by Matt LewisWest Region Human Resource Manager

Call it Team Spirit or Watco Pride, our company is overflowing with it. On a recent trip to the West Region, Terry Towner, Watco president and COO commented on how the West Region management team focused on team spirit.Towner said, “The team spirit aspect of management

was very evident on my tour of the West Region. John Brown, COO of the West Region and his key leaders Ray Sargent, assistant COO and Rob Thrall, director of rail operations, continually emphasize and actively promoted the importance of team spirit to all we met on our trip. More importantly the mes-sage was evident in practice by the enthusiasm and performance of the West Region Team. Throughout all discussions with West Region Team members, we heard and observed an energetic and consistent focus on service, safety and efficiency.”We asked a few members of the West Region team

to share their opinions on team spirit, and what they do to help build a strong organization. John Brown, Watco West Region COO offered

the following thoughts. “We’ve got to continually create improved Team Synergies through a con-sistent message. There is no part of our business that can function effec-tively in isolation. We are a team of many indepen-dent departments that are all inter-dependant on the success of one another. There is amazing power in our Watco teams. Team synergy means the interac-tion of two or more of our people or departments so that their combined efforts and talents exceed their individual ability. Communicating clear expecta-tions and measuring the results so that all team members understand their responsibilities, contribu-tions and their effect on the performance of the en-tire team is essential. I am privileged to be part of an exceptional team, which allows for a straightforward approach to develop and facilitate team building and the continuous improvement of our synergies.”Ray Sargent, assistant COO believes that Team spirit

is a fundamental building block of our organization. “Team building creates a sense that we all contribute to goals and accomplishments that are greater than anything any of us are able to accomplish individu-ally. Teamwork is the thing that gives us the ability to point to something great and tell our children, “I helped build that”.“Team building is a work in progress. We may try

one thing out for a while and then develop new ideas to keep everyone focused,” said Rob Thrall, West Region director of operations.“We’ve done different things for the office like

Hawaiian Fridays and Watco Wednesdays where we wear things with a particular performance theme,” said Brian Oleske, West Region director of customer service and dispatch. Nickol Corr, West Region clerk offered “It’s impor-

tant to have an open mind about each department’s individual support needs, and be flexible with tasks and responsibilities for our team to work.”“Ultimately, it starts from within.” said Scott Ad-

ams, West Region chief engineer, “It’s impossible to motivate the team and get everyone involved unless you are fully engaged and on board yourself.” Mark Green, West Region director of locomotive opera-tions agrees. “We all have to lead by example, and to do that you’ve got to truly believe in what we are doing and stay consistent.” “Being a part of such an energetic and dynamic

team makes it easy to learn and grow”, says Garrett Bolyard, West Region real estate manager. “Coming to work for Watco was one of the best career deci-

sions of my life, and the high degree of teamwork and camaraderie made the transition seem ef-fortless. It is amazing how much we can ac-complish when it doesn’t

matter who gets the credit. True teamwork divides the task and doubles the success.”Matt Lewis, West Region human resources manager

added “A critical component of building team spirit is education and awareness. It is essential for every-one to understand and embrace that we are all on the same team working towards the same goal, and our policies, procedures, and directives are in place to help build a strong company, which benefits every-one. We all have to enthusiastically reinforce our goals, values and objectives every day.”Team building is about increasing motivation, im-

proving communication, and building trust in each other while committing to and reaching a common goal. Often in team building, the task isn’t work-re-lated but more an effort to bring everyone together to work on communication skills and getting to know each other better as individuals.Our people define our company, and no matter

where you travel throughout the Watco system, great things are happening. We are fortunate to have great people building team spirit and creating value throughout the company.

