Why Do People Get Hurt?

John Harp, CSP, ARM—Risk Engineering Consultant, MSIG Insurance Group

Employees are injured on the job because of many reasons. Amid the Hundred Days of Summer and the pandemic subsiding, foot traffic into the stores should continue to escalate. As employees get busier with more to do, the risk of injury increases.

Research shows that accidents are the result of an unsafe condition or unsafe behavior, or a combination of both. Examples of unsafe conditions include: poor housekeeping; leg on step stool broke; spill on the floor caused a slip and fall; and a sharp edge on the trash receptacle caused a laceration.

Examples of unsafe acts or behavior include: employee leaves the counter in pursuit of a shoplifter; trying to lift multiple cases of water; using the wrong knife to open hot dog boxes; using a milk crate as a step stool; and violation of rules.

CAN YOU GUESS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS?

Data shows that an estimated 90 percent of all injuries or accidents include unsafe behavior. If we give the employees a non-safety cutting blade and they inadvertently have their hand in the direction of cutting, is it because they weren’t paying attention, or was it management providing the incorrect tool? If it is continually reinforced that shoplifting is hurting the business, but training shows they are not to leave the store, what priority will the employee take in this situation?

We know that for every serious injury, unsafe behaviors are occurring before the incident. As seen in the triangle there are many occurrences where an employee “got away with it” and then continues the unsafe behavior. Have you checked your cell phone while driving or run a yellow light that turned red because you were in a rush? Repeating unsafe behaviors usually leads to injuries, accidents, or worse.

If an employee shows a pattern of aggressiveness when dealing with shoplifters but nothing happens, what are the odds they may one day escalate the situation to a point of being seriously injured?

RESULT R RERESRESURESULRESULTRESULTRESULT

Fatality F FaFat ata atal atali atalit atality

Severe S Se Sev Seve Sever Severe e Injury I In Inj Inju Injur Injury Injury

y Minor Injury M Mi Min Mino Minor Minor Minor I Minor In Minor Inj Minor Inju Minor Injur

“Simple housekeeping is one of the most effective tools in preventing unsafe conditions.”

BEHAVIOR B BE BEH BEHA BEHAV BEHAVI BEHAVIO BEHAVIOR

s Near Miss N Ne Nea Near Near Near M Near Mi Near Mis

HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE AND CORRECT AN UNSAFE CONDITION?

Walk the store and correct conditions when seen. If it can’t be fixed immediately, secure the area from further risk of injury. Setting a positive example as the owner is

critical. Then hold your managers and employees Unsafe Acts & Conditions U Un Uns Unsa Unsaf Unsafe Unsafe Unsafe A Unsafe Ac Unsafe Act Unsafe Acts Unsafe Acts Unsafe Acts & Unsafe Acts & Unsafe Acts & C Unsafe Acts & Co Unsafe Acts & Con Unsafe Acts & Cond Unsafe Acts & Condi Unsafe Acts & Condit Unsafe Acts & Conditi Unsafe Acts & Conditio Unsafe Acts & Condition accountable for also maintaining safe conditions. Simple housekeeping is one of the most effective tools in preventing unsafe conditions. It’s easy to get used to looking at things as they are or accept less than perfect conditions. Show your employees it matters and expect clean, orderly storage areas, coolers, register areas, and especially the customer floor.

HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE AND CORRECT UNSAFE BEHAVIOR?

This is the most challenging of corrections because so many variables can be involved. But there are tools and techniques that can reduce the chances of unsafe behavior. First, know your employees and their likelihood of risk-taking. Do they listen to instructions? How do they act with customers that question an ID for alcohol, demand a different hot dog, or are suspected of shoplifting? Are they shorttempered? Do they follow the rules, training, and advice? If you or your managers “Research shows that accidents overlook risky behavior or chance-taking, are the result of an unsafe you have quietly reinforced that personal condition or unsafe behavior, safety is not the priority. continued on page 40

or a combination of both.”

TIPS TO MANAGE OR MINIMIZE UNSAFE BEHAVIOR

1. Training—This must be done thoroughly upon hire and regularly after. Watching a video has only a small impact on behavior since adults retain very little about what they see. However, by hearing and doing, and repeating the desired behavior, there can be improved learning. And remember, a young adult needs to be trained differently than an older adult.

2. Personal problems or troubles at home can influence behavior at work. Communicate privately and create an open atmosphere where the employee feels they can be honest and will be heard.

3. Provide on-the-spot correction of unsafe behavior. Explain in a positive tone, the right way to do the task or manage a customer situation.

4. Ask your employees for ideas, better methods, or concerns. They are constantly interacting with equipment, products, and customers, and frequently have the best suggestions. 5. Enforcement and discipline if necessary. Employees must know there are rules and boundaries for safe behavior. Without strong reinforcement of the rules, the employee will recognize the true priority. This also shows the other employees you want a well-run operation following procedures. 6. Praise and reward positive behavior. Everyone wants to be appreciated and acknowledged for proper handling of a difficult situation, using the right equipment or asking for help. This will help continue the positive behavior.

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE?

As the owner, president, and allaround executive, you set the tone for safe conditions and safe behavior. Your verbal and non-verbal communication and expectations for your managers and employees will influence the likelihood of chance taking. As Lewis Cass once wrote, “People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.”

In our recent article, we reviewed the critical risk of employees leaving the counter to pursue a shoplifter or assailant, and the potentially lethal consequences. This behavior is a perfect example of a calculated risk-taking behavior that cannot be trained away with a video or poster. Assuring there are no mixed messages about costs and shoplifting or trying to be a hero, there needs to be continual reinforcement of expected behavior in negative situations and possible consequences such as injury or job termination.

It’s all about decisions. Help your employees make the right and safe one!

If you have any concerns, questions, or need further advice, contact your broker or MSIG.

“By unsafe behavior we do not mean the employee is necessarily to blame. Reasons for unsafe behavior include: tired, inattention or distracted, didn’t know, failure to follow rules, unclear priorities, believe ‘it won’t happen to me,’ and in a hurry.”

JOHN HARP

CAN BE REACHED AT 908-604-2951 or jharp@msigusa.com continued from page 26 August 2021, reported Lottery Post. In addition to the drawings held on Wednesday and Saturday nights, Powerball will conduct a drawing on Monday nights. • Thirtysix percent of retailers and brands surveyed said their sales didn't suffer during the pandemic, and 25 percent said sales are ex-

pected to return to pre-pandemic levels by

the end of this year, according to a survey by Glossy and Modern Retail. Altogether, 62 percent reported that sales have already returned to normal. • Airline company Virgin Australia

has partnered with 7-Eleven Australia to offer its 10 million Velocity Frequent Flyer members the opportunity to earn points whenever they shop for fuel, food, coffee

and convenience items at 7-Eleven. • After the CDC's latest guidance on face coverings,

Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger and Publix

are among the retailers now allowing fully vaccinated shoppers and employees to stop wearing masks inside their stores, reported USA Today. • Retailers that stocked up on hand

sanitizer during the worst of the pandemic

are now on a mission to get rid of them, reported the Wall Street Journal. Demand has slowed to a crawl and retailers are trying deep discounts and promotions, like buy-one-getthree-free sales. • A coalition of retailers,

media companies and printing firms have joined forces to oppose a planned 7 percent

increase in postage, reported Reuters. The group issued a letter recently calling on Congress to review the plan before it takes effect on August 29, saying the increase would be unaffordable for small businesses. • Dollar Gen-

eral expects to self-distribute frozen and

refrigerated products chainwide through its DG Fresh initiative by the end of the second quarter of 2021, ahead of its earlier goal of expanding the program to all of its stores by the end of the fiscal year, reported Grocery Dive. •

Ten McDonald’s restaurants in Chicago are testing automated drive-thru ordering

using artificial intelligence software, reported CNBC. The company said the technology is about 85 percent accurate and can take 80 percent of orders. • Amazon reported revenue

of $108.5 billion in the first quarter, surging

these technologies, Seven Central can scale their platform more efficiently and give their teams across the organization access to data and insights that were previously not accessible, which dramatically reduces time-to-insight that has a measurable impact to business operations.

