Gas Prices Reach New Seven Years Lows

In an effort to attract more customers, several gas stations in the Philadelphia area have reduced gas prices to just under $2 a gallon.

In the price war last week, the range varied from $1.99 per gallon at Region’s 76, $1.97 at West Norriton Township Wawa, and $1.96 at Sunoco situated just across from Wawa. While in Eagleville, Turkey Hill was offering $1.97 per gallon, however, with their rewards cards customers could score a gallon for as low as a $1.94.

Not all gas stations followed this example as some, including Limerick Wawa, East Norriton Wawa, BP Sumneytown Pike and Broad Street, and Nutt Road and Main Street in Phoenixville remained at $2.09.

“Gas stations are like any business, and they’re trying to pull in customers,” said Michael Green, the Public Relations Director for the American Automobile Association. “So a $1.99 price point is definitely attractive for drivers.

Wawa Increases Starting Pay for New Employees

In the battle to increase and retain its workforce, Wawa has followed the move of a rival Pennsylvania-based convenience store and announced an increase in starting pay for its’ employees only hours after Sheetz did the same.

The Delaware County-based company is raising its starting pay for Customer Service Associates to $10 per hour, with Shift Supervisors starting at $13 an hour and new Assistant General Managers getting $17, with an additional bonus program.

According to Wawa’s spokeswoman Lori Bruce, the move was pre-planned and announced to associates last month, and not a response to the Sheetz’s announcement.

“We are moving to $10 as our minimum rate for our customer service associates along with increasing their pay band overall,” Bruce said. “All of our associates will be receiving a 5 percent increase, in addition to the annual merit increase provided this year.”

Gawthrop Greenwood Receives YMCA Gold Award for its Generosity

For the second year in a row, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine recognized Gawthrop Greenwood for its efforts as a community partner with its gold award in December.

The award was presented at the 2015 Community Partners Recognition Breakfast for 60 of the YMCA’s 225 community partners, held at Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester. Sandra Knapp, a Gawthrop Greenwood Partner who also serves on the YMCA’s board of directors, accepted the award in the name of the organization.

“Through your help,” said Denise Day, CEO of YMCA of Greater Brandywine, “we are able to offer affordable childcare allowing parents to have peace of mind knowing their child is in good hands as they work, water safety skills so their children are safe, early learning readiness so preschoolers are not behind when they get to school and safe and healthy Saturday afternoon and evening programs for teens.”