FED up with Credit and Debit Card Swipe Fees

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.

Americans pay the highest card swipe fees in the world every time they use a credit or debit card. The credit and debit card companies collect nearly $79 billion each year in these fees. What’s more, consumers may not even realize they are paying these hidden fees ranging from 23 cents to $4 every time they use their cards. In a society that often chooses plastic over coins and cash, this is simply outrageous, and shoppers should not be forced to pay a penalty for using their debit cards – a card that should be less expensive and faster.

By: Jennifer Hatcher, Chief Public Policy Officer & Senior Vice President, Government Relations <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/photos-for-staff-use/check-out/20161208-fmi-0036_ed_web.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="20161208-FMI-0036_ed_WEB" title="20161208-FMI-0036_ed_WEB" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> Americans pay the highest card swipe fees in the world every time they use a credit or debit card. The credit and debit card companies collect nearly $79 billion each year in these fees. What’s more, consumers may not even realize they are paying these hidden fees ranging from 23 cents to $4 every time they use their cards. In a society that often chooses plastic over coins and cash, this is simply outrageous, and shoppers should not be forced to pay a penalty for using their debit cards – a card that should be less expensive and faster. FMI has launched a digital campaign that shines a light on the clandestine swipe fee practices of banks and credit card companies. We need your help supporting this campaign, engaging associates and customers in telling Congress to keep successful debit reforms and competition in place. The campaign against unfair swipe fees is built around the community, Citizens Against Unfair Swipe Fees. Your voice is critical and needs to be heard! Below are eight steps of how you can be involved: <ol> <li>Visit the website: <a href="http://unfairswipefees.com/">unfairswipefees.com</a>;</li> <li>Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unfairswipefees">Facebook page</a>;</li> <li>Like, comment and share Facebook content;</li> <li>Follow @unfairswipefees on <a href="https://twitter.com/unfairswipefees">Twitter</a>;</li> <li>Use the hashtag #unfairswipefees on your social media posts;</li> <li>Favorite, retweet and comment on tweets; </li> <li>Take a stand and <a href="http://unfairswipefees.com/take-a-stand.html">send</a> a letter to your Member of Congress via the website urging them to oppose big banks taking money from your pockets and trying to reduce competition; and</li> <li>Help educate your customers on how these fees impact their personal finances and grocery prices.</li> </ol> FMI wants to be an ally for you, and we will continue to fight for your businesses and customers on Capitol Hill. We have <a href="http://www.fmi.org/government-affairs/priority-issues/swipe-fee-reform">resources</a> to help you engage your customers in the fight against unfair fees. We appreciate your support of this campaign.

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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.