ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NACS needs your input for its annual State of the Industry (SOI) report, the most comprehensive analysis of the convenience industry's performance and premier benchmarking resource.

Retailers who participate in the SOI survey will receive a complimentary copy of the NACS 2007 State of the Industry report and Fact Book CD-ROM. Also, retailers who provide data will be entered into a drawing with the grand-prize being a trip for two including airfare and accommodations to the NACS Show 2007 in Atlanta.

NACS retail members are also encouraged to submit data for the SOI report and participate in the store-level survey. Preparation is already underway and the wheels are turning to include several enhancements to this year's report.

To make the SOI as useful as possible for benchmarking purposes, NACS intends to increase the store sample size and enable regional views of the data, as well as the best benchmarks on category and subcategory trends. More exhibits will be prepared using same-firm data, which will provide better year-to-year comparisons. In addition, motor fuel trends will provide an in-depth analysis, as there was extreme volatility during 2006 that is expected to continue for 2007.

The deadline to submit data is March 12. Retailers can download an electronic version of the survey forms. 
 
Questions about the SOI survey process may be directed to Bob Swanson at (703) 518-4219 or e-mail rswanson@nacsonline.com.