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Amy Toner

Amy Toner is the Executive Director of the NATSO Foundation. In this capacity, Toner spearheads the Foundation’s education, research and outreach activities. Toner serves as Editor of Stop Watch magazine, spearheads education and speaker selection for NATSO live events and hosts NATSO’s Podcast, The Truck Stops Here. She sets the knowledge strategy, education.

Join Us at Fast Forward Focus 2025

Posted on by Amy Toner

NATSO and the NATSO Foundation’s leadership event, Fast Forward Focus, will be held Oct. 29 – 30, 2025 at the InterContinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport.

NATSO’s Fast Forward Focus is designed to help highway fuel retailers gain insight into how trends are likely to affect their operating environment. At Fast Forward Focus, it is always the interaction among outstanding peers around the room that turns expert information into actionable insights.

We have a terrific lineup of speakers with insights to help travel centers grow their businesses and prepare for what’s ahead planned.

Travel Centers See Increased Competition to Feed Professional Drivers

Posted on by Amy Toner

It is easier than ever for professional drivers to park their tractor-trailer then head off-property for food, which means competition for drivers’ dollars is increasing.

Ideas to combat this trend include:
Consider investing in appealing attractions around the travel center could make it a destination.
To help increase variety for drivers, get creative with their food offerings by adding rotating food trucks or non-traditional QSR offerings.
Offer solutions that get them fresh food quickly such as salad bars, fresh produce and more interesting grab-and-go.

“There is a location outside of Las Vegas that offers a free shuttle to the Strip. That is why drivers stop there,” said Peter Rasmussen, CEO and founder, Convenience & Energy Advisors, who spent time with WaWa before launching his business. “In my WaWa days, we would build parcels with McDonalds and Starbucks. They’re competitors, but it makes that intersection a powerhouse.”

Join Meet-and-Greet with Travel Center Technology Experts

Posted on by Amy Toner

On Thursday, June 12, join the NATSO Foundation and members of the Technology Steering Council for a virtual meet-and-greet. After hearing about each company, you will self-select a Zoom breakout room for a 15-minute demo on their company’s solutions.

The NATSO Foundation Technology Steering Council is a group of technology experts selected for their ability to lead the truck stop and travel center industry on technology issues.

NATSO Foundation Releases Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report

Posted on by Amy Toner

Staying ahead of industry trends—especially microtrends—enables travel centers to seize new opportunities, adapt to market dynamics and meet customer needs proactively.

The NATSO Foundation created the Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report to provide actionable insights to help operators maintain a competitive edge.

The report is available for download for $250.

The Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report was created with generous support from CAT Scale.

Final Weeks to Apply for Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship, Deadline May 1

Posted on by Amy Toner

These are the final weeks to submit a Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship application.

Truckstop and travel center employees and their legal dependents can apply until May 1, 2025. Employees and their legal dependents who have applied or enrolled to an accredited trade school, college or university are eligible.  

Two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded this year.

The NATSO Foundation Thanks Heather DeBaillie for Her Committed Service

Posted on by Amy Toner

Heather DeBaillie, vice president of marketing and operations for CAT Scale Co., recently concluded a three-year tenure as chairperson of the NATSO Foundation, marking a significant milestone in her long-standing commitment to the foundation and the truck stop and travel center industry.

“Heather has been a leading voice in shaping the image of our industry,” said Darren Schulte, interim CEO of NATSO. “Her leadership, vision and dedication have played a crucial role in advancing the foundation’s mission and strengthening our industry’s work.”

Schulte honored DeBaillie during the Opening Keynote at NATSO Connect 2025. In addition to serving as the chairperson, DeBaillie has been an active member of the foundation’s board since 2016, serving in various leadership roles and helping to drive key initiatives.

Please Donate to the NATSO Foundation

Posted on by Amy Toner

As we wrap up 2024, I hope you will consider giving to the NATSO Foundation by making a year-end contribution. 

A foundation gift is a sincere and wholehearted way to give back to the industry.

The NATSO Foundation supports our industry – and our communities – in multiple ways.

NATSO Foundation Creates 11 Ways to Improve Net Operating Costs Toolkit

Posted on by Amy Toner

For travel center and truck stop operators, net operating costs provide insight into their locations’ profitability, efficiency and success, which explains why operators are constantly looking to improve their net operating costs.

The NATSO Foundation created the 11 Ways to Improve Net Operating Costs Toolkit to help operators improve their net operating costs.

Fuel Retailers’ Guide to Ethanol Blending

Posted on by Amy Toner

Ethanol has been around for a long time, but the incentives and the benefits are still going strong. Ginger Laidlaw, vice president of NATSO’s Alternative Fuels Council, and Andrew Falco, market development & analytic manager for Growth Energy, offer their take on what should be considered if you’re thinking about offering ethanol blends for the first time or becoming a new blender.

UK Travel Plaza and Truck Stop’s Unique Travel Center Experience

Posted on by Amy Toner

Sohail Butt, Principal and CFO of University Korner, and his partners are building a cutting-edge truck stop on the I-80 corridor of Pennsylvania. The truck stop, expected to open at the end of 2024, will be a very forward-thinking, inclusive travel center heavily focused on professional driver well-being.

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