First and foremost, I hope this finds you and your family healthy and safe.

At Progressive Railroading, our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This virus has placed many of us under increasing personal and professional stress, and our organization is no different. However, we remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our workforce while continuing to keep you and your business connected with our readers on an ongoing basis.

As of today, we have no notice from any of our partners that they are planning or foreseeing any disruption of their operations. In addition, we have put the appropriate processes and policies in place that will allow us to continue providing the industry-leading content that you rely upon.

The rail industry is counting on us for critical information during this challenging time. Our editors, writers and staff will continue to provide our readers with valuable knowledge and understanding — both online and in print — not only on COVID-19, but on pertinent industry issues as well.

Our sales team is fully operational and not only here to support you, but also to offer you additional solutions to make sure your brand/message is seen in this time of uncertainty.

During these times it's tempting to pull back on marketing programs and wait for everything to pass. Emotionally this decision makes sense. From a business standpoint, however, history proves otherwise.

Many studies show the advantages of maintaining or even increasing ad budgets during a weaker economy. Furthermore, it's proven that companies that maintain aggressive marketing programs outperform businesses that implement cost-cutting measures. A strong and consistent marketing program reinforces favorable attitudes toward your company and its products, enables you to solidify your customer base and positions yourself for future growth.

We will navigate this situation together. If there is anything you need from us, or additional ways we can support you, please let us know. Whatever it is. Together, let's view this time as an opportunity for growth. It is our response to this challenge — not the virus itself — that will define us.

Sincerely,

Kirk Bastyr
Publisher
Progressive Railroading