Promoting the Importance of Debit Reforms in Your Networks

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.

Thanks to modern technologies, engaging with customers, friends, elected officials and the media has become much easier, more efficient and more powerful. Retailers can use social media as a powerful driver to share their perspectives on the impact these hidden swipe fees have on their business operations, and we know that for some, these fees constitute one of their highest operating expenses.

<p style="text-align: left;">By: Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, Food Marketing Institute  <br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/unfair-swipe-fees3ce40b0324aa67249237ff0000c12749.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Unfair Swipe Fees" title="Unfair Swipe Fees" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />We live in a transformational time where social media can be used to share information widely, spark conversations on even the most unusual issues, and reach audiences previously outside our reach. We have available tools such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs to share information, news and developments with both our industry colleagues and our customers. We also use these forums to learn what is on the minds of our shoppers. Thanks to modern technologies, engaging with customers, friends, elected officials and the media has become much easier, more efficient and more powerful. </p> <p>In the midst of this time of advancement, Congress seeks to repeal the 2010 debit reforms that have resulted in consumer savings of more than $30 billion. Repeal would remove competition from the debit card networks and increase hidden swipe fees, even though U.S. merchants already pay $79 billion annually, more than any country in the world. </p> <p>Retailers can use social media as a powerful driver to share their perspectives on the impact these hidden swipe fees have on their business operations, and we know that for some, these fees constitute one of their highest operating expenses. To assist FMI members in our collective advocacy efforts on this topic, I created a video we will share via social media. I encourage FMI members to use the tools right at your fingertips to engage in the dialogue about this issue, both on social media and throughout your networks. You too can make a short video to tell your story about how swipe fees have affected you and your business. In addition, contact your <a href="http://foodaction.net/register.aspx?Page=composeletters&AlertID=100">legislators</a> and tell them how important it is to preserve these sensible debit reforms. For more information on debit routing and swipe fees, visit <a href="http://www.unfairswipefees.com/">www.unfairswipefees.com</a>.</p> <center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5c3U6Hv4Tcc" frameborder="0"></iframe></center>

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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.