Convenience store operators pushing a foodservice program must be committed to store cleanliness and sanitation. By Michael Schaffer, Contributing Editor If there is anything retailers and convenience store owners have learned from the economic downturn, it’s that they must do everything they can to welcome their customers and keep them loyal. And it can all…
Obama Administration Grants Final Approval For Sale Of E15
“The public has a right to choose between imported oil and home-grown energy and today’s action by the EPA advances that goal,” says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The Obama administration has given final approval for the sale of E15 ethanol blends under the waiver conditions set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Southwest Farm Press reported. …
NACS Spends $655,000 Lobbying Government
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) spent $655,000 during the third quarter lobbying the federal government on issues related to price gouging, energy policy, credit card fees, tobacco regulation and other key business issues that impact the industry, the Associated Press reported. This year the association also lobbied the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department…
Congress Urges EPA to Consider Costly Gas Proposal
A proposed rule to reduce sulfur and other chemicals in gasoline, could reduce U.S. gasoline supplies. Last week, a bipartisan group of almost 70 lawmakers sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to weigh the costs and benefits of a costly proposed rule to reduce sulfur and other…
Energy-Efficient Tips for Controlling Costs
Choosing the right equipment and honing maintenance procedures will help to significantly reduce energy expenses. By: Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Convenience stores looking to save money on operating costs should start examining their cooler and lighting expenses, in addition to the lighting inside the coolers—for simple ways to save big bucks. Canastota, N.Y.-based Nice N…
House Defunds E-15 Waivers
An amendment to the House budget bill stops federal funding to EPA E-15 waivers, amid concerns over the safety of the fuel for vehicles. The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to block the (EPA) from moving toward a higher blend of ethanol in gasoline, passing an amendment to the House budget bill on Saturday…
NACS Cautions Retailers On E15
Retailers should exercise extreme caution when considering whether to sell E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol) following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent decision to authorize the use of E15 in vehicles manufactured in model year 2007 and later, said the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). NACS represents the convenience and petroleum retailing industry,…
CITGO Opens ULSD Unit at Lemont Refinery
CITGO Petroleum Corp. has completed the construction and start-up of a major processing unit to produce Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) at its Lemont, Ill., refinery. In compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, the unit is equipped with the latest technology designed to reduce, by 98%, the sulfur content of diesel transportation fuel produced at…
NACS Spends $770K Lobbying For Industry
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) had a busy fourth quarter in 2009, lobbying the federal government on fuel issues and other business that affects c-stores. The association spent $770,000 in both the third and fourth quarter to fight for the interests of the industry, Business Week reported. The amount spent lobbying in the…
Cooler Control
Operators looking for greater energy efficiency should cast an eye on their coolers, where centralized controls, lighting adjustments, basic ongoing maintenance and employee training can save them money. “Coolers are typically an opportunity for improvements in maintenance and operational practices,” said Jerry Lawson, national manager for Energy Star Small Business and Congregations Network, a division…