Midwinter in Retrospect

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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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.

FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference always offers a whirlwind of ideas, experiences, exchanges, and activities, and the 2018 version was no exception. At Midwinter, so much happens so fast, I find it challenging to take in the significance of what I just heard or saw before I am – of necessity -- scurrying off to the next adventure. As I look back on the time in Miami, here are just a few of my Midwinter meaningful moments.

By: Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/midwinter-retrospect.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=fef7786e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Midwinter Retrospect" title="Midwinter Retrospect" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />I periodically get reminded of the profound truth of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard’s observation that “Life must be lived forward, but is only understood backward.”  FMI’s <a href="http://www.fmi.org/midwinter">Midwinter Executive Conference</a> always offers a whirlwind of ideas, experiences, exchanges, and activities, and the 2018 version was no exception.  At Midwinter, so much happens so fast, I find it challenging to take in the significance of what I just heard or saw before I am – of necessity -- scurrying off to the next adventure. It often takes a bit of time for the dust to settle from the flurry of Midwinter activity and for the deeper meaning of my experience there to surface. As I look back on the time in Miami, here are just a few of my Midwinter meaningful moments: Seeing the industry rise to the challenge of the future. Our theme of “developing an appetite for change” was imaginatively explored from numerous angles throughout our days together. Tim Steiner’s challenging, inspiring and provocative opening presentation provided us a vivid glimpse of the future-that-is-now through <a href="https://www.fmi.org/newsroom/latest-news/view/2018/01/03/fmi-announces-keynote-for-midwinter-executive-conference-tim-steiner-ocado">Ocado</a>’s tremendous accomplishments in the areas of warehouse robotics, logistical innovation and efficient home delivery of groceries. This prompted a lot of conversation about the opportunities and possibilities this approach offers. Given the amount of time our industry spends talking and thinking about digital, it was intriguing to flip the tables and hear from a panel of digital experts what the tech world is saying about food. Seeing the Industry at playful work.  Whether it was: <ul> <li>flashbacking to the tunes of the Midtown Men  -- courtesy of PepsiCo at the Midwinter Opening event,  </li> <li>engaging in good humored trash talk as competitors for the family meals gold mitt awards at the FMI Foundation’s Stir It Up fundraiser, or</li> <li>teaming up in foursomes to challenge the blue monster at our PAC Golf Tournament,</li> </ul>  …it was a pleasure to see the industry networking, conversing, laughing, exchanging ideas, and mixing it up in the unique networking atmosphere that Midwinter provides. Seeing the industry celebrate and expand its noble legacy. It’s such a pleasure to have the opportunity to present <a href="http://www.fmi.org/legacy">FMI executive awards</a> because they provide us a means of honoring the inspiring foundation established by past industry leaders AND enable us to celebrate the ways their innovative spirit continues to blossom in the lives and leadership of people like Rob Bartels, Jerry Garland, Irene Rosenfeld, Oscar Gonzalez and Bob Ling. It was a joy to be able to acknowledge the contributions these individuals have made and are making to the greater industry reputation and identity. And finally, the <a href="https://youtu.be/IyYjHGKgbgM">closing video</a> that celebrated the industry’s amazing response to the bevvy of natural disasters this past year. The footage – shared from so many of our member companies --  offered a stark reminder that when disaster reduces our community to its fundamental needs of food, water and shelter, the food retailer core conviction of feeding families and enriching lives is revealed in a pure light. When neighborhoods are most in need of heroes and angels, the food retail industry is there to respond. If you were there, I hope your Midwinter experience proved to be equally rich with memories and memorable learnings. If you weren’t there, I hope these memories inspire you to follow the links provided, so you too can have your own taste of Midwinter and that they will inspire you to plan to be with us in Miami for next year’s Midwinter experience.

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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.