MELROSE PARK, Ill. — Convenience Valet has again teamed with sports nutrition company BPI Sports to introduce a new line of sports nutrition supplements for fitness enthusiasts and those looking for products that promote healthy living.

“Recently, a major retailer came to us looking for supplements such as whey protein, L-carnitine and melatonin in a more portable solution for the health-conscious, on-the-go consumer. We immediately went to work with the experts at BPI Sports to introduce three exciting new products,” said Dave Arensdorf, vice president of sales and marketing at Convenience Valet.

The BPI Sports line extensions are:

• 24/7 Protein With Energy Shot Berry Punch 3 oz. featuring 15 grams of protein per bottle.
• 24/7 Carnitine Burn Orange Twist 2-oz. Shot with two grams of L-carnitine to support the conversion of food to energy.
• Relax Pm Shot 2 oz. – Berry Punch with three milligrams of melatonin to promote relaxation and REM sleep.

This new line extension serves to compliment and broaden Convenience Valet’s BPI supplement lineup and portfolio of wellness brands that also includes GNC, Emergen-C, Airborne and Natrol.

Hollywood, Fla.-based BPI Sports offers products in the vitamin, supplement, weight-loss, muscle-building and athletic-performance categories. Companion brands include IMAGE Sports, EXT Sports, Pro Nutra, Brain Pharma and the Jay Cutler’s Cutler Nutrition.

Convenience Valet is an industry leader in trial-size and travel-size consumer products. It offers more than 500 product SKUs to serve the convenience store, grocery, drug, vending, hotel, travel and food industries. It distributes to more than 100,000 retail outlets. The Melrose Park, Ill.-based company is celebrating its 60th year in business.

NEW YORK — Convenience-store traffic, in general, and beverage sales, specifically, continued to benefit from lower gasoline prices and the improving economy, with the biggest winners being Red Bull and craft beers, according to the latest Beverage Buzz survey of c-store retailers.

The survey by Wells Fargo Securities shows nonalcoholic beverage sales grew +5.9% year over year, while alcoholic beverage sales growth slowed from the first quarter to +4.1% growth. “Non-alcoholic beverage growth was driven by ongoing strength in energy (led by Red Bull),” wrote analyst Bonnie Herzog, also calling out healthy growth for bottled water, enhanced waters, sports drinks, iced teas and craft beers.

“Craft and import [beers] continue to drive the bulk of growth” in the alcohol category, which is expected to see sales growth up 4.1% during the second quarter.

Craft beers gained the most shelf space–up nearly 15% year over year–in convenience stores, according to the survey (see chart below), while energy drinks gained about 7% in shelf space. Surprisingly, carbonated-soft-drink shelf space grew about 2.5% despite facing sales challenges over recent months. “Our retailers generally believe that [Coca-Cola Co.’s] Share a Coke [promotion] has led to growth in CSDs,” Herzog wrote.

Energy-drink sales, meanwhile, missed double-digit growth–projected at 9.1%–largely on slower growth in Monster Energy.

“Based on our survey, we estimate Monster’s c-store sales were up 8% in Q2 2015, a deceleration from last quarter,” Herzog wrote. “It appears that distribution issues weighed on results, as one retailer reported that sales ‘should have been up double digit [but were weighed down by] out of stock issues with the Coke change over.’ Another retailer reported ‘Monster sales were trending up double digit in Q1; however, due to service issues, we were negative in April and up only 5% in Q2.’ “

Instead, Red Bull continued to take share from Monster, outperforming Coca-Cola’s new energy-drink partner. As Monster/Coca-Cola works out their distribution issues, however, Monster Energy is expected to see a return to previous double-digit growth.

“Retailers project the energy category will grow 10% for 2015, with Red Bull’s 9% growth outperforming Monster’s projected 8% growth,” Herzog wrote. “Overall, we continue to expect Monster’s second half results should improve.”

About the beverage category overall, Herzog wrote: “Improved weather and lower gas prices have driven solid growth in foot traffic and contributed to strong in-store sales for both c-stores and beverage manufacturers.”

Brought to you by Seda.

Every minute, your best marketing tool leaves your store in your customers’ hands: It’s your beverage cup.

