Independent petroleum marketers and convenience store retailers throughout the western United States gathered for three days of unmatched education, nonstop networking, innovative ideas, trade show, cardlock and brand meetings, and much more.

Start planning to attend CIOMA events in 2015.

After committing to the upfront costs, convenience stores can wring regular profits from an automatic car wash operation.

At issue are proposed reductions to the Renewable Fuel Standard, a federal ethanol mandate created by Congress in 2005 and expanded in 2007. Coupled with tweaks to a part of the mandate that is reserved for "advanced" biofuels, the U.S. ethanol market could end up taking a hit.

New FDA regulations on the horizon and 40+ states now forbid e-­cigarette sales to minors