Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council Participates In Legislative Day With Industry Partner Associations

(CHICAGO) May 12, 2015– The Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council (IAMC) participated in a legislative day with industry partner associations, the Illinois Beverage Association (IBA), the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association (IMA) and the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), on May 6, 2015 at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.  IAMC members met with their state legislators to educate and inform them about the industry and the contributions of the member businesses to the state’s economy.

The legislative event focused on relationship-building with elected officials and educating them on key industry issues –particularly a penny-per-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage tax bill that was re-introduced this legislative session. IAMC members delivered sample bags to more than 175 Illinois Senate and House legislative offices.

“These visits with lawmakers, including State Senator Tom Cullerton, helped focus attention on issues affecting our industry,” said Jennifer Saverino, president of Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council. “Together we can build relationships with lawmakers who impact our businesses’ bottom lines. It is important work and we’re thankful to those operators who took the time to make this happen.”

“As the representatives of the refreshment services industry in Illinois, IAMC members demonstrated the positive impact that our industry has on the state’s economy and helped legislators understand how key issues like the sugar-sweetened beverage tax could affect the industry,” said Sheree Edwards, NAMA Legislative Director. “This  legislative event was enhanced by the participation of our industry partner associations, IBA, IMA and IRA, helping to underscore the effects this tax could have on Illinois businesses and highlighting the importance of coalition-building between related industries,” she concluded.

Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment services industry.  With more than 1500 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.