(CHICAGO) February 11, 2015 – The Texas Merchandise Vending Association (TMVA) hosted its third biennial TMVA Lobby Day on February 4, 2015 at the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
TMVA legislative consultant Mario Munoz coordinated the event, which was attended by 18 TMVA members, both suppliers and operators, and NAMA Senior Director of Government Affairs, Sandy Larson. Several TMVA members met prior to the event to prepare snack boxes to be distributed to 181 legislators in the Texas State House and Senate.
The event focused on educating lawmakers on the vending, coffee and refreshment services industry. "TMVA members were able to talk with relevant members of the Legislature in Austin about the franchise tax laws which are currently the subject of a number of pending bills. Our members were able to stress the positive impact the reduction or elimination of this tax would have on TMVA businesses,” said TMVA Legislative Consultant Mario Munoz.
Additionally, the group used this opportunity to educate lawmakers on NAMA’s Fit Pick nutrition initiative and the industry’s commitment to educating consumers about informed choice.
“Our Legislative day was a huge success for TMVA and the vending, coffee and refreshment services industry in Texas. The event was very well received by the legislators and their staffs,” said TMVA President Dominic Macerola. “It gave our members an opportunity to talk with their representatives about our industry and to stress to our representatives that companies in TMVA are primarily family-owned and operated. Our members were able to discuss the jobs provided by TMVA members and the citizens of Texas that we serve,” he concluded.
“The Legislative Day was an excellent opportunity for TMVA members to educate and interact with the legislators,” said Sandy Larson, NAMA Senior Director of Government Affairs. “Some of the legislators are just beginning their first term and it gave us an opportunity to share our story and establish a relationship that we can build on over the coming years.”
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1800 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
