Imagine we’ve all seen it by now: That one customer who just refuses to wear a protective mask in the store. That’s been one of the biggest surprises of the COVID-19 pandemic to me. It’s pretty straightforward: COVID-19 is mainly spread by airborne particles, people get sick by breathing them in, and wearing a mask […]
Issue: Strange Times -The Fires That Burn, Sept 14, 2020 Team, 2020 continues to be a year of surprises – most of them unpleasant. Just two weeks ago I was letting you know about the damage that Hurricane Laura did to the homes and personal property of our Louisiana team (and we are currently keeping […]
Issue: Strange Times -Rolling With the Changes, August 12, 2020 Team, As we continue through the COVID crisis there are two big questions on everyone’s mind: when will a vaccine be available and what is life going to be like when the pandemic is over? There are reports that a vaccine may be available by […]
Issue: Strange Times – More Voices: Perry Kilgo, July 27, 2020 Team, Today’s Strange Times is by our Chief Operations Officer, Perry Kilgo. I’ve worked with Perry for many years in different countries. I have always admired his commitment to the industry, his retail experience, and his willingness to share his outstanding knowledge. As COO, […]
Issue: Strange Times – More Voices: Caleb Hill, Jul7 21, 2020 Team, Last week I told you that Caleb Hill had been named as one of the Future Leaders in Convenience for 2020. Caleb is our District Manager for North Texas and California. Here is Caleb’s contribution to our More Voices series. Caleb’s words: Hello […]
Issue: Strange Times – Caleb Hill, Jul7 17, 2020 Team, I am very pleased to announce that Caleb Hill has been named as one of Convenience Store News Future Leaders in Convenience for 2020! The CSNews FLIC award recognizes “young people (aged 35 and under) working for convenience store retailers who are already making significant […]
Issue: Strange Times -Our New Mask Policy, July 8, 2020 Team, I know that I keep bringing up the issue of wearing masks. That is because it is important. It is very tragic that we have a deadly virus in our country that is killing so many people. However there is a way to slow […]
Issue: Strange Times -More Voices: Tohid Chowdhury, June 25, 2020 Team. We have another submission for our “more voices” series in Strange Times. Today, I am pleased to present Tohid Chowdhury. Tohid is the manager of Store 3911 in Melville, NY. Tohid’s words: The Corona virus is invisible to the human eye. Its spread has […]
Issue: Strange Times -More Voices: BJ Manning, June 19, 2020 I was delighted to receive two submissions following my request on Wednesday for “more voices” to be published in Strange Times. Sometimes you throw out an idea and wonder if anyone will respond – so thank you BJ and Tohid for responding to my call […]
Issue: Strange Times -More Voices, June 17, 2020 Team, I originally created Strange Times as a means for me to be able to communicate directly with you about how StrasGlobal is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt it was important for you to hear from me about all the new health and safety initiatives […]
Issue: Strange Times -Our New Mask Policy for Customers, June 15, 2020 Team, We have been monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it develops. As always, our priority is your safety and your family’s health. Back in early April, StrasGlobal mandated that all customers had to wear a mask in our stores. The reason we set […]
Issue: Strange Times -Essential Employee Bonus and Stra$bucks, June 3, 2020 Dear Team, Thank you for the great work that you are doing in the stores. The country is starting to open up again and our customers are coming out after the relaxing of stay at home restrictions. While we still need to be careful […]
Issue: Strange Times -We Are One, June 1, 2020 Team, I am sure that all of you are aware of the events that have been happening around the country over the last few days. The horrific death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and the circumstances surrounding it, has again highlighted the problem of racism in […]
Issue: Strange Times -StrasGlobal Team Fund, May 22, 2020 Even though many places are starting to relax their stay-at-home mandates, times are still difficult for many members of our team. With this in mind, we have established a StrasGlobal Team Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to help our team members who are having […]
Issue: Strange Times -We’re Famous!, May 21, 2020 It is always a good feeling when your peers recognize the work that you are doing. On Wednesday, May 20th, StrasGlobal was featured in an article in the online daily newsletter of NACS (the National Association of Convenience Stores). Today, Thursday, May 21st, CSP magazine also carried […]
Issue: Strange Times – Welcome to StrasGlobal Video, May 13, 2020 Team, I want to let you know that we have put up a new short video on our website. We have had a large increase in visitors to our site due to our Response Plan and the media interest in our COVID-19 initiatives. Therefore, […]
Issue: Strange Times -Online Ordering and Curbside Delivery, May 12, 2020 Dear Team, I’ve got some really exciting news to share with you! We’ve launched our new online ordering and curbside delivery program at two stores in Texas. We’ve been thinking of getting into online delivery for a while and COVID-19 was the motivation we […]
Issue: Strange Times -KN95 Masks, May 8, 2020 Dear Team, We are not finished with the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus is still out there. People are still getting sick. People are still dying. To stay healthy we must continue to follow our safety precautions: wash your hands, maintain social distancing, don’t touch your face, and […]
