Membership Benefits
| Conventions |
Each fall VPCGA holds a three day annual meeting on a rotating basis at one of Virginia's leading resorts. The annual meeting is an excellent opportunity to interact with presidents and executive staff from member companies in a "stress free" environment. In addition to outstanding speakers and entertainment the annual meeting features outstanding recreational and spouse programs.
VPCGA is a co-sponsor of the nation's leading regional exhibitions for the petroleum/convenience store and oil heat industries. The SE Petro Food Expo for the petroleum/convenience store industry is traditionally held at the end of March. The Atlantic Region Energy Expo is held in April or May and features the latest products and education for the oil industry. Each event features special social events just for Virginia marketers.
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| Coupon Redemption | More than 10 million food and tobacco coupons are process through VPCGA affiliated company American Coupon Services. Payment is made within 35-40 days after ACS receives your coupons. Your coupon rate for the entire year is set at $.01, not on a per shipment basis, to encourage shipping coupons on a monthly basis no matter what the size, so retailers will have less coupon expiration problems. All you have to do is send your coupons to ACS located in |
| Credit Card Processing |
First Data USA w/Concord EFS & Buypass
Complete & direct service for all electronic payment processing needs for members. Expert guidance for merchant acceptance of credit, debit, fleet & gift cards; Telecheck guaranty services as well as funding advances for working capitol.
We serve more than 6 out of 10 businesses in America...even our existing clients can reduce their costs by getting into the VPCGA program!
This "cost plus" program can reduce your merchant service costs by 10-40%! For full and complete analysis contact Dan Hudson at (800) 235-1794x15317 or danj.hudson@firstdata.com.
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| Educational Training Programs | Timely, affordable and convenient educational seminars are an important part of VPCGA's mission. During the year, the association provides myriad training opportunities for professionals in the home comfort industry on the latest heating and cooling technologies. Also, throughout the year VPCGA offers training for in-store personnel on such timely topics as customer service, retaining valuable employees, loss prevention, and retailing of age restricted products. |
| Insurance |
Since 1958, the Association has endorsed Federated Insurance, the nation's leading carrier of property and casualty, health and financial security insurance for the industry. For more information contact mjlove@fedins.com. |
| Legislative & Regulatory Representation |
VPCGA's only legislative mission is representing Virginia's Petroleum, Convenience Store and Grocery industries. We work to support favorable legislation and defeat bills that would harm your ability to compete. Just as importantly, we maintain close working relationships with the state agencies that regulate the industry to ensure that your interests are protected.
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| Money Orders | The MEMO money order program is designed to be user friendly and allow you to be competitive in today's market. We urge you to consider using this program. It's offers you a real traffic builder. |
| Pest Management |
The association recommends Dodson Pest Control for commercial pest management. Established in Lynchburg, VA in 1944, Dodson Pest Control is a full-service company, providing integrated pest management programs and sanitation documentation to meet government regulations and standards. Association members qualify for a 10% discount on commercial service from Dodson. |
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For fast, comprehensive background checks with a personal touch, HireVu is your ticket to making the right hiring decisions. HireVu solves hiring problems by reviewing background information about applicants and uncovering key information, efficiently and cost-effectively. VPCGA has worked with, HireVu to customize a report for our members at special rates.
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| Scholarships |
Elijah Davis Catterton Scholarship Shortly after his death in 2002, assocation members endowed a scholarship at Richmond's Collegiate School in honor of Elijah Davis "Dave" Catterton, the first President of the Association who served the industry for 54 years. This scholarship is presented annually to a Collegiate Middle or Upper School student(s) who is in good academic standing, shows loyalty to the school and has a desire to participate and excel in athletics. Dave was appreciated for his sense of humor and forthright honesty, love of family, and passion for the game of golf. His dedication to his work endeared him to his associates. S. Frank Straus Scholarship Each year educational scholarships are awarded to those in need of financial assistance. Anyone who is a member, the child of a member, the employee of a member, or the child of an employee of a member of the Virginia Petroleum, Convenience & Grocery Association is eligible. Applications are due April 1. |
| Update Newsletters |
Members are kept informed of the latest industry news, regulatory compliance information and association events through the VPCGA Update which is sent via email or broadcast fax at least bi weekly and more frequently as events warrant. During the General Assembly session members receive the GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE at least weekly.
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| Becoming a Member | If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of membership, contact mike@vpcga.com elizabeth@vpcga.com and we will provide you with full information or click for Membership Application. |