The Unsung Heroes of Local Communities

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.

While I often witness how the stores I frequent are involved in making a difference in our neighborhood, through the awards, I get to glimpse how the oft-unmentioned kindness of grocers throughout the U.S. can change their neighbor’s lives, proving that grocers are indeed, the unsung heroes of their local communities.

By: David Fikes,Vice President, Consumer/Community Affairs and Communication, Food Marketing Institute  <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/fmi's-community-outreach-awardsbest-practices.tmb-large-350-.png?sfvrsn=5247d6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="FMI Community Outreach Awards Best Practices" title="FMI Community Outreach Awards Best Practices" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />The <a href="http://www.fmi.org/communityoutreach">Community Outreach Awards</a> have become one of the most anticipated and fun annual recognitions at FMI. While I often witness how the stores I frequent are involved in making a difference in our neighborhood, through the awards, I get to glimpse how the oft-unmentioned kindness of grocers throughout the U.S. can change their neighbor’s lives, proving that grocers are indeed, the unsung heroes of their local communities. The heartbreaking photos and news accounts reporting the damage caused by the recent natural disasters have shaken us all – contributing to an increased awareness of the fragility of our world.  In the midst of this unsteadiness, we need a little goodwill to help restore order – both physically and emotionally. FMI’s Community Outreach Awards seek to shine a little light on those all-important acts of benevolence and concern.  Each year, food retailers submit their best practice examples of programs designed to educate and mentor youth; impact the overall health or engagement of a community; or bring a meal to those in underserved areas. Here are a few examples from the 2016 Community Outreach Award Winners: Youth Development Program Award Winner <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/community-awards-nomination-images/cooking-up-change.tmb-small.jpg?sfvrsn=ef0d6f6e_3" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Cooking Up Change" title="Cooking Up Change" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;" />Last  year’s winners, <a href="http://mykidhealthy.org/programs/cooking-up-change/">Northgate Gonzalez Market’s “Cooking up Change</a>” helped high school students from low-income schools transform their school lunch menu; develop valuable culinary arts skills, improve self-esteem, and inspires them to continue their education in culinary arts and nutrition sciences. Since 2012, lunches from Cooking up Change have been integrated into the school food menus in public schools and the program has raised $250,000 to Support Kid Healthy, the Orange County Regional Cooking up Change Contest.   Programs Addressing Food Insecurity Award Winner <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/community-awards-nomination-images/double-up-food-bucks_breton-meadows-dufb-display.tmb-small.jpg?sfvrsn=ad04606e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" title="Double Up Food Bucks - Breton Meadows DUFB display" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;" />The "Double Up Food Bucks" program created by <a href="https://www.shopfamilyfare.com/">Family Fare</a>, a <a href="https://www.spartannash.com/" target="_blank">SpartanNash</a> company, is a public-private partnership administered by Fair Food Network with support provided by federal, state and private sources. For each dollar of fresh Michigan produce SNAP customers purchased an equivalent amount of points will be earned and placed on their yes Card. In 2016, the number of participating stores has more than tripled. Number of customer participation increased 61 percent from August to September. Neighborhood Health Improvement Program Award Winner <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/community-awards-nomination-images/the-great-pantry-makeover-ii_flf_newport_jra8135.tmb-small.jpg?sfvrsn=5b02606e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" title="The Great Pantry Makeover II - FLF_Newport_JRA8135" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;" />In September 2016, <a href="https://www.foodlion.com/in-our-community/food-lion-feeds/?gclid=CjwKEAiAjvrBBRDxm_nRusW3q1QSJAAzRI1tCeXoE1LNPx-Tzjokrf9xWTRfVstFWcZxBdYlfkPachoCE7nw_wcB" target="_blank">Food Lion Feeds</a>' Great Pantry Makeover program transformed 38 food pantries in its 10-state footprint in 30 days. Food Lion mobilized its community to eliminate hunger by providing 1.7 million meals in total and more than 1,400 volunteer hours by renovating facilities, providing equipment and stocking pantries.  “People’s Pick” Social Media Award Winner <a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/community-awards-nomination-images/hy-vee-kidsfit_kidsfit-in-store.tmb-small.jpg?sfvrsn=aa34606e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" title="Hy-Vee KidsFit - KidsFit in store" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;" />Hy-Vee, Inc.</a> designed a free, online program to help kids and families make health, exercise and nutrition not only priorities in their everyday lives but also fun! <a href="https://www.hy-veekidsfit.com/" target="_blank">Hy-Vee KidsFit</a> is an interactive health and wellness website for children, teens and families that offers a free, online personal trainer. On average, the program is reaching 1,000 to 2,000 kids each week and adding numerous people to its Facebook fan page, website hits and weekly challenge sign-ups. Through their work with schools and assemblies, the Hy-Vee KidsFit team visited more than 50 schools and reached nearly 21,000 students last school year. How has your store benefited your local community? Tell us by submitting your story for the 2017 Community Outreach Awards at <a href="file:///C:/Users/dgf/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/GUA6WY6G/FMI.org/CommunityOutreach">FMI.org/CommunityOutreach</a>, and read more examples of best practices <a href="http://www.fmi.org/bestpractice">here</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.