FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2026
Main Street Competition Coalition Announces Major Expansion
First-of-its-kind business-backed advocacy organization aims to restore competitive markets for independent businesses and agriculture producers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a coalition of trade associations, agricultural producers, and industry leaders announced the formal expansion of the Main Street Competition Coalition (MSCC) into a permanent 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. The cross-sector alliance is dedicated to restoring competitive fairness across the American economy by challenging the market power abuses squeezing Main Street.
The MSCC is the first business-backed advocacy organization built specifically to take on market power through antitrust enforcement and to fight policies that entrench the dominance of incumbent corporations. From under-enforcement of the antitrust laws and regulatory capture at the agency level, to systemic barriers that block legal recourse, independent businesses have lacked the infrastructure to fight back against rising monopoly and oligopoly across the economy. The MSCC changes that by serving as a permanent bridge between the small, mid-sized and even large businesses and agriculture producers experiencing these abuses, and the elected officials and enforcers positioned to address them.
Originally formed in 2021 to reinvigorate enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act, the Coalition – a collection of business trade associations – has delivered concrete results over the past five years, most notably the renewal of Robinson-Patman Act enforcement at the FTC, and building a growing bipartisan coalition of supportive policymakers on Capitol Hill and at the state level. Now, with a formalized structure and expanded mission, the MSCC is positioned to confront the dominant conglomerates that stifle competition, inflate consumer prices, and threaten the survival of independent businesses and farmers anchoring communities across America.
“At its heart, this is a fight for the survival of independent businesses and producers that make up the backbone of the American economy,” said Chris Jones, Executive Director of the MSCC. “When a handful of massive corporations control entire supply chains, they squeeze out the competition, rig the marketplace in their favor, and ultimately harm American consumers. We’re here to restore a level playing field where competition, not market power, determines success.”
To highlight the real-world impact of these market imbalances, business leaders from across the country shared their perspectives:
From the Grocery Aisle: “Independent grocers are the lifeblood of our food system, but we’re being squeezed by discriminatory pricing that favors the biggest players,” said RF Buche of Buche Foods, an independent grocer from South Dakota. “By restoring enforcement of laws like the Robinson-Patman Act, we can help ensure that fresh food remains affordable and accessible for every neighborhood, regardless of income level or zip code.”
From the Farm Gate: “Farm input suppliers blame high prices on whatever the latest geopolitical shock is, but the real reason is staring us in the face: it's lack of antitrust enforcement,” asserts Lance Lillibridge, a Vinton, Iowa row crop farmer and beef cattle producer.
From the Pharmacy Counter: “In many parts of America, community pharmacies are the only option for obtaining medication,” said Kristen Riddle, National Community Pharmacists Association President and owner/operator of American Home Pharmacy in Arkansas. “Middlemen and massive PBMs are driving up drug costs and pushing local pharmacies to the brink. We’re joining this fight to protect our patients’ wallets and their health.
On May 14, 2026, the MSCC will hold its official launch event in Washington, D.C. from 8-11am, bringing together independent business leaders from across grocery, pharmacy, agriculture, and the legal community. The event will introduce the Coalition's leadership, policy agenda, and 2026 priorities. The updated MSCC will also unveil its first major call to action, by presenting the Coalition's vision for how the Trump Administration can promote affordability through stronger antitrust enforcement. Press, policymakers, legal practitioners, affected industries and prospective members are encouraged to attend.
Space is limited. To register for the May 14th event or to learn more about the Coalition’s mission, visit mainstreetcompetition.com or contact info@cenmarkstrat.com.
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About the Main Street Competition Coalition
The Main Street Competition Coalition is a 501(c)(4) public interest organization founded to confront market power imbalances affecting independent businesses and agriculture producers across the American economy. A bipartisan, cross-sector alliance, the MSCC advocates for stronger antitrust enforcement, fights regulatory capture, and develops policy solutions to restore competitive fairness. The Coalition was founded by the National Grocers Association and the National Community Pharmacists Association. For more information, visit www.mainstreetcompetition.com
Media Contact:
Chris Jones
