An Illinois Representative recently worked behind the counter at a Springfield, Ill. Qik-n-EZ.
The latest participant in the NACS In Store program from the National Association of Convenience Stores, Representative Darin LaHood (IL-18), was invited to interact with the community while working the counter at a local Illinois c-store. During his time behind the counter, LaHood had conversations with community members about issues important to them.
With convenience stores conducting over 160 million transactions a day, the payments system in the convenience store industry is a sophisticated operation which must work in all weather conditions, all hours and operate really fast – this system must be secure and work at the pump, at ATMs and at the register. The convenience store industry is a true microcosm of the entire payments system – representing 3-4% of GDP in the U.S.
The special event, hosted in partnership with NACS, was held on April 25, 2016 at the Chronister Oil Co./Qik-n-EZ located at, 4401 West Wabash, Springfield, Ill. 62711 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“Convenience stores are vital small businesses that provide essential services to time-starved consumers with one-stop shopping, grab-and-go food service, a variety of merchandise and fast transactions,” said Representative LaHood. “I’m excited to have had the opportunity to participate in the NACS In Store program and witness firsthand the many benefits convenience stores offer to the residents of Springfield. Understanding how important protecting consumer payment information is and the threat of data breaches and payment card theft is to small businesses is crucial to my role as a member of the House Science, Space and Technology committee.”
“Convenience stores are the anchor of communities across the country, and they are also where community conversations take place,” said Henry Armour, NACS president and CEO. “More than half of the country visits a convenience store on a daily basis, whether to buy fuel, use the ATM, wash their cars or quickly buy snacks, drinks or meals. The NACS In Store program gives elected officials a perfect opportunity to experience how these stores serve the public in their home districts.”
More than 30 NACS In Store events have been completed with members of Congress to experience firsthand the community experience that takes place at their local convenience stores.
“We believe our elected officials will emerge with an even more intimate understanding, not only of convenience stores’ challenges, but also of their many contributions across the economic, social and cultural spectrum,” Armour said. “And over time, convenience store owners and the customers and communities they serve should benefit from policies that spur further growth, prosperity and innovation in the sector.”