As convenience stores add high-margin beverage programs, especially hot beverages, cups are one of the best communication vehicles in your marketing arsenal. Cups carry more than beverages; they represent your brand, can be used in promotions and, most importantly, can help improve the customer experience.

Customer expectations of foodservice packaging overall are high. C-store customers need food and beverage packaging to be safe to use in a car, easy to handle and hold while on-the-go, and to protect the products inside.

Likewise, the material your cup is made from is just as important to your operation because it shows customers how you want them to perceive your business, from how much you care about their experience to how much you care about the environment. Plus, in some areas of the country, the choice of materials is narrowing as environmental regulations restrict the use of polystyrene foam cups.

Paper is a durable material that offers many environmentally friendly options, from renewable to recyclable to compostable. However, the myths around the recyclability of paper cups often overshadow their true benefits. Here are some facts to help dispel any doubts about using paper cups in your hot and cold beverage programs.

Myth No.1: Single-use cups are a big burden on landfills.

Fact: All foodservice packaging (FSP), both paper and plastic, accounts for just 1.4% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) discarded in landfills, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In general, single-use cups are made of plastics or paper, and they each have a separate impact on the environment. As local governments continue to regulate polystyrene foam out of some markets, businesses that rely on foam cups would be wise to start considering other options now.

Myth No. 2: Paper cups are not accepted at recycling facilities.

Fact: A growing number of customers can recycle paper cups through residential or in-store recycling programs. Several large municipalities, including New York City, Seattle and San Francisco accept paper cups for recycling.

Paper in general is the most-recycled resource in this country; by percentage, more paper is recycled than glass, aluminum cans and plastic combined. In fact, in 2014, 96% of the U.S. population had access to paper/paperboard recycling, and 75% of packaging made of paper and paperboard was recovered in 2013, the EPA reported.

Myth No. 3: The plastic liner found in paper cups prevents recyclability.

Fact: It’s true that all cups have a plastic coating to prevent leaks, but this does not mean that they can’t be recycled. Coated paper products can be and are being recycled because some paper mills—the facilities that process the recycled materials and turn them into new products–are able to handle them. The plastic is removed, leaving valuable fiber.

Access to all types of paper and paperboard recycling increased in 2014, meaning communities with existing paper and paperboard collection added new types of paper to their systems, the EPA reported. However, because paper-cup recycling is still not widespread, it’s smart to check with your local recycling facility to see what it accepts.

Myth No. 4: There’s not much I can do to get my customers to recycle beverage cups since they are disposing of them outside the store.

Fact: Depending on your location, paper cups can be recycled in your customers’ homes, in stores or in public recycling bins. Ever heard of “reverse vending machines?” Consider installing one on-premise, and reward your customers for returning their cups to be recycled. And, if you know your community accepts paper cups for recycling, be sure to communicate that to your customers through in-store signage and social media.

Want help implementing an in-store recycling or composting program? The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) will soon be releasing step-by-step guidance for you. In the meantime, click here to read the FPI’s environmental stewardship basics.

Myth No. 5: My customers don’t care about greener options.

Fact: Environmental consciousness is on the minds of many c-store consumers. Fifty percent of super-heavy c-store users are millennials, and they make up 34% of retail food and beverage patrons. While there is debate about recycling behavior among millennials, studies show that recycled content and recyclability are important to 25 to 33 year olds, while 18 to 24 year olds expect trade-back or trade-up programs for recyclable materials. And buying green is a more important part of the millennial public image than for other groups, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

By far, the largest group that patronizes c-stores is the baby-boomer generation, whose members are known to identify themselves as interested in the environmental movement, according to the Pew survey, and actively engage in recycling, according to a separate Shelton Insights survey.

Offering paper cups—and helping consumers understand the “green” reasons you use them—can position your brand positively with your current and future consumer base.

Maximizing the Benefit of Paper Cups

Because consumers have so many options for purchasing beverages, the perception of high quality and a premium experience are essential to achieving repeat purchases. Retailers’ choices in cups have a real impact on their businesses. To make the best choice in a paper cup:

1) Look for paper cups that are sturdy, secure and user-friendly.

