Convenience services leaders to make their voices heard

More than 100 convenience services leaders from 32 states will convene in Washington, D.C., this week for the 2024 NAMA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. An event tailored to allow the industry to influence policy and shape the future of convenience services, the 10th annual summit will be held July 23-24.

A full day of educational sessions and networking opportunities on July 23 will ensure attendees are well-versed in the latest information about issues that matter most to the industry. Sessions include:

• How to address food access issues for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries while at work, and how to integrate SNAP into convenience services operations.
• How to be an effective advocate for the convenience services industry.
• How potentially expiring provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) could affect the convenience services industry. Top tax policy professionals will discuss these provisions and why their extension is important.
• How the Small Business Administration can support business owners in the convenience services industry.

Another key issue that the industry will address is the elimination of the Corporate Transparency Act. The bill, meant to address terrorism funding, places onerous reporting requirements on small business owners, according to NAMA. Returning attendees anticipate multiple benefits from attending.

“The Fly-in event helps me and my business feel grounded. I get the chance to speak with business owners and executives in a relaxed manner. It provides a unique team atmosphere as we work together and deliver the NAMA-crafted messages on behalf of the industry,” said Chris Mumford of the Mumford Group. “My goal for the Fly-in is to keep my ears open to learn from the operator community regarding equipment and technology. I also look forward to catching up with friends.”

Advocacy is a key aspect of representation, notes Linda Saldana, CEO of Seventh Wave Refreshments and NAMA board member. “At last year’s Fly-In, I learned how important it is to share the story of my business and our industry. Lawmakers need to understand the value we bring to communities and the opportunities we offer our teams. We can’t expect favorable policy outcomes from people who don’t know what we do or how we do it. I’m honored to represent the industry in Washington, D.C., again this year and encourage everyone in convenience services to make the trek in 2025.” 

Keynote speaker Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO of Axios, will offer political insights and coverage of media and politics.

On Wednesday, attendees will take to Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress to share perspectives on the convenience services industry.

“Convenience services operators and industry partners make the best advocates. During the Fly-In, industry leaders will highlight convenience services’ role as solutions partners to people and businesses in every congressional district across the country. They will elevate industry awareness and influence by sharing how their businesses serve communities and how legislation and regulation impact their ability to operate,” said Bill Meierling, senior vice president of external affairs with NAMA.

Learn more about the NAMA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit here.