Issue: Strange Times -StrasGlobal Podcast, May 6, 2020 Dear Team, NACS – the National Association of Convenience Stores – gave us the opportunity to tell the StrasGlobal story on their podcast. When I mention StrasGlobal I am referring to you and the work that you do every day. I am excited to share our story […]
Issue: Strange Times -Online Ordering Test, May 6, 2020 Team, As we are entering Phase 2 of the COVID-19 period, StrasGlobal is introducing new programs and ideas in order to meet the needs of a changing customer and to increase our sales. The world is changing and we want to be ready. I am pleased […]
Issue: Strange Times -The StrasGlobal Vision Group, May 5, 2020 Team, Thank you for all of the hard work that you have done to bring us to this point. We are moving out of Phase One (crisis response) of the COVID-19 pandemic and into Phase Two (sales and business development). Now is the time to […]
Issue: Strange Times -The Fight Is Not Over, April 30, 2020 Dear Team, Everyone is getting tired of the COVID-19 situation. I get it. For weeks now, we have been social distancing, wearing masks, and wondering if it is safe to go to work or to the grocery store. We are being careful about what […]
Issue: Strange Times -On to Phase Two, April 28, 2020 Dear Team, I’m sure that you are hearing the news that some states and local governments are starting to relax their COVID-19 restrictions. I hope that their leaders are right and that the infection rate is on the decline and we won’t see another spike […]
Issue: Strange Times -Helping the Neighborhood, April 25, 2020 Dear Team, Over the last few weeks, we have been working hard to make sure that all of our team members are safe during this COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your work in putting our health programs into place and we appreciate your effort to make […]
Issue: Strange Times -Is This the End of the Beginning, April 24, 2020 Dear Team, I know that you have heard, as I have, about the possibility of COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed. People want to go back to work and to get out of their houses. State governments are starting to allow businesses to reopen […]
Issue: Strange Times -The GROCER Act, April 23, 2020 Dear Team, The last few weeks have been a difficult financial time for everyone. Family members have lost their jobs or have been furloughed due the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses have disappeared and the economy is in bad shape. StrasGlobal has been trying to help with the […]
Issue: Strange Times -Our Supportive Clients, April 22, 2020 Dear Team, As we have been meeting, and overcoming, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus, we have recognized the great work done by our fellow team members in the store, the field, and the office that keep our stores operating. You are working every day […]
Issue: Strange Times -Take Care of Your Mask, April 15, 2020 By the end of today, and no later than tomorrow, you should receive your blue fabric mask. We had a mask specially made for each of our team members by a company in Austin, Texas. While these masks are not as effective as the […]
Roy Strasburger is a frequent contributor to FMN (Fuels Marketer News), online publishers of news for the fuels and convenience store industry. As everyone is very well aware, the COVID-19 (“Corona”) virus has changed the way that we are living life. Public gathering spaces are closed, retail outlets are closed, and social interaction as we […]
Issue: Strange Times -Essential Employee Bonus, April 14, 2020 Dear Team, The dedication and effort that you have put into our business over the last month has been outstanding. We are hearing from our customers about the great things that they are experiencing at our stores – a great attitude, excellent customer service, and a […]
Issue: Strange Times -The mask saves lives, April 10, 2020 Dear Team, On Wednesday I wrote about how important it is that you wear your mask while you are working to protect you from the COVID-19 virus. A mask can give you some protection from airborne molecules that carry the virus. Studies show that aerosolized […]
Issue: Strange Times -Thank you to our support team, April 9, 2020 Dear Team, We spend a lot of time focusing on what is happening in our stores. This is appropriate because it is in the store where our business takes place. However, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our support […]
Issue: Strange Times -The mask saves lives, April 8, 2020 Dear Team, Last Friday, the CDC stated that it recommends everyone use a face mask when outside their house. Wearing a mask helps reduce the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus by limiting the number of molecules that are transported by air. This is […]
The following provides links to resources at the state level, alphabetically, for COVID-19. Links include COVID-19 News, State Resources, and State Departments of Health. Information is updated continuously. State Resources include state COVID-19 information, updates, FAQ’s and more. Also included for reference is each state’s Official Government Website. Alabama Official Government Website: Alabama State Government […]
The following resources are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the SBA website: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources including Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Loan Advance, SBA Debt Relief, SBA Express Bridge Loans, Guidance for Businesses and Employers, SBA Products & Resources Government Contracting, Local […]
