Retail News and Employment

Cumberland Farms Launches Pediatric Care Campaign

2012-01-31T05:17:00.000-08:00

New corporate giving initiative allows convenience store retailer to raise funds for hospitals helping to heal children.

Cumberland Farms launched a Pediatric Care Campaign today, where the convenience store retailer will work with communities to raise much needed funds for hospitals that provide medical care to children.

During this initiative, Cumberland Farms will donate five cents per cup from its coffee and Chill Zone beverage sales to benefit pediatric care programs at five hospitals across New England and upstate New York.

The program will kick off on February 2 with a four-week long fundraiser at Cumberland Farms stores in New Hampshire and Vermont to benefit Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock, best known as CHaD, a family-centered children's hospital. CHaD provides the highest level of care to all children of their region, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

The Cumberland Farms Pediatric Care Campaign continues in March, when it moves to stores in Maine to raise funds that benefit the programs at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland. The campaign resumes in May, when the retailer will raise funds at its stores in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island to benefit Children’s Hospital Boston. In June, Cumberland Farms will have stores across Southwestern Massachusetts and Connecticut raise monies for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The campaign concludes in July as stores across upstate New York and Western Massachusetts contribute to the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. Over the course of the fundraiser, stores will announce the total amount of money raised on a weekly basis. All New England stores will be participating, and a listing of specific stores can be found at cumberlandfarms.com/FindaStore.

“All of us at Cumberland Farms recognize that young people are a precious gift and our future. We have an opportunity to reach thousands of young people in the communities we serve. We hope that our contribution, along with the help of our customers, will make a difference in their lives,” Cumberland Farms Retail President Ari Haseotes said.

Since formalizing its corporate giving program five years ago, Cumberland Farms has donated millions of dollars in cash and products to causes that benefit thousands of young people, through scholarship, direct-to-school programs, hunger relief, and local fundraising.

Gulf Oil LP Launches Gulf Electricity

2012-01-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Gulf Oil LP Launches Gulf Electricity
As an alternative electricity provider, Gulf delivers competitive pricing and convenience
Gulf Oil LP, the nation’s fastest growing branded marketer of petroleum products, today announced its entry into the retail electricity market via the launch of Gulf Electricity.

Beginning in Connecticut in March 2012, Gulf Electricity will offer residents and commercial customers the opportunity to save as much as 10 percent on the energy portion of their power bills by switching from their traditional utility suppliers. Compared to some high-cost third party suppliers, the savings could exceed 10 per cent.

“Our network of locations – over 2,500 branded outlets, including our company operated Cumberland Farms convenience stores - coupled with our expertise in sourcing and distributing energy efficiently, makes this expansion a natural complement to our existing businesses,” said Gulf Oil President Ron Sabia. “Gulf’s brand name has created trust for over 110 years. More than one million customers pass through a facility supplied or branded by Gulf every day.”

“We are especially excited to be able to utilize our branded channels in this offering with our distributors and dealers who will have an additional opportunity to expand their sales and services to their customers,” added Gulf Oil’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Rick Dery. “It is our intention to expand these sales and services beyond Connecticut, on a nationwide basis. Today we market transport fuels and our brand over 27 states.”

There is no fee to switch to Gulf Electricity. Customers will continue to receive their bills from their current utility, which will continue to handle power delivery and repair services. Beginning in March 2012, customers can sign up with Gulf Electricity. The process takes less than five minutes and can be done by visiting www.gulfelectricity.com or by calling Gulf Electricity toll-free at 855- GULF- ELE (855-485-3353). Mail-in forms will be available at all participating Gulf branded stations. Only a recent electric bill is necessary to switch after comparing prices.

Customers interested in learning more about electricity can visit www.gulfelectricity.com. The website includes a Savings Calculator that will help them determine the annual savings they can expect by switching to Gulf.

“There is no change in power quality or reliability. This is all about price, convenience of multiple outlets from a respected and trusted supplier, and price transparency,” said Mr. Sabia. “In the future we plan to offer an expanded slate of products ranging from those that would allow a customer to fix the price of power or cap upside exposure to costs to being able to choose a specific power source such as solar or wind.”

“The energy world is changing rapidly and while petroleum will be a big part of our energy mix for years to come as a company we remain fuel agnostic. We are committed to bringing our customers the least cost energy alternative that is safe, convenient and environmentally responsible and that will include not only petroleum and power, but natural gas in the near future,” added Laura Scott, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Finance.

In Connecticut, Gulf Electricity will be offered in areas serviced by Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating.

