The NACS Day on the Hill mobile app was a critical tool in helping manage retailer meetings with congressional attendees.
When members of the convenience store industry come together, our voices are elevated to a volume that can’t be ignored. That’s exactly what happened March 12-13 when more than 145 industry leaders, representing more than 10,800 stores, stormed Capitol Hill during NACS Day on the Hill. Our nation’s Capitol surely felt the impact as members of the industry met with 41 states and held 220 meetings with members of Congress and staff. Three issues were discussed: e-cigarettes, electric vehicles and privacy and data security, with one unifying message—the government should not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. The timing of this message could not have been better as the Food and Drug Administration released its plan to target c-stores who sell flavored e-cigarettes right when leaders were heading to Capitol Hill for meetings. This kind of direct advocacy event changes minds and opens doors to a better understanding of our industry and echoes the need for policies that will level the playing for businesses.
Ahead of their visit to the Hill, the attendees met for a general session, where they were welcomed by Kevin Smartt, who serves as NACS legislative vice chairman and is president and CEO of Kwik Chek Food Stores Inc. in Spicewood, Texas. The general session also included remarks from Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-Ind.), who stressed how important it was for a member of Congress to hear directly from retailers on how certain policy decisions will impact their businesses, employees and customers. Rep. Hollingsworth was introduced by Julie Jackowski, who serves as NACS treasurer and is general counsel for Casey’s General Store Inc., which has 11 stores in the congressman’s 9th district. Also, during the general session, the NACS government relations team led policy discussions on e-cigarettes, electric vehicles and privacy and data security. To wrap up the afternoon, Henry Armour, NACS president and CEO, made the compelling argument that when members of the c-store industry raise their voices on an issue, it cannot be ignored, underlining the vital purpose of NACS Day on the Hill. Later that evening, members were delighted to hear from award-winning author and humorist Dave Barry. It was an incredible first day that set the stage for the advocacy meetings and member engagement to follow.
To prepare attendees, NACS staff and legal counsel reviewed the big issues facing the industry: potential e-cigarette ban, electric vehicle technologies and privacy and data security.
Representative Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN-9) spoke to attendees about his belief in the productivity of the American worker and the durability of the American economy.
On any given day in Washington D.C., there’s a possibility for breaking news. On March 13, as attendees were traveling to Capitol Hill for meetings, and after months of alluding to a plan, the FDA released its draft guidance to effectively ban convenience stores from selling flavored e-cigarettes (other than tobacco, mint and menthol flavors). While the FDA’s plan focuses on enforcement action against the c-store industry, it fails to address the sale of these products on the internet or in vape shops and tobacco stores, even though the data say these channels are where the problem lies. The breaking news underlined the importance of the industry’s presence in the halls of Congress, and it gave volume to our voices.
From the Senate offices on the north side, to the House offices on the south side, our message rang clear.
During Day on the Hill, attendees asked their representatives to contact the White House and urged them to reject the FDA’s plan that picks winners and losers in the marketplace. In addition, NACS members advocated to update the PACT Act to include e-cigarettes. Updating the PACT Act would level the playing field by requiring online merchants that sell e-cigarettes to collect and remit the appropriate taxes and by requiring the postal carrier to conduct age verification upon delivery. The timing of the FDA’s release highlighted the importance of NACS members engaging with their congressional offices and personally conveying the impact that the FDA’s action has on their stores. From the Senate offices on the north side, to the House offices on the south side, our message rang clear.
Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island met with some of his retailer constituents.
Retailer and supplier members spent time together and with their congressional representatives.
Attendees also discussed the industry perspective on electric vehicles and alternative transportation technologies with their congressmen. Congress is considering legislative proposals that would reduce the use of fossil fuels andpromote electric vehicles and alternative transportation technologies. As Congress legislates on transportation energy, the priority of NACS is to ensure that the private market can sell any transportation energy in a competitive market with a level playing field. Allowing the private sector to compete is the best way to spur investment in and development of alternative transportation energy infrastructure. NACS Day on the Hill teams educated members of Congress who serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Senate Finance Committee on the importance of including the private sector in developing and expanding new transportation energy technologies.
Conference attendees Raymond Huff, HJB Convenience Corp., and David Lienemann, Kum & Go, L.C., have a laugh with Representative Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-7) during their meeting on Capitol Hill.
Humor columnist and author Dave Barry entertained attendees during the evening reception.
Finally, the last legislative issue that attendees discussed in targeted meetings was privacy and data security. Similar to other issues, NACS seeks to ensure that Congress does not pick regulatory winners and losers. Congress is considering proposals to enhance privacy and data security over consumer data. NACS supports legislation that is effective and does not exempt any industry sectors or shift their responsibilities onto other industry sectors. NACS Day on the Hill teams who met with members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; House Financial Services Committee; Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and Senate Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee shared NACS consumer data privacy principles of ensuring that federal data privacy frameworks and legislation apply requirements to all industries that handle personal data and that any legislation preserve customer rewards and benefits programs.
L to R: Patrick Cordle, BIC Corporation; Derek Gaskins, Yesway; Brian Wright, Executive Leadership Solutions Inc.
We can say with confidence that NACS issues have never been presented as clearly, effectively and passionately as they were by NACS members in March, when they drew the direct correlation of how Congress impacts jobs and economic growth in their home districts and states. NACS thanks those who participated for making such a huge impact and for demonstrating the grassroots support nationwide for these issues. For those who were unable to attend this incredibly fun, informative and productive event this year, we encourage you to make plans to participate in 2020. Elevating our voices effects positive changes for our industry and your businesses.