Circle K To Hire 20,000 New Employees Nationwide

Convenience store chain Circle K recently announced that it is looking to add 20,000 new employees in the United States to its current team ahead of the summer season. e company said it has kept its doors open throughout the pandemic and worked hard to provide customers essential services such as fuel, food, and beverages, and as business starts to return to normal it is ready to expand its team. Positions ranging from Customer Service Representatives, Assistant Store Managers, and Store Managers. Circle K said it also has numerous opportunities at its service centers, which support the stores including positions in maintenance, fuel transportation, accounting, auditing, data analytics, IT support, and more.

“Circle K is looking to add 20,000 new employees in the U.S. ahead of the summer season.”

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Sheetz Boosts Employee Wages

Pennsylvania-based convenience chain Sheetz recently announced a $2 per hour wage increase for all of its 18,000 store employees, which went into effect on May 21, 2021. e c-store retailer said this permanent increase equates to a $50 million annual investment and comes on the heels of the company’s $28.5 million investment in store employee wages announced in February. In addition, Sheetz also announced a $12 million investment in a summer stimulus program that provides store employees an additional $1 per hour wage increase from May 21, 2021 until September 23, 2021. “Sheetz recently announced a $2 per hour wage increase for all of its 18,000 store employees.” Sheetz said it offers competitive pay and benefits packages to all employees, including medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, quarterly bonuses, an employee stock ownership plan, vacation time and more. Additionally, Sheetz recently updated its parental leave policy, which includes 12 weeks of fully paid time off for new mothers and two weeks of fully paid time off for partners. e company said it has over 2,000 positions it is actively hiring for.

Rutter's Hikes Starting Pay To $14 An Hour

As debates about raising the minimum wage play out across the country, Pennsylvania-based convenience retailer Rutter’s announced an increase to its starting wage—bringing its hourly pay to continued on page 44

Want to talk to other franchisees?

The National Coalition has Franchise Owner’s Association member organizations in all 33 states in which 7-Eleven operates.

To find the FOA closest to you. Visit www.NCASEF.com to contact any one of the 41 local Franchise Owner’s Associations nationwide. Want to talk to someone at the national level? Call the NCASEF Vice Chairman in your area:

Paul Lobana, Vice Chairman, President, Southern California FOA

paullobana@aol.com 818.203.2527

Rehan Hashmi, Vice Chairman, Vice President, Alliance Of 7-Eleven Franchisees

rehan711@yahoo.com 847-845-8477

Ajinder Handa, Vice Chairman, President, Greater Seattle, FOA

425-438-8381 ajinderhanda@hotmail.com

National Office

nationaloffice@ncasef.com 210.971.9211

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Legislative Update

loitering and “other illegal activity.” One retailer said he hopes members of the City Council will block the mayor’s “outrageous move.” If not, he anticipates proprietors will band together and potentially file lawsuits.

Rhode Island Raises Minimum Wage To $15 An Hour

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee recently signed into law legislation that raises the minimum wage in the state from $11.50 to $15 over the next four years, reported e Newport Buzz. e bill will increase the minimum wage from $11.50 to $12.25 on January 1, 2022; $13 on “Rhode Island has passed a law rais- January 1, 2023; $14 on ing its minimum wage from $11.50 to January 1, 2024 and $15 $15 over the next four years.” on January 1, 2025. e Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training estimates that the new law will raise wages for approximately 70,000 workers by 2022 and approximately 140,000 workers by 2025. Rhode Island now joins fellow New England states Massachusetts and Connecticut in passing legislation to gradually increase the minimum wage to $15.

Massachusetts City Bans Plastic & Styrofoam

e Attleboro, Massachusetts city council recently voted to ban plastic and polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) takeaway cups and containers from convenience stores, restaurants and other places that serve prepared food and drinks effective January 2022, reported e Sun Chronicle. Restaurants can use paper goods, the city’s mayor said, adding Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts already have done away with Styrofoam and don’t oen use plastic anymore anyway. Restaurants and convenience stores are responsible for about 80 percent of the dissemination of Styrofoam and plastic products, with supermarkets and grocery stores accounting for a lot of the remainder that isn’t covered by the new city ban, according to the article. e ban is the latest effort by the mayor to make Attleboro greener since he took office in 2018. Some initiatives that are already in practice or are in the process of being enacted include banning single use plastic bags and the distribution or sale of plastic straws.

Colorado Bill Would Ban Styrofoam & Add Plastic Bag Fee

Colorado lawmakers recently passed a bill that would ban the use of styrofoam and tax single-use plastic bags in most cases, reported e Hill. House Bill 1162 will prohibit the use of single-use plastic bags, except in certain situations when each bag will cost the consumer a minimum of 10 cents. Businesses allowed to continue using such products include restaurants that prepare or serve food in individual portions or stores that have just three or fewer locations in Colorado. Businesses may keep 40 percent of proceeds from the bag tax, and are required to relinquish the other 60 percent to the municipality or county they're located in. e bill also bans styrofoam products from being used as containers for ready-to-eat food. Businesses that violate the new terms, which are set to begin in 2022, are subject to fines of $500 for a second violation or $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation.

continued from page 43 $14 for all field employees, reported the York Daily Record. is is the second increase the 79-store chain has announced in less than a year. It has committed more than $5 million in additional annual wages in May, and $12 million total since the end of 2020. All Rutter’s employees will see a wage increase, with full-time team members earning nearly $30,000 annually. Rutter's store managers can earn up to $110,000 per year and restaurant managers up to $99,000 per year, with bonus. With this increase, Rutter’s has raised its starting wages by 33 percent since 2019, according to the article.

Wawa & Murphy USA Go On Hiring Spree

Wawa recently launched its first annual hiring campaign of the year with the goal of hiring 5,000 new associates by July. e annual hiring campaign spanned the spring season and lasted through Memorial Day Weekend. With more than 650 stores located in the MidAtlantic region and 210 stores in Florida, the company said the new positions are the result of seasonal and store growth across its operating area and aims to fill both store-level customer-service, supervisory and management-level positions. Wawa said its current hiring incentives include up to $800 to work at its stores

Murphy USA Inc. also kicked off a hiring campaign to fill 3,000 positions across its 1,650 stores to support the company’s continued growth. e company said it is seeking applicants for fulltime and part-time positions, and is offering incentives that include a 2021 Summer Bonus of $500 at select stores. New hires at select locations will also be offered 2021 Premium Pay of an extra $2 per hour on top of their regular hourly rate through September 10, 2021.

