What does NACS political engagement mean to you, and what benefits have you experienced from being politically engaged?

NACS political engagement has enabled me to become conversant in the major issues in the convenience store industry. I have had the opportunity to compare notes with major players in the industry and help them get results to help the business move forward. As a smaller supplier, NACS political engagement has given me a larger platform to advance and be part of the industry.

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

The issue that really bothers me is the huge expense of credit and debit card processing, which is getting worse with the desire of people not to use cash due to the COVID-19 situation. Sooner or later the fees for smaller charges and swipes need to be reduced, but many people in government think dealing with these high costs is somehow noncompetitive. The issue will continue to get worse unless NACS and members of our industry continue to engage and educate members of Congress on the unfair fees of the major card networks.

What c-store product could you not live without?

I am a big convenience store coffee drinker, and as I return to getting out and about, I will start to enjoy the terrific coffee offerings of the convenience store industry.