3 Hot Topics From The 2018 Fly-In

NAMA’s fourth annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In was impactful for attendees and the industry. Attendees benefited from hearing presentations from a top official from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as well as a briefing on how to successfully advocate with their elected officials on Capitol Hill. As of press time, attendance was hovering at nearly 300 for the second year in a row. When compared with other industries our size, this is a tremendous show of participation.

This year’s attendees discussed important policy issues during their meetings on Capitol Hill with their personal Members of Congress, Senators and their staff members. The list of issues included three: 1) supporting finalization of calorie disclosure front of pack labeling font size; 2) opposing commercialization of interstate rest areas; and 3) formally introducing and explaining the economic impact of the convenience services industry. All three, timely and important to the promotion and protection of the industry.

Calorie Disclosure

Recently the FDA released a proposed rule to finalize the font size for front of pack (FOP) labeling of products sold in vending machines. NAMA and the industry having been working on this issue for nearly eight years. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that vending machines display the calorie of each item prior to the point of sale (before the customer makes the purchase). Front-of-Package (FOP) is the primary method for this disclosure and the FDA’s newly proposed rule sets font size and a compliance date of 2020, of which NAMA supports. Attendees sought the support of their Senator and Members of Congress to sign a letter of support for this proposed regulation.

Commercialization of Interstate Rest Stops

This issue was debated many years ago, but has been raised again by some in Congress and the Trump Administration. The supporters of commercialization of interstate rest areas want to allow anyone to open any type of business at Interstate rest stops, including restaurants, truck stops, etc. (called commercialization). Decades ago, Congress granted blind operators a priority for the operation of these vending locations.

Supporters of commercialization believe it will generate additional tax revenue. What they fail to realize is that commercialization will lead to less tax revenue and reduced employment because of the business model that exists at interstate on/off ramps. It will also eventually lead to removal of vending machines from rest stops for the industry, including the blind and any other private company that might be allowed to own them under commercialization. This issue impacts both blind operators and the industry at-large. Advocates asked Members of Congress to oppose commercialization of Interstate Rest Stops, specifically a bill introduced by Congressman Jim Banks, HR 1990.

Economic Impact Data

Last, but not least, advocates officially introduced the convenience services industry to Members of Congress in a real and impactful way by sharing data never shared before. The NAMA Foundation partnered with John Dunham and Associates to produce a research study that provides the economic impact of the industry at national, state and Congressional District levels. Data points to be shared with elected officials include total number jobs created, wages paid, taxes paid and economic impact. This data is essential and crucial to explaining the magnitude of the Convenience Services Industry.

This data served as the introduction for each meeting on Capitol Hill to emphasize the breadth and depth of the industry in each Congressional District. It also “put a face” on the industry and assisted Members of Congress and their staff with a more complete understanding of the impact of the industry on their districts and neighborhoods.

Once again, attendees of the annual DC Fly-In were equipped with data and policy positions to have valuable discussions with their Members of Congress. It was an exciting time, especially knowing the advocates attending the 2018 Fly-In will make a difference! 

Related

audio 3153963 1920 5b2c03187207c
audio 3153963 1920 5b2c03187207c
audio 3153963 1920 5b2c03187207c
audio 3153963 1920 5b2c03187207c
audio 3153963 1920 5b2c03187207c
Home

Podcast: Smith On The 2018 NAMA FlyIn

June 22, 2018
On today's VendingMarketWatch.com podcast, we will be hearing from Jeff Smith, CEO of All Star Services. His commitment to growing his family-owned vending company and educating...
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
Associations

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

May 7, 2009
Executive Staff Carla Balakgie, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO Dan Mathews, NCE5, CCS, Executive Vice President & COO Bill Meierling, Senior Vice President, External Affairs...