As Norfolk Southern Corporation approaches its 175th birthday, employees are talking up the benefits of rail transportation.

The message of a newly formed Thoroughbred Speakers Network is this: Today, the nation depends more than ever on a safe, secure and efficient rail freight network. Rail transportation has withstood the test of time.

Wick Moorman, chief executive officer, said the employee speakers bureau will help emphasize the importance of rail transportation. "Back when we had a station agent in every town, communities easily identified with the railroad," he said. "We want to rekindle that connection by underscoring that Norfolk Southern is vital to the people and communities we serve."

Norfolk Southern traces its beginning to Christmas Day 1830. In 2005, 175 years later, "It is an especially exciting time to be a railroader," Moorman said. "More and more people are realizing the benefits of shipping by rail, not only from a cost effectiveness and efficiency standpoint, but also because of our ability to mitigate highway congestion and provide a greener transportation alternative. More than ever, the railroads are a key element in our nation's economic prosperity."

A request for a Norfolk Southern employee speaker may be sent by e-mail with details of the event to speaker@nscorp.com.