Membership

Types of Membership

State & National Liaison

We act as a liaison with many state agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Labor (DOL), Public Service Commission (PSC), Department of Transportation (DOT), State Tax Department and many others. We work closely with National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) on Federal legislation and government affairs.

Lobbying

We maintain strong one-on-one contact with state legislators and government leaders. We are proactive in our efforts for the benefit of our industry and members.

We represent the industries on such issues as:

• Credit card fees
• Fuel tax stability
• Tax reform
• Fair competition and border stability
• Civil justice reform
• Health Care
• Bottle bills
• Governmental regulatory authority and cooperation

Communication & Education

We constantly strive to keep members informed regarding issues affecting their businesses. For example:

• We supply a monthly newsletter, At the Pump and Down the Aisle, and various timely bulletins throughout the year on specific issues.
• When the Legislature is in session, members receive News From Inside the Capitol legislative updates to keep them abreast of legislative activity and to aid in our grassroots efforts.
• Our website, which supplies a vast array of information to keep members informed, as well as links to other industry sites.
• OMEGA members have access to our UST Class C Operator Training free-of-charge via our web site.
• A membership directory is published bi-annually. This directory serves as a great reference guide for members.
• OMEGA sponsors informational seminars to help keep members up to date on regulations, trends and industry changes. We host Workers’ Compensation, DEP/Weights & Measures, UST Re-certification and other specialized seminars.

Survival Hotline

Members are urged to call the OMEGA office at (304)343-5500 anytime with questions concerning new laws and regulations or any matters that affect their business.

Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program

OMEGA has teamed with Encova Insurance to offer active OMEGA members who have a good safety record a discount on their workers’ compensation premiums.

Our current discount with Encova is 2.3%.

• If you can meet just a few criteria, your company can qualify for this cost savings program through OMEGA. The criteria includes:
• Report claims within 48 hours of a loss;
• Achieve and maintain a loss ratio of 65% or less;
• Implement a formal Return to Work Program;
• Attend at least one safety seminar per year that applies to operational hazards or complete one on-line course through Safety Source;
• Implement Encova 5 Step Loss Control program; and
• Be a member of OMEGA.

That is all there is to the program. You continue to make your payments to Encova and continue to use the agent

Trade Expo

Annually we host a Trade Expo and Golf Outing. This show offers approximately 100 booths of the newest products and services for our industries.

Children’s Charities

Annually, OMEGA spearheads our members in fundraising efforts to benefit charities, which better the lives of West Virginia children. In the past, we have raised money for Children’s Miracle Network, YMCA After School Programs, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and WV Children’s Home Society of WV. To date, we have raised over $2.1 million for these worthwhile charities.

Membership Directory

A Membership Directory is published annually. This directory serves as a great reference guide for members.