3 C-Store Chains Recognized for Diversity, Service, Innovation

CHICAGO -- Three convenience-store retailers have earned recognition for their leadership in areas including corporate responsibility, community involvement and technological innovation.

Here's a look at their achievements ...

With 40% of its board of directors’ seats held by women, TravelCenters of America LLC received special recognition for approaching gender parity. The Women’s Forum of New York honored TravelCenters of America LLC Nov. 14 at its 2017 Breakfast of Corporate Champions.

“We are honored to receive this distinction from the Women’s Forum of New York,” said Tom O’Brien, managing director, president and CEO of TA. "We believe having diverse perspectives is essential to ensuring a well-functioning board, and we are committed to continued leadership in gender diversity."

Lisa Harris Jones is a founding member of the Baltimore-based law firm of Harris Jones and Malone, has served as a TA board member since 2013 and is chair of the nominating and governance committee. “Good corporate decision-making requires the ability to hear and consider different points of view, which results from people of different backgrounds and perspectives coming together,” she said. “Companies like TA that are taking the proactive steps to increase board representation by women are leading by example.”

Barbara Gilmore has served as a clerk to Judge Joel Rosenthal of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western Division of the District of Massachusetts, since 2001. She has served on TA’s board since 2007 and is chair of the compensation committee. “Advancing and supporting the representation of women in the boardroom and in the business community in general should be an important priority for all companies. I hope more companies take steps toward embracing diversity and inclusion in the boardroom,” she said.

Westlake, Ohio-based TA has travel centers in 43 states and Canada under the names TravelCenters of America, TA and Petro Stopping Centers, and stand-alone c-stores in 11 states under the Minit Mart brand. TA is No. 17 on the latest update to CSP’s 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.

The Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club recently honored Parker’s President and CEO Greg Parker as the 2017 Citizen of the Year in recognition of his leadership of the c-store chain’s Fueling the Community charitable giving program. The program supports education, healthcare and other important issues.

On the first Wednesday of each month, Parker's donates 1 cent from every gallon of gasoline sold across all Parker’s locations to schools across Georgia and South Carolina, and to local medical centers, including the Parker’s Emergency and Trauma Center at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah.

The Boys and Girls Club honored Parker Oct. 30 at the organization’s annual Fall Jubilee.

“It is such an honor to be here on the 100th anniversary of the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, which is an incredible resource in the community,” Parker said. “Giving back to the community is part of our DNA at Parker’s.” Parker presented the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club with a check for $2,500.

“I think it's important for business leaders to give back," Parker said. "Education is the tide that floats all ships, so by helping young people, we are helping making our community stronger, better, more economically viable and safer."

With headquarters in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s operates 50 c-stores in southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Parker’s is No. 132 in CSP’s 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-stores chains in the United States.

The Sheetz family, founders of the Sheetz c-store chain, will receive the 2017 Pennsylvania Society Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement on Dec. 2 at the group’s annual dinner.

"The Sheetz family is a success story that reflects the best traditions of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Society," said Roger Richards, the organization’s president. "From its founding in rural Blair County in 1952, Sheetz has championed industry-leading innovations, from touchscreen technology to the then-revolutionary idea that a convenience store could serve quality food. With more than 500 stores now, they have grown to become one of the largest and most successful convenience store networks in the nation, yet they never have forgotten where they came from, giving back generously to the community each step of the way."

Travis Sheetz, executive vice president of operations, will accept the award on behalf of the family.

The Pennsylvania Society is a nonprofit, nonpartisan patriotic and charitable organization with more than 2,000 members. Its purpose is to honor achievement; reward excellence; promote scholarship, goodwill and understanding; and unite Pennsylvanians in bonds of fellowship and friendship.

Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz has more than 560 c-stores in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina. Sheetz is No. 14 on the latest update to CSP’s 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.