DispatchtheThe newsletter for Watco Companies, Inc. and Watco Transportation Services, Inc. October 2009, Volume 10, Issue 10

West Region defines team spirit TFI Family Services honors Dick Webbby Tracie VanBecelaereManaging Editor

Being able to bring a sense of normalcy into the life of a youth in foster care is absolutely priceless and was the reason that TFI Family Services in Pittsburg, Kan., decided 14 years ago to hold a golf tournament to raise funds for expenses not normally covered for children in foster care. These expenses can vary from music lessons, a homecoming dress, a new pair of running shoes for the track team, registration for a school field trip, or even to cover extra medical expenses. “TFI Family Services, Inc. and the children we serve

are truly grateful for Watco’s faithful sponsorship of this annual tournament that benefits youth in foster care,” said Megan Garde, TFI Communication Spe-cialist.“We were pleased to present a plaque in honor of

the late Charles R. “Dick” Webb at a ceremony on in the afternoon of the tournament on September 19. It is well known that the late Charles R. “Dick” Webb’s history of generosity is a remarkable part of his personal and professional legacy. It is inspiring to witness the continuation of Dick’s legacy of generos-ity as lives continue to be touched and changed by Watco Companies, now in the hands of his son, Rick Webb, who has been essential to the partnership of Watco and TFI Family Services, Inc. It is because of this partnership that TFI Family Services, Inc. is able to continue building brighter tomorrows for families and children.”

Board Chair Teresa Clounch presents the plaque hon-oring Dick Webb to Rick Webb, Watco CEO, (r), Susie (Webb) Lundy (l), and Kaye Lynne Webb (2nd from left)

“ There is no part of our business that can function effectively in isolation. We are a team of many independent departments that are all inter-dependent on the success of one another.”

John BrownWest Region COO

by Tracie VanBecelaereManaging Editor

Four outstanding Watco Team members were recently awarded the Full Steam Ahead Award (FSAA) for the second quarter of 2009. Each quar-ter the award is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond their normal work schedule to achieve increased results relating in improve-ments in Customer service, safety, quality, and profitability for the long term.

Nominations are submitted by managers to the human resource department and then they are reviewed by the FSAA Committee.

Second quarter winners are: Anthony Rogers, Arlie Lewter, John Peek, and Milton McCleam.

Anthony Rogers thought he was in trouble, “I was trying to figure out what I did wrong when I got called into the office. I didn’t know I’d even been nominated for the Full Steam award so I was really surprised.”Perry Lambert, Cherryvale, Kan., Assistant Chief of

Police, wouldn’t be surprised though. Lambert sent a letter to Watco commending Rogers on his com-mitment to service and suggesting that if there was an award to recognize outstanding service Rogers would be an excellent recipient. “He said he would do whatever was within his

control to help us resolve traffic issues in Cherryvale. And he really did just that,” said Lambert of Rogers.“He would keep us posted on any issues the rail-

road might be having that would cause any crossing to be blocked so that we could respond appropri-ately. Anthony has made a big difference in not only my life but also in that of the 2,500 people living in Cherryvale.”Rogers served as assistant trainmaster while in

Cherryvale but has since moved to Owasso, Okla., to

serve as the trainmaster for both the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad and the Stillwater Central Railroad since that’s where the two lines meet. He also worked for Watco’s West Region Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad in 2007 before moving to Cherryvale.Anthony and his wife Jessica have two children;

Brooklyn, 7 and Kaden, 15 months. In his spare time Anthony enjoys golfing and fishing.

Arlie Lewter, conductor for the Grand Elk Railroad (GDLK), may be a transplant from Texas but he still manages to do things big like they do back home. He’s certainly gone out of his way and made a big impression on the Customers he provides service to on the Grand Elk. “I’ve received several

phone calls from cus-tomers thanking us for having such a conscien-tious employee,” said Rodney Gordon, GDLK general manager. “The customers appreci-ate how attentive he is regarding safety issues and the suggestions he’s made regarding how to make their sidings safer for everyone are really beneficial.”Communication is a key

focus for Lewter. He added the twelve Customers that he serves to his personal cell phone just so that he would have a back up in case the company phone doesn’t work. He also visits with his Customers on a daily basis to be sure that they are receiving the cars and service they need.“We are lucky to have someone like Arlie who is

