(Norfolk Southern issued the following news release on March 1.)
NORFOLK, Va. — Performance improvements achieved in 2003 are driving business growth and shareholder value, David R. Goode, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said in his letter to stockholders in the 2003 annual report of Norfolk Southern Corporation.
“A lot of progress has been made, with more to come,” Goode said. “We clearly are ready to grow now that the economy is improving and demand for our transportation is increasing.”
The increased demand “comes at an ideal time, because we have a system second to none and a lean, tested and experienced group of Norfolk Southern people ready to serve our customers.
“This combination of factors has every prospect of enabling our success, as long as we perform at the levels we know we can. I have every confidence the Thoroughbred will continue to respond.”
Goode said the rail transportation industry “is showing stability and strength, I believe the best in many years. It has enormous potential to grow and be an even greater piece of the fabric that makes our economy strong.”
Norfolk Southern’s annual report and Form 10-K are posted on the company Web site. Created in-house, some 185,000 printed copies are distributed to stockholders, the financial community, news media and libraries. To request a copy, call 800-531-6757, e-mail annualreport@nscorp.com or write to Norfolk Southern Corp., Public Relations Dept., Three Commercial Place, Norfolk, Va. 23510-9217.