The Heart of Georgia Railroad and Georgia Midland Railroad were both awarded the Jake Jacobsen Safety Award with Distinction at the ASLRRA annual meeting in San Antonio Texas.

This award represents superior safety performance by completing a full year of operations with no reportable train accidents or personal injuries.

GMR has won the award each year of its operation beginning in 2004, and the HOG has been awarded the "Jake" seven of its eight years in business.

Duane Broxterman VP and Chief Operating Officer of Atlantic Western Transportation Inc. the parent of HOG and GMR said "I am very proud of the employees of both railroads to have achieved the level of safety necessary to recieve the "Jake".  I know that every employee reports to work with a clear understanding of how to operate safely, and an attitude that allows them to do so.  To recieve the award one year is tremendous, but to sustain that level of safety performance year after year is a testiment to their commitment to the themselves, their co-workers, and the company."