SIGMA to Take on Nation's Capital

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers will assemble here on July 15-16 for the organization's annual Legislative Meeting and Day on the Hill, held at the Westin Georgetown Hotel.

"Educating Congressional members about issues we face daily is what is needed for motor fuel marketers to be able to grow our business, as well as to ensure that our voice is heard on Capitol Hill," said Tom Gresham, president and CEO of Double Quick Inc. and chairman of SIGMA's legislative committee.

This year's priority issues for SIGMA members include fuel matters, including logistical constraints on supply and the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard; payment systems, including swipe fees and data security; employment matters, such as the Affordable Care Act; and transportation funding.

"Congress has the authority to shape public policies that directly affect our members' ability to compete within the motor fuel industry," Gresham added. "Hearing from motor fuel marketers regarding the effect legislation would have on independent fuel marketers is crucial because if new regulations are set and inadequate funding is allotted, fuel marketers could face serious issues."

Approximately 200 members of Congress will meet with SIGMA members on July 16 to learn about the issues they face as business owners in their communities. Founded in 1958 as the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, SIGMA represents the most successful, progressive and innovative fuel marketers and chain retailers in the United States, according to the organization.

The Fuel Foundation will also hold a special event in conjunction with SIGMA's Legislative Meeting. On July 15, it will host an educational program and dinner. The program topic will be "Flash Focus on the Future of Fueling." Joe Petrowski, current managing director of Mercantor Partners and former Gulf Oil CEO, will moderate the panel presentation and discussion. Panelists include Ron Gale of Key Banc and Michael Johns of BMO Capital Markets.

The panel will focus on the dramatic changes taking place in energy and associated convenience retailing, according to the announcement. Panelists will discuss supply trends and price impact; demand shifts from demographic and technological changes, and government mandates; the latest development for electric, natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell transport and the impact these changes will have on refining, terminal operations, wholesale marketing and retail distribution.

Additionally, panelists will discuss how the market structure will develop in response to these changes, the opportunities for new business activities and how technology can help in meeting the challenges and capturing these opportunities.

The panel presentation and dinner will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Bobby Van's Grill. The program is open to all for $95.

SIGMA established the Fuel Foundation in 2012 to drive change in the fuel marketing industry through research, education and independent studies to promote forward thinking and in-depth analysis on the issues facing fuel marketers each and every day.

Registration information for both these events can be found at www.sigma.org or by calling (703) 709-7000.