ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Earlier this month, NACS Grassroots reached a new level of community involvement with the launch of the NACS In Store initiative. The program invites members of Congress to spend a few hours at a local convenience store during their congressional recess, giving the legislators an opportunity to experience what really happens in our industry.

During the visit, legislators are given a tour by store employees and learn first-hand how proposed legislation — such as menu labeling, data security and swipe fees — affects retailers, all under the tutelage and guidance of a NACS lobbyist. In addition, the members of Congress receive an overview of employee training and spend time behind the counter interacting with store employees, serving customers and meeting constituents.

These visits are a unique opportunity to highlight responsible retailing and hear — up close and personal — about issues retailers face on a daily basis. The In Store events help build a stronger relationship and foster more communication between NACS, our member companies and the member of Congress.

The first three In Store events were held in August in Utah and Colorado. The two Utah events were hosted by NACS Chairman of the Board Brad Call and his team at Maverik, an independent chain of more than 250 stores. Representatives Chris Stewart and Rob Bishop each visited a different Salt Lake City-area Maverik store and learned what it’s like to be a Maverik employee, receiving and wearing a nametag and Adventure Guide shirt. 

In Colorado, former NACS Chairman Dave Carpenter and his team from J.D. Carpenter and Companies Inc., hosted Representative Mike Coffman during the morning rush at a 7-Eleven in Centennial.

All events were extremely successful, gaining great attention from the local media. Take a look at some of the excellent news coverage here, here and here, or visit the NACS Facebook page to see photos from the events.  We will host more In Store events throughout the end of 2014, and look for more of the program in 2015.