NACS is the industry's leading voice in the federal government — the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Throughout the year, NACS Legislative Committee meets several times to identify issues that are relevant to the industry and to discuss how these issues may affect convenience and petroleum retailers. Building upon these discussions, the NACS Board of Directors deliberates the issues, evaluates the merits of NACS engagement and determines the official policy of the association.
The issues that NACS is advocating and monitoring are organized into the following categories:
As credit and debit card transactions represent an increasing share of the convenience and petroleum retailing industry’s transactions, NACS has been actively engaged in a variety of related issues such as outrageous interchange fees (also known as "swipe fees"), unfair credit card operating rules and other issues relating to data security. Read more.
The convenience and petroleum retailing industry sells approximately 80 percent of the gasoline in the nation. In 2008, motor fuel sales represented 75% of the industry’s total sales, but generated only 32% of the industry’s pre-tax profit. NACS is engaged in a number of issues related to motor fuels. Read more.
The number one in-store item for the industry is by far tobacco products. This is also one of the most regulated products that the industry sells. NACS remains a stalwart defender of the industry’s right to sell legal products responsibly and continues to advocate for a level playing field for all channels of trade. Read more.
The convenience store industry employs nearly 1.727 million Americans, and labor and healthcare costs are the largest expense category for the industry. In 2008, labor costs — including wages, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, health insurance and other benefits — were 31.6 percent of gross margin dollars. NACS continues to be dedicated to working with congressional leaders on labor and healthcare issues so retailers can control their costs and not have to make the choice between offering benefits and hiring new employees. Read more.
Convenience and petroleum retailers are subject to a large number of other legislative and regulatory initiatives, and NACS works to ensure that their interests on these issues are well represented. NACS is engaged in a number of issues areas, including healthcare, food safety, menu labeling and tax policy, to name a few. Read more.