Connecticut Vending Association Hosts Legislative Day In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT -- The Connecticut Vending Association reports that it held its 2015 legislative day here in mid-May. The association's legislative director, United Snack Group's Eric Mueller (Cheshire), reported that there were "quite a few pleasant surprises" during the event held at the state capitol.

Ray Dube of Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Northern New England (Bedford, NH) presented on recycling, Mueller said, and his exhibit was jam-packed throughout the morning and early afternoon. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy Jr. (D-12th), who chairs the Senate Environmental Committee, visited the exhibit to learn more about CCNNE's acclaimed recycling programs.

"In the other booths that CVA manned, we handed out lavender goodie bags thanking the legislators and their staffs for their service," Mueller continued. "We were able to grab the attention of Sen. Len Fasano (R-34th, West Haven), a leader of the Senate Republicans, regarding the proposed expansion of the bottle bill."

The association's members explained to Fasano the harmful effects on their businesses of a previous expansion of the deposit law to water bottles. The escheats -- deposits collected from the sale of bottled beverages but not redeemed by the purchasers -- were claimed by the state, and the bottlers initiated a 3.5¢ environmental fee on all containers. This, Mueller recalled, "left us holding the bag, with a difficult time ahead to pass along this cost." The senator requested more information on the topic.

"As we spoke to other legislators, both Democrat and Republican, we found out that the bottle bill expansion was not as popular as some would think," Mueller summarized.

He also was honored by the recognition accorded him by Rep. Charles Ferraro (R-117, West Haven), who introduced him to the House of Representatives. Ferraro told the legislators that Mueller is the legislative director for CVA, and that the association's members provide 3,750 jobs with an annual payroll of $14.2 million. "This was a very special moment for me," Mueller noted.

Among other vending industry dignitaries who took part in the legislative day were CVA president Tom Hayes, JHS Vending (Wolcott); Sharon Connors, Vistar (Windsor); Tom Ford, Thayer Distribution (Gibbstown, NJ); Mike Santos, Harold Young Inc. (Springfield, MA); Kevin Garrison, Burdette Beckmann (Hartford); and Mark Lathrop, Lathrop Vending (Uncasville, CT). The event was organized by Dolores Malloy and Evan Dantos of Malloy and Associates (Glastonbury).