Board Structure

Chairman The Chairman supervises all the business of the Board. He also, when present, presides at all the meetings of the Board of Directors, as well as the meetings of the general members of the Association. The President is also an ex-officio member of all the committees of the Board. The President presents a report of the activities of the Association at the annual general meetings of the Association. The President is also responsible for the overall strategic business plan of the Association.

Vice Chairman In case of the absence of the President or his inability to act, the Vice President serves as the acting President.

Honorary Secretary The Secretary attends all meetings of the Association, and of the Board of Directors, and keeps correct minutes of the meetings. The Secretary also has the responsibility of maintaining the records and correspondence of the Association.

Treasurer The Treasurer receives and deposits into an account opened in the name of the Association all money paid to the Association and issues receipts for that money in accordance with the then current rules and regulations. He keeps a proper set of financial records in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles. He also presents a full and detailed account of the receipts and disbursements to the Board on a quarterly basis and at any other time when requested by the Board. He prepares annually a complete statement of the financial position of the Association and the Budget.

Director of Public Relations He works to improve and enhance relations with government agencies and create awareness within members regarding government regulations related to business. He also supports local schools and other community events or programs.

Director of Human Resource Development He works to educate members regarding local, state and federal laws affecting members’ businesses, and keep members updated of changes. He also develops and implements various educational programs designed to train members in running quality operations with emphasis on safety and security, customer service, responsible alcohol and tobacco sales, inventory management, efficiency in productivity and performance. He also puts together training classes to educate members on certain requirements related to operation of gas stations, and related areas such as Stage II Vapor Recovery Training and Certification, Fuel Inventory Management, Inspection of Dispensers and related equipment, Underground Storage Tank monitoring, related record keeping, etc. He also develops training sessions where current and prospective employees of members’ convenience stores are trained and certified so that they can perform knowledgeably and efficiently. He also oversees the Field Merchandiser / Mystery Shopper Program; the merchandisers visit members’ stores, evaluate various concerns, and help them with merchandising, compliance, customer service issues, etc.

Director of Research and Development He keeps members apprised of emerging trends in the Gas Station and C-store industry. His responsibility is to be aware of various advances in alternate fuel and energy sources, so that he can keep the members ahead of the curve, and help them to be pro-active to inevitable changes in the marketplace. He also communicates to members regarding new product lines, new competitors in the industry, etc. He does market research and identifies additional profit centers that may benefit the members such as fast food co-branding, car wash, ATM, dollar isles, Mexican food isles, internet cafes, etc.

Director of Information Technology She keeps abreast of the latest technological advances, so that she can help members utilize the most efficient tools to operate their businesses in the most productive manner possible. This would include educating members about POS equipment, back office hardware and related software applications, integration, automation, etc. which would help members with inventory management, lottery management, cash management, payroll and record keeping management, employee shift balancing, and other tasks. She oversees the ARA website, making sure it is updated regularly with current newsletters, relevant information, links to important services such as the latest oil prices, etc. She is also oversees the publication of the monthly ARA newsletter, which provides educational articles on issues affecting the Gas Station & C-store industry, information about the activities of the association, announcements, list of products and service providers, ads from vendors, etc.

Director of Risk Management He educates members on various licensing requirements, insurance needs such as business liability, workers compensation, life insurance, health insurance, etc. He also arranges for training of members regarding safety and security measures at their stores, including proper cash handling procedures, security surveillance systems, adequate lighting, and clutter free isles in stores, slip and fall issues, etc.

Director of Member Services He communicates with members regarding various member issues, handles member complaints, organizes services such as business exchange where members may list their businesses available for sale or lease, employee exchange where members may post employment listings, etc. He also organizes training for members educating them to create clean, bright, well stocked and cheerful store environment with excellent customer service.

Director of Marketing & Promotions He meets with suppliers of products and services, and tries to finalize agreements that would bring good value to members. He identifies these partners through trade shows, industry publications, various other channels, etc.