NEWS - Retail & Shopping Centers

SBJ Staff Report

Oct 31, 2011 - The Parker Companies, headquartered in Savannah, is now a nationally-recognized leader in fuel and retail services across southeast Georgia and South Carolina. The company operates 24 convenience stores located in six counties in southeast Georgia and South Carolina selling Parker’s proprietary brand gasoline. Its mission is to be recognized throughout the region as the preeminent convenience store operation, according to Greg Parker, president and CEO.

Last week, Parker was named the Southeast Convenience Store Innovator of the Year by Griffin Publishing Company which publishes The Griffin Report, the ‘voice of the convenience store industry.’   Parker is featured in the November 2011 issue of The Griffin Report in an article that showcases Parker’s creative initiatives, programs and policies which have made The Parker Companies a fast-growing leader in the industry throughout the region.

“I’m truly humbled by this recognition,” said Greg Parker last week. “My goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations on every level, every day. So much of my success is due to our hard-working team and our total focus on the quality of the customer experience.”

The article emphasizes Parker’s ongoing commitment to technology and to giving back to the communities where he does business. As part of the company’s ‘Fueling the Community’ program, Parker’s sets aside one cent of every gallon of gas purchased on the first Wednesday of every month to donate back to community schools.

He currently serves as vice chairman of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Center for Foodservice Excellence and is an active member of Pepsi’s Retail Advisory Council. He formerly served as vice chairman of the NACS Research & Development State of the Industry Committees, chairman of the BPAmoco Marketers Association and a member of the Coca Cola Retail Advisory Committee.

Parker is active in the Petroleum Marketers Study Group, the Young President’s Organization and the World President’s Organization. He also serves on the strategy board for Amyris Biotech and heads up a CEO committee made up of top CEOs in the U.S. and led by respected analyst Walter Zimmerman.

An active community volunteer, Parker currently serves on the board of the Savannah Economic Development Authority and is a member of the Mayor’s Crime Task Force. He also served as chairman of the Savannah Master Plan Task Force, was on the executive board of the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority and is a past board member of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.

Originally from Collins, Ga., Parker graduated from the University of Georgia with honors in 1975 and is the recipient of the Savannah Urban Entrepreneur Award.