Convenience Store Profiles: Maryland
Maryland is one of the smallest U.S. states in terms of area, as well as one of the most densely populated, with around six million residents. As of 2009, Maryland had the highest median household income of any state, owing in large part to its close proximity to the nation’s capital and a highly diversified economy spanning manufacturing, services, and biotechnology. The largest cities are Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown and Silver Spring. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Maryland’s gross state product in 2012 was $317.7 billion. Maryland has a large food-production sector. A large component of this is commercial fishing, centered in the Chesapeake Bay, but also including activity off the short Atlantic seacoast. The largest catches by species are the blue crab, oysters, striped bass, and menhaden. Wikipedia
The Maryland Convenience Store Market Maryland is home to a number of stores including Royal Farms, Wills Group (Dash In), Carroll Independent Fuel’s (High’s), NSR Petro’s convenience stores and many others.
MARYLAND RETAILERS ASSOCIATION The Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) consists of thousands of retailers across the state. As the retail community’s major trade association, MRA is a diverse and broad based organization covering all segments of the retail industry. Additionally, MRA manages both the Maryland – Delaware – Washington, D.C. Jewelers Association, the Maryland Chain Drug Store Association and the Maryland Food Dealers Council. www.MDRA.org
Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors’ Association MAPDA is an association of convenience stores and energy distributors. From gas, coffee, food, heating oil and propane we feed and fuel the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia’s economy. Dating back to 1946, MAPDA has become a strong and respected trade association that provides numerous services and education for its members. Its unified voice has become respected among legislators, government officials, industry leaders, and representatives of the business community throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Key to our success has been our ability to adapt and grow in the face of many significant changes that have occurred in our industry through the years. www.mapda.com/
Service Station Dealers of America SSDA-AT constantly lobbies and testifies in Washington on behalf of our members by taking your message directly to the politicians who will be voting on any proposed legislation that could affect your businesses. SSDA-AT represents service station dealers, repair facilities, car washes, and convenience stores. SSDA-AT remains impactful through its newsletter, coalition partnerships, and visibility on Capitol Hill. The association works to protect the best interests of service station dealers and independent repair facility owners against legislative and regulatory issues that could threaten the industry’s growth and well-being. SSDA-AT takes leadership positions on legislative matters that could impact our member’s bottom line including taxes, general business and employment issues, right to repair laws, health care reform, Stage II, and other federal issues. www.ssda-at.com/
WMDA – Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association The Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association, (WMDA) was established in 1937 as a trade association serving independent business men and women of service stations, repair facilities, convenience stores, and other related businesses. The Association offers advantages to all of our members by developing and delivering programs designed to enhance profits and reduce cost. WMDA offers protections by providing watchdog and lobbying efforts on legislative issues affecting member businesses. WMDA informs members by keeping an open line of communication within the industry by way of, an annual Expo, bimonthly, monthly, and annual publications, and also by sponsoring educational opportunities for owners and employees. www.wmda.net