Convenience and fuel retailers descended on Washington this week as part of a two-day event called NACS Day on Capitol Hill, which took place March 19-20.
During the event retailers, state associations and industry suppliers met with members of Congress and their staff to educate them about the issues important to their business.
Attendees of the annual event, had the opportunity to meet with members of Congress and their staff from 45 states.
U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) welcomed attendees to Washington and encouraged them to be genuine about the topics being discussed and understand that at any moment a member could be called to vote, which makes getting to the point crucial. Sanchez, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over U.S. tax policy, said that Congress must do a better job at bringing common sense to Washington and work together on long-overdue issues such as debt reform and tax-code reform, NACS reported.
U.S. Rep. Peter J. Roskam (R-IL), the Chief Deputy Whip and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, talked about the importance of grassroots and getting employees engaged with issues that affect the workplace. He encouraged retailers to make a decision at the leadership level to educate their employees about an issue and how it impacts them too. He also agreed that tax-code reform is a priority for both parties.
During a panel discussion featuring three congressional staff veterans, attendees had the opportunity to ask specific questions about lobbying. Robert Primus, chief of staff to Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), advised attendees to stay positive and offer their expertise on issues as they arise, and encourage a member and his/her staff to hear their perspective before deciding on legislation.
NACS Day on Capitol Hill offers a unique and important opportunity for convenience store industry members to interact directly with members of Congress in order to educate them about the convenience and fuel retailing industry and discuss how legislation directly impacts their businesses.
