In 1966, two men, John D. Heater and Nelson E. Matthews, met on occasion and discussed by telephone, the need for a state association to represent and to offer needed services to the West Virginia petroleum marketer.

They fervently agreed, after much deliber- ation, that the formation of such an association was a must.

Inspired by their decision, the two men, filled with the zeal and ardor, enthusiastically set forth on their mission.

It came as no surprise to John Heater and Nelson Matthews that marketers sharing their enthusiasm, and equally eager to form a petroleum wholesalers association, were close at hand. As a result, the first board of directors was born. The first board of directors included:

■ A. S. Bailey, McDowell Gas and Oil Company

■ R. H. Bowman, Bowman Distributing Company

■ George B. Chambers, Chambers Oil Company

■ A. W. “Pete” DeLung, DeLung, Inc.

■ Harry W. Gilbert, Jr., American Accessories, Inc.

■ John D. Heater, Heater Oil Company

■ W. H. Johnson, Bowman Distributing Company

■ Harold W. Kisner, Community Oil Company

■ Rush A. Krodel, Krodel, Inc.

■ H. C. “Kit” Lewis, Jr., H. C. Lewis Oil Company

■ Nelson E. Matthews, Matthews Brothers Wholesale

■ David H. Wallace, Kanawha Valley Oil Company

■ Francis “Skeets” Farley, Executive Director

The West Virginia Oil Jobbers-Distributors Association was then formed with the proposition in mind of promoting the interest and welfare of those engaged in the wholesale marketing and distribution of petroleum products in West Virginia.

In September 1984, the Association changed its name to the West Virginia Petroleum Marketers Association (WVPMA). The motivation for the name change stemmed from the lack of understanding and misunderstanding of the terms “jobber” and “distributor”. They felt that the new name clearly stated who the members are and what they do.

In December 1984, the Board of Directors approved the formation of a convenience store association as a division of the WVPMA. The board felt that because one- third of the members also had convenience stores that this was a good fit for them. The two groups became the West Virginia Petroleum Marketers Association and West Virginia Association of Convenience Stores. These associations were led by first Skeets Farley and then David Haines each acting for many years as Executive Director. In May 1993, Jan Vineyard took over leadership of the associations. Jan came from Ashland Oil where she had worked in supply, transportation and sales. In January 1996, in an effort to increase their strength in numbers, the Associations took over the West Virginia Retail Grocers Association. Because of the similarities of the issues that the grocery and convenience store industries face, this was a perfect fit. The new association became known as the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association (OMEGA WV).

On October 1, 2006, OMEGA took over management of the West Virginia Motor Truck Association (WVMTA). At that time, Jan became the president of both OMEGA and the WVMTA.

Over the past 43 years the Association has evolved with the needs of its membership to provide effective representation before federal, state and local government, the legislature, media and the public. With dedicated members and strong leadership, OMEGA will continue serving the needs of all those it represents far into the future.

What We Do

OMEGA was organized to promote and improve the business interests of those engaged in the petroleum marketing, retail grocery and convenience store industries within the state of West Virginia.

This includes:

• Promoting cooperation between the industries through the pursuit of their common interests and goals;
• Increasing awareness of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the industries;
• Lobbying for the passage of laws and regulations favorable to the industries.
• Sponsoring and promoting conventions and trade shows featuring the industries, and providing education and resources to the members.
• Creating and maintaining higher standards for, and policing trade abuses within, the industries;
• Increasing public awareness of industry issues and improving relations between the public and the industries.

Impact

Most OMEGA members are homegrown West Virginia businesses. They employ over 2.5 percent of the state's population - more than 50,000 residents. Employees of member companies blend the fuels, deliver the gasoline, stock the shelves and work the counters - all of which brings comfort and convenience to your life. OMEGA members collect a substantial amount of state revenue and taxes. In fact, more than 12 percent of all state taxes are generated through sales at OMEGA member businesses. In addition, OMEGA convenience and grocery stores collected over $197 million for the West Virginia Lottery through Instant and Online Lottery sales in 2008.

We're Your Neighbors

OMEGA members are not large out-of-state operations. We're hometown employers and entrepreneurs contributing to our communities. OMEGA members annually provide several college-bound West Virginians with financial scholarships. Members also give their money, time and energy to numerous community-service and nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

Community resident, local employer, major taxpayer and civic volunteer OMEGA members play a vital role in our state. OMEGA members - over 250 strong - are working to provide life's essentials to West Virginia: fuel, food and convenience.