meeting with customers and presenting our railroad in such a positive light,” said Gordon. “One customer has even asked that all of his traffic

be moved to the Grand Elk, that’s quite a testament.” Lewter has been working in the rail industry for the

past ten years and has been with the Grand Elk since its start-up in March.“I’m thankful to be working for a railroad where I

feel that every employee can make a difference, we’re living a dream come true on the Grand Elk,” said Lewter.Home to Lewter is still Amarillo, Texas, and his

parents, two sisters and a brother all live in the Lone Star State. Ever the outdoorsman, Lewter enjoys boating, fish-

ing, hunting and golfing. This being his first winter with the Grand Elk Railroad, he may have to prac-tice his hunting skills and bag himself a real “grand elk”.

John Peek Alabama Southern Railroad (ABS) train-master, holds a distinction that no other FSAA win-ner can claim; the most nominations received by one person. Thirteen fellow ABS team members signed the letter nominating him for the award.“John is an excellent trainmaster,” they stated in

their nomination. “He never asks anyone to do something he would not do himself. Because of this, they will help him in any way possible.”Alex King, ABS general manager added, “ John

has built, and continues to nurture, great customer relationships. The customers appreciate the service consistency and positive attitude from John.” Danny Barton, transportation coordinator, South-

ern Ionics, Inc., also had good things to say about Peek’s work ethic. “ I want to recognize that ABS has supplied us with

outstanding service over the last few months. Alex and John both do what they say they are going to do, when they are going to do it and in a timely manner. Both have committed to outstanding service and I’m seeing it every day. I appreciate everything that they do.” “I was excited to hear that someone from our rail-

road had won the award and I was looking around to see who to congratulate and they said my name, I was really surprised,” said Peek. “I’m working with some good people here and am thankful for the crews we have, they’re a great group.” Peek formerly owned a construction business and

has been with the ABS since it’s start-up in 2005. He’s traveled to other Watco locations to help with start-ups, most recently the new Alabama Warrior Railway in Birmingham, Ala.Peek and his wife Kimberly have a four year-old

son Tyler. When not busy taking care of his Cus-tomers, he spends his time with his son fishing, playing sports and participating in various outdoor activities.

page 2Dispatchthe

Full Steam Ahead Award winners announced for second quarter

Anthony Rogers

Mike Pollard, SKOL general manager, shakes the hand of FSAA winner Anthony Rogers, SKOL/SLWC Trainmas-ter.

Arlie Lewter

John Peek, ABS trainmaster (l), receives his FSAA pin from ABS general manager, Alex King.

John Peek

Arlie Lewter, Grand Elk Railroad conductor.

page 3Dispatchthe

BIGGEST LOSER

CONTEST

WATCO’S

The Biggest Loser contest is in full swing but don’t worry, you can still enter the contest and will be able to at any time until the ending date. You will need to sign both consent forms available on

the Watco web site and send them, along with a full length photograph, either by fax to 620.231.5192 or by e-mail to hwebb@watcocompanies.com. The contest began July 15, 2009 and will run until

Jan. 15, 2010. Weight loss will be based on percent-age of loss not total pounds lost. Contestants must be weighed in with their supervisor and both the super-visor and team member need to sign the enrollment form to get into the program. Only employees who are active on January 15, 2010 will be eligible. Prizes are as follows: 1st Place - $1,500.00, 2nd Place

- $1,000.00, 3rd Place - $500.00Winners must agree to have a before and after photo

appear in the Dispatch (which means everyone that enters will have to submit a before picture). All pic-tures of contestants not making the top three will be kept confidential.Good luck to all participants and remember we are

encouraging a healthy diet and weight loss. See below for a healthy and delicious entree to add to your low calorie meal plans.