2) Show your commitment to the environment:

• Buy insulated paper cups; then there’s no need for cardboard sleeves.
• Choose cups made with recycled content.
• Select cups made from fibers sourced from sustainable forests.
• Look for compostable options. More communities are offering composting as an alternative to adding materials to landfills.

3) Stay domestic; buy cups made in the USA to reduce your store’s carbon footprint.

4) Use your cups as marketing tools. The design of your cups, custom messaging or even engaging promotions can all provide the extra special experience and value consumers will remember and come back for. Print capabilities are surprisingly sophisticated these days, allowing for custom colors, messages, even temperature-sensitive inks, and scratch-off and peel-off capabilities.

While businesses need to balance their economic concerns with environmental ones, when making a choice about cups, the future is, naturally, paper.

MESA, Ariz. —The staff of CSPedia, CSP Business Media’s online encyclopedia of convenience-store chains, gathers news and insights and updates the listings for the nearly 500 retailers in its database on a daily basis. CSPedia delivers a monthly summary of these reports, often news not yet announced publicly, to its subscribers.

Here is a collection of some of the news and people updates from June 2015.

People on the Move

• Alimentation Couche-Tard. Kim James has been appointed to the newly established role of global brand management director at Alimentation Couche-Tard, Couche-Tard Brands & Finance for the Laval, Quebec-based company, effective July 1. Previously, she was director of brand marketing, U.S. and Canada for Couche-Tard, Mac’s and Circle K; and director of category training and development, U.S., retail director of operations and director of marketing for Circle K.
• *CEFCO. Richard Levin has joined CEFCO as vice president of marketing. Mike Skidmore, senior vice president of marketing, has announced he will retire in September.
• Circle K Midwest. Brent Byers is handling non-alcohol packaged beverages for the region, Garry Carter is managing the grocery category and Tim Wallace is director of facilities and maintenance. Circle K Midwest is based in Columbus, Ind., and will have approximately 350 stores by the end of 2015, after about 500 of its current stores move to the new Circle K Heartland region when it is fully operational. Heartland will encompass stores in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
• Circle K West Coast. Personnel changes include Jorge Parra as Southern California director of operations after Dan Williams moved to the chain’s Houston office. Parra joined Circle K in January from Propel Fuel Co.
• First Coast Energy. Jack Kemp, former director of marketing, has retired. Trey Byrd handles buying and marketing for the Jacksonville, Florida, chain with 96 stores.
• KeithCo Petroleum. Brian Lee joined the company last year as director of operations. Ronnie Chadwell is no longer with the Mississippi chain, which operates about 30 Keith’s Superstores.
• Miller Oil Co. (Miller’s Neighborhood Market). Jack Trebilcock is no longer with Miller Oil Co. and Millers Neighborhood Market stores. He has relocated to Florida.
• Rite Way Oil Co. (Speedee Mart). John Dilsaver is chief operations officer, now handling all buying for the Omaha, Neb.-based company’s 14 stores.
• Tri-State Petroleum Inc. Leslie Owens has been named director of retail operations. The West Virginia company distributes fuel and owns and operates 30 stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

In the News

• Alon Brands Retail opened its newest 7-Eleven store May 6 in Rio Rancho, N.M., outside Albuquerque. It is a prototype for future stores, with 4,500 square feet of space within the store and 16 fueling stations. The company also began wholesale-fuel sales into the Phoenix market. Delek US Holding Inc. of Brentwood, Tenn., has acquired more than 48% of the stock from parent company Alon Israel Oil Co. Ltd., with an option to purchase more.
• Beacon & Bridge plans to build a new store in Lapeer, Mich., next door to an existing site that will be razed when construction is complete. Work has not yet begun on the new store. The chain has 23 sites in Michigan.
• Car Wash Enterprises Inc. of Seattle has been rebranding its convenience stores to Hungry Bear Market this year, with a new image and upgraded interiors that include open-air coolers and more fresh food offerings.
• Kum & Go’s parent company, Krause Holdings, has purchased a winery in Piedmont, Italy. The Iowa chain has more than 400 stores across 11 states.
• A new Pak-A-Sak store is due to open in August in Childress, Texas. The Amarillo company has about 20 stores, all in Texas.
• Sunshine Gasoline Distributors purchased 15 gas stations and convenience stores in Miami-Dade and Broward counties from Floval Oil Corp. Based in Doral, Fla., Sunshine also plans to add six more sites this year.
• Team Schierl Cos., based in Wisconsin, says its loyalty program, Impact Rewards, has reached a membership of 80,000. The chain plans to open one new store in 2015, for a total of 24 sites.
• United Oil of Gardena, Calif., has changed its corporate name to United Pacific following the acquisition of stores from Pacific Convenience & Fuels. The chain has expanded into Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Colorado. After the acquisition, United operates more than 300 stores and leases another 60 to other operators.

