Our 2020 Government Affairs Priorities

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.

A new year, an updated brand and a forward-looking list of priorities in the public policy arena. FMI’s government affairs team surveys our member companies annually to help us with this review and ensure that our policy priorities reflect the views of our members and the food industry. We then spend time with both government relations leads and CEOs to ensure these priorities reflect the needs of the industry as they see them.

By: Jennifer Hatcher, Chief Public Policy Officer, Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affair, FMI <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/ix3jq26u_400x400.tmb-medium 2.jpg?sfvrsn=f2ca506e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="GR Priorities " title="GR Priorities " style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />A new year, an updated brand and a forward-looking list of priorities in the public policy arena. FMI’s government affairs team surveys our member companies annually to help us with this review and ensure that our policy priorities reflect the views of our members and the food industry. We then spend time with both government relations leads and CEOs to ensure these priorities reflect the needs of the industry as they see them. These priorities are more strategic than tactical and more forward looking. These priority issues help tell the story of how our industry continues to adapt as new technologies bring change to our workforce and new themes and trends adjust what consumers expect from their shopping experiences. The following high-level list of policy issues that our member companies deemed important for the year ahead is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the issues that we will be working on, especially as the needs of our members develop and the political winds in Washington change. The issues are listed in alphabetical rather than ranked order. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback for our 2020 priority issues survey. <ul> <li>Data Management: Privacy/Data Security/Artificial Intelligence</li> <li>Food Assistance Programs: SNAP/WIC</li> <li>Food Safety: Food Recalls/Withdrawals/Allergens/Innovations</li> <li>Payments Policy and Swipe Fee Reform: Fees and Routing</li> <li>Pharmacy Issues: DIR Fees/PBM Reform</li> <li>Regulatory Clarity on Hemp-Derived Products (CBD)</li> <li>Supply Chain Transparency</li> <li>Sustainability/Food Waste: Single-Use Plastics, Recycling, Packaging</li> <li>Tax Reform: Retail Glitch, Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Permanence</li> <li>Trade: USMCA and Tariffs</li> <li>Wage and Labor Policy/Automation:  Future of the Workforce</li> </ul> While an election year often serves as a roadblock for significant legislative progress in Washington, there will still be many opportunities this year to make progress on Capitol Hill, with the regulatory agencies and in the states and local governments across the country. For the latest on FMI government affairs, please <a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/newsletters/government-relations">sign-up</a> for our policy-focused member newsletters. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/newsletters/government-relations" class="button-secondary">Sign Up For Government Affairs Newsletters</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.