McDonald's Gives Workers A Raise

McDonald’s Corp. plans to raise the wages of employees at company-owned restaurants in the U.S., one of the latest companies to bolster wages and benefits as they struggle to hire workers, reported the Wall Street Journal. e burger giant said recently it would increase wages for more than 36,500 hourly workers by an average of 10 percent over the next several months. Non-managerial workers at the chain’s roughly 660 company-owned restaurants in the U.S. would earn at least $11 to $17 an hour at entry levels aer the increases. Supervisors would earn an hourly minimum of $15 to $20. Non-managerial employees at company-owned stores earlier this year earned an average of nearly $12 an hour, McDonald’s said, and supervisors earned some $16 to $18 an hour.

McDonald’s owns a fraction of its 13,900 U.S. restaurants, around 95 percent of which are operated by franchisees. Owners have said they are reviewing pay and benefits at their stores. e National Owners Association, a group representing U.S. franchisees, said in an email to its members that strong sales should allow operators to raise menu prices if they choose to compensate for higher spending on pay and benefits.

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Amazon To Overtake Walmart As Largest U.S. Retailer

A new market research study has found that Amazon is on track to overtake Walmart in terms of gross market value within the next few years, reported Business Insider. A study from Edge by Ascential calculated that Amazon's gross market value will reach $631.6 billion by 2025, a compound annual growth rate

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Join Your Local Franchise Owner’s Association Today! How do I join an FOA?

The best way to stay informed of the latest changes and challenges to our 7-Eleven system—and the convenience industry, in general—is to join your local Franchise Owner’s Association. FOAs help franchisees share ideas and concerns, “None of us is as great and allow us to approach our franchisor and vendor as all of us together.” partners with a unified voice. Becoming an FOA member also makes you a member of the National Coalition, which consists of all 41 FOAs nationwide. To join your local organization, contact the FOA president closest to you, or follow the instructions below to fill out an online membership form. If you cannot find the

FOA closest to you, contact nationaloffice@ncasef.com for more information.

We welcome your participation!

1. Log in to 7 Help using 7Hub (secured) in-store or using this link https://7elevenna.servicenow.com/ from any external device. 2. In the search bar type “FOA.” 3. Select the popup suggestion “FOA/PAC:

FRANCHISE OWNERS ASSOCIATION.” 4. Type “NONE” in the “Current FOA” box if you are joining an FOA for the first time or you are not a member of any other FOA. 5 Type in the full name of the FOA that you wish to join (No abbreviation) in the “Future FOA” box. 6. Type in the amount of monthly dues as instructed per local FOA. 7. Type “Please enroll (store number) as a member of (name of the local) FOA.” 8. Repeat Step 7. 9. Press the green submit icon.

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(CAGR) of 14 percent between 2020 and 2025. Walmart's gross market value is slated to rise to $523.3 billion by 2025, a CAGR of 3.9 percent. As a brick-and-mortar native, Walmart has long trailed behind Amazon in terms of its e-commerce capabilities. In fact, Walmart started an overhaul of its online capabilities to improve its digital fulfillment performance. But the Edge study found that this likely won't be enough to catch Amazon. e report found that 29 percent of total chain retail sales will come from ecommerce by 2025 and that online sales in the U.S. alone will increase over $1 trillion by then.

Stimulus Checks Helped Increase March Retail Sales

Armed with $1,400 stimulus checks, Americans went on a spending spree in March, reported the Associated Press. Retail sales surged a seasonally adjusted 9.8 percent in March aer dropping about 3 percent the month before, according to the Commerce Department. e increase was the biggest since May of last year, when stores reopened aer closing at the start of the pandemic. It was also much larger than the 5.5 percent increase Wall Street analysts had expected. e Commerce Department’s report, which covers about a third of overall consumer spending, is the latest sign that the economy is improving as vaccinations accelerate, business restrictions are relaxed and more people are willing to head out to shop or eat. Employers, for instance, added 916,000 jobs in March, the most since August, and U.S. consumer confidence surged to the highest level in a year. A third round of stimulus checks was sent out beginning in the middle of March, with most adults receiving $1,400. Americans spent their cash on cars, eating out and home renovations, according to the Commerce Department. But sporting goods stores saw the biggest jump in sales, up 23.5 percent in March from the month before, as people bought outdoor gear. It was followed by clothing stores, where sales soared 18.3 percent.

“Retail sales surged 9.8 percent in March, thanks to Americans sending their $1,400 stimulus checks.”

New Dallas Ordinance To Require C-Store Security Upgrades

Dallas City Council members recently approved a host of mandatory security upgrades meant to deter crime at more than 750 convenience stores in the city, reported NBCDFW.com. During their May 26 meeting, council members approved without comment an ordinance that would require a minimum of three security cameras be installed inside of every convenience store; upgraded, mandatory exterior lighting; ATM's to be secured to the floor; and ATMs to be set a minimum of 12 feet back from windows and doors.

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44 percent year-overyear and beating out

analyst expectations of $104.5 billion, reported Forbes. This marks Amazon’s second-biggest quarter ever for sales, behind only the $125.6 billion nabbed in last year's fourth quarter thanks to a later-than-usual Prime Day and the pandemic holiday season. • The total U.S. economic impact

from marijuana sales in 2021 is expected to reach $92 billion—up more than 30 percent

from last year—and upwards of $160 billion in 2025, according to analysis from the newly published MJBizFactbook. • McDonald's is partnering

with the White House to promote vaccination

information on its coffee cups, reported CNN Business. Beginning in July, customers will see redesigned McCafe cups and delivery seal stickers that features "We Can Do This," a slogan created to promote vaccine confidence. • Consumers are re-

turning to in-person shopping and dining at an

accelerated pace, according to Frito-Lay's latest U.S. Snack Index. The survey reveals that more people are getting snacks in-person at the grocery store (a 14-point increase from 2020), and 35 per-

cent are picking up snacks at convenience

stores. • Kroger used a hybrid format to offer

job seekers virtual and in-person interview opportunities in its recent push to hire 10,000

new workers, reported CNBC. The grocer's job fair event was aimed at filling open roles in retail, ecommerce, logistics, manufacturing and pharmacy—positions that pay an average of $15.50 an hour and include many benefits. • Coca-Cola

has added to its Freestyle beverage machines

with a countertop model, reported Consumer Goods. The Coca-Cola Freestyle 7100 has a 24-

inch high-def touchscreen and, as with other Freestyle machines, features mobile technol-

ogy that lets users select and pour drinks using their smartphone without an app or account. • As the pandemic has worn on, Americans seem to be backsliding on their handwashing habits, reveals the latest Healthy Handwashing Survey conducted by Bradley Corp. Fifty-seven percent of Americans are washing their hands six or more times a day now, down from the 78 percent when

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e proposed ordinance also dictates where those required cameras must be positioned—one on the cash register, one that shows the faces of everyone who enters the store, and one that shows the faces of everyone as they exit the store. e cameras would further be required to record at all times, including when the store is closed, and for that footage to be saved and accessible for a minimum of 30 days.

