Creating Life-Long Learners in Food Retail

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.

My kids are in college and while they are enjoying their campus experience, they can’t wait to graduate. I tell them all the time that graduation will come and go, but you’ll never stop learning. In today’s fast-pace food retail industry professionals need to be life-long learners—always seeking new skills and fine-tuning their knowledge.

By: Carol Abel, Vice President of Education Program Development, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/future-leaders-map.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1caf4b6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Future Leaders Map" title="Future Leaders Map" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> My kids are in college and while they are enjoying their campus experience, they can’t wait to graduate. I tell them all the time that graduation will come and go, but you’ll never stop learning. In today’s fast-pace food retail industry professionals need to be life-long learners—always seeking new skills and fine-tuning their knowledge. We at FMI know this all too well and we also know we can offer food retail professionals a unique perspective as their association, tracking consumer trends and strategic and operations data. For this reason, we’ve spent the last year developing new <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/food-retail-certificate-program">certificate and development programs</a> that offer food retail professionals different ways to be life-long learners. First, for industry professionals looking to take on a leadership role, we’ve created the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/food-retail-certificate-program">Food Retail Leadership Certificate</a>. This six-month program is grounded in our <a href="https://www.fmi.org/future-leaders">Future Leaders eXperience</a>, but takes participants deeper with pre- and post-work, online seminars, assessments and more. Those who earn the Food Retail Leader Certificate will be recognized in the industry as qualified and committed food retail leaders and will provide an extra edge in their professional career path. This program was created in 2018 and already we’ve seen a significant number of professionals graduate. Of the 350 participants in Future Leaders last year, 92 individuals, or 26 percent of attendees, completed the certificate.  Beyond the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/food-retail-certificate-program">Food Retail Leadership Certificate</a>, we’ve developed several different ways for food retail professionals and companies to scale their education needs: <ul> <li>Perhaps your staff need to better understand the big-picture and what is changing in food retail. The <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/food-retail-learning-map-experience">Food Retail Learning Map Experience</a>, which offers a birds-eye view of the rapidly evolving food retail industry, might be the right fit.</li> <li>Maybe you love the idea of a tailored Future Leaders program for your company. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/future-leaders-direct">Future Leaders Direct</a>, with it’s customized approach for your organization, is the perfect choice. </li> <li>If you’re interested in partnering with community colleges to grow skilled professionals, then the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/retail-management-certificate">Retail Management Certificate Program</a> is right for you.</li> <li>At the heart of all our leadership skill-building opportunities is our <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/future-leaders-experience">Future Leaders eXperience</a>, an annual conference offering rising stars a street-smart approach to leadership that will change the way they see themselves, lead their teams and impact business results.</li> </ul> Our industry needs life-long learners to face the challenges of today and leverage the opportunities of tomorrow. We invite you to join us in learning and find the right <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development/future-leaders-experience">certificate and development program</a> for you. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/certificates-and-development" class="button-secondary">FMI Certificates and Development</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.