Amy Toner - Contributors

Toner markets NATSO products, services and meetings. She is the content editor of NATSO's core websites, Stop Watch magazine and Highway Business Matters biweekly articles. In addition, she provides creative services across all departments. Toner joined NATSO in 2006. Prior to joining the association, she served as director of member- ship services at an association for ambulatory surgery centers. Toner lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband.

Items contributed by Amy Toner

Final Week to Apply for Bill Moon Scholarship

The NATSO Foundation is accepting applications for the 2013 Bill Moon Scholarship until next Wednesday, May 1. All truckstop and travel plaza owner/operators, their employees and their families are eligible.
Kent's Korner: Big Company Best Practices, Small Company Charm in S.C.

South Carolina-based Garvin Oil has the best practices of a large company and the speed, flexibility and southern hospitality of a small company.
Nominate a Truckstop Superhero

The NATSO Foundation has created the Truckstop Superhero award to recognize those truckstop and travel plaza employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. When you know of, witness, or experience an exceptional act of kindness or courtesy by a travel plaza or truckstop employee, please take the time to fill out and submit the Truckstop Superhero Nomination Form.
NATSO Training Manual Now Available

NATSO now offers a Truckstop and Travel Plaza Training Manual. The manual, which is available at a discounted rate to NATSO members, is designed to help operators create their own store- and company-specific operations training manual.
One Week Remaining to Reserve Hotel Room for DOH

NATSO members planning to attend NATSO’s Day on Capitol Hill May 6 - 8 have one week remaining to make room reservations at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. NATSO's special rate of $359 expires April 8.
Cars, Carrots and Christian Faith in Glenrio, N.M.

Russell’s Truck and Travel Center 2 has it all—a business built on Christian values, a one-in-a-million car museum, a family of owners skilled in grocery items and even a director of operations that sleeps on location.
The NATSO Show Recap

Key leaders in the travel plaza industry and their suppliers came face to face at The NATSO Show 2013 in Savannah, Ga., in February, exchanging ideas and uncovering new solutions to improve their operations and plan for the future.
Travel Plaza and Truckstop Industry Convenience Product Trends

A dose of the quarterly analysis of weekly purchases of travel plaza and truckstops served by McLane.
Bill Moon Scholarship Awards Raised to $5,000

The NATSO Foundation Bill Moon Scholarships have been increased to $5,000. Five $5,000 scholarships now will be awarded this year.
Register to Take Home Business Ideas from Europe to Improve Your Bottom Line

For the third year, NATSO is partnering with Insight to offer NATSO members a phenomenal learning trip to Europe. This year's International Study Tour, Sept. 22 - 27, begins in Amsterdam with hosted retail study tours and ends in London with the ‘Future of Convenience’ conference and exhibition.
A Day in the Life of a Truckstop Operator: Mark Russell

Industry suppliers know that understanding their customers increases service levels in addition to profits. While no two days are ever exactly the same for truckstop and travel plaza operators, Highway Business Matters sat down with Mark Russell, director of operations for Russell’s Truck and Travel Center 2, near Amarillo, Texas to learn about a typical day.
Presentations Available for Attendees of The NATSO Show

For a limited time, The NATSO Show presentations will be available for viewing and downloading on NATSO's website here.
Truckstop Merchandise Purchases Up 6% Vs. 2011

The total merchandise purchases per week per travel plaza and truckstop were up 6% for all of 2012 compared to 2011 according to the 4th Quarter 2012 McLane-NATSO Foundation Index. Total travel plaza and truckstop convenience purchases from McLane averaged $16,545 per week during 2012 versus $15,616 in 2011.
Industry Vendors: We'll See You at the Show

In a matter of days, industry suppliers and truckstop operators will come together under one roof for The NATSO Show 2013. Take a look at our quick tips to help you make the most of your time at the show.
Get the Latest on The NATSO Show in the Official Show Guide

Don't wait for your mail to arrive to get the latest scoop on The NATSO Show. View the Official Show Guide virtually.
Geo. H. Green Oil Company Raised $26,000 for Charity

The Wyatt brothers, co-owners of the Geo. H. Green Oil Company of Fairburn, Ga., raised more than $26,000 in just 27 days, a 4 percent increase over last year, in the company’s annual fund raising drive.
Participate in the NATSO Foundation Golf Tournament