Rosemary Skewered Chicken with Orange Glaze

IngredientsJuice of 3 oranges1 tablespoon each Dijon mustard, honey2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch

cubes6 large sprigs of rosemary about 10 to 12 inches long,

with half the leaves removed

Preheat a grill or grill pan on medium high heat. Place the orange juice into a small saucepan and

cook over medium heat until the orange juice has the consistency of a very thin syrup. Add the Dijon, honey, garlic, and ginger and contin-

ue cooking over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat to allow flavors to meld and

reserve. Evenly divide the cubed chicken among the rosemary

sprigs and skewer the chicken onto the exposed part of the rosemary sprigs. Lightly brush the grill with oil and grill chicken for 1

to 2 minutes on each side or until the internal temper-ature of the chicken reaches 165F on an instant read thermometer. Remove skewers from the grill to a serving plate,

drizzle with the orange sauce and serve immediately.

FSAA winners continuedMilton McClearn

Milton McClearn wears many hats, and it’s his will-ingness to help where and when he’s needed is what makes him such a valuable team player.Lee Smith, who serves as the location manager for

the Houston mechanical shop, nominated McClearn for the Full Steam Ahead Award. “Not only does he perform his inspection duties,

he also takes care of many other items as well,” said Smith.McClearn began his career in the mechanical busi-

ness in 1989 with a company called All Rail and left in 1991 to work for Rescar. While in Kansas working as manager for Rescar in Salina and Wichita McClearn started taking notice of Watco. “I saw that they had started up the Kansas and Okla-

homa Railroad,” said McClearn. “I was keeping my eye on them as they seemed to be acquiring several railroads.”When McClearn was back in Texas the opportunity

came to join the Watco team. “I’d started working for a company that really didn’t

have much for me to do so when I heard there was an opening at Watco I already knew about the company

and how it was growing,” he said. He began working for Watco in November of 2007

and has made an impression on his supervisors who nominated him for the award with his team-oriented focus. McClearn and his wife Judy reside in Spring, Texas,

and they enjoy camping, exploring beaches and work-ing on home improvement projects.

Milton McClearn, mechanical inspector, receives his Full Steam Ahead Award from Al Finn, director of rail-car maintenance.

2009 Summer Spike resultsNow that Labor Day has come and gone the Summer

Spike program has officially ended. “Overall the Summer Spike Program was a success

story,” said Gary Vaughn, vice president of safety. “We saw a reduction of 11 injuries which is potentially 11 lives saved.”The improvements in

safety throughout the summer were a result of the team focusing on the task at hand, being aware of safety issues and team work in making sure everyone was following safe practices.Both the track and

transload areas were able to complete the program injury free. Railroads receiving

awards include: Alabama Southern Railroad, Alabama Warrior Railway, Arkan-sas Southern Railroad, Baton Rouge Southern Rail-road, Great Northwest Railroad, Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Kaw River Railroad, Louisiana Southern Railroad, Mission Mountain Railroad, Mississippi Southern Railroad, Pacific Sun Railroad, Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad, Pennsylvania South-western Railroad, Stillwater Central Railroad, Timber Rock Railroad, and Vicksburg Southern Railroad.Mechanical shops receiving awards are: Coffeyville,

KS; Cornell, KS; Council Bluffs, IA; East Peoria, IL; Fitzgerald, GA; Hermiston, OR; Hollidaysburg, PA; Houston, TX railcar repair; Idaho Falls, ID; Jackson-

ville, FL; Omaha,NE; Rupert, ID; Wichita, KS and Zwolle, LA.Switching locations receiving awards are: Alvin,

TX; Butler, PA; DeRidder, LA-Boise; DeRidder, LA-Westvaco; El Dorado, AR; Green River, WY; Houston, TX-Greens Port; Houston, TX-TPC; Kansas City, KS;

Mansfield, LA; Pensaco-la, FL; Port Neches, TX; Prattville, AL; Tulsa, OK; Wallula, WA and West Lake, LA.Transload locations

receiving plaques are: Glendale, AZ; La Crosse, WI; Lawton, OK; Oklahoma City, OK; Pittsburg, KS; Rockford, IL; St. Louis, MO and Stroud, OK. Dispatch centers in

