Day on the Hill attendees represented nearly 12,000 convenience store locations across the country.

Sharing your story and building relationships is the easiest way to let Congress know what is important to you. More than 150 convenience industry advocates from around the country came to Washington, D.C., for NACS Day on the Hill this March. The event offers retailers an opportunity to directly talk with elected leaders about the issues affecting them and their businesses.

The day before descending on Capitol Hill, NACS President and CEO Henry Armour and Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) opened the general session meeting by discussing the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA). Senator Marshall encouraged advocates to build long-term relationships with not just the legislator but the entire legislative staff.

“It’s always about relationships. Why is your business successful? It’s your relationship with your customers, with your employees, with your supply chain,” Marshall said.

The senator explained that it was “story after story” about the effects of swipe fees that helped him understand the urgency of the issue to retailers. “When I heard that retailers can spend more on swipe fees than utilities, health insurance, or even rent—I understood that. I ran a business for 25 years and I understand what those costs mean for a business.”

Industry advocates then went to Capitol Hill the following day to meet with congressional leaders and share the impact skyrocketing credit card swipe fees have on their businesses. Learn how you can participate at convenience.org/events/day-on-the-hill.