Above: From left to right: Tom Schofield (FJ Management), Olivia Pappas, Doug Beech (Casey’s General Stores), Nancy Pappas (NACS), David Hancock (Maverik), Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA-3), Scott Hill (Jack Link’s Protein Snacks), Temur Samiev (Mega Saver) and Doug Kantor (NACS)
As tourists flocked to Washington, D.C., in March to enjoy an early peak bloom of the iconic cherry blossom trees, nearly 200 convenience industry advocates also traveled from near and far to D.C. to call on Congress to stand up for Main Street businesses and their constituents.
NACS Day on the Hill is the convenience and fuel retailing annual advocacy event that gives retailers and suppliers the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the industry on Capitol Hill. On March 12 and 13, NACS hosted 193 attendees representing about 12,000 locations around the country. Attendees met on two issues that are top of mind to the industry: tackling credit card swipe fees and removing the SNAP hot foods restriction.
The event kicked off with a general session meeting on Tuesday, during which Credit Card Competition Act co-sponsors Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) stopped by to speak to attendees. Senator Marshall encouraged advocates to build long-term relationships with not just the legislator but the entire legislative staff.
from left to right: Kevin LeMoyne (Coca-Cola), Kevin Carroll (RaceTrac), Rep. David Scott (D-GA-13), Haley Bower (Clipper Petroleum) and Scott LeFevre (Clipper Petroleum) Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) with Samuel Gauthier from left to right: Ken Kramer (Smoker Friendly), Ray Huff (Russell’s Convenience), Rich Spresser (Alta Convenience) and Dennis Dirkse (Alta Convenience)“It’s always about relationships,” Marshall said. The senator explained that it was “story after story” about the effects of swipe fees that helped break through to him. “When I heard that retailers can spend more in swipe fees than utilities, health insurance or even rent—I understood that. Tell your story. We want to know how much you care.”
“For more than a decade, I’ve been fighting to stop the big banks and credit card giants from ripping off Americans with their high swipe fees. The convenience store industry has been with me every step of the way. And together, we’ve racked up some big wins to rein in these outrageous fees,” said Durbin. “I’m thankful to have NACS as a partner in this fight and I look forward to getting the Credit Card Competition Act across the finish line.”
On Wednesday, attendees made their way to Capitol Hill to share their stories with 215 lawmakers. Teams pushed Congress to pass the Credit Card Competition Act and deliver much needed relief to Main Street businesses and their customers. Teams also asked Congress to modernize the SNAP program and allow the sale of hot food for those who use SNAP benefits.
Nothing beats the power of showing up in person to tell your story. Interested in joining us on Capitol Hill next year? Save the date for NACS Day on the Hill 2025: Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12.