The North American Rail Shippers Association is the umbrella organization that links five regional associations of rail owners, vendors and users in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Its membership consists of the officers of each regional association, plus six elected officers and a board of directors. The regional associations comprise individuals whose companies own and use rail service. Matters affecting reliable rail service are of vital interest to all and these individuals find it beneficial to attend meetings featuring speakers on regional and national rail issues in a relaxed collaborative manner. Regional meetings are generally held twice a year. Individuals may belong to more than one regional group if they wish and attend any regional meeting. The North American Rail Shippers Association holds an Annual Seminar each spring on topical rail issues. This meeting moves around North America from year to year attracting legislative members, railroad presidents, and top management from throughout the industry and generates extensive media coverage. Members from regional associations throughout North America attend.