On May 19, the Indiana Vending Council (IVC) held its 18th annual Operator Appreciation Day at the Tippecanoe Country Club in North Webster, IN. “A well-attended event, we had between 70 and 80 attendees,” said Jeff Snyder, IVC president. Vending operators came from across Indiana as well as brokers, distributors, suppliers and manufacturers.
One of the highlights of the Operator Appreciation Day is the educational session. This year manufacturers were invited to share with attendees if they will be participating in the front-of-pack labeling initiative, and when operators would start to see this new packaging in the vending segment. It’s a top concern for operators because of the December 2016 U.S Food and Drug Administration deadline requiring calorie disclosure on vending machine products before the purchase.
“I’m happy to say a majority of the snack manufacturers present are participating,” said Snyder. “It will take a huge burden off operators in the snack machine.”
Other pending issues were also discussed, such as the IVC’ continued the march for sales tax parity. “Currently, every Indiana vending operator has to collect and pay 7% sales tax on vendible items. In nearly every other retailers - grocery store, convenience store – that is not the case.”
Finally, a brief discussion took place about the final rule published by the Department of Labor concerning over time. The new rule, with specifics, will be the main issue covered at the IVC annual event September 15-16.
New members
Prior to the Operator Appreciate Day, IVC also welcomed two new member operators: Andy Fox of Fox Canteen in Terre Haute, IN as well as Jack and Victoria Brown From Eagle Vending in Michigan City, IN.
For more information about IVC visit its website at http://indianavendingonline.org.
