Welcome to the first-ever advocacy issue of NACS Magazine.
This issue has two great feature articles on the topic. “Let Your Voice Be Heard” explores advocacy at its most essential: What is an industry advocate, and how can you become one? “C-Store Diplomacy State by State” looks at how retailers can be champions for the industry at the state level.
In The Big Question, Tom Brennan, the chief merchandising officer at Casey’s, describes what being an industry advocate means from his personal standpoint and from the perspective of his company.
Brennan is a graduate of West Point. During our conversation, Brennan drew a connection between serving in the military and serving as an industry advocate. Margins, fees and regulations are important … but they’re not the heart of advocacy. Instead, advocacy is about standing in the public square and being engaged. That’s true for individuals representing the industry and for companies as a whole.
NACS Day on the Hill takes place in March.
In many of Casey’s rural locations, the store manager becomes a sort of de facto mayor, according to Brennan. That prominence within the community creates a strong sense of responsibility for Casey’s, and with that a need to stand up and advocate for Casey’s ability to serve its customers in the best way possible.
Although their specifics may vary, all retailers can relate. As Henry Armour, NACS president and CEO, said at the 2023 NACS Show, the c in c-store has two meanings: convenience and community.
If you’re looking to up your engagement, reach out to NACS. We have many resources to help. Margaret Hardin is our government relations manager and can help get you started.
The c in c-store has two meanings: convenience and community.”
Another highlight in this issue: Our story on the Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association. This behemoth group represents more than 2,000 sites in and around Houston, is expanding its proprietary foodservice brand and has created a c-store concept.
Be sure to check out our annual c-store count. (Quick takeaway: The industry is growing.)
The c-store count is among the many pieces of information presented at the SOI Summit. Here at NACS, we’re gearing up for this annual event, which takes place this year in Chicago, April 3-5. Check out SOI Summit to register. Hope to see you there.