Speaks 2019: How Can You Benefit?

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.

Based on response to the 2019 The Food Retailing Industry Speaks survey, food retailers are moving forward with proactive strategies to navigate the barriers and embrace new opportunities. As part of this process, food retailers are learning how to survive and thrive in any environment. How can food retailers benefit from this year’s Speaks report? Here are a few next steps to consider.

<p>By Steve Markenson, Director, Research, Food Marketing Institute<br /> <a href="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/speaks-pulse-20199a32340324aa67249237ff0000c12749.jpg?sfvrsn=5798536e_0"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/speaks-pulse-20199a32340324aa67249237ff0000c12749.jpg?sfvrsn=5798536e_0&MaxWidth=450&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=44F3FC128ACA944C398F7CF90424D502" data-displaymode="Custom" alt="speaks pulse 2019" title="speaks pulse 2019" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" data-method="ResizeFitToAreaArguments" data-customsizemethodproperties="{'MaxWidth':'450','MaxHeight':'','ScaleUp':false,'Quality':'High'}" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a></p> <p>It is not headline news that the food retail industry is facing a range of challenges, from the proliferation of competitors and competition for labor, to interchange fees and rising health care costs. Some of these issues remain the same, a few are new, and others are growing in intensity. With this range of challenges, food retailers are increasingly realizing that many of these challenges will never fully vanish, despite their best efforts. Based on response to the 2019 <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/food-retailing-industry-speaks"><em>The Food Retailing Industry Speaks</em></a> survey, food retailers are moving forward with proactive strategies to navigate the barriers and embrace new opportunities. As part of this process, food retailers are learning how to survive and thrive in any environment.</p> <p>How can food retailers benefit from this year’s <em>Speaks</em> report? Here are a few next steps to consider:</p> <h5>Interpret Success Formulas</h5> <p>The <em>Speaks</em> report is full of ideas that are working for food retailers, from fresh foods to health and well-being. However, in order to make best use of the findings, retailers need to determine how to interpret these success strategies for their customer base. That will require customization and differentiation.</p> <h5>Experiment and Pivot</h5> <p>Food retailers are increasingly favoring test and pivot approaches before deciding on larger investments.<strong> </strong>This is an especially useful strategy to help ensure success with differentiation and innovation initiatives.</p> <h5>Weigh Complex Factors</h5> <p>Too often issues seem black and white. Costs are bad. Sales are good. However, more retailers are winning by realizing things aren’t always so simple. A case in point is rising health care costs. These have concerned retailers for years. Nevertheless, more retailers are eyeing the positives of absorbing such costs to address another big challenge: the need to attract and retain employees.</p> <h5>Bring New Creative Solutions</h5> <p>This year’s <em>Speaks</em> identifies<strong> </strong>many creative retailer success strategies developed in reaction to enduring challenges such as widespread competition and changing consumer behaviors. New challenges come along all the time. This year’s <em>Speaks</em> identifies emerging hurdles. Retailers have the opportunity to bring new creative solutions to bear on the industry’s latest hurdles.</p> <p>The 70<sup>th</sup> edition of <em>Speaks </em>is about food retailers taking matters into their own hands, a skill-set likely to become increasingly important in the fast-changing landscape. It’s a recognition that challenges will not go away, and the best way to grow momentum is through proactive strategies and solutions.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/food-retailing-industry-speaks" class="button-secondary">Download the Food Retailing Industry Speaks and Webinar</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.