Wichita, KS and Twin Falls, ID also received awards.Congratulations to everyone receiving awards. As

we hit the lull between the Summer Spike program and the Winter Freeze safety program all team mem-bers are reminded of the need to protect yourselves and your peers from injuries and accidents. Unsafe practices or conditions are to be reported to

your supervisor, and can also be reported by phone or e-mail:

*Safety Hotline: 866-899-2826*Safety Hotline email address: gvaughn@watcocompanies.com or lmagee@watcocompanies.com

60% increase improvement over 2008 Summer Spike results

Track group - 100% improvement

Transload group - 100% improvementTransload & intermodal

Mechanical group - 50% improvement

By Tracie VanBecelaereManaging Editor

On September 21st Watco representatives had the opportunity to address the Idaho State Legislators during Idaho’s 2009 Legislative Tour . The tour is an annual event where Legislators from the entire state gather on a rotat-ing basis at different locations within Idaho. This year’s tour was held in the Idaho Falls area where the Eastern Idaho Railroad operates two of its four subdivisions. John Brown, COO of the West Region, Ray Sargent, West Region assistant

COO, and Jack Lisle, general manager of the Eastern Idaho Railroad, had the opportunity to visit with approximately 65 of Idaho’s legislators and various area Cham-bers of Commerce to showcase Watco’s Idaho rail transportation pres-ence which currently includes the Eastern

Idaho Railroad, the Great Northwest Railroad and the soon to be acquired, Boise Valley Railroad. During the Watco-sponsored legislators’ breakfast, Brown presented key

railroad statistics to the group, highlighting the competitive advantages that rail consistently demonstrates over other forms of freight transportation in terms of safety, efficiency, sustainability and environmental-responsibility. A single train can take 280 trucks of off the highways which would be equal

to 1,100 cars off the road, reducing wear and tear on Idaho infrastructure. Freight rail also plays an important part in Idaho’s economy, connecting farmers, miners and manufacturers to markets across the state and the short lines play a key role in delivering and receiving freight to and from the Class I railroads across the state.Watco is the second largest provider of rail transportation in Idaho behind

only the Union Pacific Railroad, moving over 68,000 rail loads annually while providing rail service to more than 140 customers within 14 Idaho counties. Some of the commodities shipped in Idaho include: sugar, grain products, coal, fuels, forest products and frozen vegetables.

page 4Dispatchthe

Watco addresses Idaho State Legislators

Fitzgerald repairing unique car

Left: Trainmaster Jason (Bo) Alex-ander supervises a railcar placement to the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis. Bottom: Inside the SubTropolis un-derground business complex.

The Fitzgerald, Ga., car repair shop has begun repairs on a very unique car; there are only four of it’s type in the United States.

The oversized car is owned by Consumers Energy, a Michigan utility company and is commonly leased to General Electric and other companies to move transformers to and from generating stations. Some of the unusual features of the car, in addition to it’s size and weight, is that it includes a self-contained hydraulic system that moves the body of the car from side to side (useful when maneuvering in curves with tight clearances), a power generation station, and it rests on 20 axles. It was built in 1980 and has a hauling capacity of 900,000 pounds. When in use the car is split into two sections.

The car was brought in to have all of its wheels replaced and due to the size and weight of the car an outside crane operator had to be called in to lift it.

The car normally makes approximately 3 to 5 trips per year and when not in use it is stored at GE’s plant in Palmetto, Florida. Over it’s life the car has been used in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas City, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Alabama.

Joe Keys, Fitzgerald plant manager said, “We are proud to welcome them to our facility and are excited to get the opportunity to work on such an unusual car.”

