The Grocery Store Continues to Be A Community Cornerstone

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.

According to The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2019 report, 93% of grocers who responded to the survey use community support and ties as a service differentiation strategy and 73% see it as successful—the highest of any strategy. These stats make me think that while, yes, community support might be a strategy for a grocery store to set themselves apart, perhaps since so many are using this strategy and seeing success, community support is really just a part of the core nature of grocers.

By: Kelli Windsor, Director, Digital Communications, FMI <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/community-awards-nomination-images/disaster-relief-employee-volunteer-event-_dsc_0586.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=4b0e576e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" title="Disaster Relief Employee Volunteer Event - DSC_0586" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> I recently read a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/10/31/us/california-fire-evacuees.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage" target="_blank">New York Times</a> article about Sonoma County citizens who were forced to evacuate because of fire and took up residence in a local Walmart parking lot. Many had stayed there before when evacuating from other fires and finding hotels and shelters full. Walmart supported these fire evacuees by providing portable toilets and washing stations. But more than that, the store was a safe place for people to be and provided access to basic needs. Through <a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/community-outreach">FMI’s Community Outreach Awards program</a>, I often hear about the good grocers do across the country. Nominations outline programs that help feed those in need, support the growth of local youth and strengthen neighborhoods. It’s the stories that all food retail members can tell, but don’t often get heard. According to <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/food-retailing-industry-speaks">The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2019</a> report, 93% of grocers who responded to the survey use community support and ties as a service differentiation strategy and 73% see it as successful—the highest of any strategy. These stats make me think that while, yes, community support might be a strategy for a grocery store to set themselves apart, perhaps since so many are using this strategy and seeing success, community support is really just a part of the core nature of grocers. Here’s another <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/food-retailing-industry-speaks">Speaks</a> stat that makes me think community support is ingrained in grocers—45% of survey respondents plan to increase community donations or outreach programs over the next two years. Grocers are doubling down on investing in their communities and programs that are proven to support them. In an era of digital mayhem, grocery stores are finding a benefit in going back to their roots and supporting the communities they serve. One of those Sonoma County fire evacuees said, “Walmart feels like home.” When the world spun out of control, these customers trusted their grocery store as a community cornerstone. I think that’s what most food retailers are—a trusted member of the community. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/food-retailing-industry-speaks" class="button-secondary">Download The Food Retailing Industry Speaks</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.