Partnerships Provide Family Meal Month Momentum

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

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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.

The movement is gaining momentum, and our country’s elected officials are joining the party, thanks to the efforts of FMI members and state grocery and retail associations.

By: Elizabeth Tansing, Senior Director, State Government Relations, Food Marketing Institute<br /> <br /> <p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/nfmmstateproclaminations.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=5c04426e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="NFMMStateProclaminations" title="NFMMStateProclaminations" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />National Family Meals Month™ is right around the corner, and the food retail industry is gearing up for the fourth year of the campaign. The movement is gaining momentum, and our country’s elected officials are joining the party, thanks to the efforts of FMI members and state grocery and retail associations.  Here are a few examples:</p> <ol> <li>Hy-Vee, Inc. was instrumental in getting South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard (R) to <a href="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/government-affairs/sd-family-proclaimation-daugaard.jpg?sfvrsn=400c426e_2">proclaim</a> September as Family Meals Month, and under the Health section of their website, Hy-Vee hosts a <a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/health/healthy-bites/september-is-family-meals-month.aspx">blog</a> on the importance of family meals, as do many other FMI members. See our partner list <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals/Partners">here</a>.</li> <li>In 2017, the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) lobbied to pass <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0qwufd2wvp22cxsjo02eedpy))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=2017-SR-0083">House Resolution 148</a>, declaring September as Family Meals Month, and they are at it again - this year, MRA asked for and received a <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/state-affairs/family-meals-month---michigan.pdf?sfvrsn=6e0f426e_2">proclamation</a> from Governor Rick Snyder (R). </li> <li>Governor Mark Dayton (D) and the Minnesota Grocers Association are working together on a proclamation, and the Connecticut Food Association (CFA) has posted FMI’s Family Meals Month <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals/toolkits/toolkit">toolkit</a> front and center on <a href="http://www.ctfoodassociation.org/">their website</a>. In fact, CFA told FMI they plan to tweet once per week during September, on the benefits of eating family meals together. </li> <li>The Nebraska Grocery Industry Association (NGIA) is working with Governor Pete Ricketts (R), who will issue a proclamation on September 17, 2018. But why stop there? NGIA is also partnering with Live Well Omaha to request Mayor Jean Stothert (R) to proclaim September as Family Meals Month in Omaha. </li> <li>The Utah Food Industry Association worked with their Governor in 2017 to issue a <a href="http://choosehealth.utah.gov/documents/pdfs/newsreleases/090314-FamilyMealsTime-NR.pdf">proclamation</a> and the Wisconsin Grocers Association is collaborating with Governor Scott Walker (R) to proclaim September as Family Meals Month. </li> </ol> <h4>These proclamations all highlight the important benefits of family meals including:</h4> <ul> <li>Family meals are fun, affordable, and healthier than other dining options;</li> <li>Conversations around dinner tables establish closer relationships and increase parental involvement;</li> <li>Regular family meals are linked to kids earning higher grades, improving self-esteem, and resisting negative peer pressure; and</li> <li>90 percent of supermarkets offer fresh, prepared foods, 95 percent offer cooking demos, 86 percent offer cooking classes, and 100 percent offer recipes and meal ideas</li> </ul> <p>And more!</p> <p>You can find more information about National Family Meals Month here: <a href="http://www.fmifamilymeals.com/">www.fmifamilymeals.com</a>, and can find the sample proclamation in the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals/toolkits/retailer-toolkit">Retailer Toolkit</a>.</p>

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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.