THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 13, 1997 TAG: 9702130359
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHRISTOPHER DINSMORE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 47 lines
Love isn't a word that business leaders bandy about much, but Wednesday they didn't hold back. Norfolk business leaders gave Norfolk Southern Corp. an early Valentine.
``We just want to take this opportunity to tell Norfolk Southern how much we love them,'' said Robert Stanton, president of the Greater Norfolk Corp.
The nonprofit organization of business leaders who actively support economic development in Norfolk passed a resolution of ``appreciation and thanks'' to Norfolk Southern at its quarterly board meeting Wednesday.
Their outpouring of affection for the big railroad headquartered in downtown Norfolk was precipitated by Norfolk Southern's fight for Conrail Inc. Conrail has agreed to merge with Richmond-based CSX Corp., but Norfolk Southern, fearful of being cut out of the Northeast, launched a richer bid for Conrail.
In its effort to woo Conrail, Norfolk Southern said early on that it even would consider moving to Philadelphia. However, Conrail has spurned Norfolk Southern at every turn.
Henry C. Wolf, Norfolk Southern's chief financial officer, accepted the group hug from the business leaders. While he didn't comment on the headquarters issues, he called Norfolk a ``thoroughbred among communities,'' making reference to the railroad's symbol.
Norfolk Southern is proud of its participation in the community and ``we look forward to doing that for a long time to come,'' Wolf said.
Even the hint that the Fortune 500 company would leave the port city made just about every area business and political leader nervous. The railroad contributes mightily to the region both economically and socially, through leadership and donations to local arts and cultural organizations.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim said he held a summit of former mayors in October after Norfolk Southern announced its bid for Conrail to decide what the city should do.
``Norfolk Southern has been so good for so long to this city that the only position we could take is one of support,'' Fraim said. ``Whatever is in the best interests of Norfolk Southern has got to be in the best interests of Norfolk.''
He added that ``this expression of love'' toward the railroad is appropriate.
``We are constantly reminded that they are our only Fortune 500 company. . 500s.''