Breaking Down SQF Certification

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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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.

The new infographic 8 Steps to SQF Certification breaks down the ins-and-outs of how to become SQFI certified, but we thought some more resources wouldn’t hurt. Here are some added details behind each step.

By: Sarah Malenich, Senior Manager for Sales & Marketing, Safe Quality Food Institute <a href="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/8-steps-to-certification.jpeg?sfvrsn=0"></a><a href="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/8-steps-to-certification.jpeg?sfvrsn=0"><img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/8-steps-to-certification.jpeg?sfvrsn=0&MaxWidth=300&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=D7D66800E2C5495A617C511F30120FD2" data-displaymode="Custom" alt="8 Steps to Certification" title="8 Steps to Certification" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" data-method="ResizeFitToAreaArguments" data-customsizemethodproperties="{'MaxWidth':'300','MaxHeight':'','ScaleUp':false,'Quality':'High'}" /></a> The new infographic 8 Steps to SQF Certification breaks down the ins-and-outs of how to become <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/">SQFI certified</a>, but we thought some more resources wouldn’t hurt. Here are some added details behind each step. 1. Learn About the SQF Code There are several ways to learn the SQF Program and how to implement it successfully you’re your business. The following options are available: <ol> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Attend an SQF Information Day; a day-long, in-person informational seminar designed to introduce food suppliers at all levels of the food chain to the benefits of food safety and quality certification.  Dates and locations are still be solidified.  Check <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/events">www.sqfi.com/events</a> for updates.</li> </ul> </ol>  Attend an on-site “Implementing SQF Systems” training course through a <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/forms/membership/TrainingDirectoryPublic/searchLogos?action=Search">licensed SQF Training Center</a>; <ol> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Take the <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/training-centers/online-courses/">online “Implementing SQF Systems” training course</a> provided by Alchemy;</li> <li>Train yourself by utilizing the <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/documents/">SQF documents</a> available for free on our website;</li> <li>and/or take the “Implementing SQF Systems” <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/training-centers/online-exams/">online examination</a>.</li> </ul> </ol> 2. Register Your Company with our <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/suppliers/assessment-database/new-users/">Assessment Database</a> The registration fee for our Assessment Database is based on the gross sales of a company. <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-Reliance-Registration-Fee-Structure.pdf">Click here</a> to view our current registration fee structure. 3. Designate an Employee as the SQF Practitioner This individual will serve as your company’s internal expert on SQF. Further information on the requirements for an SQF Practitioner can be found in sections 2.1.2.4 and 2.1.2.5 of the SQF Code, Ed. 7.2. 4. Choose Your Level of Certification There are three levels of certification for the SQF standard. Level 1 is mainly for low risk products and it incorporates fundamental food safety controls. Level 2 is a certified HACCP food safety plan that is benchmarked by GFSI. Level 3 is a comprehensive implementation of safety and quality management systems that incorporates Level 2. In many cases, a supplier’s customer has already designated a minimum level of certification. 5. Obtain Proposals from SQF Licensed Certification Bodies <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/forms/membership/CertificationDirectoryPublic/searchLogos?action=Search">Contact a licensed Certification Body</a> directly to obtain quotes and details on the SQF certification audit. 6. Conduct a Pre-Assessment (Optional) Either an SQF auditor or your SQF Practitioner can identify the “gaps” between your program and the desired level of SQF certification. 7. Choose a Certification Body and Schedule an Audit Use the <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/forms/membership/CertificationDirectoryPublic/searchLogos?action=Search">licensed Certification Body directory</a> to find a Certification Body that can conduct an audit in your country. 8. The Certification Body Conducts Initial Certification Audits: <ol> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Document review</li> <li>Facility assessment</li> </ul> </ol>

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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.