Vancouver, Washington-based convenience retailer The Convenience Group was named the 2023-24 Convenience Retailer of the Year by the Washington Food Industry Association. The company operates six Minit Mart stores in the Greater Vancouver area, providing an array of popular local wines and beer, specialty grocery items and produce and other convenience items. The company is particularly known for its community outreach and charitable giving, most evident at its Fruit Valley location.

“From local food banks and schools to the Humane Society and local hospital foundation, The Convenience Group is consistently focused on service to others and the communities where they operate,” said WFIA President and CEO Tammie Hetrick.

The Convenience Group’s Director of Business Development Donnie Rhoads and CEO Don Rhoads, who served as 2022-23 NACS Chairman of the Board, accepted the award at the association’s May 16 awards gala.

Nouria Energy CEO Tony El-Nemr was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 New England Award winner. According to the Entrepreneur of the Year website, El-Nemr and the other finalists were chosen by an independent panel of judges for their demonstration of long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.

Headquartered in Massachusetts, Nouria owns and operates over 165 c-store locations and 60 car washes, while also supplying branded and unbranded fuels to locations throughout the Northeast.