A limited number of registrations are now available for the NATSO Foundation Golf Tournament that will take place at The NATSO Show. Individual registration can be submitted using theIndividual Golfer Form.
Preparation for the Facilitation Session at The NATSO Show

The NATSO Show attendees that plan to attend the Fundamental Leadership Skills: Facilitation educational session at The NATSO Show have homework. Session facilitator Jeffrey Cufaude of Idea Architects has prepared a video for attendees that provides techniques for engaging other people’s best contributions.
Truckstop Merchandise Purchases Up 6%

The total merchandise purchases per week per travel plaza and truckstop were up 6% versus 2011 (excluding cigarettes) according to the 3rd Quarter 2012 McLane-NATSO Foundation Index. Cigarette purchases per week per travel plaza and truckstop were up 5% in the first nine months of 2012.
Jim Haslam, Founder of Pilot Corporation, to Receive Hall of Fame Award at The NATSO Show

James A. "Jim" Haslam II, founder of Pilot Corporation and chairman emeritus of Pilot Flying J, will receive the association’s Hall of Fame award at The NATSO Show in Savannah, Ga., Feb. 2-6.
Stop Watch Magazine Seeks Sources on Upselling

NATSO is interested in talking with operators who have developed upselling programs for an upcoming issue of Stop Watch.
The NATSO Show Features Session on Human Trafficking Issue

The NATSO Show will include a session on how the trucking industry and truckstops can work together to combat human trafficking.
The NATSO Show Hotel Discounts Expire Soon

Discounted hotel rooms for The NATSO Show end on Jan. 11, leaving just a few weeks for truckstop and travel plaza attendees to secure their discounted rooms.
Exhibit at The NATSO Show to Reach Truckstops Visited by Thousands of Professional Drivers Daily

NATSO members Are visited by thousands of professional drivers daily.
New Session Added To The NATSO Show on Biodiesel

The NATSO Show will include a session on how to make biodiesel profitable at your travel plaza.
Four More Ways to Connect with Operators Before and During The NATSO Show 2013

Perhaps the most important fact about exhibiting at trade shows is that successful trade show experiences require targeted, effective pre-show marketing and promotions. Exhibitors and sponsors cannot just show up and expect attendees to run to their booth. Here are four more ways to market your participation in The NATSO Show.
The NATSO Show Early-Bird Discount Ends Friday

Invest in your truckstop and travel plaza by attending The NATSO Show, Feb. 2-6 in Savannah, Ga.
NATSO Webinar: Emergency Preparation and Recovery

Join NATSO’s free webinar to learn the numerous ways you can and should prepare foremergencies.
Today Last Day To Be Included in The NATSO Show Guide

TODAY is last day to be included as an exhibitor in the Official Show Guide for The NATSO Show.
NATSO Show Features Fuels Study for Trucking

During The NATSO Show, leaders from the National Petroleum Council’s study on Future Transportation Fuels will provide an overview of the study's findings and present publicly for the first time an in-depth review of the future of fuels for the heavy-duty trucking industry.
Five Ways to Increase Your Success Before The NATSO Show 2013

Five ways to market your participation in The NATSO Show.
Education Announced for The NATSO Show

18 educational opportunities have been crafted to help NATSO members improve their business operations today and make innovative business decisions that will lead them into the future.
Reserve a Booth at The NATSO Show by Dec. 5

Vendors that reserve a booth for The NATSO Show by Dec. 5 have the opportunity to take advantage of a number of pre-show marketing opportunities. Successful trade show experiences require targeted, effective pre-show marketing and promotions.
NATSO Show 2013 Registration Open; Feb. 2-6 Savannah, Ga.

Registration is now open for The NATSO Show 2013.
History, Homemade Food and a Driver Focus in Wapakoneta, Ohio

A history-packed past, made-from-scratch food and an emphasis on customer service keep customers flocking to L.G. Truckers City dba TA Wapakoneta in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
How Do You Combat Shrinkage in Your Store?

By far our best asset protection is our employees.
Exhibit at The NATSO Show to Reach NATSO Members

Exhibit at this well-attended annual trade show and have access to NATSO member travel plaza and truckstop owners and operators.
PingHd, Digital Sign Provider, To Offer Webinars

NATSO allied member Ping HD is offering three webinars.
Top 5 Reasons to Exhibit at The NATSO Show

Increase awareness of your brand/establish a presence in the travel plaza and truckstop industry at Tje NATSO Show.
Slideshow: Creative Displays Direct Traffic & Create Atmosphere

NATSO operators submitted pictures of some the creative displays they are using to Stop Watch magazine.
How Do You Keep Your Management Interested in the Business?