MESA, Ariz. —The staff of CSPedia, CSP Business Media’s online encyclopedia of convenience-store chains, gathers news and insights and updates the listings for the nearly 500 retailers in its database on a daily basis. CSPedia delivers a monthly summary of these reports, often news not yet announced publicly, to its subscribers.

Here is a collection of some of the news and people updates from June 2015.

People on the Move

• Alimentation Couche-Tard. Kim James has been appointed to the newly established role of global brand management director at Alimentation Couche-Tard, Couche-Tard Brands & Finance for the Laval, Quebec-based company, effective July 1. Previously, she was director of brand marketing, U.S. and Canada for Couche-Tard, Mac’s and Circle K; and director of category training and development, U.S., retail director of operations and director of marketing for Circle K.
• *CEFCO. Richard Levin has joined CEFCO as vice president of marketing. Mike Skidmore, senior vice president of marketing, has announced he will retire in September.
• Circle K Midwest. Brent Byers is handling non-alcohol packaged beverages for the region, Garry Carter is managing the grocery category and Tim Wallace is director of facilities and maintenance. Circle K Midwest is based in Columbus, Ind., and will have approximately 350 stores by the end of 2015, after about 500 of its current stores move to the new Circle K Heartland region when it is fully operational. Heartland will encompass stores in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
• Circle K West Coast. Personnel changes include Jorge Parra as Southern California director of operations after Dan Williams moved to the chain’s Houston office. Parra joined Circle K in January from Propel Fuel Co.
• First Coast Energy. Jack Kemp, former director of marketing, has retired. Trey Byrd handles buying and marketing for the Jacksonville, Florida, chain with 96 stores.
• KeithCo Petroleum. Brian Lee joined the company last year as director of operations. Ronnie Chadwell is no longer with the Mississippi chain, which operates about 30 Keith’s Superstores.
• Miller Oil Co. (Miller’s Neighborhood Market). Jack Trebilcock is no longer with Miller Oil Co. and Millers Neighborhood Market stores. He has relocated to Florida.
• Rite Way Oil Co. (Speedee Mart). John Dilsaver is chief operations officer, now handling all buying for the Omaha, Neb.-based company’s 14 stores.
• Tri-State Petroleum Inc. Leslie Owens has been named director of retail operations. The West Virginia company distributes fuel and owns and operates 30 stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

In the News

• Alon Brands Retail opened its newest 7-Eleven store May 6 in Rio Rancho, N.M., outside Albuquerque. It is a prototype for future stores, with 4,500 square feet of space within the store and 16 fueling stations. The company also began wholesale-fuel sales into the Phoenix market. Delek US Holding Inc. of Brentwood, Tenn., has acquired more than 48% of the stock from parent company Alon Israel Oil Co. Ltd., with an option to purchase more.
• Beacon & Bridge plans to build a new store in Lapeer, Mich., next door to an existing site that will be razed when construction is complete. Work has not yet begun on the new store. The chain has 23 sites in Michigan.
• Car Wash Enterprises Inc. of Seattle has been rebranding its convenience stores to Hungry Bear Market this year, with a new image and upgraded interiors that include open-air coolers and more fresh food offerings.
• Kum & Go’s parent company, Krause Holdings, has purchased a winery in Piedmont, Italy. The Iowa chain has more than 400 stores across 11 states.
• A new Pak-A-Sak store is due to open in August in Childress, Texas. The Amarillo company has about 20 stores, all in Texas.
• Sunshine Gasoline Distributors purchased 15 gas stations and convenience stores in Miami-Dade and Broward counties from Floval Oil Corp. Based in Doral, Fla., Sunshine also plans to add six more sites this year.
• Team Schierl Cos., based in Wisconsin, says its loyalty program, Impact Rewards, has reached a membership of 80,000. The chain plans to open one new store in 2015, for a total of 24 sites.
• United Oil of Gardena, Calif., has changed its corporate name to United Pacific following the acquisition of stores from Pacific Convenience & Fuels. The chain has expanded into Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Colorado. After the acquisition, United operates more than 300 stores and leases another 60 to other operators.

