BBI Advocates for Industry at the 2024 NAMA Legislative Fly-In

BBI’s commitment to shaping the future of the Convenience Services and Unattended Retail channels was on full display as Vice President of Marketing & Distribution, John Seeberger, attended the 2024 NAMA Legislative Fly-In. 

Held on July 23rd and 24th, this annual event gathered over 150 key stakeholders from across the supplier and operator community, all converging on Capitol Hill to advocate for critical industry issues.

The Fly-In was a pivotal opportunity for industry leaders to engage directly with Senate and House members on pressing topics. One of the primary objectives was to push for unrestricted access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) within the Farm Bill. 

This legislation, reauthorized every five years, plays a crucial role in farming, agriculture subsidies, and rural development, impacting the $111 billion/year SNAP program. By advocating for SNAP’s inclusion in the convenience services industry, BBI and other participants aimed to address hunger across America while simultaneously bolstering the industry’s bottom line.

Another key focus was extending vital small business tax provisions set to expire without Congressional approval. These provisions, originally part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), are essential for the financial health of many convenience services businesses. 

The discussions emphasized maintaining TCJA marginal tax rates, easing the estate tax burden, preserving the 20% deduction on qualified business income for pass-through entities, and reinstating tax provisions like bonus depreciation to drive innovation within the industry.

Before heading to Capitol Hill, attendees received orientation and training on the issues facing the Convenience Services channel, ensuring they were well-prepared to advocate effectively. The day concluded with BBI proudly sponsoring the transportation that carried attendees from the host hotel to Capitol Hill, underlining our dedication to supporting industry collaboration and progress.

BBI’s participation in the NAMA Legislative Fly-In highlights our proactive role in influencing policy and ensuring the continued growth and success of the Convenience Services and Unattended Retail sectors. As we continue to engage with lawmakers and industry leaders, we remain committed to advocating for policies that benefit both our industry and the communities we serve. 

Stay tuned for more updates on our advocacy efforts and the outcomes of this crucial event.