[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE NATIONAL 
                   ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the founding of the National Association of Convenience 
Stores (NACS).
  Originally founded in 1961, today NACS represents more than 3,700 
companies that do business in more than 50 countries worldwide.
  The convenience retailing industry in America generates $575 billion 
dollars in sales annually, in its more than 146,000-plus stores across 
the country, and employs 1.73 million Americans. The industry is 
growing steadily as well--sales are more than 13 times higher than what 
they were three decades ago. Cumulatively, the U.S. convenience store 
industry alone serves 160 million customers per day.
  It is convenience stores that keep America's motors running. 
Convenience stores sell 80 percent of all fuel sales in the country, 
and 80 percent of convenience stores sell gasoline.
  While NACS boasts the membership of 49 of the top 50 convenience 
store companies, the majority of its membership consists of small, 
independent operators that own 10 stores or less. More than half of 
convenience stores are owned by single-store operators. NACS helps 
member retailers to grow their businesses, from research and marketing 
to human resources and management.
  NACS also helps to advocate for those issues that are vital to these 
small business owners. From motor fuel policy, to prevention of tobacco 
sales to minors, to the provision of health care for its 1.73 million 
employees, NACS is an industry leader in making sure their voices are 
heard.
  Convenience stores provide a speed of transaction that is 
unparalleled, and the large number of locations limits travel time for 
consumers. Additionally, they are often the only source of food or fuel 
for families outside of normal business hours. The extended hours and 
flexibility of convenience stores mean that they play a vital role in 
the communities they serve and customers are able to quickly pick up 
what they want, when they need it.
  Mr. Speaker, in recognizing the many contributions the National 
Association of Convenience Stores has made to our Nation and to our 
history, I join my colleagues in celebrating the 50th anniversary of 
its founding.

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