Fall is a wonderful time of year.  The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and everyone seems refreshed from a wonderful summer.  Unfortunately, Fall is also the start of Flu Season, and this year we’re all aware that we should take some extra precautions, with the combination of seasonal flu and H1N1 in our midst.

At Wawa we have always been committed to keeping our customers and associates as safe and healthy as possible.  So this year, we’ve partnered up with the American Red Cross to help equip our customers and associates with flu prevention information.  Beginning this week, when you walk into any of our 570 stores we will have flu prevention tips readily available.
(Flu Prevention Tips.pdf)

You’ll notice small flyers in stores with:
• General information about H1N1
• Recommended prevention tips (such as stocking up on supplies and being in contact with healthcare professionals)
• Steps that we are taking to protect customers and associates

You’ll also notice that we have made hand sanitizer available for all of our customers at the check-out counters. In addition, we will be sanitizing in-store customer equipment like ATM's and Touch Screens more frequently, as well as making an extra effort to heighten awareness about flu preparedness among associates and customers.

One of Wawa’s six core values is to do things right. That’s why we’re taking these important steps to keep all of our customers and associates well during flue season. We have a long-standing commitment to quality assurance and sanitation and during flu season, so it’s our hope that these basics, along with some extra precaution, can help keep everyone well.

We believe strongly that preparation is the best medicine. Our flu prevention tips can easily be accessed at any Wawa store, or on the Red Cross' website at http://www.redcross.org/pandemicflu. So here’s to a healthy, flu-free fall. 

If there’s one thing I could impart to college students and recent graduates in our footprint, it’s that Wawa isn’t just a place to get your morning coffee, fill up your tank, or get a late night hoagie – it can also be the source of a fulfilling career. In a year when students are particularly scrambling to line up jobs, we’re redoubling our efforts to inform them of career opportunities at Wawa through the recent launch of MyWawaCampus.com. The website is intended to serve as a portal to educate students about our college graduate leadership, loan forgiveness, and internship programs.

Our recruitment manager, Liz Riggs, recently did an interview with Convenience Store/Petroleum Magazine, discussing how we create a workforce made up of the special people you see inside our stores each and every day.  Since this program began, I’m proud to say that students are increasingly learning that working at Wawa isn’t just a job – it can also lead to a lifetime career.

I’ve been at Wawa for over twenty years and I’m by no means the exception.  In fact, it’s not uncommon for our associates to have worked at Wawa for 10, 15, and even 20+ years. Some get their first job at Wawa in high school and never leave. Many of our senior managers got their start in entry level positions before assuming leadership roles at Wawa. For me, this is a great testament not only to the unique culture we’ve nurtured over the years but also to the many opportunities we create for career advancement.

Participants in the Wawa College Graduate Leadership Program and Internship Program learn important managerial skills and can qualify for Wawa to pay up to $21,000 of their student loans. It’s a win-win: through these initiatives we in turn are able to recruit and train the best and brightest college students and, in doing so, foster the development of the next generation of Wawa leadership. Ultimately, this allows us to continue to provide the best possible service for our customers and make each of the one million daily transactions at our stores engaging and memorable.

If you or someone you know would be a good fit for our internship or leadership training programs, I encourage you to visit MyWawaCampus.com to learn more and to apply. Here’s to the most convenient future yet!

‘Til Next Time…

This year, Wawa began partnering with CBS-3 in Philadelphia to produce a weekly TV news segment called "Brotherly Love," which highlights the lives and work of individuals and organizations who help the community and those in need throughout the Philadelphia region. Those featured exemplify our city's moniker, rekindling a sense of brotherly love by leading by example throughout the community.

One of the inspirational individuals profiled was Roxanne Ward, a woman who courageously shared the story of her battle with Ovarian Cancer, along with all the people who helped in her fight against the disease. An inspiration to all who knew her, her family and friends described her as a wonderful teacher and a deeply involved community member. http://cbs3.com/brotherlylove

I was truly saddened to learn of Roxanne's passing just last month, but her extraordinary example lives on through her story and those who knew her best. Here's a touching note the producers at CBS just received from her sister.

To Dave Huddleson:

You did your first "Brotherly Love" segment on my sister Roxanne Ward.
I just wanted to let you know that our beautiful Roxanne lost her courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer this morning. Roxanne lost her husband Art very suddenly 4 weeks before she herself passed. Our entire family loved the segment you did on her battle with cancer and could never thank you enough for the attention you brought to her story. Thank you for all the good you do with this "Brotherly Love" series.

Thank You again,
Pam Creighton and the entire family of Roxanne Ward

I did not have an opportunity to know Roxanne personally, but I'm compelled by her story for many reasons, including her positive attitude, her ability to keep her spirits high in the face of tremendous adversity and her conviction to keep on fighting. I am also struck by the way that the community rallied to her side helping her with her struggle to cover expenses and offset costs.

Roxanne's story got me thinking about Wawa and the way that we support causes in our community. We've never thought about our responsibility to the community solely in terms of dollars and cents. Which causes we support is determined by our associates, and it's a decision based on real connections and an inspiration to make a difference. From participating in walks and bowl-a-thons to donating blood to hosting community events, I'm proud of the way the Wawa family supports so many causes each year and dedicates its time to serve the community.

Still, as far as we've come, events like Roxanne's passing are a reminder that we must all continue to push harder to find a cure for diseases, including cancer, and to do what we can to improve life in our communities.

The Brotherly Love series helps us draw strength and courage from inspirational individuals like Roxanne. It puts a name and a face to important causes that we as a community, must join together to support. It gives me hope and motivates me to take more action. I hope it lifts you up in the same way.

Til next time...