Industry-wide Initiatives Are Hard, But That’s What Makes Them Great

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.

Industry-wide voluntary initiatives are tough. It takes time to organize and implement change to get on the same page with partners. Inevitably there are bumps in the road, lessons to be learned and wrinkles to iron out. But the result is worth it—a new system that is efficient, effective and satisfies consumer’s needs.

By Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, Private Brands, Technology, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/the-hard-is-what-makes-it-great.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=56a2426e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="The Hard Is What Makes It Great" title="The Hard Is What Makes It Great" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> Industry-wide voluntary initiatives are tough. It takes time to organize and implement change to get on the same page with partners. Inevitably there are bumps in the road, lessons to be learned and wrinkles to iron out. But the result is worth it—a new system that is efficient, effective and satisfies consumer’s needs. Working on the SmartLabel® digital transparency initiative as part of the FMI-GMA Trading Partner Alliance (TPA), I witnessed this industry-wide initiative morph from inception to implementation to acceptance. It’s been quite a project to be a part of and I’m energized by the momentum I see with over 30,000 products now offering SmartLabel and that number grows daily. But, one thing is still clear, this industry-wide initiative is still developing and because of that we need to gather together to share those lessons learned and develop new strong partnerships to take SmartLabel to the next level. That’s why we’re hosting the 2nd annual <a href="https://www.fmi.org/smartlabel-summit">SmartLabel Summit</a>, September 26 – 27, in Arlington, VA. This workshop-style event will provide attendees with best practices, tools, connections, and solutions to derive the best value from SmartLabel. At last year’s Summit, I was impressed with the relationships made that really helped SmartLabel take off. For example, a regional food retailer who considered entering SmartLabel was able to sit down with a large supplier and pick their brain about the initiative. Hearing the ins-and-outs of implementing SmartLabel first-hand was the catalyst for the regional food retailer to see the benefits of joining the program. The SmartLabel Summit facilitates these interactions and brings manufactures and retailers together. I love that line from A League of Their Own when Tom Hanks says, “It’s supposed to be hard. The hard is what makes it great.” The same applies to industry-wide initiatives. Their greatness comes in their ability to bring the entire industry together for one common purpose, which I can’t say is easy. The food retail industry wants to provide consumers the product information they crave, when they want it, how they want it—SmartLabel is just that. By coming together at the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/smartlabel-summit">SmartLabel Summit</a>, we’re able to take our industry initiative to the next level. I look forward to seeing you at the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/smartlabel-summit">SmartLabel Summit</a> and continuing on the SmartLabel journey with you. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/smartlabel-summit" class="button-secondary">Register For the SmartLabel Summit</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.