Mike Alexander, president of the Kentucky Automatic Merchandising Council (KAMC) recently announced the group will convene for a two-day meeting at the State Capitol from Feb. 12 to 13.
Beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Eric Dell, NAMA’s senior vice president of government affairs and Sheree Edwards, regional legislative director, will lead a session to prepare members for discussions with elected officials to be held the following day. Wednesday, Feb. 13 -- KAMC’s Legislative Day -- includes meetings with the leadership of key House and Senate committees to review support for pending vending tax-exemption legislation, particularly H.B. 62.
“KAMC strongly supports H.B. 62 because the bill would exempt products sold through vending machines from Kentucky’s current 6 percent 'retail sales tax' and place vending on par with other retail sales channels that pay no sales tax on similar items sold as vending. Taken together, both benefits would provide a boost to KAMC member businesses and their contribution to the Commonwealth’s economy,” said Mike Alexander, in a prepared statement.
“We are particularly thankful for the support and leadership of Rep. Steve Riggs (D-31) for introducing this important piece of legislation. Rep. Riggs and legislators like him understand the nature of vending and the potential value to the Commonwealth if H.B. 62 were enacted,” he said.
KAMC operators scheduled to be a part of the discussions include: Rob Taylor of ProVend, Ron White of Total Vend, and Ulanda Price of Modern Vending Co., Inc., as well as a host of attendee-representatives from other KAMC member businesses.
“We are encouraging as many of our members as possible to participate in these meetings,” he continued. “As business owners, we need to communicate with our state legislators regarding the positive impact H.B. 62 would have on local economies and our abilities to grow not only as businesses, but also as employers,” Alexander continued. “The KAMC Legislative Day is an important part of the process to build relationships with our elected officials so that we can provide them the information they need to make the most informed decision regarding the bill.”
