Anyone manufacturing tobacco products without first obtaining the necessary permit is subject to civil and/or criminal penalties. The federal Alcohol, Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued an announcement regarding the impact of the Aug. 20 ruling on RYO cigarette machines by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the National Association…
BP Enhances Pump Rewards
Customers to be rewarded for their loyalty. BP Products North America Inc. is committed to finding new ways to build loyalty amongst consumers. First it launched the new BP Visa with Pump Rewards, and now the company is taking Pump Rewards technology to a whole new level by launching several pilot programs this fall in…
Merchandising! Merchandising!
By John Matthews, founder of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. “Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made. Spaceballs the T-shirt. Spaceballs the lunchbox. Spaceballs the coloring book. Spaceballs… the flamethrower! Kids love it. And my favorite, Spaceballs the Doll — me!” — Yogurt from the movie Spaceballs Merchandising is a critical aspect…
Managing A Retail Real Estate Portfolio
By John Matthews, founder of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. For the multi-unit operator, managing a retail real estate portfolio is tricky business. Keeping winning stores in tip-top condition—both physically and financially—is the key to long-term success. The best multi-unit operators actively prune their portfolios in a proactive way and overtime, minimize the organization from becoming…
Facility Management
By John Matthews, founder of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. It was the situation that everyone dreads. Out of the blue, the anxiety-filled request was made—the CEO had summoned me to his office. Thoughts raced through my head—mostly bad thoughts, mind you—of why I was being asked to join him and the COO in an impromptu…
Seasonal Gasoline Shift and the Bernanke Put
By Brian L. Milne, Refined Fuels Editor, Telvent DTN The uptrend in retail gasoline prices that began at the start of July still has legs, set to advance even as the summer travel season in the U.S. comes to an end with Labor Day, and as fuel specifications for gasoline ease to lower the production…
Cenex Zip Trip Stores Raise Over $31,000 For Kids
“Now every time someone makes a $1 donation in our stores, they sign a flyer that we post and we give them a free soda next time they come in,” says Cenex Zip Trip general manager. For the third year, Cenex Zip Trip stores have participated in growing The Salvation Army’s Backpacks for Kids Campaign…
Pilot Flying J Closes Maxum Petroleum Acquisition
“I am looking forward to increasing our participation in the fuel and lubricant distribution industry serving commercial and industrial customers,” says Pilot CEO. Pilot Flying J closed its acquisition of a controlling interest in Maxum Petroleum for cash, and its contribution of Western Petroleum LLC into Maxum. Maxum will continue to operate as an independent…
Anheuser-Busch Assists Isaac Relief Efforts
Helping communities cope with disasters has been an Anheuser-Busch tradition since 1906 when it donated to victims of the San Francisco earthquake. Anheuser-Busch has shipped 4,312 cases of emergency drinking water—or 103,488 cans—to affected areas to support Hurricane Isaac relief efforts. The emergency water has been made available to communities and relief organizations assisting…
CITGO Launches Fall 2012 Fueling Good Program
Registration open for charities, local heroes to win CITGO gift cards. Fueling more than one-million miles of good by assisting more than 200 charities, CITGO Petroleum Corp. is once again launching its Fueling Good program. Now in its fourth year, the Fueling Good program continues to recognize and reward local heroes making a difference in…