Stories of Leadership 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.

The food retail industry is fortunate to have a number of formidable leaders, and during times of uncertainty and transition, there’s nothing more comforting than to have courageous and nurturing leaders at the helm.

<p>By: Melaina Lewis, Manager, Communications, Food Marketing Institute</p> <p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/46894479051_fefebbcbd0_z.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=e5c84b6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Executive Leadership Awards" title="Executive Leadership Awards" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />I’ve always appreciated a good story. As a young employee still relatively new to the workforce, I have a keen interest to hear the stories and lessons of those who have dedicated their lives to an industry. Whether the story is printed in black or white, captured through photos, or played through your headphones, storytelling is a powerful way to connect people and share lessons that can transcend generations. I often find stories of leadership the most meaningful, and ultimately, influential. </p> <p>The food retail industry is fortunate to have a number of formidable leaders, and during times of uncertainty and transition, there’s nothing more comforting than to have courageous and nurturing leaders at the helm. </p> <p>While great leaders are forward thinking, they also maintain the necessary core values that build brands of success. If these individuals realize or not, they have built, cultivated, and imparted legacies impacting the overall industry of food retail and the local communities they serve. </p> <p>At the <a href="http://www.FMI.org/Midwinter">2019 Midwinter Executive Conference</a>, FMI honored six industry leaders who have left their mark on industry collaboration, diplomacy, community service, innovation, and trade relations. Here are their stories: <br /> <br /> </p> <h4>What It Means To Be A Leader</h4> <p><em>2019 recipients of FMI’s Executive Leadership Awards for statesmanship, innovation and trading partner relations share their insights on leadership in today’s fast-paced food retail industry.<br /> <br /> Panelists: Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee, Inc. (Rabb Award); Tom Heinen, Heinen's Grocery Stores (Wegman Award);  Muhtar Kent, The Coca-Cola Co. (Albers Award); Ern Sherman, retired, The Coca-Cola Co. (Albers Award) </em></p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_t_azyIaXvM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe><br /> <br /> <h4>Pillars of The Community</h4> <p><em>2019 recipients of FMI’s Executive Leadership Awards for humanitarian service, consumer affairs and public policy discuss corporate social responsibility and community in a consumer-value driven marketplace.<br /> <br /> Panelists: Mark Batenic, IGA, Inc. (Hoover Award); Greg Calhoun, Calhoun Enterprises (awarded posthumously), represented by his son, Malcolm Calhoun; Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) (Peterson Award), represented by Jennifer Hatcher, Food Marketing Institute. <br /> <br /> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PGFnv4yOo2o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe> </em>  </p> <p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/newsroom/latest-news/view/2019/01/26/fmi-honors-executive-leadership-awards-in-trading-partner-excellence-innovation-service-and-statesmanship">Read more about the winners here.</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.