PLYMOUTH, Mass. – Visitors to the VERC Enterprises store located at 131 Commerce Way in Plymouth had the chance to say hello to a special guest this week when U.S. Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) paid a visit to the convenience store.
Keating visited as part of a NACS In Store event and met with VERC Enterprises President and CEO Leo Vercollone, also a NACS board member, and Director of Operations and HR Barry Ahern, along with other members of the VERC team. The congressman had the chance to learn more about issues that convenience stores face, including data security, employment and pricing and availability of products. Additionally, Vercollone and Keating discussed VERC’s proactive stance when it comes to hiring developmentally disabled and challenged individuals to staff their stores. VERC has achieved a level of 20% of its staff meeting this standard.
The congressman also met with several of the VERC team including store manager Tony Depina, store employees TJ Ready and Josh Faragi, plus TJ’s parents, John and Barbara Ready.
“It was great to have the chance to talk with Congressman Keating,” said Vercollone, adding, “We greatly appreciate his time, and the efforts of NACS for arranging and planning the visit. We are always glad to have a chance to talk with our congressmen and share our views of the industry with them.”
The NACS In Store program brings convenience and fuel industry retailers, members of Congress and communities together by offering U.S. legislators the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the convenience and fuel retailing industry and local c-store operations.
“NACS has the opportunity to connect our members with their legislators on their home turf, and these events are affecting change on Capitol Hill—not only with regards to how they view issues that affect a retailer’s bottom line, but from an industry image standpoint,” said Kelly Fink, senior director of political engagement at NACS. “Members of Congress who participate in these events have the opportunity to learn how the retailers give back through supporting local sports teams, food banks and significant fundraising activities.”
Fink said that members of Congress who participate in NACS In Store events meet store employees and customers, many who are their constituents, and they get to know their story on a personal level. “Many legislators are amazed that the store-level employees know their customers on a first-name basis, ask about their families, ask how their softball game went last night and know the type of creamer they like in their coffee. This showcases the fact that c-stores are a pillar of their communities. Who doesn’t love to walk into an establishment where everyone knows your name?” Fink added.
To learn more about NACS In Store, contact Kelly Fink, NACS senior director of political engagement.
Pictured (left to right): John and Barbara Ready, Verc President and CEO Leo Vercollone, TJ Ready, U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, Josh Faragi, Store Manager Tony Depina, and Barry Ahern, director of operations and HR.