By Carla Balakgie - Other Voices | Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:05 a.m.
I'm seeing the optimism firsthand in the industry my organization represents, convenience services. The convenience services industry — which includes small business owners, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers — delivers a total economic impact of nearly $25 billion to the U.S. economy.
For years, the federal government has applied an estate tax to property transferred at death if the value of the property exceeded the estate tax exemption — about $5.5 million before the recent tax overhaul.
Now it's up to industry leaders to communicate this pro-business message to elected officials — and thank them for enacting business-friendly policies. NAMA is doing just that: On July 25th, NAMA's annual Fly-In will bring more than 300 industry leaders to Capitol Hill to praise Congress' work on tax reform and discuss the pressing issues facing small business. More than 200 meetings are planned with members of Congress — on both sides of the aisle.
Carla Balakgie is president and CEO of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), which represents the $25 billion convenience services industry.