(CHICAGO) May 31, 2016 – NAMA recently participated in the Michigan Distributors & Vendors Association’s (MDVA) 2016 “Day at the Capitol” in Lansing, Michigan.
The Legislative Day included a briefing from MDVA President Polly Reber, followed by a NAMA Update from Government Affairs SVP Eric Dell. State Treasurer Nick Khouri discussed the state’s current tax policy changes, and the fiscal health of the local governments and schools. Afterward, the attendees delivered certificates to each of the legislators’ offices which could be redeemed for product samples provided by various suppliers. More than 100 legislators came to redeem their product samples and interact with MDVA members and attendees – a significant increase in legislator attendance from 2015.
Since the event, MDVA was informed that the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously passed SB 774, a bill that will benefit vendors in licensing and regulation.
“MDVA does an incredible job of representing the industry and its members who work hard to operate their businesses and support to their communities,” said Jeff Smith, Chair of NAMA’s Government Affairs Committee, who was among the attendees. “MDVA’s outstanding reputation is reflected by the countless compliments from legislators who recognize the value that its members contribute to the state of Michigan in the form of jobs, industry, and growth. This year’s Legislative Day was an outstanding testament to MDVA’s influence and impact on our industry,” he continued.
Samantha Malott of 365 Retail Markets, who also attended the event, echoed Smith’s praise of MDVA. “365 Retail Markets was delighted about the opportunity to participate in MDVA’s Legislative Day because we want to do our part in educating elected officials about what the industry needs in order to continue to thrive,” Malott said. “MDVA is an organization that sets the gold-standard in relationship building. Michigan’s legislators are familiar with the organization from its years of consistent outreach and valued influence,” she concluded.
About MDVA
MDVA represents two significant business segments in the state of Michigan: wholesale distributors of grocery/convenience products and vending machine and food service operators. As an organization, MDVA has garnered respect from some of the state’s highest ranking officials, and its annual Legislative Day one of the most highly anticipated events each year.
About NAMA
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. convenience services industry. With more than 1100 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.
