Mark Stein, MarkVend co-owner and NAMA board member, along with representatives from Dr Pepper Snapple Group and NAMA’s Senior Vice President Eric Dell, visited with members of the U.S. Congress and congressional staff Wednesday, June 19, 2013, as part of an aggressive, ongoing effort to build and enhance industry relationships on Capitol Hill.
“This was a great opportunity to have personal discussions with lawmakers, and their senior staff, from my congressional district and to share important information about the realities of doing business in our industry. During these meetings, I shared the real challenges from a small business perspective that could be caused by prospective regulation being determined in Washington, D.C. right now,” said Stein in a prepared statement.
“In my view, this was a win-win: a win for NAMA and a win for me personally. I would absolutely encourage my fellow operators to participate in this process.” Stein continued.
“At NAMA, we are thankful to our members who take the time and energy to make these important visits successful. Mark was a terrific ambassador for us in this process to ensure our voice is heard,” said Dell, who managed the day-long event.
The very full agenda included meetings with the Illinois offices of Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Brad Schneider, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman William Enyart, Congressman Peter Roskam, and a lunch presentation, sponsored by the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), from Georgia Congressman John Barrow. The group also met with staff from Pennsylvania Congressman Tom Marino’s office.
