Two Weeks In: A New Congress and New Priorities

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.

The world still has two days before the new administration takes office, but the 115th Congress was sworn-in over two weeks ago. Republicans held on to majority control of both the House and Senate, and lawmakers reelected Paul Ryan (R-WI) as Speaker of the House, while Senate Democrats have a new leader in Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) following the retirement of Harry Reid.

By: Steven Harris, Director, Policy Development and Regulatory Compliance, Food Marketing Institute <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/capitol-hill-in-january.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Capitol Hill in January" title="Capitol Hill in January" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> The world still has two days before the new administration takes office, but the 115th Congress was sworn-in over two weeks ago. Republicans held on to majority control of both the House and Senate, and lawmakers reelected Paul Ryan (R-WI) as Speaker of the House, while Senate Democrats have a new leader in Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) following the retirement of Harry Reid. The <a href="https://www.majorityleader.gov/2017-calendar/">House</a> and <a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/resources/pdf/2017_calendar.pdf">Senate</a> calendars suggest that we can expect an ambitious legislative schedule for 2017, but much remains to be seen in how the incoming administration will interact with congressional leadership. Most of the committee assignments have been announced for the new legislative session, and Senate committees of jurisdiction have already begun the process of holding nomination hearings for some of President-elect Trump’s cabinet positions. With its “advice and consent” power, the Senate must approve the incoming cabinet picks with the support of a 51-vote majority. FMI is in the process of surveying its members to ensure that we are accurately representing the industry’s priorities in Washington. These priorities will also help lawmakers better understand which policy decisions will have an impact on the business operations of the food retail industry, an industry that has representation in every state and congressional district across the country. Given the leadership in Washington, we can expect to see legislative action on important yet complex issues like health care and tax reform, among many others. Our portfolio of issues continues to expand, so it is important for you and your company to stay informed. FMI publishes a <a href="http://www.fmi.org/government-affairs/fmi-government-public-affairs/public-policy-updates">government relations report</a> for its members that provides a detailed overview of the public policy developments from the past week. Please sign up for FMI’s <a href="http://www.fmi.org/users_only/mailinglist/MailingListFormPublic/subscriptions">GR Report</a> or one of our many <a href="http://www.fmi.org/government-affairs/newsletters">other policy newsletters</a> if you or a representative from your company wish to receive updates on FMI’s public policy and advocacy work. FMI will continue to represent the supermarket industry in Washington as issues new and old are debated in the halls of Congress and in the regulatory agencies. We look forward to seeing many of you come visit your member of Congress to tell your stories on behalf of the industry. Please join us for <a href="http://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/dayinwashington2017" target="_blank">Day in Washington</a>, May 2-4, 2017 and share your voice on Capitol Hill.  Helpful Congressional Links: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.congress.gov/">Congress.gov</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.senate.gov/senators/leadership.htm">Senate Leadership</a></li> <li><a href="http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/leadership.aspx">House Leadership</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.senate.gov/general/committee_assignments/assignments.htm">Senate Committee Assignments</a></li> <li><a href="http://clerk.house.gov/committee_info/scsoal.pdf">House Committee Assignments</a></li> </ul>

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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.