Let BBQ Season Kick-off a Summer of Hot Sales

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.

Most adults are grill owners; a substantial 79% of adults currently own a grill and 32% plan to buy a grill in the next year. May traditionally kicks off the grilling season and gives the grocery store plenty of options to cross merchandise products and inspire their shopper to plan get-togethers.

By: Lucas Darnell, Director of Membership, Food Marketing Institute and Pitmaster, Old Virginia Smoke Competition BBQ Team <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/lucas-darnell-pitmasterf02a300324aa67249237ff0000c12749.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=3980576e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Lucas Darnell Pitmaster" title="Lucas Darnell Pitmaster" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> You know the old cliché; April showers give way to May flowers. May also means warmer temperatures and the smells of food cooked over an open flame for family and friends to enjoy with a cold beverage. <a href="https://store.mintel.com/us-grilling-and-barbecuing-market-report">Most adults are grill owners; a substantial 79% of adults currently own a grill and 32% plan to buy a grill in the next year.</a> May traditionally kicks off the grilling season and gives the grocery store plenty of options to cross merchandise products and inspire their shopper to plan get-togethers. <a href="https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/105986-barbecue-trends-low-and-slow-flies-high">Barbecue cuts of meat are growing 10 times faster than the total fresh meat category as a whole.</a> But the options for the grill aren’t just limited to your traditional meats – hamburgers, steaks, hot dogs and ribs. Shoppers should be encouraged to use the grill for all kinds of proteins including fish, shrimp, chicken wings, pork tenderloins, turkey—the options are endless. The grilling perimeter extends to the produce aisle too: grilled asparagus, summer squash, charred poblano peppers, baked potatoes right on the hot coals…grilled peaches, grilled apples turned into apple sauce and blueberry cobbler cooked over indirect heat.  As we get into the summer holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day, food retailers have great leverage to cross-promote products and increase basket size. <a href="https://www.marketingdive.com/news/should-grocers-open-pop-up-shops/555141/">Some stores are even creating pop-up shops featuring patio and grilling options.</a> The possibilities are endless for in-store demos, recipes and showcasing fresh, local and seasonal products to grill outside. This is also a great time to engage your customers about <a href="https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking/Grilling">grilling safety</a>.  You can provide literature and information about starting the fire correctly, being cautious of ventilation when using a gas grill, and keeping those kiddos away from the heat. Don’t forget food safety as well—help your customers ensure that food is cooked to <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/safe-minimum-internal-temperature-chart/ct_index">the correct temperatures according to USDA</a>. Happy grilling!

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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.