CAVC AND AAMC HOLD THIRD SUCCESSFUL COMBINED ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

For the third year in a row, the California and Arizona state vending councils combined their annual meetings into one location in September at Temecula, CA. The shared site once again resulted in high attendance and mutual benefits for both councils.

The councils hosted a special Educational Summit this year on the first day of the meeting. Attendees heard presentations on Micro Markets by Jim Brinton, Avanti Marketing, Category Management by Mark Kelley, General Mills, Cashless by Mike Lawlor - USA Technologies, Gary Massey – MEI, Pat Mattingly - Coinco Royal Vendors, John Roughneen - Crane Merchandising Systems. Jerry Scott - Canteen of Coast California and Coffee Trends by Larry Deagon. The Saturday Business Session began with a NAMA update by NAMA Chairman Brad Ellis, followed by a national legislative update by NAMA Senior Director and Council Sandy Larson, recap of upcoming Coffee, Tea & Water Show by Stu Case, the NAMA Chairman for the event, and review of the NAMA Industry Growth Strategy by Pete Tullio, NAMA Vice Chairman. State legislative updates were given by Elaine Arena, Arizona's Legislative Consultant and Jennifer Snyder, California's Legislative Consultant. These were followed by California Senator Joel Anderson, and a presentation "Party Like It's 199Y" on how to market to the Gen Y consumer by Casey Fictum.

CAVC will work for its members by implementing the strategic plan as well as the crucial need to stay involved and be proactive on the numerous state and federal legislative issues. CAVC had legislative success this year by lobbying against and helping to defeat bills AB 727 which would have required that 50% of all products in vending machines on state owned property meet certain nutritional requirements. CAVC also held a very successful Legislative Day in May. Attendees meet with Legislators and lobbied against proposed sugar sweetened beverage taxes.

CAVC Board Meeting members discussed a variety of objectives for next year, including another May 2012 Legislative Day, how to amend the Strategic Plan for the next few years, and begin planning the 2012 Annual Business Meeting that will be held in Arizona for the first time for the combined councils.

CAVC Operator of the Year
Joe and Becky Palazzola, A Matter of Taste

CAVC Supplier of the Year
Suzanne Russell, Crane Merchandising Systems

Arizona Operator of the Year
Ace Vending
Tomdra, Inc.

Arizona Supplier of the Year
Focus 365
Vistar/Vendsource