(CHICAGO) March 27, 2015 -- NAMA’s Government Affairs Division is excited to announce its industry leaders who will serve as “Captains” for the first annual industry-wide Washington, DC advocacy event – NAMA Takes the Hill 2015, taking place July 21-22, 2015.
Led by event co-chairs and vending operators, Jeff Smith of All Star Services and Todd Elliott of Tomdra, the NAMA Fly-In invites all industry members to attend and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill with your Senators and Members of Congress.
NAMA Takes the Hill 2015 has already surpassed its initial attendance goal and stands at more than 80 registered attendees representing 22 states and the District of Columbia. With almost four months until the event, it is anticipated that participation will dramatically increase. The formal structure of the event includes a working group of industry leaders, known as “Captains,” to promote participation in the event. Below is a list of the industry Captains:
Amy Bartholomee, Vend Central
Carla Variglotti, The Cuyahoga Group
Chris Hart, Southern Refreshment Services
Elyssa Allahyar-Steiner, Avanti Markets
Jeff Smith, All Star Vending
Kimble Carter, Kimble’s Food by Design
Larry Atnip, Atnip Brokerage
Mike Kelley, Quality Brokerage, Inc.
Nicky Gacos, Colorado Café
Patrick Moran, Moran Munchies
Paul Tullio, Gourmet Coffee Service
Pete Tullio, Gourmet Coffee Service
Randy Smith, Lightspeed Automation
Todd Elliott, Tomdra
“This is a must-attend event for our industry,” said Amy Bartholomee of Vend Central. “It is important for the industry to put its best foot forward for this initial event, proving that we are a “force” in DC and across this country, providing jobs, better-for-you choices for consumers and a large economic footprint.”
“I am honored to serve in the role of event captain and advocate alongside dedicated industry leaders. As Chair of NAMA’s Women of the Industry group (WIN), I am specifically encouraging women leaders to join us in DC for this event and make our voice heard. Showing the diversity of our industry is crucial to our success on Capitol Hill.” said Carla Variglotti, Fly-In Captain and WIN Chair.
To receive more information about the event and register to attend, please visit www.namavoice.org/2015flyin.
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1800 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.