(CHICAGO) August 19, 2015 – NAMA senior team members Dan Mathews and Chip Potter and Government Affairs Committee Chair Jeff Smith recently attended the 50th Michigan Distributors & Vendors Association (MDVA) Convention at the historic Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, Michigan.
MDVA, founded in 1947, represents two significant business segments in Michigan, including wholesale grocery and convenience distributors and vending and food service operators. The membership is comprised of individual and family-owned businesses, often second, third or fourth generation companies. This year more than 270 participants were in attendance, including MDVA members, their families and Michigan state legislators.
“The MDVA Convention is our biggest and most impactful advocacy event, and this year was particularly special as we celebrated our 50th year at Boyne Mountain,” said Polly Reber, MDVA President.
“Our members have done a tremendous job over the years representing the vending and refreshment services industry to their legislators and highlighting the importance of these small businesses and how they contribute to the state of Michigan. Their dedication to the industry and to engaging with lawmakers is reflected in the number of elected officials who support this event year after year,” she concluded.
“The MDVA annual convention provides a unique opportunity to connect with our elected officials in one-on-one discussions in a relaxed environment,” said Jeff Smith. This year, some of the key issues we covered included sales tax parity, a measured approach to regulations and support of a road funding solution,” he continued.
“These conversations expand our grassroots advocacy efforts and are crucial to helping our elected officials understand how our industry works and the impact it has on the state’s economy.”
Legislators in attendance included: Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D– Detroit), Senators Dave Hildenbrand (R– Lowell), Joe Hune (R– Hamburg), Wayne Schmidt (R– Traverse City), Tonya Shuitmaker (R– Lawton), House Minority Whip Robert Kosowski (D– Westland), Representatives Erika Geiss (D– Taylor), Curtis Hertel III (D– Lansing), Brandt Iden (R– Kalamazoo), Earl Poleski (R– Jackson) and Adam Zemke (D– Ann Arbor).
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1250 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.
