she served as the secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The Early Bird rate of $265 has been extended to July 8. Price goes up to $295 on July 9; on-site registration is $350.

A hotel block has been arranged at The Westin O'Hare at a discounted rate of $159 plus tax.

For more information, see the online agenda.