WESTWOOD, Ky. -- The Kentucky Grocers Association and Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores (KGA/KACS) recently recognized Clark's Pump-N-Shop Inc. as the 2014 Convenience Store of the Year.
Clark's Pump-N-Shop, Westwood, Ky., operates 63 convenience stores in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Florida.
Rick, Rodney and Brent Clark are second-generation owners of Clark's Pump-N-Shop. The three brothers grew up working in the family business and have built a management team allowing the company to grow steadily over the years.
"The success of the company has been possible only through the hard work of all Clark's PNS employees." Rick Clark said on behalf of the company after accepting the award. "Teamwork and trust in each other has allowed the company to grow and provide employment for over 600 associates."
They said they believe in maintaining strong relationships with their supplier community, including their wholesaler H.T. Hackney Co. Each year, Clark's Pump-N-Shop invites all of its suppliers to a golf outing. Approximately 150 suppliers and Clark's PNS employees spend a day enjoying fellowship on the golf course to further strengthen the partnership between retailer and supplier.
Jim Glockner, a representative of H.T. Hackney Co., introduced Rick and Brent Clark at the KGA/KACS annual awards luncheon. Glockner focused on how the company is community and family focused. The Clark family strives to make adjustments to each community where their stores are located. This has given the company the ability to donate to charitable organizations and events including donations of gasoline gift cards to the families of the National Guard along with funding projects with local schools.
"Each community has a different personality and needs," Clark said. "It's important to remember when staffing our stores that we find managers and associates that know the needs and personality of that community."
Clark's Pump-N-Shop customers have become loyal over the years and the company has become loyal to them as well, getting to know their customers and helping out when they see those in need.
The KGA/KACS has honored industry leaders for their contributions in Kentucky's convenience store industry since 2008. The Convenience Store of the Year award recognizes a member of the association who has made as outstanding contribution to the good of the industry.
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