Niagara University: A Relevant Food Retail Marketing Education

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.

A few years ago, local and regional industry partners approached Niagara University in Buffalo, NY about the need for strong young professional talent in the food retail and consumer products goods (CPG) industry. The result of these initial discussions is Niagara University’s Food and CPG Marketing program, which in its third academic year is already the third largest program of its kind in the United States.

By: Cynthia Brazzel, Director, Member Relations and Advocacy for the Western Region, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/niagara.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=50f496e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Niagara" title="Niagara" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> In 2017 FMI welcomed food retail University and College programs to become full-fledged members so they could access the research and resources of our association. At the same time, our University and College members offer our retail and wholesale members an important opportunity—access to career enhancement and life-long learning opportunities as well as access to an incoming talent pool of graduates. We are profiling each of our University and College members to showcase their programs and how they can help advance food retail industry professionals. A few years ago, local and regional industry partners approached <a href="https://www.niagara.edu/">Niagara University</a> in Buffalo, NY about the need for strong young professional talent in the food retail and consumer products goods (CPG) industry. The result of these initial discussions is Niagara University’s <a href="https://www.niagara.edu/food-and-cpg-student-opportunities/">Food and CPG Marketing program</a>, which in its third academic year is already the third largest program of its kind in the United States. I recently discussed <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/alan-stock.jpg?sfvrsn=700f496e_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="Alan-Stock" title="Alan-Stock" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" />the program with Alan Stock, director of the Food Marketing Center of Excellence and Niagara University faculty fellow. Stock shared that Niagara’s program, “Combines cutting edge classroom lecture and discussion with practical industry application, to develop students that are ‘day one’ ready to make a positive contribution to an organization.” Niagara University’s <a href="https://www.niagara.edu/food-and-cpg-student-opportunities/">Food and CPG Marketing program</a> has a progressive focus on modern marketing.  “Marketing career growth continues to explode in the areas of social media and digital marketing,” shared Stock. “We give students the skills to succeed in a range of food marketing careers, including brand management, social media, category management, marketing research, marketing agencies, and sales.” Some of the relevant coursework in Niagara’s program includes Search and Digital Metrics, Big Data, Social Media Planning, and Interface Design. “We allow our graduates to develop cutting-edge skill sets to help them gain employment in the hottest careers in social media and digital marketing,” said Stock. Furthermore, programs such as the Food Marketing Center of Excellence <a href="https://www.niagara.edu/innovation-summit/">Annual Food Innovation Summit</a> on May 2 provide an opportunity for students and retailers to interact on sustaining customer loyalty in the digital age. Stock noted, “Students from Niagara University have been successfully placed into careers or internships with organizations such as The Clorox Company, Rich Products, Wegmans Food Markets, Rosina Foods, Acosta Sales and Marketing, North American Breweries, and many others.” So, what makes the Niagara student so able to hit the ground running? According to Stock, food retail and CPG industry engagement is part of the success, “Students are afforded opportunities to participate in industry case competitions, attend trade shows, obtain industry accreditations, and network at Food Marketing Center of Excellence events, which helps enhance and round out Niagara University students for successful outcomes upon graduation,” said Stock. <a href="https://www.niagara.edu/food-and-cpg-student-opportunities/" class="button-secondary" target="_blank">Learn More About Niagara University’s Food and CPG Marketing program</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.