“From our discussions, we’re expecting a great response from operators finalizing their plans for The NAMA Show taking place May 6 through 8. We’ll be thrilled to have them join as members and participate onsite for the industry’s largest show of the year,” Tori Eberlein, NAMA's Director of Membership, said in the release.
Contact Tori at [email protected] or fill out the online form at https://namanow.org/nvdspecial to take advantage of the offer.VendingMarketWatch.com caught up with Roni Moore, NAMA Vice President, PR & Marketing, to discuss the association's plans for National Vending Day, which takes place this year on March 5.
Q: What is the purpose of National Vending Day, and what is NAMA hoping to achieve?
National Vending Day is an exciting time to reflect on the industry, honoring the people who proudly make, sell and enjoy the products the vending channel delivers to nearly 40 million Americans daily. From multinational brands beloved around the world to multi-generational business owners, route drivers and plant floor employees, vending touches people’s lives in ways large and small.
National Vending Day, suggested in its current form by 365 CEO Joe Hessling, is another way to reach a strategic goal: to shape the image of the industry and that’s a significant value-add for everyone.
Vending is such an exciting, dynamic industry! It’s certainly worth celebrating that vending delivers 140,000 well-paying jobs; $7.2 billion in wages and $3.5 billion in taxes.
Q: How does this year’s National Vending Day differ from last year's? Are there any new initiatives or areas of focus?
Our focus, in year two of National Vending Day, is to increase awareness around NAMA’s Public Health Commitment, a voluntary pledge by the industry to increase the percentage of ‘better for you’ offerings to 33% in the nation’s vending machines. Implemented through 2022, this represents a game-changing 40% increase over current levels of ‘better for you’ offerings.
As NAMA CEO Carla Balakgie said at the program launch in New York City last October, “There are nearly four million vending machines serving snacks and beverages every day, 24/7, across the country. Vending is everywhere consumers work, play and live and NAMA regards this initiative as a bold, ambitious and meaningful step to meet the growing consumer demand for healthier choices.”
This is clearly an important initiative to share with elected officials, including members of Congress and that’s exactly what is happening on National Vending Day, Thursday, March 5. The NAMA team is engaging in meetings throughout Capitol Hill, all focused on the public health commitment.
Q: How can operators celebrate National Vending Day? What resources does NAMA provide operators for this celebration?
In addition to a Tool Kit designed to support member company activities, best practices involve fun National Vending Day taste test/special events, promotions, giveaways and client and consumer-facing contests. The support from the Industry Communications Committee, led by Kirn Reis, Karen Webster and Linda Furlano, including Linde Hutson, Stephanie Kull, Matt Bachmann and Ryan Fawns have helped spearhead some exciting outreach. So far, the National Vending Day social campaign has garnered more than 30,000 impressions and that’s thanks to NAMA’s own Kelly Doherty – with much more to come as we get closer to March 5.
Q: Is there anything else industry folks should know about National Vending Day?
Join us in celebrating this channel – even if it’s just a simple social media post on March 5! Every person, every effort helps shape the reputation of vending and the industry overall in a positive way. Together, we can accomplish so much more.
About National Vending Day
For the second year, National Vending Day will recognize the people who proudly make, sell, enjoy and love vending and the products the channel delivers. From multinational brands beloved around the world to multi-generational business owners, route drivers and plant floor employees, vending touches people’s lives in ways large and small.
About NAMA
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $26 billion U.S. convenience services industry. With more than 1,000-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.