Japan C-Store Sales On The Rise

Convenience store sales in Japan rose by 1.9 percent in March from a year earlier for the first increase in 13 months, lied by demand for food items as people continued to stay or work at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, reported Kyodo News. Same-store sales of seven major convenience store operators totaled 861.7 billion yen ($7.9 billion), supported by solid demand for prepared food, frozen food, dessert and alcoholic beverages. Despite the number of shoppers declining 3.5 percent to 1.3 billion for the 13th consecutive month of fall, the average spending per person rose 5.6 percent to 684.20 yen. Customer visits fell especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area, where a second state of emergency was issued in January and extended to March 21.

Speedway Fuel Delivery To Hire 100 Drivers

Speedway Transport Operations, the private fuel delivery fleet for Speedway, announced in late May that it is planning to hire 100 drivers over 100 days to fill growth-related fuel delivery driving positions. e company said full-time and part-time driving positions are open primarily in the Southeast United States, with focus on fleets based in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Speedway Transport Operations will provide and pay for a fuel delivery driver training program for drivers with class-A commercial driver's license and hazmat and tanker endorsements. If drivers with one or more years of fuel delivery experience meet Speedway Transport Operations qualifications, they will receive an additional bonus, and benefits are available immediately upon hire for full-time employees.

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Questions ForTheCEO?

Got a question you want to ask the CEO of 7-Eleven? Submit it via email to nationalcoalition@NCASEF.com. Include the phrase, “Question for the CEO.” We’ll print your question here next issue. All questions are anonymous. The changing environment franchisees face over the next year is bound to raise many issues we have not faced before. We have all signed a new contract that we have yet to test in practice. So, got a question? Let us know: nationalcoaltion2@ncasef.com

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the survey was conducted in April of 2020. • Washington

state lawmakers recently passed a bill setting a target to stop sales of gasoline-fueled

vehicles there beginning in 2030, five years sooner than California, reported Reuters. The move comes as efforts to boost adoption of electric vehicles are accelerating over concerns about fossil fuels' contribution to climate change. • The Hershey Company announced it

has entered into an agreement to acquire Lily's, the high-growth, better-for-you con-

fectionery brand. Lily's low-sugar products include dark and milk chocolate style bars, baking chips, peanut butter cups and other products that fit Hershey's multi-pronged better-for-you snacking strategy, the company said. • Pizza

chain Domino's recently rolled out a robot car delivery service to select customers in

Houston, reported CNN Business. The pies arrive in a fully autonomous vehicle made by Nuro, which is the first human-free on-road delivery vehicle to receive regulatory approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation last year. •

Walmart is giving Samsung smartphones to 740,000 of its front-line workers this year

featuring a new app that allows them to communicate directly with each other, clock in and out, and help customers who have questions, reported the Associated Press. • Staples has

made a new$1 billion offer for Office Depot's consumer division,which includes

its namesake and OfficeMax stores, reported the New York Times. The bid follows a $2 billion January offer for the whole company, including its business-to-business arm, that Office Depot rejected. • Japan-based beauty and wellness company MTG has created a ring made of zir-

conia that's designed to replace a person's

wallet and house key, reported Bloomberg.

The Everingis embedded with a chip that allows wearers to lock their front door and pay

for purchases, and MTG has contracted with Visa to supply the first 3,000 Everings in Japan. •

Wawa recently announced a chainwide milestone of reaching its 50th Electric Vehicle

NACS Introduces TruAge Digital IDVerification Solution

NACS recently announced a digital identification solution that enhances current age-verification systems at all retail points of sale and protects user privacy. e new TruAge solution, developed with Conexxus, makes the traditional carding experience more convenient and accurate. It addresses age-verification beyond the traditional store register to online ordering, home delivery and curbside pickup, which have grown in popularity during the pandemic. e solution is already supported by more than 130 retail companies that represent 22,000-plus convenience store locations in the United States, plus four industry point-of-sale (POS) providers. In addition, Molson Coors Beverage Company is the first major global beer company to support TruAge, NACS said.

TruAge makes it easier and more accurate to verify a customer’s age when purchasing age-restricted products, and at the same time makes identity the difficult. A customer’s date of birth and photo are used to verify identity. When confirming age and identity, one-timeuse tokens are placed on the customer’s mobile device to confirm legal age to purchase age-restricted products. TXB convenience stores and Kwik Chek Food Stores in the Austin, Texas, area, will pilot TruAge with additional markets testing the solution later this year.

Tanker Driver Shortage May Disrupt Gas Supply

ere's no shortage of gasoline in the U.S., but consumers may encounter fuel outages in some areas due in large part to a nationwide shortage of qualified fuel tanker truck drivers, reported KARE11.com. e problem has been brewing since 2017 and has grown worse as more drivers have retired than entered the system. e tanker driver shortage was further aggravated by the COVID19 pandemic because safe distancing made it harder to hire and train replacement drivers. e people who drive around 8,000 gallons of fuel must be certified in handling hazardous materials, in addition to holding a commercial driver's license. at will contribute to sporadic, scattered outages, the article states.

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Kroger Testing Grocery Delivery By Drone

Supermarket chain Kroger and Drone Express recently announced a pilot to offer grocery delivery via autonomous drones. e pilot program will allow package delivery to the location of a customer's smartphone, not only to a street address— meaning a customer will be able to order delivery of picnic supplies to a park, sunscreen to the beach, or condiments to a backyard cookout, for instance. e company said the flights will be managed by licensed Drone Express pilots from an onsite trailer with additional off-site monitoring.

Kroger said it is designing “Drivers may encounter fuel out- bundled product offerings ideal ages in some parts of the country for meeting customer needs because of a shortage of qualified fuel tanker truck drivers.” within the current weight limits for drone delivery, which is about five pounds. For instance, Kroger will offer a baby care bundle with wipes and formula, a child wellness bundle with over-thecounter medications and fluids, and a S'mores bundle with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate.

In-Store Shopping Will Return In 2021

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to pick up steam, a new survey by Inmar Intelligence reveals that over a quarter (27 percent) of consumers plan on doing most of their grocery shopping in-store once they are fully vaccinated and over a third (38 percent) will be doing a combination of online and instore shopping. A return to the physical store is already underway with today’s grocery shoppers. While 48 percent of shoppers are currently hybrid shoppers, almost a third (33 percent) are currently shopping for groceries in-store, suggesting a steady return to normalcy and increased comfort with in-store shopping. Additionally, the survey found that over half (51 percent) of shoppers are still looking to stockpile throughout 2021, adopting a longer-term “be prepared” mentality. irty-eight percent plan on stockpiling toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, food and alcohol. Despite the growing trend toward heading to physical stores to shop, online shopping is not going anywhere—41 percent of shoppers have ordered groceries online for delivery or pickup over the past six months. However, there are still hurdles to conducting online shopping that can deter today’s

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(EV) charging site across its entire sixstate operating area.

