Pine State and Altria at the Day on the Hill

Gena Canning and Keith Canning, from Pine State Trading Co., with Sarah Knakmuhs from Altria Sales & Distribution enjoy the reception and dinner at the 2011 AWMA's Day on the Hill.

2011 Day on the Hill Dinner

The opening event for the 2011 AWMA's Day on the Hill began with members enjoying a reception and dinner sponsored by Altria Sales & Distribution and that was held at the company’s Washington offices near the U.S. Capitol.

Rep. Nunes Speaks at the 2011 Day on the Hill

Rep. Devin G. Nunes (R-CA), a leader in the effort to slash the federal budget deficit, spoke to AWMA members at the Altria sponsored dinner, Wednesday night at the 2011 AWMA Day on the Hill.

Nearly two dozen convenience distributors from across the nation were poised last week to meet with members of the U.S. Congress and top legislative staffers to express their views regarding key governmental issues that affect their businesses and their families.

AWMA’s Day on the Hill opened Wednesday, May 11 with a reception and dinner sponsored by Altria Sales & Distribution and held at the company’s Washington offices near the U.S. Capitol, and featuring remarks by Rep. Devin G. Nunes (R-CA), a leader in the effort to slash the federal budget deficit.

“We put a very high value on exactly what you are doing here in Washington,” Bruce Gates, Altria’s senior vice president for external affairs, told AWMA members as they prepared for their meetings with lawmakers. “We see this as a very real and very important partnership with you.”

Distributors were also welcomed by AWMA Chairman Keith Canning, Pine State Trading Co., who emphasized the importance of AWMA members taking their message directly to lawmakers at a time when so much is at stake.

“There is nothing better than being here to see the people who are deciding our future,” declared Charlie Casper, Jr., Mydad, Inc., d.b.a., Hardec’s, and AWMA’s Government Relations Committee chairman. “If we weren’t here fighting, we’d be in a lot worse shape than we are.”

Nunes told distributors that America faces serious problems that stem from the massive government deficit. “We have borrowed $1.5 trillion, and that would be enough to buy every acre of farmland in America,” he said. “There are not a lot of ways to get out of that without changing the way Americans view their government.”

One of the points AWMA members will make today during their Congressional visits is their support for repeal of President Obama’s health care reform law. Nunes noted that the House of Representatives approved repeal, but that the Democrat-controlled Senate opposes such action. “It’s going to take a change in the mindset of the American people,” he said.

Anne Holloway, AWMA vice president of government relations, thanked members for participating and making the effort to defend the industry. She also expressed AWMA’s appreciation to Altria for the company’s strong support and for sponsoring the reception and dinner. “We want to continue to collaborate side-by-side on issues of mutual concern,” she said.

“We come to this every year to build relationships with Congress and to discuss our concern about specific issues,” commented Joseph Noorda, Gem State Distributors, Inc. “There are times when we need their help, and it is very beneficial to be here, to express our views, and to protect our businesses and our freedoms.”

Added Jode Bunce, Eby-Brown Co, “We’re here to fight for our rights and to support our industry. It’s important, and it’s as simple as that.”

Key issues to be addressed during today’s Congressional discussions include:

• AWMA’s support for repeal of the health care law, or at least repeal of the requirement that companies with 50 or more employees must provide health insurance for their workers.
• Opposition to the Healthy Lifestyles & Prevention America Act, which would significantly increase taxes on tobacco products – an action that would exacerbate illegal activities involving contraband tobacco products.
• Repeal of the Estate or “Death” Tax. Under current law, death tax relief is set to expire in December 2012. “Immediate, permanent estate tax relief is needed to ensure businesses can make sound economic decisions,” AWMA says.
• Opposition to increased reporting requirements under the PACT Act, which were not intended by the law, but are being imposed by some states.