NAMA Names Vending Industry Captains For Washington Fly-In

CHICAGO -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association's government affairs division has named vending industry "captains" who will promote participation in the advocacy event taking place July 21-22 in the nation's capital.

Led by event co-chairs and vending operators Jeff Smith, All Star Services (Port Huron, MI), and Todd Elliott, Tomdra (Tucson, AZ), the NAMA Takes the Hill Fly-In invites all industry members to attend and make their voices heard on Capitol Hill with their Senators and members of Congress.

The captains are:

Amy Bartholomee, Vend Central (Halethorpe, MD)
Carla Variglotti, The Cuyahoga Group (Cleveland)
Chris Hart, Southern Refreshment Services (Tucker, GA)
Elyssa Allahyar-Steiner, Avanti Markets
Kimble Carter, Kimble's Food by Design (LaGrange, LA)
Larry Atnip, Atnip Brokerage (Fullerton, CA)
Mike Kelley, Quality Brokerage Inc. (Turnersville, NJ)
Nicky Gacos, Colorado Café (Jersey City, NJ)
Patrick Moran, Moran Munchies (Whitehouse, TX)
Paul Tullio, Gourmet Coffee Service (Van Nuys, CA)
Pete Tullio, Gourmet Coffee Service (Van Nuys, CA)
Randy Smith, Lightspeed Automation

NAMA reports that its Takes the Hill event has already surpassed its initial attendance goal and stands at more than 80 registered participants, representing 22 states and the District of Columbia. With almost four months until the event, the association anticipates that participation will significantly increase.

"This is a must-attend event for our industry," said Amy Bartholomee of Vend Central. "It is important for the industry to put its best foot forward for this initial event, proving that we are a force in DC and across this country, providing jobs, better-for-you choices for consumers and a large economic footprint."