For the past 24 years, Jim Calvin has been President of the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS), an award-winning trade organization representing 8,500 neighborhood convenience stores statewide.
Through the years, Jim has been one of the most tireless industry leaders opposing onerous and unfair government regulations, massive tobacco tax issues that decimated upstate convenience store chains and committed to seeking a level playing for New York’s convenience store owners, a state not known for its friendly treatment of small businesses.
Jim is set to retire July 1 and his voice and friendship will be missed, but NYACS will be in good hands because of the association’s members and incoming president, Kent Sopris. Over the years, Jim has been a featured speaker at our National Advisory Group’s (NAG) annual conferences and numerous webinars, and he has authored dozens of columns for CStore Decisions.
To show appreciation for Jim, NYACS inducted him into the New York Convenience Store Hall of Fame at its annual conference in May. Founded by NYACS in 1996, the Hall of Fame honors retailers, suppliers, and other individuals for exceptional achievement in, and distinguished service to, New York’s convenience store industry. Calvin was the 55th member to earn this distinct honor.
Leading NYACS is a challenge, but Jim was well prepared for the fight. Before joining NYACS in 1998, he was a newspaper reporter and editor, a chamber of commerce executive, and a bank marketing director. A registered lobbyist, Jim has represented NYACS before the state Senate, Assembly, five Governors, various state agencies, and local governments.
Jim gave us a few minutes to reflect on the work he has done and the future of NYACS.
CSD: After a long career in the c-store industry, what are your thoughts as you retire?
JC: Gratitude for having landed in an industry with such dynamic, dedicated, fun-loving, resilient, inspiring people.
CSD: In a state that is notoriously hostile toward business owners, what do you consider your greatest accomplishments?
JC: In ultra-blue New York, getting anti-business legislation tabled until next year constitutes a major accomplishment. But I was especially proud to be part of the team that successfully blocked the state from increasing the $100 tobacco retail license fee to either $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 a year depending on gross sales of all products including motor fuel, and negotiated a more reasonable $300; and part of the team that managed to narrowly defeat a proposed ban on flavored tobacco in deep blue Albany County.
CSD: What is the state of retailing now in New York and what challenges does NYACS have going forward?
JC: Large and mid-size chains that dominate upstate New York are generally healthy, while many of the smaller enterprises that serve neighborhoods in metro, suburban and rural New York are struggling. Operators of all sizes are imperiled by the staffing shortage, inflation, persistent supply chain disruptions, and clueless federal, state and local politicians determined to force their distorted worldview on our industry.
CSD: What are you most proud of after a long career?
JC: Having been trusted to provide clear, timely, actionable information and advice to NYACS members and external audiences.
CSD: Parting thoughts for your friends and members?
JC: To past and present boards, membership, and staff: Thanks for the privilege of working for you, and for the joy of working with you. To my friends, don’t forget to stop at your local convenience store on the way home.
