Advocacy with Impact - CDA's Day on the Hill
Above, attendees take in the views of the Capitol building from Altria's Washington, D.C. offices, where dinner was hosted by Altria Group Distribution Company.
CDA distributor members traveled from around the country to Washington, D.C., May 12-13 for the 2026 Day on the Hill advocacy program – the association’s annual opportunity for members to engage directly with legislators on issues vital to the convenience distribution industry. Attendees participated in policy briefings, heard from seasoned policymakers, toured the Library of Congress, and had an abundance of opportunities to network with peers at the generously sponsored meals – with no shortage of meaningful conversation or delicious food.
View the
video
to the right for a wrap-up of the event.
“Day on the Hill is one of CDA’s most impactful advocacy efforts, giving our members a direct line to lawmakers on the laws and regulations that shape their businesses and communities,” said Richard Owen, CDA president and CEO. “This year was especially meaningful as it was my first Day on the Hill with CDA. I had the opportunity to see firsthand the strength of our membership voice and the difference we can make when we show up together in Washington.”
To the left, attendees enjoy an opening lunch and discussion, provided by PMI U.S.
Attendees covered issues including the 2026 Farm Bill, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204(d) Requirements, FDA’s tobacco regulatory responsibilities and the Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
CDA Chair Andy Plummer, AMCON Distributing Company, emphasized the importance of member engagement during Day on the Hill. “There’s tremendous value in showing up, building relationships, and ensuring our industry’s voice is heard on Capitol Hill. These conversations help lawmakers better understand the real-world impact of the policies they consider,” Plummer said.
The success of this advocacy program was made possible by the generous support of sponsors Altria Group Distribution Company, ITG Brands, Phillip Morris International and Reynolds.
To the right, attendees are able to recharge and enjoy lunch between Hill meetings at the Capitol Hill Club, sponsored by ITG Brands, LLC.
“We are deeply appreciative of the support from our sponsors, whose commitment helped elevate our industry’s voice in Washington,” Owen added. “Working together, we continue strengthening relationships and influencing policies that benefit our members and the customers they serve.”
Don’t miss the next issue of
Convenience Distribution
magazine, featuring an in-depth look at CDA’s advocacy. In the meantime,
click here to view more photos from Day on the Hill.
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Attendees pose before a tour of the
Library of Congress.
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Attendees explore the Library of Congress.
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Attendees prepare for their meetings
with legislators.
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Sen. Mark Kelly (second from left) meets with Ellen Schwartz (left) and Philip Schwartz, Arizona Complete Candy & Tobacco, and Angie Simonetti, CDA.
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Rep. James Comer and a staffer meet with
Ross Haynes, Hardec's, Inc. (left) and
Chrissy Laycock (right), Merchants Grocery
Company, Inc.
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Left to right are Richard Owen, CDA; Carlos Zumarraga, Zuma and Sons Distributors Corp.; Rep. John Rutherford; and René Atayan and Chris Atayan, AMCON Distributing Company.
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A Special Thanks From CDA to All That Attended Day on the Hill
Above, attendees gather before breakfast at the Capitol Hill Club, hosted by Reynolds.
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AMCON Distributing Company
Andy Plummer
Ara Atayan
Chris Atayan
René Atayan
Arizona Complete Candy & Tobacco
Philip Schwartz
Ellen Schwartz
Capitol Distributing, Inc.
Tremayne Arnold
Chambers & Owen, Inc.
David Karr
Core-Mark International, Inc.
Tim Harris
Jaime McLean
Doyles Sheehan
Sean Murphy
Hardec's, Inc.
Ross Haynes
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Import Warehouse, Inc.
Amish Bhatia
Lyons Speciality Co., LLC
Dawn Byrd
MR Williams, Inc.
Lawson Williams
McLane Company, Inc.
Monica Maciag
Merchants Grocery Company, Inc.
Chrissy Laycock
Southco Distributing Company
John Garver
W.L. Petrey Wholesale, Inc.
Garrett Saucer
Will Jackson
Zuma & Sons Distributors Corp.
Carlos Zumarraga
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