The Power of the Annual Meat Conference

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Join a Community that Champions, Connects, and Elevates!

Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

For 15 years, the Power of Meat report has been a highly anticipated part of the Annual Meat Conference. For everyone, 2020 was quite a year and for the meat department that was particularly true. As a result, FMI and NAMI decided to break our trend of annual reports to conduct a Midyear Power of Meat.

By: Steve Markenson, Director, Research, FMI <div class="mg-image--circular" style="float: right; margin: 10px;"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/istockphoto-1216688104-612x612.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=79eee715_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Meat Shopper During COVID-19" title="istockphoto-1216688104-612x612" /></div>   For 15 years, the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/power-of-meat-midyear-2020-edition">Power of Meat</a> report has been a highly anticipated part of the <a href="https://meatconference.com/">Annual Meat Conference</a>. For everyone, 2020 was quite a year and for the meat department that was particularly true. As a result,  FMI and NAMI decided to break our trend of annual reports to conduct a <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/power-of-meat-midyear-2020-edition">Midyear Power of Meat</a>. As I wrote in my blog in September, the first six months of the pandemic were quite a rollercoaster for the meat industry: <ul> <li>We had The Ups as the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March with shoppers quickly stocking up on all types of food products. Meat was no exception as meat department sales almost doubled in the first week of the pandemic (compared to the same week in 2019). Consumers were also cooking more meals, trying new recipes, and experimenting with different types and cuts of meat as home prepared meals with meat increased. As we know, the ups were up, but not as much by the end of 2020 and, as FMI reported in <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends COVID-19 Trackers</a>, cooking fatigue started to settle in for Americans.   </li> <li>Then there were The Twists as this sudden surge in demand and the impact of COVID-19 on meat suppliers resulted in a significant tightening of supply. FMI’s <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends COVID-19 Trackers</a> discovered that shoppers found many products out of stock as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain issues. The impact was particularly profound in the meat department as 91% of shoppers experienced out-of-stocks. As a result, most shoppers (75%) made changes to their meat buying habits in the early months of the pandemic, buying more and/or different types of meat. There may be a silver lining here as many shoppers were exposed to different meat products, experimented with different cuts of meat, and became more knowledgeable and confident about meat.   </li> <li>Finally, we had The Turns, as through all the turmoil, the meat department persevered. Many consumers initially said the meat department had done a good job keeping product in supply during the pandemic, ensuring employee safety and maintaining food safety. As we move forward, shoppers are putting more effort in choosing healthy and nutritious options and this includes their meat choices.</li> </ul> At this year’s conference, we will reveal the 16th annual <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/power-of-meat-midyear-2020-edition">Power of Meat</a> report that will take a fresh look at what is happening in the meat industry from the shopper’s perspective. In this tumultuous year that has been full of uncertainty, the insights offered by this report will be especially important as the industry continues to evolve and strive to understand how consumer trends. But the <a href="https://meatconference.com/">Annual Meat Conference</a> is so much more than just the Power of Meat. By attending, you will: <ul> <li>Learn important information about the market outlook, along with the new political and regulatory climate.</li> <li>Discover the latest industry innovations in products and packaging.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Discuss the new future of omnichannel and ecommerce within the meat industry.</li> <li>Receive insights about consumer behaviors and attitudes. </li> <li>Review lessons learned by the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. </li> </ul> There will be also be ample opportunities to network with a cross-section of the industry. For more insights, download the <a href="http://meatconference.com/Midyear_Power_of_Meat_Webinar">Midyear Power of Meat</a> and don’t forget to register for the <a href="https://meatconference.com/">Annual Meat Conference</a> in March.

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.