SEATTLE – Starbucks has announced strategic initiatives to support economic development and social change in urban communities by helping young get jobs.

Starbucks said that it will open coffeehouses in 15 low-to-medium income urban communities, with at least five stores expected to open in 2016. These stores will be a key strategy in achieving the company’s goal of hiring 10,000 Opportunity Youth—young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who face systemic barriers to jobs and education—and the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative’s collective goal of hiring 100,000 Opportunity Youth by 2018.

Seattle-based Starbucks will open the first of these stores in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago’s south side; the West Florissant neighborhood in Ferguson, Mo.; the Jamaica neighborhood in Queens, N.Y.; Milwaukee; and will remodel a store in Phoenix.

Each of these locations will have an onsite training space where young people can learn customer service and retail skills. Starbucks will also partner with local youth services organizations and government to leverage existing programs that help connect young people with internships, apprenticeships and jobs in the community.

“We have a long history of developing stores in diverse neighborhoods, and we hope to do even more—together with the community—to bring great jobs, engage young people and drive economic opportunity for all,” said Blair Taylor, chief community officer for Starbucks and chair of the Starbucks Foundation. “We want to be part of the solution in these communities and help create a sustainable future for those who may be looking for a second chance.”

Starbucks will hire on average 20 to 25 employees per store from the local community, providing a new pathway to opportunity through training and development, career options and benefits that include the chance to get an online, tuition-free bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.

Starbucks also plans to collaborate with local women- and minority-owned contractors and businesses in the design and development of these stores, and work with women- and minority-owned suppliers to bring locally made food products to the stores.

“There’s a quiet, much-needed movement underway to rebuild Ferguson” said Michael McMillan, CEO for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, which recently broke ground on a new jobs and education center for youth in Ferguson on the site of a former QuikTrip convenience store destroyed during the riots that followed the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown.

“Starbucks is stepping up and investing in our community in a way that will open up exciting opportunities for all. We hope more businesses will appreciate this city’s resilience and join us in turning what was a tragedy into a triumph,” he said.

“In making this commitment to open in Englewood, Starbucks, like Whole Foods, sees the opportunity and revitalization occurring in one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods. This is further proof that when the public and private sectors come together to invest in communities, we can create new jobs and economic resources that will spur economic growth into the future,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

To determine which communities are a good fit for this store concept, Starbucks looks at all the available data on the socio-economic health of America’s cities to understand which communities have the biggest opportunity gaps, which have the biggest need for business investment and leadership and where there is local movement underway to build a better future for its residents. The company plans to accelerate the development of these stores over the next three years with the goal of opening in at least 10 additional cities by 2018. Starbucks will monitor the success of the stores for continued adoption to embed with our store development strategies.

RICHMOND, Va. — Altria Group Inc. said that it is expanding its strategic framework with Philip Morris International (PMI), first announced in December 2013, to include a joint research, development and technology-sharing agreement.

Altria and PMI will collaborate to develop e-vapor products for commercialization in the United States by Altria and in markets outside the United States by PMI.

The agreement also provides for exclusive technology cross licenses, technical information sharing and cooperation on scientific assessment, regulatory engagement and approval related to e-vapor products.

Meanwhile, PMI and Swedish Match have mutually agreed to dissolve their joint-venture agreement relating to the sale of smokeless tobacco products outside Scandinavia and the United States.

Swedish Match will continue to sell General snus in Canada, Russia and Malaysia. It said it sees “good opportunities” for its snus products internationally over the longer term.

The companies established SMPM International (owned on a 50/50 basis by Swedish Match and PMI) in 2009 to commercialize snus outside Scandinavia and the United States.

