Why is it important for retailers to take action now?
First, with Election Day coming, many new legislators will be voted into office. They need to hear from retailers on issues [image-nocss] that impact sales, profits and jobs--including the negative consequences of higher tobacco taxes.
Second, legislators regularly pre-file tax bills. Retailers shouldn't wait until next year to begin contacting them.
Third, nearly all states are facing massive budget deficits. With stimulus funds gone, it's extremely likely that tobacco and other products will be tax targets.
Finally, legislators must be told that no one can afford new taxes, particularly on tobacco products that comprise more than 36% of a convenience store's in-store sales.
It is time to act. Your involvement in the political process and the relationships you build with legislators can have a positive impact and help shape a favorable outcome for your business.
Political involvement is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Remember: You can make a difference.
Following are strategies to help you build and maintain relationships with legislators to assist you not only with tobacco issues, but for other concerns that affect your business:
Send an E-mail or Letter Contact your legislators and share your views and opinions. For assistance, go to www.NoCigTax.com and click on the "Act Now" button to quickly and easily contact your legislators. Let your legislator know that you are an employer in their district and ask them to oppose further tax hikes on tobacco and other consumer-goods products that you sell.
Call Your Legislator Call your legislators' office and leave a message for your legislators telling them what action you would like them to take. To quickly be connected to your legislator's office, use the toll-free number tobacco tax hotline--866-658-8337. This is located on www.NoCigTax.com.
Personal Meeting There's probably nothing more effective than a one-on-one meeting. Call your legislator's office, introduce yourself, tell the legislator or the legislative assistant what you would like to discuss, and make an appointment for a visit. Be prepared for your discussion and make your comments brief and specific. Following the meeting, send a thank-you note and use the note to recap your discussion and key points.
Retail Store Visit Invite your legislator to meet you and your employees at your place of business to discuss issues of importance. Make the visit a photo opportunity. Following the visit, send a thank-you note to recap your discussion and include a copy of the photo.
"Day on the Hill" Event
Participate in your trade association's "Day on the Hill," where you can arrange to meet with legislators at their office at the state capital.Attend a Town Hall Meeting This is a good opportunity to meet your legislator and to express your views and concerns.
Build a relationship with legislators' staff We often need to work through staff members to make appointments and pass messages. Always thank them for their assistance. By taking these simple but powerful steps, you can make a difference in the political process. Remember: Legislators want to hear from you! Be informed and be involved.
Steve Kottak is director external relations-trade marketing for Reynolds American Inc., based in Winston-Salem, N.C. He has been in the tobacco industry for 22 years. Prior to his current role, Kottak held positions in trade marketing and public/government affairs with Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. and British American Tobacco Australia.Agree or disagree? Share your opinion with CSP Daily Newsby emailing cspinquire@cspnet.com.
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