Expanded NAMA Fly-In And Advocacy Summit Better Prepared Members For Capitol Hill Meetings

The fifth annual NAMA Fly-In gave NAMA members the opportunity to speak face-to-face with elected officials about issues affecting the convenience services industry, including small business taxes and regulation around motor carriers (trucking). Specifically, NAMA members spoke with legislators about the Small Business Owners' Tax Simplification Act of 2019 and The DRIVE Safe Act, among other issues affecting the industry.

Mike Goscinski, NAMA’s director of federal and state affairs, explained that this year's expanded format — the agenda included a daylong Advocacy Summit — provided more education for NAMA members, better prepping them for Capitol Hill meetings during the Fly-In.

Q: What were the key takeaways from the NAMA Fly-In?

A: The expanded format offered a wide array of education offerings with federal agency leaders for attendees this year. These offerings, added during the Advocacy Summit on Tuesday, gave NAMA members important insight on the regulatory landscape and issues that are currently impacting the convenience services industry.

Q: Overall, how did legislators respond to the issues NAMA members presented?

A: NAMA has received a great response to our members advocacy engagement on Capitol Hill. Thanks to the nearly 180 meetings held by NAMA members with their Members of Congress, we have seen a direct result of new co-sponsors of the DRIVE Safe Act, and two new Democrat co-sponsors of the Small Business Tax Simplification Act in just under one week. While these numbers don’t seem large, they reflect successful advocacy by NAMA Members.

Q: What kind of feedback did you hear from NAMA members about this year’s Fly-In – did they have a positive, productive experience?

A: NAMA members have been very vocal providing positive feedback this year.  The advocacy summit was very well received and many members appreciated the interactive dialogue with regulators.

There was also great excitement around Amy Walter’s speech at dinner on Tuesday evening. Attendees found her insights into the 2020 election thoughtful and well calculated. 

We are excited to hear so many members say they will be coming back to Washington for the 2020 Fly-In and Advocacy Summit.

Q: What are next steps?

A: NAMA encourages attendees to continue to provide feedback on the 2019 NAMA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit.  Feedback allows us to make sure we are providing members with the best possible program each year.