Mid-America Automatic Merchandising Association Hosts First "Day On The Hill"

(CHICAGO) April 1, 2015 – The Mid-America Automatic Merchandising Association (MAMA) hosted its first Missouri legislative “Day on the Hill” recently at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.

MAMA members met at the Capitol, where they participated in meetings with key legislators including Senator Eric Schmitt, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Representative Andrew Koenig, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senator Will Kraus, Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.                  

“MAMA's 2015 Missouri lobby day was a smashing success,” said MAMA Missouri Legislative Consultant John Bardgett. "Numerous legislators have complimented our organization for coming to the Capitol to build relationships and educate legislators about the industry, particularly when they did not have a specific piece of legislation they were promoting or opposing. These efforts are very helpful to our role as MAMA spokespersons in the Capitol building." he concluded.

MAMA members attending the lobby day included a mix of suppliers, operators and brokers who do business in Missouri. Also in attendance were Sandy Larson, NAMA Sr. Director of Government Affairs and Counsel and MAMA’s Missouri Legislative Consultant John Bardgett, who coordinated the event.

The event focused on educating lawmakers on the refreshment services industry. Dan Harris, a Missouri operator and MAMA President, spoke for the group and focused on the new trends in the industry. "As a third generation operator, our company has seen many changes. The industry has changed a great deal since my grandfather started the business,” Harris told representatives. "Today we are focused on healthier products and have expanded into micro markets allowing us to provide more options to our customers.” Harris provided the representatives with information on the vending industry and on NAMA’s FitPick nutrition initiative.

“This is the first time that MAMA has hosted a legislative event in Missouri,” said Sandy Larson, NAMA Sr. Director of Government Affairs and Counsel. “The Legislative Day was an excellent opportunity for MAMA members in Missouri to educate and interact with leadership and their legislators. Our meetings with these key committee chairs gave us an opportunity to establish relationships that we can build on in 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.