Wawa officially marked the 50th site milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of its newest store in Crystal River, Florida, which happens to also be the first Florida store to open live with EV charging. •

Foodservice distributor Performance Food Group Company recently announced it is purchasing Core-Mark Holding Company in a

$2.5 billion deal including debt, a move that would expand its business with convenience stores. • Consumer product manufacturers have begun trimming package sizes instead of raising consumer prices as companies look to offset rising labor and materials costs without scaring off customers, reported the Washington Post. It’s a form of retail camouflage known as “shrinkflation,” and economists and consumer advocates expect it to become more pronounced as inflation climbs. • A McDonald's in

Florida was paying people $50 just to show up for a job interview, but it was still not

attracting many applicants, reported Business Insider.The franchisee who owns the restaurant said the reopening of businesses that are looking to hire, along with enhanced unemployment benefits, has cut into the number of applicants. • Circle K stores in Sweden re-

cently launched Pay by Plate, which allows customers to simply drive onto the gasoline forecourt, fill up with fuel and, through li-

cense plate recognition, pay for the fuel on the Circle K Easy Fuel app. • As the labor market heats up, Chipotle Mexican Grillsaid it is raising pay for its restaurant workers— reaching an average of $15 an hour by the end of June—as it looks to hire 20,000 new workers to support its peak season and new restaurant openings, reported CNBC. • Amazon recently announced that its Key by Amazon In-

Garage Grocery Delivery, which allows Prime members to have their Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market groceries deliv-

ered securely inside their garage, is expand-

continued from page 51 shoppers, especially around quality and price. e greatest challenges that shoppers face with online delivery include delivery surcharges (18 percent), quality of groceries delivered (16 percent) and availability of delivery time slots (14 percent).

Private Label Sales To Grow In 2021

Private label sales are poised to increase aer a disappointing 2020 thanks to continuing innovation, e-commerce potential and consumers' growing willingness to try new brands, reported Retail Dive. A recent webinar presentation by ingredients supplier Kerry and NielsenIQ reveals that two-thirds of consumers have shied their buying habits in recent months, while the percentage of newly budget-conscious consumers doubled between September and December.

NielsenIQ has tracked consumers' attitudes toward spending over the past year, categorizing them into two groups: “constrained” and “insulated.” According to the firm, the percentage of shoppers that fall into the former category has grown recently. “Newly constrained” consumers increased from 23 percent to 46 percent between September and December, indicating a higher percentage of shoppers that are closely watching their budgets as uncertainty and concerns over unemployment loom. Both constrained and insulated shoppers buy private labels, with insulated shoppers gravitating more toward new and innovative products. But tighter budgets tend to play to the benefit of store brands, which have extended across store categories over the years and have increased the quality and sophistication of their offerings.

Online shopping is shaping up to be the next major merchandising opportunity for private label. Two-thirds of consumers say they're shopping both in stores and online, but they oen feel there's a disconnect between the two channels. is indicates an opportunity for retailers to capitalize on rising omni-shopping habits with their private label products.

Less Than Half Of Fuel Merchants Meet EMV Deadline

New data from ACI Worldwide shows that as of April 17, 2021—the extended EMV liability shi deadline—less than half (48 percent) of fuel merchants will meet EMV automated fuel dispenser (AFD) compliance mandates. As of the extended deadline, the liability for fraud will now shi from card issuers to fuel merchants. ACI surveyed fuel merchants that collectively represent 45,000 gas stations nationwide—including major oil companies, grocers and convenience stores. e data showed that only 50 percent of fuel merchants who were not fully implemented expect to be EMV compliant by the end of 2021. Other key findings include:

• 26 percent have more than three quarters of their fuel stations fully upgraded. • 22 percent currently have under half of their fuel stations fully upgraded. • 91 percent of fuel merchants plan to implement contactless payments in 2021, an increase compared to 85 percent that were planning to do so in 2020. • 78 percent are considering implementing mobile payment options in 2021, an increase compared to 70 percent in 2020. • 48 percent are evaluating how to integrate loyalty initiatives at the fuel dispenser, a drop compared to 67 percent that were considering it in 2020.

FILLING JOBS FOR SUMMER PEAK SEASON

SEI and participating independent franchise owners are collectively recruiting as many as 40,000 new employees to fill positions at their more than 13,000 U.S. stores, the company recently announced. This includes approximately 3,800 Speedway stores recently acquired from Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Store level employees, both entry and management positions, are available. In addition, 7-Eleven and Speedway are looking to fill a number of non-store positions including maintenance technicians, transport drivers, and other support roles. SEI said the store employee position at 7-Eleven store locations will also help meet the surge in mobile orders made through the 7NOW delivery app.

SEI added that when COVID-19 first struck, it and its participating franchisees put out two hiring calls for 40,000 new employees to keep local corporate or franchisee-owned stores open and responsive to customers' needs. The company estimates between the organization and independent 7-Eleven franchise owners, more than 50,000 employees were hired during a time when many businesses were forced to shut down and unemployment escalated to record highs.

“SEI and franchisees are recruiting as many as 40,000 new employees to fill positions at their more than 13,000 U.S. stores.”

EVOLUTION STORE IN VIRGINIA FEATURES TWO RESTAURANTS

SEI recently unveiled its newest Evolution Store in Manassas, Virginia—the first to offer customers two restaurant options in one location. The company’s popular Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits restaurant, which opened its first location a year ago in Manhattan, is joined at the Manassas store by Parlor Pizza, an onsite pizzeria with hand-tossed made-to-order pizzas. The two restaurants are located side by side inside the store, with separate ordering counters and shared indoor and outdoor seating.

Located at 10601 Lomond Drive, the new combination 7-Eleven Evolution Store is approximately 30 miles of Washington, D.C., where SEI operates another Evolution Store with a Laredo Taco Company restaurant. One of just eight experiential stores 7-Eleven operates in the U.S., the Manassas Evolution Store has several other exclusive features such as a well-stocked Wine Cellar and Beer Cooler, fresh-baked-on-site croissants and cookies, customized espresso drinks, and artisan craft sodas and sparkling waters. The Manassas Evolution Store also is the first to serve as a real-world testing ground for 7-Eleven's Sips and Snacks emerging brands program.

7-ELEVEN & INSTACART EXPAND NATIONALLY

SEI and Instacart recently announced the expansion of their collaboration to nearly 4,000 new stores nationwide. With this expansion, Instacart now delivers from nearly 6,000 7-Eleven stores, reaching nearly 60 million U.S. households across the country. To make it easier for customers to instantly connect to 7Eleven and get the goods they need, customers also now have access to 7-Eleven delivery via Instacart in as fast as 30 minutes. Consumers nationwide can choose from thousands of es-

sential products from 7-Eleven— including pantry staples, household items, alcohol, snacks, over-the-counter medication, and more—to be delivered from the store to their door.

With this announcement, 7-Eleven delivery via Instacart is now available across 33 states and Washington D.C. Customers across seven states—California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, New York and Ohio—and Washington D.C. now also have access to alcohol delivery from 7-Eleven stores in as fast as 30 minutes. The companies plan to scale alcohol delivery to more states and stores over the coming months.

“Instacart now delivers from nearly 6,000 7-Eleven stores, reaching nearly 60 million U.S. households across the country.”

