3 Reasons to Invest in Food Safety Training and 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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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.

There are more than 42,200 items in a grocery store (The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2015). That’s 42,200 opportunities to have a mishap, and it only takes one issue to damage a company’s reputation. Food safety is the hallmark of grocers’ relationships with their customers. The nation’s food retailers do everything to maintain shopper trust. When it comes to food safety, the best protection is prevention, and that’s why food safety training and certification is so important.

By: Gwen Lee, Senior Manager, Food Safety Programs, Food Marketing Institute <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/manager-temp-recording.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Manager Temp Recording" title="Manager Temp Recording" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> There are more than 42,200 items in a grocery store (<a href="http://www.fmi.org/research-resources/the-food-industry-speaks-2015">The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2015</a>).  That’s 42,200 opportunities to have a mishap, and it only takes one issue to damage a company’s reputation.  Food safety is the hallmark of grocers’ relationships with their customers.  The nation’s food retailers do everything to maintain shopper trust. When it comes to food safety, the best protection is prevention, and that’s why food safety training and certification is so important. The <a href="http://www.fmi.org/">Food Marketing Institute</a> offers a unique, retail-specific, food safety training program for the food retail industry.  <a href="http://www.fmi.org/food-safety/safemark">SafeMark</a>® helps companies reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses through in-store retail solutions that focuses on training grocery managers, supervisors and preparing front-line employees for the nationally accredited food manager certification exam.  According to the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, food establishments with Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPM): <ol> <li>Are less likely to have foodborne illness outbreaks. </li> <li>Have better food safety practices.</li> <li>Have better ratings and fewer critical violations on their inspections.</li> </ol> The costs of becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager are far less than the costs associated with foodborne outbreaks.  Outbreaks can result in the loss of customers, sales and reputation; lawsuits and legal fees; higher insurance premiums; and negative media coverage. Food safety training and certification is an investment worth making. Learn more about SafeMark® training for your grocery store at <a href="http://www.fmi.org/Safemark">www.fmi.org/Safemark</a> or learn more about becoming a CFPM through <a href="https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/foodsafety/Pages/landing.aspx">Prometric</a> by watching a recent SafeMark® and Prometric Informational Webinar <a href="http://www.fmi.org/food-safety/food-safety-updates/webinar-recordings-public/2016/09/12/safemark-and-prometric-informational-webinar">here</a>.

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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.