Issue: Strange Times -StrasGlobal April Monthy Newsletter, April 7, 2020 Dear Team, The April StrasGlobal monthly newsletter has hit the internet and is a special COVID-19 Edition. It has a lot of information about what we are doing to fight the COVID-19 virus and how to keep you and your family safe. You can read […]
GONZALES, La.—Two Marathon gas stations in Louisiana want to sell more local products in response to COVID-19. The c-stores are seeking out local businesses and restaurants to ask if they can sell their products at the Marathon locations, reports Brproud.com. While gas stations are considered an essential business during this time, StrasGlobal, which manages the Marathon […]
The coronavirus can survive on common materials for hours or even days. Please see the PDF for what you need ot know and how to protect yourself: Coronavirus – How long does it live on surfaces? Source / PDF provided by: Austin American Statesman http://statesman.tx.app.newsmemory.com/?publink=0ee5511c9
Issue: Strange Times -Thank you to our teams, April 6, 2020 Dear Team, I don’t think we can tell you “thank you” often enough for the great work that you are doing. Please watch this short video message. Keep up the great work! Roy Roy Strasburger President, StrasGlobal Email: strangetimes@strasglobal.com
Issue: Strange Times – Store 1421 is a Star!, April 3, 2020 Dear Team, Thank you for the work that you are doing – particularly in implementing all the new health, safety, and COVID related programs. I am constantly impressed with how the store teams take onboard ideas and training from the support team and […]
Issue: Strange Times – Community Outreach, April 2, 2020 Team, As you know, we have been working hard to put additional protections into our stores to slow down the COVID-19 virus. You have already seen changes such as adding sneeze guards, installing social distancing signs on the floors in the stores, limiting the number of customers […]
Issue: Strange Times – Our Operations Team, April 1, 2020 Dear Team, Today, I want to shine a spotlight on the people who are working ceaselessly to support our team in the stores. Not only are they implementing new programs to keep our store team and customers safe, they are making sure that our business […]
Issue: Strange Times – Health Insurance Information, March 31, 2020 Dear Team, The COVID-19 pandemic has created anxiety and concern at many levels. Probably the biggest concern for all of us is the cost of healthcare if we, or someone in our family, gets sick. StrasGlobal has been in contact with our health insurance company, […]
The following resources have been provided by the CDC: Up to the minute COVID-19 information including symptoms, how to prepare, along with business, travel and community resources and more: Coronavirus (COVID-19) CDC COVID-19 information at the State level: COVID-19 State Summary Tip: On the COVID-19 State Summary page, scroll down to the Map section on […]
The following healthcare information has been distributed by Teladoc, our health insurance provider: An update from Fringe Benefit Group (FBG), provider of The American Worker, on what they are doing to help their clients and employees to address COVID-19: Important Update: From the American Worker Special Enrollment Period for Individuals who Previously Declined Health Insurance […]
Issue: Strange Times – Our COVID-19 Response, March 30, 2020 Dear Team, I know that you have seen the changes that we have been making at our stores as we confront the spread of the COVID-19 virus: placing sneeze guards at every POS position, enforcing social distancing, intensifying our cleaning procedures, removing self-service food items, […]
Issue: Strange Times -Video Message from Roy, March 27, 2020 Today I am presenting my message by video. Please click below to view the video. Roy Roy Strasburger President, StrasGlobal Email: strangetimes@strasglobal.com
Issue: Strange Times – Knowledge is Power, March 26, 2020 The more you know, the better you can prepare for the future. This is as true with the current COVID-19 crises as with anything else. There is a lot of information circulating on internet. Some of it is correct and some is not. We are […]
Issue: Strange Times – Keep Clean, March 25, 2020 Our number one concern is about your health and the health of your family. Therefore, it is imperative that during this time of infection you follow the correct procedures for cleaning your hands and your work surfaces. It is one of the ways to slow down […]
Issue: Strange Times – What We’re Doing To Keep You Safe, March 24, 2020 I want you to know that your safety is our highest priority and we will stay ahead of the COVID-19 situation. In addition to our executive team, we have put together a task force of five industry experts that are working […]
Issue: Strange Times – Thank You, March 23, 2020 Dear Team, Thank you. That’s really all that I can say at the moment. The work and dedication that you have put into your store over the last few weeks has been nothing short of heroic. These have been very difficult times. They are difficult for […]
Issue: Strange Times – We’re In This Together, March 20, 2020 Dear Team, Welcome to strange times. I know that the world around us is changing quickly. Life, as we know it, has become something that we no longer recognize – school and offices closed, bars and restaurants shut down, sporting events cancelled. It can […]
Image: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS As you are aware, there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and deaths in the United States and we are dedicated to educating our employees to help reduce the spread of infection in our stores and communities. We will be following the suggested guidelines put forth by […]