Since the group's inception, these services have given back more than $7 million to CITGO station owners and operators, said the company.
The CITGO Buying Group offers classroom and computer-based training for a range of key issues including customer service skills for owners and employees, eliminating employee theft, new employee orientation and training, reducing net operating costs, improving CITGO mystery shop scores and eliminating vendor theft. The group engages marketers and retailers with pragmatic services and training programs based on their individual needs.
"In the current economy, it is more important than ever for service station and convenience store owners to have the best knowledge and tools to run their business," said Pam Romeli, vice president with the CITGO Buying Group. "Our goal is to provide the operational intelligence on everything from basic business skills, such as loss prevention and employee retention, to training and industry analysis so that CITGO retailers gain a competitive edge."
"Our classroom and computer-based training programs were developed by experienced professionals, who have operated stations and have walked in the retailers' shoes. They know what tools and skills are needed to run a more profitable business," added Romeli.
After attending a CITGO Buying Group retail management seminar, one CITGO retailer noted a significant increase in her level of awareness in all areas of business, the company said. She began scrutinizing every invoice and noticed that one vendor was overcharging her by $700 a month. She took steps to immediately correct the problem and saved thousands of dollars in vendor costs from just one seminar.
Through a partnership with the CITGO Buying Group & Petroleum Equipment Co. (PEC), CITGO retailers and marketers can earn additional discounts on the purchase of fuel dispensers, point-of-sale equipment and other tools vital to their business operations. PEC provides customized equipment solutions to meet the individual needs of retail locations and will work one-on-one to negotiate competitive deals. Working with CITGO Buying Group and PEC, CITGO retailers and marketers can obtain the most up-to-date equipment without breaking the bank.
The CITGO Buying Group program illustrates a core CITGO value by promoting efficient operations, quality products, customer service and cost control, all of which is in alignment with the principles endorsed by the CITGO shareholder, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
CITGO retailers and marketers are encouraged to speak with a CITGO Buying Group specialist to identify the most appropriate programs to benefit their business and opportunities to save money on product and service offerings.
Houston-based CITGO is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.