Vending

NAMA names Maxine Waters as Industry Champion

By House of Representatives photographic studio

June 16, 2026

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The National Automatic Merchandising Association has named Maxine Waters its 2026 Industry Champion, according to a press release, recognizing the congresswoman for her support of the convenience services industry and her work on payments policy issues. The award was presented during a ceremony at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., attended by NAMA leadership and industry executives.

NAMA President and CEO Christine Cochran said Waters has demonstrated an understanding of the role convenience services play in providing access to food, beverages and other essentials, particularly for frontline workers, overnight employees and underserved communities. The association noted that the industry serves roughly 40 million Americans each day through vending machines, micro markets, office coffee service and pantry programs.

In other NAMA news, the organization's 2026 Fly-In & Advocacy Summit, held June 10-11 in Washington, D.C., brought together more than 100 convenience services industry leaders for several days of policy discussions, advocacy training and meetings with federal lawmakers. Held on Capitol Hill, the annual event gives vending, micro market, office coffee service and pantry operators an opportunity to discuss issues affecting the industry, including nutrition policy, artificial intelligence, payment systems, workforce challenges and emerging regulatory concerns.