NATSO independent operators share how they keep their management interested in the business.
When Everyone Is Going Small, Dad’s 113 Travel Center Goes Big

Dad's 113 Travel Center embraces the mantra go big or go home.
Stop Watch Magazine Gets a Fresh New Look

Stop Watch editor, Amy Toner, explains how the magazine derived its fresh new look.
McLane-NATSO Foundation Index Reports Total Merchandise Purchases Down 1%

The McLane-NATSO Foundation Index is produced quarterly and offers NATSO members the opportunity to compare their weekly convenience store purchases with travel plazas and truckstops convenience stores served by McLane.
Effectively Participate in the AMBER Alert Program

The NCMEC and the NATSO Foundation have prepared a list of frequently asked questions.
Nominate a Leader to the Hall of Fame

The NATSO Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2013 NATSO Hall of Fame award until Aug. 31, 2012.
Week and a Half Left to Meet UST Operator Training Requirement

The deadline for truckstop or travel plaza operators of underground storage tank (UST) systems to complete federally mandated underground storage tank UST operator training is next week on Wed, Aug. 8.
Two Months to Meet UST Operator Training Requirement

The deadline for truckstop or travel plaza operators of underground storage tank (UST) systems to complete federally mandated underground storage tank UST operator training is just two months away on Aug. 8.
House Approves H.R. 8 to Extend 2001 and 2003 Tax Rates

The U.S. House of Representatives last week voted 256 to 171 in favor of H.R. 8, the “Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act,” which would extend the 2001 and 2003 tax rates through 2013.
Tips for Making the Most of NATSO's International Study Tour

Dan Alsaker of Broadway Truck Stops last week shared his tips for preparing for NATSO’s International Study Tour with NATSO's blog.
One Month Left to Meet UST Operator Training Requirement

The deadline for truckstop or travel plaza operators of underground storage tank (UST) systems to complete federally mandated underground storage tank UST operator training is just one month away on Aug. 8.
Pleased to Meet You

At Roady’s Lucky Deuces Casino, every customer is greeted with a smile.
Midway Truck Stop Thrives in Missouri

With more than a dozen different businesses on 200 acres, Midway Truck Stop in Missouri is an oasis for highway travelers and locals alike, but it hasn’t always been that way.
Rising From the Ashes

Broadway Flying J Travel Plaza Rebuilds After a Disaster.
People Power

Trail’s Travel Center owes its success to a hard-working, friendly staff.
Less is More, Eco Travel Plaza is Busy Conserving Energy

The Eco Travel Plaza is busy conserving energy.
Shaping The NATSO Show Specifically for You

NATSO’s fundamental purpose is to deliver solutions to members’ challenges and achieve the public-policy goals of the travel plaza and truckstop industry.
Create a Plan of Action for Independence Day

Travel plaza and truckstops are uniquely positioned to take advantage of seasonal retail opportunities. We just finished Father's Day and we are onto our next holiday. Are you prepared for the Fourth of July?
Sacramento 49er Travel Plaza Stands Out for Almost 40 Years

To make the Sacramento 49er Travel Plaza in Sacramento, Calif., stand out, President and General Manager Tristen Rust Griffith emphasizes her employees, seeks out innovation and focuses on the travel plaza’s bottom line.
Dip Into Social Media Marketing

Trying something new can be daunting, so we’ve created these lighthearted step-by-step directions to guide you through the process.
Connecting with Members

NATSO’s fundamental purpose is to deliver solutions to members’ challenges and achieve the public policy goals of the travel plaza and truckstop industry.
What piece of technology or technology tools help you?

