The NACS In Store program continues to be one of the driving forces behind the grassroots efforts of NACS, fueling relationships between convenience retailers and their Members of Congress. Since its launch in 2014, the program has facilitated more than 160 In Store visits by House and Senate members across 40 states. These visits offer legislators a firsthand look at how federal policies and regulations affect businesses in the communities they represent.

[If you are interested in hosting a NACS In Store visit or would like more information, please reach out to Esmeralda Orozco, NACS grassroots manager, at eorozco@convenience.org.]

At the start of each year, the NACS government relations team extends In Store event invitations to key Members of Congress. These invitations are extended strategically, often to lawmakers who hold leadership roles, serve on relevant committees or have a direct impact on advancing the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s priorities. New Members of Congress are also significant in the planning for In Store events, since these events provide an opportunity to educate newly elected leaders.

This year, NACS hosted several notable freshmen visits. Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08) visited a Casey’s in Rockville, Indiana, where he presented Angie Ryan, a Casey’s employee, with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition in honor of her achievement as a NACS Foundation 2025 First Responder of the Year award recipient.

Julie Johnson (TX-32) spent time at a RaceTrac in Dallas, Texas. While there, Rep. Johnson made a breakfast pizza and heard directly from customers who stopped in to share how the store and its employees positively impact their lives. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE) visited a Wawa that opened earlier this year in Wilmington, Delaware. During the visit, the Senator learned firsthand how the store operates and how it contributes to its local community.

These legislators engaged directly with leadership and store teams to gain insight into the daily realities of operating a convenience store. They heard concerns about rising credit card swipe fees and restrictions around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, as well as other policy-related challenges that affect their day-to-day operations. In addition to policy concerns, these visits also highlighted the vital role convenience stores play in their local communities.

In addition to freshman member In Store visits, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) visited Ralphie’s Minnoco in Clear Lake, Minnesota. During the tour, store staff showcased daily operations while the owner discussed the impact of rising credit card swipe fees, which are the store’s second-highest operating cost. Meanwhile, in California, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) visited Bonneau Market in Sonoma, where he gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the day-to-day challenges faced by convenience retailers in his district.

In 2026, NACS In Store events will continue. The NACS government relations team needs more stores to participate. Each visit helps educate our federal lawmakers about the essential role convenience stores play in their local communities and the real-world impact of the policies they shape in Washington.