As a supplier member on the Political Engagement Committee, what does NACS political engagement mean to you, and what benefits have you experienced from being politically engaged?

NACS political engagement gives me the opportunity to understand the pressing issues our retail members face. As a supplier, I need financially stable retailers who can operate their businesses in an environment where they can grow and prosper. A healthy industry affects many folks who indirectly benefit.

What federal legislative or regulatory issues keep you up at night?

While it may not be keeping me awake at night, electric vehicles are a concern and should be for all of us in the industry. As we move toward alternative ways to fuel our cars such as electric charging, it’s important that convenience retailers be part of the solution and not cut out from offering this option to our customers and future drivers. We also need to make sure all vehicles—regardless of what energy source fuels these cars—pay their fair share of maintaining our highways and roads. Today, our retailers collect fuel taxes from consumers buying fuel at their location. These taxes help fund the Highway Trust Fund. If the government is going to promote and incentivize electric vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles, then these vehicle types should contribute to the maintenance of our roads.

What c-store product could you not live without?

It is hard to pick one as it would seem self-serving, but of course it would have to be Cheezits, PopTarts, Rice Krispie Treats and Pringles. However, if I had to pick one, I guess it would be the entire store. I do not think I could live without my neighborhood c-store Nick & Moe’s. It is my “go to” location for almost everything.