FMI In the News: Congress should stand with Main Street, not Wall Street

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 following opinion piece by Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of Food Marketing Institute and Peter Larkin, president and CEO of National Grocers Association appeared in The Hill on May 3, 2017.

The following opinion piece by Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of Food Marketing Institute and Peter Larkin, president and CEO of National Grocers Association appeared in <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-budget/331575-congress-should-stand-with-main-street-not-wall-street" target="_blank">The Hill</a> on May 3, 2017.  <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/fmi-in-the-news.tmb-small.png?sfvrsn=f714b06f_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="FMI in the news" title="FMI in the news" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> The local grocer often functions as the anchor to a community.  From providing quality, stable jobs to supporting causes like the local food bank and the youth softball league, grocers drive the local economy, all while providing safe, affordable, healthy foods to their customers. It is this tradition of community engagement and service to the customer that has kept third and fourth generation grocers thriving in an increasingly competitive industry that operates on a razor thin 1.9 percent profit margin annually. The food retail industry that the Food Marketing Institute and National Grocers Association proudly represent provides 4.8 million U.S. jobs and a large economic footprint. As the U.S. shopper evolves, so must the grocery industry. Not only do we see growing competition in the traditional brick and mortar grocery store space, but its presence is also being felt in the online market as well. From the single store supermarket operator to the largest, nationwide chains, grocers must continue to innovate and find efficiencies to compete to earn customers’ return business.  Like others in the retail sector, grocers have seen their costs of doing business rise dramatically over the past several years. One area in which they have been able to recognize some relief and begin to contain costs is in the previously non-competitive debit market. The 2010 debit reforms modestly introduced competition, predictability, and transparency into a market where previously none existed. <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-budget/331575-congress-should-stand-with-main-street-not-wall-street" target="_blank">VISIT THE HILL FOR THE FULL OPINION PIECE </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.