WASHINGTON - Convenience and fuel retailers are in
Washington this week for NACS Day on Capitol Hill ?" a two-day event where
retailers, state associations and industry suppliers meet with members of
Congress and their staff to educate them about the issues important to their business.
U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) welcomed attendees to
Washington and shared a few important tips for those new to lobbying: make sure
you??re prepared, be genuine about the topics being discussed and understand
that at any moment a member could be called to vote, which makes getting to the
point important to ensuring that your time is well spent ?" even if cut
short.
Sanchez, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee,
which has jurisdiction over U.S. tax policy, said that Congress must do a better
job at bringing common sense to Washington ?" after citing a recent poll that
had cockroaches and colonoscopies ranked higher in popularity than the current
Congress ?" and work together on long-overdue issues such as debt reform and
tax-code reform.
U.S. Rep. Peter J. Roskam (R-IL), who serves as the Chief
Deputy Whip and is also a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, talked
about the importance of grassroots and getting employees engaged with issues
that affect the workplace. He suggested that retailers make a decision at the
leadership level to educate their employees about an issue and how it impacts their
own prosperity and future. He also agreed that tax-code reform is a priority
for both parties.
During a panel discussion featuring three congressional
staff veterans, attendees had the opportunity to ask specific questions about
lobbying. For one, how to build a relationship with a member of Congress who
doesn??t support the industry??s issues. Robert Primus, chief of staff to Rep.
Michael Capuano (D-MA), advised attendees to stay positive and offer their
expertise on issues as they arise, and encourage a member and his/her staff to
hear their perspective before making a decision on legislation.
Today, attendees are meeting with members of Congress and their
staff from 45 states. Look for full event coverage in the May issue of NACS
Magazine.