Being Prepared For A Government Shutdown

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.

While we're optimistic that the government will stay open past November 21, we encourage members to be prepared in case of a federal shutdown. Any food retail operation that may need to renew or apply for a new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) license in the coming months should do so immediately.

<p>By: Hannah Walker, Vice President of Political Affairs, FMI </p> <p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/mega-menu/government-affairs-mega-menu-220x125.jpg?sfvrsn=4be36a6e_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="Government Affairs" title="Government Affairs" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" /></p> <p>While we are optimistic that the government will stay open past November 21, we encourage members to be prepared in case of a federal shutdown. Any food retail operation that may need to renew or apply for a new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) license in the coming months should do so immediately. </p> <h4>What’s Currently Happening? </h4> <p>Last month, Congress passed a “stop-gap” funding bill to keep the government open through November 21. This was necessary as they had yet to complete work on any of the FY2020 funding bills, including the Agriculture Appropriations bill that funds SNAP. The Senate recently passed a package of FY2020 funding bills that includes Agriculture Appropriations, with the House passing their version earlier this year. The conferees will now work on incorporating the two bills into one final package that can pass both chambers.  </p> <p>While we hope Congress completes this work before the November 21 deadline, we also know it just may not be realistic. In that case, Congress will need to pass another funding bill to keep the government open or ultimately fall into a shutdown. </p> <h4><span style="font-weight: bold;">If A Shutdown Situation Occurs</span></h4> All of that being said, if we are in a shutdown situation, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not be able to process any SNAP license applications, whether you are applying for a new one, or renewing. If you have any licenses that need renewing or issued before the end of the year, you may want to go ahead and get it done before November 21. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) are ready to accept your applications.<br /> <p >Additionally, FMI has spoken with FNS regarding issuance of SNAP benefits in the event of a shutdown. SNAP benefits are funded for the month of December, so we can expect normal distribution next month. They are currently looking at if and how they can issue January benefits if a shutdown goes into 2020.  </p> <p>While we certainly hope and expect Congress to keep the government open, political tensions are on the forefront, and we must be prepared for a shutdown situation. </p> <p>Please contact <a href="mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">Hannah Walker</a> with any questions or comments.</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.