Watco engineer, Eric Davis, pulls the oversized car into the Fitzgerald yard.Photo by Joe Keys, Fitzgerald, GA., plant manager

By Tracie VanBecelaereManaging Editor

Watco doesn’t have any short lines in Austraila but they do have a Customer, Hunt Midwest, whose business is “down under” or at least underground.Hunt Midwest operates SubTropolis which is the largest underground business

complex in the world. The facility was created by mining a 270 million-year-old limestone deposit 10 minutes from the downtown Kansas City, Mo., business district. Watco’s KAW River Railroad (KAW) serves the caves and is currently railing

inbound and outbound food items such as dried milk, frozen poultry and beef which is moving to export markets from the caves. The caves ability to maintain a consistent, year-round temperature make it optimal for this type of storage.SubTropolis is brightly lit with wide, paved streets and high ceilings to accom-

modate large vehicles. Another advantage of the caves is that its been designated a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) which can save occupants of the facility money by deferring or avoiding duties on imports. With Kansas City’s increasing presence as an inland port, the FTZ will be an attractive incentive for shippers to bring their business to the Midwest.“The Kaw River Railroad is well positioned to provide transportation solu-

tions for warehouse and distribution centers in Kansas City which has a posi-tive regional freight outlook due to location, low transportation costs and regional rail assets,” said Shellee Currier, KAW marketing manager.

Business “down under”

This section is dedicated to the Watco Team members to give you a chance to share what’s happening in your corner of the Watco World.

BirthsCamden Richard Deao Kevin Deao and Fallyne Lundy are proud to an-

nounce the birth of baby boy Camden Richard. He was born September 20 and weighed 6 lbs., 2 oz. and was 20 inches long. Fallyne is a mechanical analyst in the Omaha, Neb., offices.Proud grandparents

are Susie and Gary Lundy who is executive vice president, support services in Pittsburg, Kan. Great grandparents are Kaye Lynne and the late Dick Webb, Watco Founder. Aunt Afton Lundy, SKOL property manager and uncle Bubba Lundy, facilities specialist are both employed at the Pittsburg location. Great uncle Rick Webb is CEO of Watco Companies, located in Pittsburg.

Zaragoza Trevino, III Zaragoza and Mitzi Trevino

are pleased to announce the birth of baby boy Zaragoza “Trey” Trevino, III. Trey was born September 10 and weighed 5 lbs., 2 oz. and was 18 inches long. Zaragoza is head of security at the Greens Port location in Houston, Texas.

RetiringClyde McCarleyClyde McCarley, said good-

by to the crew on the Austin Western Railroad (AWRR) for the last time on August 28th. He retired after working in the railroad industry for most of his life - excluding a 6 year period when he was recover-ing from a serious injury. McCarley joined the Watco

family in September of 2004 on the Timber Rock Railroad in Texas and served as the engineer for three years. McCarley then moved to the Austin Western Railroad, also in Texas, and had been an engineer since its start up in October of 2007. McCarley doesn’t think he’ll have any problems get-

ting bored in his retirement.“I’m warning anyone else who’s thinking about

retiring...that honey-do list keeps getting bigger and bigger,” McCarley said with a chuckle.McCarley and his wife will be busy tending their

ranch in Brady, Texas.

Grilling Gator Head south to the Houston - Baytown, Texas area

and you’ll probably find Watco’s Al Finn grilling something on the weekends. Al is the director of rail-car maintenance at the Greens Port Houston mechant-cal shop by day and master griller in his free time.Finn’s grilling team, the Bay Side Cookers, recently

participated in the Texas Gator Fest grilling contest. The team took first place in brisket and chicken, second place in oysters and gator and third place in ribs.