About Gulf Oil, LP

Gulf Oil Limited Partnership is a national, branded supplier of motor fuels throughout the United States and its territories. The company launched Gulf Electricity in January 2012, which currently provides discounted electricity service to consumers and small businesses in Connecticut. Gulf remains one of the Northeast's largest wholesalers of refined petroleum products and is well on its way up the rankings in the rest of the country, too. Gulf Oil distributes motor fuels through a network of more than 2,500 branded gasoline retail centers, 12 proprietary oil terminals, and more than 130 other supply points. Gulf Oil supplies gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel and kerosene through its terminal network.

McMahon Joins Cumberland Gulf Group Leadership Team

2012-01-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

John McMahon enters the role of senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Cumberland Gulf Group of Companies.

The Cumberland Gulf Group of Companies has named John McMahon Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. McMahon is an experienced human resources professional with a track record of creating successful programs for talent management and career development. Prior to joining the Cumberland Farms Gulf Oil Group, he served as senior vice president, and chief human resources officer at Arrow Electronics. In addition, he has held the SVP, CHRO role at UMass Memorial Health Care, Fisher Scientific and Lycos. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at ITT Corp. and Raytheon Corp.

“Our company has grown tremendously in size, geography, products and services over the past few years, setting the stage for further significant growth,” said Joseph Petrowski, CEO for the Cumberland Gulf Group. “John will work closely with the executive team and be instrumental in formulating and implementing effective strategies and programs that support our business strategies as well as nurture employee engagement.”

“I am very pleased and excited to become a member of the Cumberland Gulf Group leadership team,” McMahon added. “This is an exciting time for the company, as they continue their progress in combining these two iconic brands into one dynamic company. I look forward to developing and implementing a closely linked HR strategy in support of the overall goals and objectives of the company.”

McMahon holds a Master of Science degree in human resource management from Upsala College and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Mercy College.

Cumberland Farms Adds Second Drive-Thru Store

2011-11-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

Customers at the Cumberland Farms convenience store here can get your usual c-store staples -- coffee, cigarettes, milk. However, they can do it from their car.

The recently opened Cumberland Farms at 263 Grafton St. is the second of the company's nearly 600 locations to feature a drive-thru window, according to the Telegram.com. The first store with a drive-thru opened its doors (and window) in Kingston this past winter.

"We're not just in the convenience store business, we're in the business of providing for the on-the-go customer," Ari Haseotes, president of the Framingham, Mass.-based company said at the time. "The drive-thru was really just raising the bar yet another level."

Cumberland Farms bought the Grafton Street location last year, razing the existing building to make way for a new 4,547-square-foot c-store, company spokesperson Christen Graham. The new location, which held its grand opening on Nov. 10, represents the company's new store design.

Cumberland Farms' multimillion-dollar renovation project to modernize its nearly 600 stores was recently celebrated in Worcester with the grand opening of the Grafton Street store.

Cumberland Farm is currently undertaking a multimillion-dollar renovation project to modernize its stores. Another Cumberland Farms store is under construction on West Main Street in Dudley. The existing 1,780-square-foot store and other structures on the lot were recently razed. The plan, approved by the town in 2006, calls for a 2,400-square-foot building with a contemporary facade of vinyl siding and cultured stone. Although the Dudley location will not include a drive-thru window, it will offer the other amenities in the company's new store design, according to the news report.

The Dudley store is expected to open in January.

Cumberland Farms is trying to find success where few other convenience store operators have found any. Of the more than 146,000 c-stores across the country, only a few have drive-thru service.

Several years ago, 7-Eleven unsuccessfully tried drive-thru windows in the Dallas area, NACS spokesman Jeff Lenard told the Telegram.com. "The drive-thru is something you're seeing more of, but it is fairly novel," he said. "They (Cumberland) are not the first, but it's still newsworthy."

You can read more from Convenience Store News here

If you would like to work for Cumberland Farms, search for jobs here

How many cups of coffee do you drink a day?

2011-11-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

The average American drinks 3.1 cups of coffee each day. And with the trend toward pricey specialty coffees, Americans are feeling the pinch. Satisfying your coffee craving with a cup (or three) shouldn't break the bank, or disappoint your taste buds. That's why Cumberland Farms created Farmhouse Blend -- freshly brewed, surprisingly delicious and competitively priced at 99 cents any size, any day of the week; it will wow your taste buds and your wallet. Cumberland Farms Farmhouse Blend coffee is getting even more wallet-friendly with Free Coffee Fridays, beginning Friday November 11.

