Photo Friday: Der Markt and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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.

The Capitol Christmas Tree is a tradition that dates back to 1964 when House Speaker John W. McCormack (D-MA) placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn. For 2019, Carson National Forest in New Mexico provided a blue spruce for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Carson National Forest happens to be the backyard of FMI member Ted Calhoun, president of Der Markt Food Store in Red River, NM.

The <a href="https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/">Capitol Christmas Tree</a> is a tradition that dates back to 1964 when House Speaker John W. McCormack (D-MA) placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn. In 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree and since then a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide “The People’s Tree.” For 2019, <a href="https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/carson-national-forest">Carson National Forest</a> in New Mexico provided a blue spruce for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Carson National Forest happens to be the backyard of FMI member Ted Calhoun, president of Der Markt Food Store in Red River, NM. Calhoun was present when the tree was selected and prepared for transport to the nation’s capital and had the honor of participating in the tree lighting ceremony. The tree is decorated with 10,000 handcrafted Christmas ornaments from community groups across New Mexico and a commemorative <a href="https://redriverbrewing.com/">Red River Brewing Company</a> beer was produced specially for the occasion and served at the celebration.   <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/linda-ted.jpg?sfvrsn=7e01526e_0&MaxWidth=500&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=F533F99F13B1D9D0463E21E94EAD516C" data-method="ResizeFitToAreaArguments" data-customsizemethodproperties="{'MaxWidth':'500','MaxHeight':'','ScaleUp':false,'Quality':'High'}" data-displaymode="Custom" alt="Linda and Ted Calhounm Der Markt " title="Linda and Ted Calhoun" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 10px;" /> <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/cct19.jpg?sfvrsn=f01526e_0&MaxWidth=500&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=C0DDB731EDDC2E21382DFA899D924621" data-method="ResizeFitToAreaArguments" data-customsizemethodproperties="{'MaxWidth':'500','MaxHeight':'','ScaleUp':false,'Quality':'High'}" data-displaymode="Custom" alt="Capitol Christmas Tree 2019" title="Capitol Christmas Tree 2019" style="margin: 10px;" /> <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/linda-ted-3.jpg?sfvrsn=d506526e_0&MaxWidth=500&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=37C3CDE8FB6E954A7AC161FBBDC6E2C6" data-method="ResizeFitToAreaArguments" data-customsizemethodproperties="{'MaxWidth':'500','MaxHeight':'','ScaleUp':false,'Quality':'High'}" data-displaymode="Custom" alt="Linda & Ted Calhoun at Capitol Christmas Tree Ceremony " title="Linda & Ted Calhoun at Capitol Christmas Tree Ceremony " style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 10px;" />

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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.