Are You Ready for Barry?

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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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.

As we collaborate on this post, the current storm in the Gulf of Mexico has just been deemed Tropical Storm Barry by the National Weather Service. That classification may change, and the potential impact of the storm is shifting rapidly; however, we know Tropical Storm Barry will likely produce a lot of rain and subsequent flooding that will disrupt the food retail supply chain and communities. Here are some important points to keep in mind as you prepare for Tropical Storm Barry with key resources.

<p>By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations and Hannah Walker, Vice President, Political Affairs, Food Marketing Institute<br /> <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/tropical-store-barry.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=b835566e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Tropical Storm Barry" title="Tropical Storm Barry" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /></p> <p>As we collaborate on this post, the current storm in the Gulf of Mexico has just been deemed Tropical Storm Barry by the National Weather Service. That classification may change, and the potential impact of the storm is shifting rapidly; however, we know Tropical Storm Barry will likely produce a lot of rain and subsequent flooding that will disrupt the food retail supply chain and communities. Here are some important points to keep in mind as you prepare for Tropical Storm Barry with key resources.</p> <h5>Key Crisis Resources</h5> <p>Here are the three-must-have resources for food retailers during any natural disaster crisis: </p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/disaster-assistance" target="_blank">USDA FNS Food Assistance for Disaster Relief</a> - Updates from USDA FNS on disaster areas that are granted SNAP replacements, D-SNAP and other services.</li> <li><a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/industry-topics-doc/fema-regional-ps-liaison-map---2-20-19.pdf?sfvrsn=53ab566e_2">FEMA Private Sector Liaison Map</a> – Print out a copy and keep it dry. Call and reintroduce yourself to your contact.</li> <li><a href="https://www.ahcusa.org/">All Hazards Consortium</a> – <a href="https://www.ahcusa.org/tropical-storm-barry-july-2019.html">Barry Page</a> – This is your one-stop-shop on the latest emergency notices related to any natural disaster. They have a specific <a href="https://www.ahcusa.org/tropical-storm-barry-july-2019.html">Barry Page</a>.</li> </ul> <h5>Additional Crisis Resources</h5> <p>We have a number of general crisis management resources on our <a href="https://www.fmi.org/industry-topics/crisis-management">Crisis Management webpage</a> including a <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/natural-disaster-guideline">Natural Disaster Guide</a>. As the storm develops, we’ll curate and post additional resources related specifically to food retailers.</p> <h5>Keep-In-Mind</h5> <p><strong>Food Safety<em> –</em></strong>The security and quality of food remains top of mind, and a written <a href="http://www.foodprotect.org/media/guide/Emergency%20Action%20Plan%20for%20Retail%20food%20Est.pdf"><em>Food Safety Emergency Plan</em></a><em> </em>should identify the food products and equipment temperatures that should be monitored and documented, including the frequency and tools needed and the criteria for discarding food.</p> <p><strong>Consumer Food Safety Messages</strong>—Now is an important time to share food safety information with shoppers. Foodsafety.gov’s <a href="https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/food-safety-in-disaster-or-emergency" target="_blank">Food Safety in a Disaster or Emergency</a> webpage includes information to share with consumers on how to keep food safe before, during, and after emergencies, such as natural disasters, or the loss of power. Additional toolkits and resources are available from the <a href="http://www.fightbac.org/free-resources/">Partnership for Food Safety Education</a>. These are helpful messages to share on social media and in store with shoppers as reminders while they prepare for the storm. You can also follow the real-time conversation on social media by using the hashtag #barry</p> <p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/industry-topics/crisis-management" class="button-secondary">FMI Crisis Management Resources</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.