NAMA Hails Response By Partners For Government Relations Fly-In

CHICAGO -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association reports that its first annual industrywide advocacy event, scheduled for Washington, DC, on July 20 and 21, is receiving enthusiastic support from its membership. The upcoming event has received the support of 27 sponsors so far, according to NAMA senior vice-president of government affairs Eric Dell.

"The excitement surrounding our sponsorship program just keeps building," he reported. "Our government affairs team is gratified to see the 'buy-in' to our grassroots advocacy program across all membership categories."

Registration for the event has risen to 160 operators, suppliers, machine manufacturers, distributors and brokers in a balanced mix, he amplified. "These sponsorships are providing us with the opportunity to make enhancements in technology and professionalism to the Fly-In's agenda, taking it from a 'top-level' to 'a must-attend' event," he explained.

Current sponsors include 365 Retail Markets; AdvancePierre; Atnip Co.; Avanti Markets; Burdette Beckmann; Black Tie Vending; Coca-Cola Refreshments; Company Kitchen; Crane Payment Innovations; Dr Pepper Snapple Group; DeMitri Chesapeake Sales; Dole Packaged Foods; DS Services; Five Star Food Service; G&J Marketing; Lightspeed Automation; Mars Chocolate North America; Mrs. Freshley's; the National Association of Blind Merchants; PepsiCo; Premier Broker Partners; Quality Brokerage; Royal Cup Coffee; RSA Buying Group; U-Select-It; Vend Natural Holdings; and Vistar.

Baltimore's Black Tie Vending is among the DC Fly-In breakfast sponsors. "Nothing is more important for our industry at this time," said Black Tie president Scott Meskin.

NAMA Takes the Hill 2015 is designed to bring vending and refreshment services industry members to Washington to meet with their legislators and stress the importance of the industry to each congressional district. The goal is to make vending's presence known on Capitol Hill, and to educate elected officials about the industry. Firsthand reports from industry leaders about the positive impact their operations have on their districts are a very effective means for accomplishing this, Dell emphasized.

Anyone wishing to participate in the inaugural advocacy event is encouraged to register at namavoice.org/2015flyin.