Vermont Vending Association Hosts First Annual Legislative Day At State Capitol

MONTPELIER, VT -- The Vermont Vending Association held its first annual Legislative Day on Mar. 24 at the state capitol building in Montpelier. Association members educated legislators about the vending industry and its contributions to the state's economy and provided sample bags, with a selection of popular vending products, to more than 180 legislators and staff.

A major thrust of the group's message was VVA's commitment to preserving consumer choice by providing consumers with a variety of traditional snacks and beverages, as well as requesting that the vending industry be exempt from Vermont's Meals and Room Tax, which was passed in 2015. This tax is paid when purchasing meals or alcoholic beverages served in bars and restaurants, and when renting a room.

"The VVA members have been interested in engaging with our state legislators for quite some time, to showcase all aspects of the industry that our members are involved," said VVA president Glenn Randall of North Country Vending (St. Johnsbury, VT). "We hope that this legislative event will become the standard for VVA by serving the dual-purpose of showcasing our industry and providing a key opportunity to educate our elected officials on our efforts. Its success is a testament to our vision to ensure that our industry is on the radar of our key decision-makers."

KICKOFF:Gathering at first annual Vermont Vending Association Legislative Day, from left, are Eric Dell, NAMA's senior VP of government relations; Scott Allan, Allan's Vending (White River Junction, VT); Glen Randall, North Country Vending (St. Johnsbury, VT); Brent Farrell and Greg Blunt, Vitality Vending (Essex Junction, VT); and Ed Wilson, Wilson's Amusements and American Vending (Morrisville, VT).