double kwik Helps After Kentucky Floods

In just 48 hours, eight to 10.5 inches of rain fell in parts of Eastern Kentucky, Southern West Virginia and Western Virginia in July, leaving catastrophic damage and claiming the lives of more than 35 people. Missy Matthews, president of Childers Oil Company/double kwik, which has 40 locations in Eastern Kentucky, described the situation as “beyond words.”

Double kwik is based in Whitesburg, Kentucky, which was hit particularly hard by the historic flooding. The area is at the headwaters of the Big Sandy River, the Cumberland River and the North Fork of the Kentucky River. The river that runs through Whitesburg is normally 10 feet wide and ankle deep, but once the North Fork crested at 20.9 feet, the area downstream of the river was completely devasted for 60 miles.

More than two dozen double kwik employees were deeply impacted by the flooding, with some losing everything they owned.

In response, double kwik transformed its distribution center into an unloading and reloading zone for relief deliveries. The center is less than a mile from the high school, which served as the headquarters for relief deliveries.

Benjamin Gish, editor at The Mountain Eagle based in Whitesburg, Kentucky, described the area’s situation on Facebook. “The situation is beyond awful and as a result of what has to be a once-in-a-million years flash flood,” he wrote. “The flash-flooding came without warning and caused hurricane-like de struction due to the sheer force of water from little streams that are normally six inches deep but grew to 10 feet deep in a matter of two or three hours ... Nearly every person in our county of 20,000plus has been affected by this event, and more communities than not have nearly been wiped out.”

To help those impacted by the devastation, the Pine Mountain Partnership has flood relief information for those located in Eastern Kentucky, including what donation items are in need, where to drop off the items and how to volunteer as an individual or group. Donate at www.pmp-ky.com/flood-relief.

Additionally, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has established the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the floods. Donate at secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKY-FloodRelief.

The NACS Foundation Response Relief program partners with the American Red Cross to support the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross and spotlights the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s important role in supporting local heroes and the communities we serve. You can donate to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/donate/cm/nacs-pub.html.

In The Community

Every year, the convenience and fuel retailing industry dedicates billions of dollars to advancing the futures of individuals and families in our communities. The NACS Foundation unifies and builds on NACS members’ charitable efforts to amplify their work in communities across America and to share these powerful stories.

Learn more at www.conveniencecares.org.

GETGO RECOGNIZED FOR DEI INITIATIVES

GetGoCafé+Market,owned and operated by Giant Eagle, was recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by Disability:IN and American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

The company earned a 100% score on the 2022 Disability Equality Index (DEI) benchmark. “We are so honored by this recognition,” said Laura Karet, Giant Eagle chair and CEO. “Our core value of ‘Respect All’ is important to all of us at Giant Eagle. Being named a best place to work for people who are differently abled motivates us to continue our journey of inclusion for all our Team Members, guests and neighbors.”

“Giant Eagle’s commitment to successfully employ people of all abilities is one of the best parts of our culture,” said Giant Eagle Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Jeremy Shapira. “Our work to be even more inclusive will never be done, but we’re successful because our team has heart. We care about each other and our neighbors, and we firmly believe that everyone deserves respect and equal opportunity to thrive.”

Giant Eagle’s support of disability inclusion extends throughout all facets of the company. Some of the company’s initiatives highlighted on the DEI benchmark include dedicated recruiting efforts to attract people who are differently abled; a disability-focused, employee-led business resource group; a company-wide employee engagement survey; a 20+ member diversity council; and company-wide emergency preparedness plans which address people who are differently abled.

SPEEDWAY RAISES MILLIONS FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

For more than three decades, Speedway has raised more than $150 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). This year, the company, which is part of the 7-Eleven family of brands, raised nearly $3 million during the 2022 Speedway Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner—one of the largest charity golf tournaments in the nation—combined with the generosity of customers, vendor partners and associates.

“Each year, we look forward to the Speedway Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner. Not only does Speedway and its vendor partners go above and beyond to make the kids and families feel special, but the funds raised help to make sure local member children’s hospitals are supported so that kids across the country continue to receive the best care possible, no matter life’s circumstances,” said Teri Nestel, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

More than 50 children and their families attended this year’s event, sharing their personal stories and highlighting the significant impact Speedway’s donations have made in funding lifesaving treatments and services at children’s hospitals. Nearly 600 participating golfers had the opportunity to meet and interact with them while out on the golf course, and the kids also were honored with an inspirational medal ceremony at the dinner.

“Convenience may be our focus, but serving is our business, and that business extends beyond our stores and into the communities where our customers, employees and franchisees live and work,” said Rankin Gasaway, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for 7-Eleven.

“Our 31-year-long partnership with CMN Hospitals allows us the opportunity to host events and celebrations that help to further their mission, and all funds raised this year will provide critical, lifesaving equipment and much needed resources to the communities we serve,” Gasaway said.

HIGH’S CELEBRATES STORE ASSOCIATES

During July and August, High’s of Baltimore hosted employee appreciation initiatives to celebrate front-line staff.

Beginning July 25, associates were encouraged to participate in employee appreciation week, which included a series of themed dress-up days. Corporate staff visited stores throughout the week supporting the theme and held raffles with summer-themed gifts and prizes. High’s retail associates enrolled in the High’s Rewards program received a free meal, fuel discounts and free treats each day such as candy bars, ice cream and packaged beverages.

“Our goal at High’s is to deliver the best guest experience, and we would not be able to accomplish this without our store associates,” said Brad Chivington, senior vice president of High’s. “Attracting and retaining top talent is a priority for High’s. Investing in our associates with competitive wages and providing a clear career path for our associates to see their experience at High’s as a stepping stone, learning valuable skills or even as a potential career.”

NITTANY MINITMART HELPS LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS

Nittany MinitMart in Pennsylvania raised a record $117,549 through its “Help Us Help Them” campaign that benefits local volunteer fire companies. The funds went to 36 volunteer fire departments in 11 counties and will go toward firefighter training, equipment and much-needed supplies.

“We want to thank everyone who contributed to our third annual fundraiser,” said Jim Martin, Nittany MinitMart CEO. “We are pleased to be able to step up and help these organizations that we all depend on in so many ways. Nittany MinitMart is a family-owned business, and we believe it is part of our responsibility to communities to help those who help us, especially during this time of high inflation when costs for fire companies are going up.”

SOCIAL SHARES

NACS encourages retailers to share their giving-back news on social media using #ConvenienceCares.