LEXINGTON, KY — The National Association of Shell Marketers (NASM) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated Conference & Industry Summit scheduled for September 11-13, 2024. This event will take place at the esteemed Houstonian Hotel, Club, & Spa, located in the heart of Houston, Texas.

Known for its commitment to fostering excellence amongst Shell-branded fuel marketers, NASM is set to host an exceptional gathering of industry leaders, marketers, and associates for this three-day event.

The Conference & Industry Summit promises to be a valuable experience, featuring:

Cutting-edge Insights: Participants will delve into the latest trends, innovations, and advancements driving the dynamic landscape of the fuel industry.

Top-tier Networking: Attendees will have exclusive opportunities to connect with industry thought leaders and peers, cultivating invaluable relationships and collaborations.

Expert-led Sessions: Engaging workshops, panel discussions, and keynote addresses will provide insights and knowledge to enhance attendees' Shell-branded business.

Exquisite Venue: The luxurious Houstonian Hotel, Club, & Spa will provide an elegant and sophisticated backdrop for the gathering.

"We're excited to be hosting this event again in 2024. As in years past, we’ll be bringing together industry experts, fuel marketers, and suppliers to share insights, network, and engage – all while enjoying a beautiful property in the heart of Houston," said Natasha Pitcock, Executive Director at NASM.

Mark your calendars for September 11-13, 2024, and join us in Houston for an unparalleled experience at the Conference & Industry Summit. Further details, including keynote speakers and registration information, will be announced soon.

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or more information about the event, please contact Natasha Pitcock at natasha.pitcock@nasmonline.com or (859) 554-3175.

Stay tuned for updates and announcements by following us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nasmonline

X: https://twitter.com/NASMonline

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-shell-marketers-page

About NASM

The National Association of Shell Marketers, Inc. (NASM) is a brand-specific trade association which represents the interests of those companies which have wholesale supply contracts with Shell Oil, its licensees, or its branded marketers. NASM provides Shell marketers with access to valuable legal services and educational programs; maintains a dialog with Shell on behalf of members; and engages in public policy advocacy on behalf of petroleum marketers through communications with federal agencies, the U.S. Congress and other petroleum industry associations. Visit NASM at https://nasmonline.com. 

To: Natasha Pitcock, National Association of Shell Marketers

From: Al Alfano

Re: Status of Visa/MasterCard Swipe Fee Claims Process

As you have most likely heard, the Settlement Administrator in the Visa/MasterCard swipe fee antitrust litigation has begun mailing claim forms to millions of potential claimants to the $5.4 million settlement fund (the “Fund”).  The Fund includes the proceeds of a settlement of the litigation, which claimed that merchants paid excessive fees to accept Visa and MasterCard transaction cards in violation of the antitrust laws.

The Settlement Administrator began mailing claim forms on December 1, 2023 and will continue sending the forms for most of December.  Because of the large number of claim forms being sent, claimants may not receive a form until late December 2023 or January 2024.  The Administrator urges potential claimants to be patient and wait to receive a form which will assign the claimant a Claimant ID and allow for online filing.  The claims deadline is May 31, 2024.

Reports suggest that between 12 and 18 million businesses across the United States that accepted Visa and MasterCard payments between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019 are eligible to claim a share of the Fund.  NASM is concerned, however, that thousands of major oil company branded retailers may not be recipients of a claim form, and that they may be declared ineligible because they are deemed “indirect” payers, meaning that their major oil company supplier is recognized as the party that paid the interchange fees that formed the basis for the lawsuit.  Under this theory, branded retailers who reimbursed their suppliers for the fees would not qualify as claimants.  As previously reported by NASM, a Special Master has been appointed by the court to hear appeals from denials of eligibility, such as claim denials based on the alleged status of branded retailers as indirect payers.

If you receive a claim form in the mail, fill it out and return it to the Settlement Administrator in accordance with the instructions on the form using the assigned Claim ID number.  If your claim is denied, you will be able to bring it before the Special Master for review.  If you do not receive a form, you can access the settlement website below and enter your Tax ID number (TIN) to find out whether the Settlement Administrator considers you eligible. http://www.paymentcardsettlement.com/en/Login.  While we have yet to gotten a hold of the procedures to be utilized by the Special Master, a determination of ineligibility obtained by accessing the above-referenced login information should be sufficient as a denial of your claim to warrant an appeal to the Special Master.

If your claim is denied on the ground that you are an “indirect payer,” and you wish to lodge an appeal, you may want to first seek guidance from your attorney, although you are free to file your appeal without attorney assistance.  The primary basis for any such appeal would be that you are, in fact, a direct payer of the interchange fees paid on each card transaction.

NASM will keep you updated on developments in the claims process as they occur and as the information (now a bit murky) become more clear.

AMA:bdw