CHICAGO – March 22, 2017 – The Iowa Automatic Merchandising Association (IAMA) recently hosted a legislative day at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. The event was held in conjunction with the IAMA annual meeting.

The legislative day was coordinated by Tim Coonan, Davis Brown Law Firm and IAMA Legislative Consultant, with 17 IAMA members and NAMA’s Sr. Director and Counsel Sandy Larson in attendance. The day began with a breakfast for legislators and staff hosted by IAMA. IAMA members had an opportunity to speak with lawmakers about the convenience services industry and their respective companies. They also provided sample bags with an assortment of snack items and literature about IAMA, the convenience services industry and NAMA’s nutrition program, FitPick.

Following the breakfast, members of the IAMA board of directors meet with Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds. The board members shared information about efforts within the industry to provide better-for-you products to customers and educated the governor and lieutenant governor on micro markets and work that the association had done with the Department of Inspection and Appeals to establish micro market guidelines in the State of Iowa.

“The opportunity to meet with Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds was invaluable,” Larson said. “Members were able to describe the roles their businesses play in the economy throughout the state. This is the fourth year that IAMA members have visited the Capitol. Each year attendance has increased as members realize the value of establishing relationships with their legislators and state leadership that we can build on in the future.”

“Our Legislative day was a huge success for IAMA and the convenience services industry in Iowa,” IAMA President Darnell Huppert said. “The event was very well received by our legislators. Having the opportunity to meet with the governor and lieutenant governor took the event to a new level. Sitting down with them to discuss our industry and issues was very enlightening. They are now more aware of our industry and the role we play in the state of Iowa.”

IAMA held its annual meeting at Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Special guests in attendance included Rod Roberts, Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and Steve Mandemach, Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals, who are working on the micro markets guidelines for the state. Over the years, IAMA has established a good working relationship with the department and look forward to the adoption of micro market guidelines for the state.