Within the scope of the joint venture, Swedish Match has developed and produced snus products that have then been sold through PMI. Both companies have licensed trademarks to the joint venture. The venture most recently has been selling snus in Canada, Russia, Israel and Malaysia. Costs for joint venture activities have been shared 50/50.

There is a small but growing demand for snus in current joint-venture markets, Swedish Match said. The development has, however, taken longer than the parties had initially anticipated. As a consequence, the parties agreed end the joint venture.

Swedish Match and PMI will now focus on independent strategies for the commercialization of snus, Swedish Match said

Trademark licenses will revert to the original owners, and separate transitional agreements have been signed whereby Swedish Match will supply snus products to PMI for certain markets, and PMI will perform distribution services on behalf of Swedish Match in Canada and in Russia.

“We have attained valuable insights, and are pleased to see that snus has been viewed by many outside of our core markets as a viable alternative. We look forward to continuing to build our knowledge and work toward further developing our snus business globally,” said Lars Dahlgren, president and CEO of Swedish Match.

Stockholm-based Swedish Match develops, manufactures and sells products with brands in snus and moist snuff; other tobacco products (OTP) such as cigars and chewing tobacco; and matches, lighters and complementary products. Some of its brands include General, Longhorn, White Owl, Red Man, Fiat Lux and Cricket.

New York City-based PMI is a leading international tobacco company with six of the world’s top 15 international brands, sold in more than 180 markets.

Richmond, Va.-based Altria’s wholly owned subsidiaries include Philip Morris USA Inc. (PM USA), U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. LLC (USSTC), John Middleton Co., Nu Mark LLC, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd. (Ste. Michelle) and Philip Morris Capital Corp. Altria holds a continuing economic and voting interest in SABMiller plc (SABMiller).

The brand portfolios of Altria’s tobacco operating companies include Marlboro, Black & Mild, Copenhagen, Skoal, MarkTen and Green Smoke. Ste. Michelle produces and markets premium wines sold under various labels, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, 14 Hands and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and it imports and markets Antinori, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Torres and Villa Maria Estate products in the United States.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. — Wawa and Costco are consumers’ favorite places to fill up their gas tanks, according to a study by Market Force Information. The customer intelligence firm polled nearly 7,000 consumers for the study, designed to uncover where consumers prefer to fuel up and why.

The study found that, while the majority of motorists still fuel up at traditional gas stations and convenience stores, grocers and wholesale clubs continue to gain ground.

For their most recent trip to the pump, 69% said they visited a gas station or convenience store, while 31% chose a grocery, wholesale club or big-box chain.

Because the critical drivers for customer satisfaction vary between gas stations and grocery or big-box stores, Market Force evaluated each category separately. 

For the rankings, Market Force asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their most recent gas station or convenience store experience, and their likelihood to refer that store brand to others. It averaged the results to attain a composite loyalty score.

Wawa ranked highest with 68%, edging out QuikTrip, which took the top spot in the 2014 study. QuikTrip was second with a score of 62% and Sheetz was third with 59%. All of the top three are corporate-owned, regional brands. Speedway and Phillips 66 tied for fourth, with Phillips 66 emerging as the highest-ranking national brand.

Market Force also evaluated how gas station and convenience store brands are delivering on a spectrum of attributes that impact customer satisfaction, such as service and appearance. Chevron ranked highest for fuel quality and ARCO was voted the fuel price-leader. Wawa, which offers made-to-order hoagies, breakfast sandwiches and other food options, took the top spot in the fresh food category. QuikTrip came in first for customer service and appearance for a second consecutive year. Sheetz’s loyalty program was a clear favorite, and it also tied with Wawa for quality coffee.

Continued on next page.

“We found that one in seven consumers was dissatisfied with their most recent experience at the pumps,” said Cheryl Flink, chief strategy officer for Market Force, Louisville, Colo. “With the plethora of options available to drivers, gas stations and convenience stores must both execute flawlessly on the basics like bright, appealing imaging and deliver in experience-related areas such as customer service and specialty foods.”