LAREDO TACO COMPANY TO OPEN IN COLORADO

SEI has announced that its Laredo Taco Company, the Mexican taqueria found exclusively in 7-Eleven stores, is heading to Colorado. The company said the first Laredo Taco Company restaurant will open in Platteville, with more than 10 more planned for Colorado this year. Laredo Taco Company is famous for its tacos served on warm flour tortillas made from scratch in on-site kitchens each day. Tacos and meals include specialties not always seen in Mexican fast-food chains, such as chorizo, carne asada, carnitas, breakfast tacos made with hand-cracked eggs, and the newest item on the menu, protein-packed bowls. Each restaurant also has a salsa bar where customers can spice up their meal, including a wide selection of on-

continued next page

continued from page 53 ing to more than 5,000 U.S. cities and towns. The service was originally launched in five cities last November. • Japanese c-store chain Family Mart is now of-

fering apparel dubbed “Convenience Wear,” which includes 68 different articles of cloth-

ing, reported Retail News Asia. Spanning essentials like T-shirts, long-sleeves, tank tops, shorts and socks, each piece comes in transparent ziplock packaging labeled with information about the piece’s size, color, material and measurements. • Ford Motor Co. plans to boost spend-

ing on electric-vehicle development to $30

billion by 2025, roughly one-third more than it forecast earlier this year, reported the Wall Street Journal. The company said it expects 40 percent of its global sales to be fully electric by 2030. • According to the Global Digital Payments study by Blackhawk Network, 69 percent of digital wal-

let users surveyed reported shopping more often since using a digital wallet, and 54 percent report spending more money at retail-

ers where they can use digital payments. • Dollar General will use a microlearning platform provided by Axonifyto streamline and improve on-the-job training for 20,000 newly hired workers and the rest of its 150,000 employees, reported Winsight Grocery Business. The program allows training through existing systems and on mobile devices, the company said. • Philip

Morris International recently published its Integrated Report, which reveals its 2025 ambitions to switch more than 40 million

adult smokers to its smoke-free products, and for smoke-free products to account for more than 50 percent of PMI’s total net revenues. • In-

flation is now hitting small restaurant own-

ers after more than a year of COVID-19, and it's leading many to raise the prices of menu items, reported Fox Business. Owners and restaurant consultants blame the price increases on a number of different factors including a severe labor shortage and resulting wage inflation, and high delivery fees for apps like Uber Eats.

continued from previous page site, daily prepared salsas and pico de gallo.

Laredo Taco Company was SEI’s first restaurant concept. Most recently, Laredo Taco Company opened its first drive-thru in Dallas. SEI also operates Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits, billed as “Chicken Worth Crossing the Road For,” which offers a simple menu of fried chicken tenders hand-breaded with a proprietary blend of southern spices, freshly baked flaky biscuits, bone-in and boneless wings tossed with "made in coop" sauces, signature chicken sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches. In 2021, SEI plans to open nearly 150 restaurants nationwide.

500 EV CHARGING PORTS TO BE INSTALLED

SEI said it is accelerating its environmental ambitions and undertaking a massive installation project, with a goal of building at least 500 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports for electric vehicles at 250 select U.S. and Canada stores by the end of 2022. Owned and operated by 7-Eleven, the new DCFC ports will increase convenient charging options for EV drivers by adding to the company’s existing 22 charging stations located at 14 stores in four states. Once this expansion is complete, SEI said it will have one of the largest and most compatible fastcharging systems of any retailer in the U.S. SEI said it is also improving its sustainability by seeking renewable energy solutions for its stores across the country. The company is purchasing 100 percent wind energy for 800+ Texas stores and 300+ Illinois stores. Additional renewable energy purchases include 150 stores using hydropower in Virginia, as well as 300 Florida stores powered by solar energy. SEI added that as a sustainable retailer, it will continue to refine and formalize its overarching environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, while engaging with key stakeholders and establishing long-term objectives. PEACH SLURPEE FLAVOR & STAY COLD SLURPEE CUP SEI announced that it is

“SEI is building pulling out all the stops to at least 500 DCFC beat the heat this summer ports for electric vehi- with a fruity, new Slurpee cles at 250 select U.S. and Canada stores by the end of 2022.” flavor and a special deal that will allow customers to enjoy any small Slurpee drink in a new stay cold cup for just $1. The stay cold cup gives customers more time to enjoy each sip before melting, the company said. 7-Eleven’s exclusive Slurpee flavor, Peach Perfect, is now available in participating stores and is made with real juice, according to SEI. Customers can also enjoy 10 for $5 bone-in wings or a $5 whole pizza pie and get them both delivered through the 7NOW delivery app right to their doorstep or even at a park or beach via 7NOW Pins locations. Alcohol delivery, including beer, wine and liquor, is available in select markets to customers age 21 and older. A MONTH-LONG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 7-Eleven is celebrating its birthday—July 11 (aka 7/11 aka “7-Eleven Day”)—all month long in July with free Slurpees drinks,

continued from page 55 special discounts on foodie favorites, and by providing 1 million meals to Feeding America, SEI announced. On July 1, 7-Eleven dropped one free small Slurpee drink coupon into the accounts of all 7Rewards loyalty app members. The personalized offer is redeemable the entire month of July, so customers can get their birthday present from 7-Eleven when it's convenient for them.

A birthday encore from last year's celebration is a special birthday gift of providing 1 million meals from 7-Eleven to Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country, building on the company’s 21-year history of “7-Eleven is support, SEI said. ($1 helps provide at least 10celebrating its meals secured by Feed-birthday all ing America on behalf of month long in member food banks. SEI July with free commits to a donation Slurpees of 1 million meals drinks, special ($100,000) in conjuncdiscounts, and tion with 7–Eleven supporting Birthday month.) Feeding In addition, all roller America.” grill items—including Big Bite hot dogs, taquitos, Cheeseburger Bite rollers, Buffalo chicken rollers and eggrolls—are just $1 each during 7-Eleven's birthday month. Other celebration-worthy delivery deals during the month of July include whole pizzas for only $5 and a $10 pizza and 16 boneless wings combo, plus dollar deals on grill items, Free Triton and Quake energy drinks, and more.

7-ELEVEN OPENS IN LONG ISLAND MALL

SEI recently opened its first 7-Eleven store inside a Long Island, New York mall, reported Patch.com. The new convenience store opened in early April inside the Westfield South Shore mall in Bay Shore near the JCPenney store and Ulta Beauty. The Town of Islip marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting event on April 9. The 1,690-square-foot store is open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day. The Bay Shore location includes 7-Eleven's expanded hot and cold beverage menu, with the addition of touch-screen machines that brew custom specialty coffee drinks. Other additions include self-serve roller grills and hot food cases. Customers can also find convenient grab-and-go foods in the cold case—salads, sandwiches, cut fruit, and entrees that can be heated in the store or at home.

