AUSTIN, Texas -- The boards of directors of the Texas Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (TCPA) and the Texas Grocery & Convenience Association (TGCA) have agreed to merge the two organizations. Effective January 1, 2012, the combined organization will be renamed the Texas Food & Fuel Association (TFFA).
"The Texas Food & Fuel Association will be the nation's largest state organization dedicated to serving the fuel marketing, convenience, grocery and wholesale food industries," said Tom Masters, chairman of TCPA's board.
"TCPA and [image-nocss] TGCA have successfully co-produced the Texas Food & Fuel Expo over the last five years. That experience has shown how many attributes both organizations have in common. Brining everyone together in one organization represents a win-win for both associations' members," said Harold Gilson, chairman of TGCA's board.
The Texas Food & Fuel Association will be led by current TPCA president Chris Newton. TGCA president Rick Johnson will join TFFA's staff for one year to help guide the transition and integration of both TPCA and TGCA.
Representing the state that is home to the nation's largest number of convenience stores comprising $50 billion in annual sales, TFFA will offer its members a valuable membership experience that reflects the scale and diversity of the fuel and food marketing industries in Texas. TFFA will capitalize on its members' strong presence in the Texas market to ensure a robust government relations program, valuable membership services and a nationally renowned convention/trade show.
Along with the benefits of the TFFA, next year will also see a new trade show and conference. For 2012, the Texas Food & Fuel Expo will be renamed the Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo. The event will be held May 7--8, 2012, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas.
Founded in 1949, TPCA's membership includes the state's leading fuel marketers and c-store companies. TPCA members own operate and supply a majority of the state's c-stores and other retail fuel facilities. TPCA members also distribute wholesale fuel and lubricants to a diverse array of industries located throughout the United States. The association provides its members with a state government relations and regulatory compliance program emphasizing both advocacy and guidance. TPCA also hosts numerous opportunities and venues for its members to network, interact and discuss issues of common interest with industry peers.
Founded in 1938 as the Texas Retail Grocers Association, TGCA is dedicated to serving and promoting all retail and wholesale segments of the convenience and grocery industries. The association is composed of supermarkets, grocery stores and c-stores, suppliers and wholesalers. Retailer members range from multi-unit grocery stores, to single, family-run c-stores. Supplier members include the largest wholesalers in the Southwest, international corporations, local distributors, specialty food suppliers and equipment and service providers. TGCA provides members with networking opportunities, government relations and various member benefits and services.
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