Consumers seem to largely prefer wholesale clubs over grocery stores and big-box retailers for gas, likely for their deeply discounted prices. When Market Force ranked the top wholesale clubs, grocers and big-box chains on the Customer Loyalty Index, three wholesale clubs led the pack—Costco ranked first, BJ’s Wholesale Club was second and Sam’s Club was third. Kroger and Walmart rounded out the top five.

When Market Force examined how grocery stores, wholesale clubs and big-box retailers were performing on a spectrum of attributes that impact customer satisfaction, Costco took the top spot in five of the nine categories, including fuel quality, fuel price, customer service, appearance and brand reputation. BJ’s also performed well, leading on ease of entry and exit and good coffee, and tying with Costco for fresh food. Kroger ranked first for its loyalty program by a large margin, besting Costco by nearly 40%.

ARLINGTON, Va. – Petroleum Marketers Association of America President Emeritus Dan Gilligan has been selected to receive PMAA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). The group will present the award at a luncheon held in his honor on October 11, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Tennessee marketer David Adcox, who served as chairman of the 2015 DSA Committee, said the committee was unanimous in wanting Gilligan to be the recipient this year.

“Dan has devoted so much of himself to PMAA over the past 17 years, we wanted to make sure he got the award while the decision was in our hands,” said Adcox. Serving on the committee with David were Jimm Cross, Cross Petroleum Inc.; Bill Herdrich, Herdrich Petroleum Inc.; Chris Newton, Texas Food & Fuel Association; Larry Ray, R.P.C. Inc.; and Tommy Thompson, Thompson Energy LLC.

Gilligan was named president of PMAA in July 1998 and immediately focused on invigorating the role of state trade associations in the advancement of PMAA goals and objectives.

Prior to joining PMAA, he had a diverse career in association management and government relations. From 1976 through 1986, Gilligan worked as a statehouse lobbyist, where he developed an understanding of the policy differences between state and national interests. In 1986, he moved to Washington, D.C., to serve as CEO of a national federation of state associations, which gave him the foundation to strengthen PMAA as a federation.

“I am very humbled and honored to have been selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award. Over the past 17 years, I have witnessed some really great industry leaders get the award and I am proud to be associated with all of them.” Gilligan said.

YORK, Pa. — Rutter’s Farm Stores will use two new corporate giving programs, Vote with Your Dollars and Rutter’s Rewards Schools, to continue its financial support of local children’s charities, the York, Pa-based convenience-store retailer has announced.

Since 2005, Rutter’s has given more than $4.45 million to local children’s charities. The chain will fund Vote with Your Dollars and Rutter’s Rewards Schools with $100,000 raised at Rutter’s Children’s Charities’ annual golf outing.

Both programs rely on technology and will empower customers to help decide to which charities the funds are allocated.

The Rutter’s Children’s Charities donation committee selected seven Central Pennsylvania charities as finalists to participate in the Vote with Your Dollars program this year:

• Make a Wish Foundation
• Hoffman Homes for Youth
• Junior Achievement
• York County Food Bank
• Red Cross of South Central PA
• Chambersburg Hospital
• York Country Day School

Customers can read about each charity, their plans for the donation and learn how to pledge their support at rutters.com/charities or by using Rutter’s mobile app. Each of the participating organizations will also encourage their network of followers, members and volunteers to support the cause. Every dollar spent at Rutter’s by a charity’s supporter will count as a vote.

Rutter’s Rewards Schools gives clubs, teams and other organizations from local schools an opportunity to meet their fundraising goals. Once approved to participate, the organization will have 90 days to encourage its members, their families and friends to shop at Rutter’s. The club will earn a percentage of the total dollar amount spent in the stores by their supporters.

“We believe these programs lend transparency and consistency to the process of choosing which organizations receive support from us each year, while giving the supporters of each charity a hand in helping their favorite cause,” said Derek Gaskins, Rutter’s chief customer officer. “Moreover, we are excited to leverage our innovative mobile and loyalty technology platforms to drive engagement, and provide financial support to our local schools, non-profits, and community organizations.”

Rutter’s has been active in the community since its beginning in 1921.

Under the third generation of family leadership, Rutter’s operates 60 convenience stores throughout central Pennsylvania.