Single Trade Group Formed for Texas Petroleum, C-store, Grocery Retailers

The Texas Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (TPCA) and the Texas Grocery and Convenience Association have agreed to merge into a combined association called the Texas Food and Fuel Association (TFFA).

“The Texas Food and 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 TPCA’s board of directors. “TPCA is excited about this new chapter in its history and looks forward to working with TGCA to help build an even stronger association to serve the members of both associations.”

Harold Gilson, chairman of TGCA’s board, added: “TPCA and TGCA have successfully co-produced the Texas Food and Fuel Expo over the last five years. That experience has show how many attributes both organizations have in common. Bringing everyone together in one organization represents a win-win for both associations’ members.”

The new TFFA 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 the two Austin-based groups.

Texas is home to the nation’s largest number of convenience stores, accounting for $50 billion in annual sales. The 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. The current Texas Food and Fuel Expo will be renamed the Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo in 2012 and be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, May 7-8.

An exhibitor prospectus for the 2012 Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo will be mailed to all 2011 Texas Food and Fuel exhibitors on Friday, July 15.