It also allows me to help our workers fix or resolve computer issues without having to be on-site.
The NATSO Foundation Adopts a New Vision and Bylaws and Elects a New Chairman

The bylaws reflect a new composition of the board members as well as a new mission.
Family, Boots & Politics at the Bridges Travel Plaza

More than 300 drivers come through Bridges Travel Plaza in Cusseta, Ala., every day, and they don’t just come for food and fuel.
All in the Family

How to run a family business successfully
Industry Joins Together to Protect Small Businesses, Jobs

This week the Senate rejected an amendment that would have jeopardized thousands of jobs and businesses.
Four Ways to Increase Your Success Before The NATSO Show

Perhaps the most important fact about exhibiting at trade shows is that successful trade show experiences require targeted, effective pre-show marketing and promotions.
NATSO Announces New Opportunities to Connect with Industry Leaders at The NATSO Show

At The NATSO Show, we're focused sharply on the executives, owners and leaders who run the nation's truckstops and travel plazas.
NATSO Launches Highway Business Matters

Welcome to NATSO's first edition of Highway Business Matters — a brief semimonthly newsletter created exclusively for companies that provide products or services to the truckstop and travel plaza industry!
May Card Spending 'Healthy'

First Data Corp. reports that same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EPT cards and checks at U.S. retail locations rose 7 percent year-over-year.
Great Ideas in Action: Share Your Fourth of July Retail Display

Share your best Fourth of July retail display as part of NATSO’s new Great Ideas in Action.
Truckstop Merchandise Purchases Jump 3 Percent in Q1 2012

McLane/NATSO Foundation Index reports the average purchases per truckstop jumped to $15,600 from $15,100 per week compared with the same three-month period in 2011.
Register to Take Home Business Ideas from Europe to Improve Your Bottom Line

This year's International Study Tour, Sept. 24 - 28, will visit Oslo, London and Paris.
Exhibit Space Available Now for The NATSO Show 2013

Exhibit space for The NATSO Show 2013 is officially open.
Second International Study Tour Planned

“What stands out most from the trip was the opportunity to learn, think, be creative and be inspired by all that I saw and experienced.”
What are the little things you do to improve the appearance of your location?

"We have a full-time maintenance staff, which we call facility attendants. We have them on the inside and outside of the building and have at least two on during a shift."
Big Cabin Travel Plaza Still Thrives after 57 Years

The Franks businesses have survived since 1954 by hard work and determination. As Kathrena shared with Stop Watch, the truckstop business is “long hours, long days, long weeks, but worth it in the end. Just keep dancing as fast as you can."
The NATSO Show 2012 in Photos

Check out pictures from The NATSO Show 2012 to see what we mean.
Final Week to Apply for 2012 Bill Moon Scholarship

2012 Bill Moon Scholarship will be accepted until this Friday, April 13.
NATSO’s New Website

We are constantly inspired and impressed by the innovation and passion you bring to your locations. We tapped into that inspiration and designed this site with you in mind.
UST Operator Training Requirements

UST operators must be trained by Aug. 8, 2012.
NATSO and Renewable Energy Group Biodiesel Webinar

Register for this March 27 webinar to learn from Renewable Energy Group about the status of the biodiesel industry and the 2012 outlook. Get the latest updates regarding quality, the RFS2, federal and state legislation’s impact on positive blending opportunities and more.
Share Your Expertise in Stop Watch Magazine

“What are the little things you do to improve the appearance of your truckstop or travel plaza?”
Get the Latest on The NATSO Show in the Official Show Guide

View the Official Show Guide virtually and use the exhibitor and sponsor list to plan your vendor appointments and learn how to make the most of out the Human Library at The NATSO Show.
NATSO Show Offers Unique Educational Opportunities Designed for Future Success

Attendees will walk away with knowledge on pricing structure options, the forecast of DEF and much more in this session designed to make independent operators savvy DEF sellers.
Attend the Pinnacle of Social Activities at The NATSO Show

The NATSO Foundation Fundraiser and The NATSO Show offer the best networking opportunities you'll find all year with operators who know your industry inside and out.
Focus on Ahead-of-the-Curve Trends at The NATSO Show

2012 is shaping up to be a momentous year for the trucking industry. The highway funding bill, truck driver shortage and hours-of-service regulations are just a few of the issues hanging in the balance for trucking fleets.
New Educational Opportunities at The NATSO Show

Attendees of The NATSO Show will have the option to attend three breakout sessions Monday afternoon in the first block of breakout sessions.
The NATSO Show Features Innovations from Around the World and The Outlook of Fuel

This year's NATSO Show is packed with keynote sessions led by innovative experts focused on ahead-of-the-curve trends. Monday, Feb. 20 brings two keynote sessions that operators won't want to miss.

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