page 5Dispatchthe

WAT C O

WO R L D

Camden Richard Deao

October Anniversaries1 Year: Ralph Beshears, Mark Bowen, David Cain, Brian Carter, Chad Cold, Lucas Conrad, James Culbertson, Clinton Dansby, Thomas Dennis, Warren Duree, Guy Evans, Guy Evans III, Troy Forbis, Jesse Fought, Karl Fuchs, Sherrie Garrett, Michael Harris, David Heller, Kathy Hughes, Justin Huguenin, Steve Janak, Jon Johnson, Martinez Johnson, Troy Lillard, Demarrio Lloyd, Michael Mack, Sharon Marlow-Perault, Bobby McCoy, Eric Meyer, Tung Nguyen, Sharon Novotni, Matthew Parker, Kendull Phillips, Roy Poland, Justin Ray, Donald Reynolds, Andrew Royston, Donald Savage, James Shoop, Bryan Welker, Patrick Wendling, Douglas Wolnik, Mathew Wyrick.2 Years: Jana Austerman, Billy Barton, Gumaro Castillo, Shaneena Clark, Chad Farmer, Priscilla Ferguson, Grant Holcomb, Roger Howard, Ramon Iniguez, Diane Johnson, Richard Johnson, Chris Mathews, Milton McClearn, Dustin Meshell, Steven Moose, Dennis Newson, Armando Ortiz, Arturo Ortiz, Bradley Peck, Jed Powell, Rikki Rainville, Steven Roland, Fernando Rosa, Amanda Santana, Jason Seger, James Sterling, Sterling Teague,

William Way, Kim Young.3 Years: Gregory Baker, Nathaniel Degraff, Jocelyn Gates, Curtis Hanna, Tim Harris, Christopher Henning, Richard Hryszko, Cody Johnson, Teri Kinyon, Jesse Lambert, Garry Neumann, Keith Reed, Matthew Stover, Asa Walker.4 Years: William Bouse, Jerry Brightman, Brandon Hammons, Dorothea Hurlbut, Annette Lane, Scotty Presley, Jose Saavedra, Delia Winegarner.5 Years: Venson Bell, Galen Dyck, Bo Fox, Travis Herod, Christopher Nielsen, Larry Schwarz, Jereud Uscola.6 Years: Marvin Albritton, Jeff Baum, David Hambrick, Charles McGinn, Adam Sinclair, Michael Welch, Ricky Wilcox.7 Years: William Czapla, Gregory Evans, Earl Holt, Kevin Nugent.8 Years: Sandra Cohee, Scott Lynas, James Wren.9 Years: Daniel Anderson, David Clapper.10 Years: Lisa Berry, Thomas Knight.11 Years: Timothy Klapuch, Norman Neal.12 Years: Donald Brau, Becky Fearmonti, Heath Morgan, Brian Oleske.

13 Years: Craig Bywater, Ivan Ferrin, P Lee, Edward Moore.14 Years: Rodney Daugherty, Johnny Guthrie, Steven Korell, Michael Moore, Rollie Pickens, Roosevelt Robinson, Steve Sommers, Charles Welch.15 Years: Greg Bartholomew, Dave Carr, Richard Heverly, Lori Magee, Christopher Smith.16 Years: Cirilo Bueno, Albin Harris.17 Years: Bruce Huerter, Craig Stansbury.18 Years: Anthony Clark, Jamie Swaynos.19 Years: Kevin Welshans.20 Years: Eddie Bennatt, Kelvin Matthews.21 Years: Michael Allen, James Filegar, Franklin Miller.22 Years: Jesse Lynch, Michael Tappy, Paul Tickner.23 Years: Jim Moore.24 Years: Keith Lacaze.25 Years: Clarence Parrie.26 Years: Phil Penner, John Salek.28 Years: Lonnie Joyce, Gary Nelms, Dave Turner.34 Years: Robert Parker, George Rhodes.45 Years: Robert Scott.

Above: The ferocious looking Gator awards won by the Bay Side Cooking team Shown below left to right BSC team members: Slim Wilson, Magnolia, Arkansas; Gary Sutch, Al Finn, Tom-my Surles of Baytown, Joe Willowford of Dayton, James Donnelly of Mont Belvieu, Bob Fehring of Baytown, Bill Gray of Dayton and Mike Donnely of Baytown.

