Amtrak CEO Resigns

Earlier this month, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner announced his resignation after 16 years with the U.S. passenger rail service. In his resignation statement, Gardner focused on Amtrak’s accomplishments, including safety and better travel experiences.  “It has been my honor and privilege to lead this great American company, and I wish Amtrak every success.”

Gardner said on March 19 that he will resign immediately, ending more than four years as head of the railroad, citing concerns about maintaining the carrier's support from the Trump administration. "I am stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration," Gardner stated.

The resignation follows a period of record-breaking ridership for Amtrak, signaling a strong performance despite the pressure surrounding the future of the rail system. In fiscal year 2024, Amtrak set a new record for ridership with a 7% increase in operating revenue, reaching $3.6 billion.

Meyer, Betcher to Lead GRRC

Great River Rail Commission

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact:

Great River Rail Commission

Kevin Roggenbuck, Senior Transportation Planner, Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority

(651) 266-2790

kevin.roggenbuck@ramseycounty.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2025

Meyer, Betcher to Lead GRRC

March 26, 2025 (Red Wing, Minn.) – Winona County Commissioner Chris Meyer was elected chair, and Goodhue County Commissioner Susan Betcher was elected vice chair of the Great River Rail Commission (GRRC) at its last regular meeting. Meyer has served as vice chair since 2023. She succeeds Trista Martinson who resigned as a Ramsey County Commissioner to become the executive director of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy. Betcher replaced Paul Drotos as the Goodhue County representative to the GRRC in 2023.

“Passenger rail travel is a passion of mine,” said Meyer. “My husband and I search out opportunities to travel by train because we enjoy the comfort and pace, as well as the opportunity to leave the driving to someone else. I am committed to lead the Great River Rail Commission towards its vision of faster, more frequent passenger rail travel in Minnesota.”

Meyer has lived in Winona County since 1997, and served as Winona County Commissioner since 2018. 

Susan Betcher grew up in Red Wing, in Goodhue County. Her predecessor on the Goodhue County Board, Paul Drotos, asked her to take his place representing District 5 in 2022 during an illness. She was appointed to the board after his death and then won a special election in 2023 to fill out his term. She was reelected in 2024.  

“I want Goodhue County to continue to be a great place to grow up, work, raise a family and retire,” Betcher said. “Since service began, the Borealis train has shown its value to Red Wing – it is adding to the quality of life for those that live here, and it is bringing visitors to see the many wonderful things we have to offer.”

About the Commission

The Great River Rail Commission is one of the leading voices on passenger rail in Minnesota. The Commission’s long-range vision is that Borealis trains demonstrate additional demand that leads to further investment in faster, more frequent passenger train service. More information is available at greatriverrail.org.

Business Roundtable Spotlight: Winona

The GRR Commission has been collaborating with business leaders along the Borealis corridor. Each station city has been putting its own flair on getting the word out about the Borealis train and we wanted to share more about these dedicated leaders and the cities they represent. Today we spotlight Winona! 

The People

Chris Meyer and Marcia Ward are Winona County Commissioners - Chris is the vice-chair of the Great River Rail Commission and Marcia is an alternate; Steve Young and Pam Eyden are city of Winona council members, and are also members of the commission. Others engaged in the Winona business roundtable are: Pat Mutter, Executive Director of Visit Winona; Scott Pollock, Minnesota Marine Art Museum; Scott Sherman, Mayor; and Paul Schollmeier, a former council member and commission member.

The Projects

Members of the Winona Business Roundtable are anxious to meet with service clubs, businesses and other local community groups to share information about the Borealis train service. Please contact Pat Mutter if you are interested in a presentation at pmutter@visitwinona.com. 

Taking the Borealis trains to Winona provides access to museums, shopping, outdoor activities, overnight accommodations, and restaurants. It’s also a great way for students to get to Winona State or St. Mary’s universities. The Business Roundtable is exploring ways to get the word out about all Winona has to offer.

Events & Reasons to Visit Winona

2024 Winona Art Walk and Tour, November 22 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - The Winona Art Walk is a tour of Winona area art studios. A variety of artists will display and sell their work for the holiday season.

Shop Small Weekend in Winona, November 29 - December 1 - Celebrating local small businesses with special discounts, visit and get your holiday shopping done early!

Holiday House Tour 2024, December 8 @ 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Winona County History Center 160 Johnson Street, Winona, Minnesota. Get ready to experience Winona’s hidden history! The 2024 Holiday House Tour is your exclusive invitation to step inside some of Winona’s historic, privately-owned homes!