FIVE NEW BIG GULP DRINKS

OPERATION CHILL KICKS OFF THE SUMMER

The chill is on this summer as SEI kicked off another year of Operation Chill, the company's signature community outreach program, which gives local law enforcement agencies an opportunity to make a positive connection with kids through free Slurpee drink coupons. Each year, 7-Eleven donates free Slurpee drink coupons to agencies across the country for their officers to reward children they see observing safety rules, participating in positive activities, or performing good deeds and acts of kindness. This year, SEI said it will issue approximately 500,000 Slurpee drink coupons to more than 1,100 participating law enforcement agencies.

The Big Gulp is making a splash to kick off the summer season, receiving a bold refresh through the introduction of five new, non-traditional flavors: AHA sparkling flavored water, craft lemonade made with real juice and cane sugar, electrolyte-infused vitaminwater zero squeezed, 7-Eleven's private brand vitamin-infused sport drink Replenish Zero, and energy drink Power Berry by Quake. This fountain refresh is just the latest innovation in the cold dispensed-beverages category, which 7-Eleven redefined in the 1980s with the introduction of the Big Gulp. The following fountain newcomers can now be found in participating stores: ● AHA Sparkling Water: A flavorful, zero-calorie sparkling water with a refreshing lime and watermelon essence. ● Craft Lemonade: A refreshing lemonade made with real lemon juice, cane sugar, and natural flavors. ● Replenish Zero: 7-Eleven's popular private brand zero-calorie sport drink comes in a tasty orange-mango

“The Big Gulp flavor and is infused with vitais receiving a bold mins A, E, B3, B5, and B6. ● Power Berry by Quake:reresh with five Crafted to give an energy new, nontradi- boost, 7-Eleven's private tional flavors.” brand energy drink has B vitamins, electrolytes, and caffeine. ● vitaminwater zero squeezed: Sweetened with Erythritol and Stevia, this zero-sugar vitamin water beverage is the first zero-sugar enhanced water on the fountain, and contains electrolytes, vitamins B, C, and E, and minerals.

New Snickers Peanut Brownie Ice Cream Bar

Snickers Peanut Brownie Ice Cream Bars are a delicious treat that take satisfaction to a new, frozen level. Made with brownie flavored ice cream with brownie bits, topped with signature Snickers peanuts and caramel, and covered in milk chocolatey coating, Snickers Ice

Snickers Peanut Brownie Ice Cream Bars are a Cream Bars are great summertime treat for your customers and your sales. for birthday parties, summer picnics or sharing with a friend. Treat your customers to a satisfying ice cream dessert. There's no wrong way to enjoy the deliciousness of a Snickers Ice Cream Bar.

Grow Your Vape Sales With Vuse Alto

Thanks to the partnership between Reynolds Marketing Services Company and 7-Eleven, Vuse Alto is now America’s Favorite Vape (based on retail scan data of reports total Vuse Alto device sales volume through May 30, 2021). As a result of the tremendous growth of Vuse Alto sales in 2021, along with the partnership between Reynolds and 7-Eleven, 7-Eleven franchisees have access to an elite level of resources to support the sales of Vuse Alto in their stores. These sales have resulted in Vuse Alto becoming a leading driver of vapor pod growth in 7-Eleven in 2021.

Vuse Alto is one of the most customizable vapor brands in the USA. Adult tobacco consumers can choose from bold color devices, three different flavors (Golden Tobacco, Rich Tobacco and Menthol), and three nicotine levels—1.8 percent, 2.4 percent and 5 percent. The flavor pods are available in 1-pod, 2-pod, and 4-pod packs. The 4-pod pack format is now available nationwide. Vuse Alto also has a variety of exclusive wraps available for adult tobacco consumers to customize the look of their Vuse Alto to match their individual style.

With bold and customizable options for your adult tobacco consumers to choose from, be sure to order up to maintain the momentum of Vuse Alto.

MONSTER REHAB STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

REFRESH + RECOVER + REVIVE with Rehab Monster. Strawberry Lemonade flavor stacked with electrolytes, vitamins, and botanicals that deliver on advanced hydration helping your customers reduce fatigue and increase concentration.

Swisher Sweets Announces Contest & New Packaging

Swisher Sweets recently announced the launch of an exciting contest, “Life is Sweet,” along with limited edition Swisher Sweets Red packaging, which will be sure to excite top fans. Beginning June 21, 2021, and continuing throughout the summer until August 27, 2021, adult consumers can enter the “Life is Sweet” contest by uploading a photo or video with a caption describing why they are the #1 Swisher Sweets fan.

There will be five bi-weekly prizes of $2,500 awarded on July 2, July 16, July 30, August 13 and August 27. The Grand Prize winner will be awarded a 2021 luxury sports utility vehicle, $25,000 cash and the title of Swisher Sweets #1 fan. The Grand Prize winner will be selected among the five biweekly winners and notified on or around September 17. The Grand Prize winner will also be featured on swishersweets.com in the Swisher Sweets Hall of Fame.

The limited-edition “Life is Sweet” packaging will be available this summer. Trade partners should be on the lookout for specially marked shipping boxes to begin arriving in June. To place an order, contact your Swisher representative at 1-800-874-9720 or visit Swisher.com.

Swisher Sweets has launched a new summer contest and limited-edition packaging.

Jingle All the Way With Gingerbread Oreo Cookies

Santa is sending something extra special to your store this season—extra sales. Gingerbread Oreo Cookies are coming this holiday season and, exclusively from Oreo, cus- continued on page 60

continued from page 59

tomers will hear Santa’s voice navigating them to 7Eleven stores on the Waze app. Santa will guide customers to your stores on the Waze app so they can buy Limited-Edition Gingerbread Oreo Cookies.

Limited-Edition Gingerbread Oreo Cookies feature festive packaging and five seasonal holiday embossments. Gingerbread is the flavor of the season. The delicious Gingerbread base cake with uniquely textured crème filling with crunchy sugar crystals will give consumers a taste of holiday magic.

Plus, since sharing is a big part of the season, your customers can get two Nabisco King Size Cookies or Crackers for just $2.50 while earning 100 bonus 7Rewards points. If getting bonus points on delicious cookies wasn’t enough, your customers can get free Oreo Cookies only at 7-Eleven on Christmas Eve (12/24) with the 7Eleventh Hour Oreo Cookies promotion.

Smirnoff Ice Pink Lemonade

Increase your Summer FMB sales with the new Smirnoff Ice Pink Lemonade 6-Pack. Pink Lemonade alcoholic beverages grew +151 percent last year. Smirnoff Ice Pink Lemonade pairs bright notes of subtly sweet pink berries, with the refreshing lemonade flavor you know and love. Just two months from launch, it’s already the #2 velocity FMB 6-pack. With bright, eye-catching packaging and a $5 million campaign, Pink Lemonade is poised to be the summer’s hit flavor following in the footsteps of Smirnoff Red, White & Berry. Available now nationwide. UPC: 082000766001.

Boost your Summer FMB sales with the new Smirnoff Ice Pink Lemonade 6-Pack.