Zaragoza Trevino III

Clyde McCarley

Dispatchthe

315 W. Third StreetPittsburg, KS 66762www.watcocompanies.com

PRST STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPRADMAR CORP

The newsletter for Watco Companies, Inc. and Watco Transportation Services, Inc.October 2009, Volume 10, Issue 10

Circus train rolls into Grand Rapids There are a few things that are magical to a child when growing up; Santa Claus,

the Easter Bunny, fireflies and the circus, just to name a few.The circus is one thing that still manages to evoke that magical feeling in many

adults as well as children and when the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus train rolled into Grand Rapids, Mich., Watco’s vice president of sales and marketing, Shasta Stump, felt like a kid again.

“There’s just something about watching the el-ephants come off the trains, said Stump. “They’re so big but yet graceful. “

“I was a marketing manager on the Stillwater Central Railroad in 2006 when the Watco had it’s first circus train come roll-ing in and it’s as much fun to see them unload now as it was the first time.”

The 58-car Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus (RBBB) train pulled into Grand Rapids and within a 12-hour time frame everything was unloaded and ready to be set up.

“It was great to welcome the Circus Train to the Grand Elk Railroad! Ringling Brothers has an exceptional operating team with very detailed instructions ensur-ing everyone involved is on the same page from their arrival to departure,” said Stump. “

“It can always be unnerving from a customer’s perspective to deal with any brand new company. We have had great experiences with other Watco carriers, which gave us a level of confidence the operation would go well,” said Joe DeMike, trans-portation manager for Feld Entertainment.

Three years ago the RBBB used Watco short line, the Stillwater Central Railroad, to “send in the clowns” to Oklahoma City and last year they were down on the Austin Western Railroad to visit the city of Austin, Texas.

DeMike said, “I know the Grand Elk is dealing with start up and learning curve issues of any new business. So here comes “The Greatest Show On Earth®” with our mile long circus train, elephants, horses, clowns, jugglers and over 200 other performers and staff to throw into the mix at Grand Rapids. Rodney Gordon, Jake Myers and Shasta Stump had the operations and customer service well planned out. The whole operation went like a three ring circus! Efficient, orga-nized, and fun!”

Watco also has another connection to the Ringling Bros Circus Train, Tim Hol-an, vice president of sales and marketing for the transload division, did what many kids say they will do; he ran away with the circus, in a round about way. When Holan was 13 he decided to embark on an adventure so he bought a bus ticket

from Pittsburg, Pa., to San Diego, Calif., with money he’d saved de-livering the local newspaper. The frightening realities of being alone in strange city caused the young Holan to move up the California coast to Long Beach, there he met the circus train’s mechanical crew and learned that the show would be making its way back home to Pittsburgh in two months. He was able to convince circus officials that he was 19 and was hired on as a porter.

The circus trainmaster at the time, Charlie Smith, figured Holan was just a kid and took him on as a protégée. Holan quickly began to learn about railcar maintenance, airbrakes, welding, and other skills. When the circus train did make it back to Pittsburgh, Holan made what seemed an easy decision for a 13 year old boy; he chose to stay with the show and go to Florida for the winter. Several more months would pass before Holan returned home to inform his fam-ily where he was and what he had been doing.

In describing the reunion, Holan’s best reference is the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son where he was joyously welcomed back. With his parent’s permission and his commitment to continue his

education, Holan returned to the circus and at 20 years old he became the youngest trainmaster in the show’s 137 year history.

As circus trainmaster he worked with railroad officials throughout the United States to assure site locations while managing the logistics and maintenance associated with the circus train used to transport circus personnel, animals and equip-ment. The planning of the train’s route, typically covering 32 cities in 10 months, begins at least six months in advance and the schedule is literally planned to the minute.

After working with Feld Entertainment for 23 years and becoming general manager, Holan decided to leave the circus when he started his own family. He went to work for MHF Logistical Solutions as the director of transportation before joining Watco

So whenever someone says it’s like a circus around here, Holan can say with authority “no, not even close”.

The circus crew supervises the elephants as they disembark from circus train in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Tim Holan, vice president of sales and marketing for the transload division formerly held the position of trainmaster for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus train.