Congressman Steve King and Avanti Markets President Jim Brinton will be the featured speakers at the Iowa Automatic Merchandising Association (IAMA) annual meeting beginning Friday, March 8 at 6 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott, Des Moines, Iowa.
“We are really looking forward to an opportunity for our members to meet and hear Congressman King,” said Chuck Tuttle, president of IAMA and general manager of AH Hermel Co., in a prepared statement. “As small business men and women in the state of Iowa, we have important information to share with the Congressman on many issues and we’re thankful for his participation. As a former small business owner himself, the Congressman can personally appreciate the challenges we face.”
More than 50 people are expected to attend the event, which will also feature a presentation by Jim Brinton, president of Avanti Markets. “With micro-markets positioned as a game-changer in our industry, our members here in Iowa have a vested interest in hearing Jim Brinton,” Tuttle continued. “As president of his full-line vending company and founder of Avanti Markets, he can very much relate to our members and provide them with a relatable perspective.”
“Many of our members are considering developing or enhancing their micro market concepts and it will be interesting to hear first-hand how these opportunities can be maximized,” he said. “Also, for the first time, we will have table top exhibitors from our industry participating, rounding out the value of attending the IAMA meeting for our members.”
The IAMA meeting table top exhibitors will include: Avanti; Changer Services; Crane National; DPSG; Greater America Distributing; Farner-Bocken; U-Select-It; United Food Group; USA Technologies; US Roasteries and Vistar.
“Overall, we are working to engage our Iowa operators and members in a more dynamic way and this meeting is a first step in that process,” Tuttle said. “With Congressman King and Jim Brinton both participating, we’ve got a great event in store.”
Additionally, Eric Dell, NAMA senior vice president of government affairs will provide a legislative update and will meet many of the Iowa members face-to-face for the first time.