NEW PROTEIN & ENERGY PRODUCTS BY OPTIMUM NUTRITION

Optimum Nutrition (ON) recently unveiled several new items that are sure to be popular with your health-conscious customers:

• ON Protein Almonds have twice the protein of regular chocolatecoated almonds. Delectably dipped in a whey enriched confection coating and dusted with cocoa, each sleeve provides 10 grams of protein to support your nutrition goals with only 1 gram of sugar. • ON Protein Wafers—A light and crispy on-the-go snack that is packed These new Optimum with protein, ON Protein Wafers are Nutrition items will made with thin, crispy wafers lay- attract health-conscious customers. ered with rich and creamy wheyenhanced crème filling. Packed with 16 grams of 100 percent Isolate protein in every two-wafer serving, ON Protein Wafers contain 200 calories, 9 grams of protein, 0 grams trans fat and just 6 grams of sugar. • Essential AMIN.O. Energy+Electrolytes Sparkling Hydration Drink offers a combination of 100 mg of caffeine from natural sources to support energy and focus, 5 grams of amino acids to support muscle recovery, electrolytes to support performance, endurance and active living, and zero sugar. Available in a variety of delicious fruit inspired flavors.

Stock Up On Goldfish & Snyder’s Of Hanover Goodies

Enjoy increase snack sales and profits with these Goldfish Crackers and Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel items: Goldfish: Always baked, never fried and made with 100 percent real cheddar cheese and no artificial flavors or preservatives, Goldfish Crackers are the anytime snack that can be portioned out for lunchtime or grabbed by the handful for an afternoon treat. Available in a 8-ounce resealable bag that makes it easy to keep the crackers fresh while on the go or at home.

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Enjoy high snack sales with Goldfish Crackers and Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels.

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Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Pretzels:

Crunchy pretzels with all the delicious flavor of traditional pretzels in a bite-size snack. Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Pretzels are nonGMO and made from wholesome ingredients the whole family can enjoy, and are great as chocolate-covered pretzels or used in a snack mix with dried fruits and nuts.

Snyder’s of Hanover Sourdough Nibblers:

With all the flavor of genuine, aged sourdough in a crunchy, bite-size shape, Snyder’s of Hanover Sourdough Nibblers are a delicious fatfree pretzel snack that are great for munching. These Non-GMO Project Verified pretzels are slow baked for a delicious crunch, and come in a 3.5-ounce bag for snacking on-the-go, at work, or at school.

Electrolit Launches Fresh Summer Campaign

Electrolit—the preferred, premium hydration beverage made from pharmaceutical quality grade ingredients—is launching a fresh, modern campaign for Summer 2021 with a revamped digital and ad strategy. Focusing on Electrolit’s benefits for hydration, hangover, heat exhaustion and illness, the refreshed brand direction will provide a special emphasis on the new Zero product line.

Scientifically formulated with magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium and glucose, Electrolit is ideal for consumption after prolonged exposure to heat, physical activity, hangovers and sickness for immediate replenishment to the body. All of Electrolit’s products provide complete hydration when electrolytes and ions are low.

This year, Electrolit launched its Zero line in response to growing consumer demand for lower calorie, lower sugar functional beverages, available in Berry Blast, Lemon Breeze and Fruit Punch Splash. Electrolit continues to grow their national footprint to select retailers, including 7-Eleven.

Creative applications for the summer campaign include billboards, transit center displays, buses and banners, and social media activations launching across the country. Similar to the brand’s 2020 Summer campaign but updated with a modern direction in terms of color and design, the creative features a pop of bold color and contrasting black and white imagery to communicate Electrolit’s premium status and accessible format.

Electrolit has introduced a new summer campaign to grow awareness nationwide.

Yowie Surprise Rescue Series includes one of 26 collectible endangered Advertiser’s Index species animals.

American Licorice .........................38

Anheuser Busch ................................8

Aon Risk Services....................18, 19 Blue Bunny/Wells ...........................15 Cima Confections ..........................23

Coca-Cola.............................................2

Danone...................................................4

Diageo Guinness...............................5 Electrolit.............................................49 Ford Gum...........................................46

Glanbia ........................................35, 36 Hostess................................................58

InComm ...............................................41

Johnson&Johnson.........................45

King Palm...........................................27 Living Essentials.............................24 Mars........................................................17

McLane................................................32 Miller.....................................................42

Mondelez.............................................13

Monster............................................3,31 Stryve ...................................................57 Swedish Match ................................28

Swisher......................................... 11, 64 Tell Industries...................................63

Vita Coco.........................................6, 7

foa events

National Coalition 45th Annual Convention& Trade Show

Gaylord Palms Resort &ConventionCenter Kissimmee, Florida | August1-4,2021

Greater Oregon FOA Annual Golf Tournament

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course North Plains, Oregon July 19, 2021 Phone: 503-516-3483

San Diego FOA DayAtThe Races

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Del Mar, California August 27, 2021 Phone: 619-713-2411

San Diego FOA & FOA Of Greater Los Angeles Trade Show

Pechanga Resort & Casino Temecula, California July 21, 2021 Phone: 619-726-9016

FOA Of Chicagoland Charity Golf Outing & Board Meeting

Venue TBD July 22, 2021 Phone: 847-343-7777 (*Pandemic restrictions permitting)

FOA Of Chicagoland Annual Family Picnic

Ned Brown Meadow (Grove #27) Cook County, Illinois August 21, 2021 Phone: 847-343-7777 (*Pandemic restrictions permitting)

Texas FOA Trade Show

Four Points by Sheraton Coppell, Texas August 25, 2021 Phone: 214-208-6116

Texas FOA Charity GolfTournament

Cowboys Golf Club Grapevine, Texas August 26, 2021 Phone: 214-208-6116

Southern California FOA Annual Trade Show

Pasadena Convention Center Pasadena, California September 22, 2021 Phone: 818-357-5985

San Diego FOA Vendor Appreciation Day

Alesmith Brewing Company San Diego, California October 6, 2021 Phone: 619-713-2411

FOA Of Chicagoland Virtual Holiday Trade Show

Venue TBD October 18-22 &, 2021 Phone: 847-343-7777

South Nev/Las Vegas FOA Annual Trade Show

Alexis Park Resort Las Vegas, Nevada October 20, 2021 Phone: 702-561-0311

South Nev/ Las Vegas FOA Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Rhodes Ranch Golf Club Las Vegas, Nevada October 21, 2021 Phone: 702-561-0311

FOA Of Chicagoland Holiday Party

Venue TBD October 28, 2021 Phone: 847-343-7777

*Pandemic restrictions permitting

Central Florida FOA 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Orange County National Golf Course Winter Garden Florida November 5, 2021 Phone: 207-415-0924

Central Florida FOA 8th Annual Trade Show & Holiday Party

DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando @ SeaWorld Orlando Florida November 6, 2021 Phone: 207-415-0924

Midwest FOA Holiday Showcase

Venue TBD December 8, 2021 Phone: 847-971-9457

San Diego FOA Christmas Party

Hilton San Diego/Del Mar Del Mar, California December 11, 2021 Phone: 619-713-2411

NCASEF Board

meetings

Vendors interested in sponsoring to appear at a Board meeting should contact John Riggio, JR Planners, at 262-394-5518 or johnr@jrplanners.com.

National Coalition Board of Directors Meeting

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Kissimmee, Florida July 31-August 1, 2021

National Coalition Affiliate Meeting

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii November 15, 2021

National Coalition Board of Directors Meeting

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii November 16-18, 2021