Handwashing—Essential to Protecting Public Health

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.

Tomorrow is Global Handwashing Day. Yes, you heard it. Handwashing Day. And, it’s not just National Handwashing Day but Global Handwashing Day. Why Handwashing you may ask? Although it may sound simple, handwashing plays an important role in protecting public health throughout the world, whether it’s in grocery store, restaurant, or in a healthcare environment.

By: Ashley Eisenbeiser, MS, CFS, Director Food and Product Safety Programs, Food Marketing Institute <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/handwashing-station4a9a060324aa67249237ff0000c12749.tmb-large-350-.png?sfvrsn=2" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Handwashing station" title="Handwashing station" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />Tomorrow is Global Handwashing Day. Yes, you heard it. Handwashing Day. And, it’s not just National Handwashing Day but Global Handwashing Day. Why Handwashing you may ask?  Although it may sound simple, handwashing plays an important role in protecting public health throughout the world, whether it’s in grocery store, restaurant, or in a healthcare environment.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), poor personal hygiene, which includes handwashing, is one of the 5 major risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness. Moreover, controlling contamination by food handler’s hands is one of the key public health intervention addressed in the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceRegulation/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/UCM374510.pdf">FDA Food Code</a> to protect consumer health. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent foodborne illness.  Handwashing is easy. Just follow these steps: <ol> <li>Wet your hands and forearms with warm running water and then apply soap.</li> <li>Rub your hands together, making sure to scrub: the backs of the hands, forearms, in between fingers, under your hands.  </li> <li>Continue rubbing for 15-20 seconds. No need for a timer, just sing the Happy Birthday song to yourself twice.</li> <li>Rinse your hands under running water.</li> <li>Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.</li> </ol> Food handlers should always wash their hands in a designated handwashing sink. FMI’s comprehensive food safety training program for the retail food industry, SafeMark® offers a number of food safety solutions for retail to help retail employees learn how to keep food safe and protect the health of their customers. <a href="http://www.fmi.org/food-safety/safemark">Click here for more information on SafeMark.</a> The Partnership for Food Safety Education offers a number of resources to promote handwashing. Visit <a href="http://www.fightbac.org/">www.fightbac.org</a> to access these handwashing resources.  For more information on Global Handwashing Day visit: <a href="http://globalhandwashing.org/">http://globalhandwashing.org/</a> Remember, when it comes to food safety, the best protection is prevention. Happy Global Handwashing Day!

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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.