Technology Demands Arising from COVID-19

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.

According to the 2020 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report, COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way consumers shop for groceries and their expectations from food retailers and suppliers. We particularly see this in the demand for technology solutions to aid in new pressures we’re seeing from consumers related to COVID-19. From the rise in demand for online grocery shopping options to better supply chain data needs, it’s time for the food industry to re-evaluate our technology needs and consider some new opportunities.

By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI <div class="mg-image--circular" style="float: right; margin: 10px;"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/photos-for-staff-use/technology-images---give-photo-credit/spartannash/d-w-fresh-market_fast-lane_ipad2.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=e07e4a6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="D&amp;W Fresh Market_Fast Lane_iPad2" title="D&amp;W Fresh Market_Fast Lane_iPad2" /></div> According to the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">2020 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report</a>, COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way consumers shop for groceries and their expectations from food retailers and suppliers. We particularly see this in the demand for technology solutions to aid in new pressures we’re seeing from consumers related to COVID-19. From the rise in demand for online grocery shopping options to better supply chain data needs, it’s time for the food industry to re-evaluate our technology needs and consider some new opportunities. “The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated innovation across the food industry while sending it in new directions,” shared Gary Hawkins, CEO of the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology, LLC (CART) “Now is the time for the food industry to step back, assess existing capabilities to identify gaps and opportunities, and then explore new technologies as part of a robust process to drive into the future.” With that in mind, FMI has teamed up with CART and Hawkins on a white paper that looks at timely technology opportunities around for the food industry. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/its-time-for-a-covid-19-technology-checkup-a-prescription-for-food-retail">It’s Time for A COVID-19 Technology Checkup</a> identifies technology areas of focus for needed capabilities as the industry emerges into a post-pandemic world. Let’s take contactless shopping as an example. The days of handing a customer a physical receipt without wearing gloves are a thing of the past. During the height of the pandemic, retailers learned to make real-time changes to reduce the amount of human-to-human contact in grocery shopping, particularly at check out. Initial efforts including clear partitions between the cashier and shopper and updates to POS transactions to eliminate touch payments are a good first step. Future technology advancements including frictionless shopping and smart carts hold the key to further reducing hand-to-hand interactions. But there are additional things to consider, like ID checks on sales of alcohol and tobacco products and prescription confirmations. It’s an evolving world and our industry is essential to the future. We must revisit technology options that support shoppers’ needs and help improve efficiencies in our supply chain. I hope you’ll utilize this new resource as you consider options and adjust for the future. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/its-time-for-a-covid-19-technology-checkup-a-prescription-for-food-retail" class="button">Download It’s Time for A COVID-19 Technology Checkup</a> Photo courtesy of SpartanNash

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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.