Grocers in Government: Why Advocacy is a Key Ingredient for Successful Business

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.

At the beginning of May, representatives from the grocery industry visited the nation’s capital for our annual supermarket Day in Washington fly-in, which is held in partnership with the National Grocers Association and Food Industry Association Executives. Grocers met with more than 230 congressional offices during an especially timely period in Washington. While a grocer’s day-to-day agenda is ever-changing, debit reform and tax reform were the top issues that members discussed with legislators.

By: Elissa McLerran, Public Policy Communications Manager <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/dayinwashington2017_280-(1).tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=b14d736e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="DayinWashington2017" title="DayinWashington2017" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />At the beginning of May, representatives from the grocery industry visited the nation’s capital for our annual supermarket <a href="http://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/dayinwashington2017,0">Day in Washington</a> fly-in, which is held in partnership with the <a href="http://www.nationalgrocers.org/">National Grocers Association</a> and <a href="http://www.foodindustryassociationexecutives.com/">Food Industry Association Executives</a>. Grocers met with more than 230 congressional offices during an especially timely period in Washington. While a grocer’s day-to-day agenda is ever-changing, <a href="http://www.fmi.org/government-affairs/priority-issues/swipe-fee-reform">debit reform</a> and <a href="http://www.fmi.org/government-affairs/priority-issues/tax-reform">tax reform</a> were the top issues that members discussed with legislators. Meeting with lawmakers and participating in our fly-in events helps give congressional offices firsthand examples of how certain policy decisions can have an impact of your business operations. With the flurry of legislative activity that occurred in the halls of Congress last week, it was an especially critical time to be in Washington.Here's a quick recap of events and discussions at this year's Day in Washington:  Public Affairs Award During Day in Washington, FMI recognized Ellie Taylor, president of the Alabama Grocers Association, with <a target="_blank" href="http://fmi.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=03b48dc865603bf84c48b205e&id=16aedeacf3&e=17d13d1f97">FMI’s 2017 Donald H. MacManus Award</a> for her many years of outstanding leadership and service. Ongoing Legislative Battle FMI has closely followed the preservation of pro-competitive debit reforms since they were first introduced in 2010. The reforms have brought transparency and predictability into the debit routing market, keeping prices low for grocers and customers. However, mid-week, the House Financial Services Committee debated and approved legislation that contains language to repeal the 2010 debit reforms. As the bill makes its way to the House floor, FMI and our merchant coalition partners will use your meetings and messages to continue to<a href="http://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2017/05/03/fmi-in-the-news-congress-should-stand-with-main-street-not-wall-street"> emphasize</a> the importance of the debit reforms and the need to strip the repeal provision out of the <a href="http://financialservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/financial_choice_act-_executive_summary.pdf">“Financial CHOICE Act”</a>. Distinguished guests Meeting attendees heard from Carlos Diaz Rosillo, a policy director in the White House, as he addressed the need for alleviating some of the regulatory burdens the business industry faces. Attendees also heard remarks from <a href="https://www.young.senate.gov/content/about-todd">Sen. Todd Young</a> (R-IN), and <a href="https://buddycarter.house.gov/">Rep. Buddy Carter</a> (R-GA) attended, as well. Grocers’ ability to rise to meet challenges and face them head on, while remaining positive and optimistic, is one to be admired. FMI is grateful for the time that our members spent traveling to Washington to ensure that the industry’s voice continues to be heard in Washington. To stay in the loop with government relations happenings, sign up for the FMI Government Relations <a href="http://www.fmi.org/government-affairs/government-relations-newsletters">newsletter</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.