At NACS Day on the Hill, taking place this year March 17-18, the convenience industry comes together to tell its story to elected officials in Washington, D.C. The event builds valuable, long-lasting relationships and is an opportunity for NACS members to advocate directly on the issues most important to them.

Last year, Paige Fickler-Cleveland, general manager at Fickler Oil Company and a member of the NACS Retail Engagement Committee, attended the event for the first time.

How familiar were you with the advocacy efforts of NACS before coming to Day on the Hill?

My understanding was that NACS worked closely with large retailers on issues affecting the industry, but I didn’t fully understand how much they rely on retailers of all sizes to advocate for the issues key to our industry. Learning that my voice mattered just as much as anyone else’s was eye-opening.

How did you prepare for successful meetings on the Hill?

NACS staff helped prepare attendees with briefing materials for the Hill meetings, and participants were also encouraged to bring statistics from their own businesses to share with legislators. With the help of our office accountant, I gathered data pertinent to the issues we were asked to cover and then made detailed notes to support me during meetings. The adage “proper planning prevents poor performance” has never failed me—so I planned and prepared for a successful Day on the Hill.

How do you think your story helps lawmakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions?

Sharing your story gives lawmakers the chance to understand how their decisions affect your everyday life. It’s difficult for lawmakers, or anyone else for that matter, to understand how their decisions may be impacting you until you give them an opportunity to empathize with your situation.

There is power in numbers. The more retailers who share their stories, the stronger and more relatable our stories become. Change and growth never come from comfortable places. Advocacy is for everyone. Your voice matters.

Why do you think it’s important for people in this industry to share their stories in D.C.?

Convenience is one of the largest industries in the country. If we don’t show up and share our stories, we do a disservice to ourselves and to the millions of people who rely on us. Our industry touches too many people for our voices not to be heard.

NACS is aiming for representation from all 50 states this year at Day on the Hill. To register and have your voice heard, click here.