Last week, c-store advocates held meetings with members of Congress and their staff as part of NACS Day on the Hill. The event’s goal is to help the industry share stories with lawmakers and emphasize the significance of the convenience and fuel retailing industry to elected officials. This year, 37 U.S. states were represented, with attendees participating in nearly 200 meetings on Capitol Hill. NACS Daily spoke with Grassroots Manager Esmeralda Orozco to discuss the event’s impact and the importance of advocacy and political engagement.
What were the highlights of this year’s NACS Day on the Hill?
This year’s event was excellent. So many retailers, state association executives and suppliers coming together with a shared goal – to improve the industry. It’s not easy for retailers to step away from their businesses, but it was inspiring to see how many folks in the industry are taking the time to prioritize advocacy.
Why is attending NACS Day on the Hill important?
Meeting face-to-face with members of Congress is one of the most effective ways industry professionals can make their voices heard. Building those relationships with lawmakers is critical. It’s also about telling your story. Elected officials want to understand your business and how legislation directly impacts you.
We have a new Congress this year, and a number of meetings were with freshman legislators. Many of them might not know some of our issues even exist, so we were also able to educate them about some of the challenges our industry faces every day.
What do you hope attendees took away from this event?
By attending, participants are influencing the policymakers who make decisions on legislation. At the end of the day, this can have a lasting impact on the issues we carried: the Credit Card Competition Act, Tax Reform, the SNAP program or with E15 regulations. I hope attendees recognize that their advocacy benefits not just themselves, but also our industry, their communities, and their colleagues.
What did attendees have to say after the event?
Many first-time participants left feeling empowered and eager to return. I heard so many say, ‘I’m coming back next year, this is so important,’ and ‘I need to bring more friends next year.’ At first, people may feel nervous or question if it makes a difference, but by the end, they see the impact they’ve made. Even a single meeting can help move the needle forward.
What would you tell a retailer or supplier considering attending Day on the Hill next year?
Retailers, state association executives and suppliers should not feel intimidated or shy about the meetings! NACS gives you everything you need to be prepared, from pre-reads and talking points to on-site training. The most important thing to remember, is to tell your story. By telling your story, you have a say in the policies that affect your daily lives, and that’s why these meetings are so important. While every meeting might not result in immediate support, simply showing up makes a difference. Attendees should be proud of their role in driving change.
Considering joining NACS Day on the Hill next year? The team at NACS:
- Schedules your Congressional meetings and pairs you with other convenience advocates;
- Prepares you with pre-reads, talking points, on-site briefing materials and training for how to participate in a successful congressional meeting;
- Provides you with information to share with your elected officials; and
- Equips you with knowledge and skills you can apply immediately back home.
NACS Day on the Hill is a powerful opportunity for industry advocates to engage with policymakers and shape the future of the convenience and fuel retailing industry. For more information about NACS Day on the Hill, visit https://www.convenience.org/Advocacy.