ASSOCIATIONS

DWC is an active member of the following trade association, and proudly attends all annual seminars, workshops, and trade show exhibitions.

The American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) is the only international trade organization working on behalf of convenience distributors in the United States. Its distributor members represent more than $85 billion in U.S. convenience product sales. Associate members include manufacturers, brokers, retailers, and others allied to the convenience product industry.

Typical products purchased and sold by convenience distributors include candy, tobacco, snacks, beverages, health and beauty care items, general merchandise, foodservice and groceries. In addition to convenience stores, their largest customer segment, convenience distributors also service grocery stores, drug stores, tobacco shops, mass merchants, newsstands, concession stands, gift shops, fundraising groups, restaurants, institutions and much more.

Established in 1922, the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors, “the Southern” (formerly the Southern Tobacco and Candy Association) is a 14-state regional trade association representing the interests of corporations and individuals involved in the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of convenience products.

Members consist of wholesalers, manufacturers, brokers, and others involved in the convenience products industry. From maker to market, the association has benefits and services to fill every channel member’s needs throughout: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

The 14 states that comprise the region covered by the Southern contain approximately 46% of all c-stores in the country. This 46% is made up of over 66,653 c-stores – the majority of which are serviced by wholesale distributors who are members of this organization.

NATO works to protect the freedom to sell and use tobacco products. Encourages the expansion of the tobacco- outlet marketplace segment of the tobacco industry in a responsible and law-abiding manner, and educates members about the issues affecting the tobacco outlet industry.

NACS was founded August 14, 1961, as the National Association of Convenience Stores. It is an international trade association representing more than 2,200 retail and 1,800 supplier company members. NACS member companies do business in nearly 50 countries worldwide, with the majority of members based in the United States. The U.S. convenience store industry, with 144,875 stores across the United States.

NACS serves the convenience and petroleum retailing industry by providing industry knowledge, connections, and advocacy to ensure the competitive viability of its members’ businesses.

While 49 of the top 50 convenience stores in the United States are members of NACS, the majority of its members are small, independent operators. More than 70 percent of its total membership is comprised of companies that operate 10 stores or less. This membership base roughly tracks the industry as a whole. Of the 145,000 convenience stores in the United States, 62 percent are owned and operated by someone who only has one store.