Farmhouse Blend is made from 100% Arabica beans, giving it a mellow, medium blend with a unique balance of aroma, body and flavor. Iced or hot, large or small, Cumberland Farms Farmhouse Blend will change the way consumers think about convenience store coffee. A convenient, quality cup of coffee doesn't have to be a special treat or splurge -- it should be affordable. Or better yet, free on Fridays!

Free Coffee Fridays are back, beginning Friday, November 11! Receive a surprisingly delicious, satisfyingly smooth cup of Cumberland Farms' Farmhouse Blend coffee -- any size, any way you like it -- absolutely free. Fridays just got better.

So: How many cups of coffee do you drink a day?

Looking for a part-time job? Check out our latest job openings for Customer Service Associates!

Cumberland Farms Makes Friday More Fantastic

2011-11-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

Cumberland Farms announces Free Coffee Fridays are back, beginning Friday, November 11. Receive a surprisingly delicious, satisfyingly smooth cup of Cumberland Farms' Farmhouse Blend coffee -- any size, any way you like it -- absolutely free. Fridays just got better.

Friday, November 11, 18 and 25

All participating Cumberland Farms locations, while supplies last.

The average American drinks 3.1 cups of coffee each day. And with the trend toward pricey specialty coffees, Americans are feeling the pinch. Satisfying your coffee craving with a cup (or three) shouldn't break the bank, or disappoint your taste buds. That's why Cumberland Farms created Farmhouse Blend -- freshly brewed, surprisingly delicious and competitively priced at 99 cents any size, any day of the week; it will wow your taste buds and your wallet. Cumberland Farms Farmhouse Blend coffee is getting even more wallet-friendly with Free Coffee Fridays, beginning Friday November 11.

Farmhouse Blend is made from 100% Arabica beans, giving it a mellow, medium blend with a unique balance of aroma, body and flavor. Iced or hot, large or small, Cumberland Farms Farmhouse Blend will change the way consumers think about convenience store coffee. A convenient, quality cup of coffee doesn't have to be a special treat or splurge -- it should be affordable. Or better yet, free on Fridays!

Cumberland Farms makes life easier for busy people every day. What started in 1939 with a cow and a dream has grown into a network of convenience stores across 11 states. Three generations later, Cumberland Farms is still family owned and operated, and continues to reflect the values it was built upon: envisioning a better way to serve customers by providing the best possible products at the best possible prices. Whether you're buying a cold Chill Zone drink, a hot or iced cup of Farmhouse Blend Coffee, or filling the gas tank, convenience and customer service is key. Cumberland Farms also has a long heritage of giving back to the communities where it operates from feeding the hungry and serving the disabled to supporting local sports teams and fundraising.

MoneyGram International Signs Agreement with Cumberland Farms

2011-10-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

MoneyGram International today announced that the company has signed an agreement with Massachusetts-based Cumberland Farms to launch the first locations of the MoneyGram® Xpress service. This new in-lane money transfer service allows consumers to purchase pre-packaged money transfers in $50, $100 and $200 denominations and redeem them online or by telephone to complete the transaction. Cumberland Farms has almost 600 convenience stores in 11 states throughout New England, the Northeast and Florida.

“Cumberland Farms’ focus on convenience and giving great customer service mirrors the values of MoneyGram,” said Stu Kiefer, MoneyGram vice president of product management. “The company’s 50-year history of providing its customers with quality products and services and its network of stores makes Cumberland Farms a perfect venue for our MoneyGram® Xpress service.”

According to Bob Skiba, InComm executive vice president, the new MoneyGram Xpress prepaid money transfers allow consumers to pay for the transfer amount and fees at the same time as they make other retail purchases, and then actually make the transfer when convenient for them – online or by phone. Consumers using the service can send money to any MoneyGram agent location around the world. “MoneyGram Xpress broadens ways to access money transfer services, and – for many consumers – assists with time and money management,” Skiba said.

According to Kiefer, the InComm partnership gives MoneyGram the opportunity to take this product to 19 countries and 250,000 unique retailer doors.

Cumberland Farms Category Manager Mike Esposito added, “As the newest agent for MoneyGram, we look forward to marketing this safe, efficient, and cost-effective money transfer service to our loyal base of customers. We fully expect this innovative MoneyGram Xpress service to appeal to our customers throughout the regions where we operate.”

Cumberland Farms Opens Application Period for Its Believe and Achieve Scholarship

2011-10-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms today opened the application period for its sixth annual Believe and Achieve Scholarship program.

High school seniors living within 30 miles of a Cumberland Farms location and planning to attend college next fall are eligible to receive a scholarship of $1,000. The application period closes December 15.

"It is important that we support educational opportunities for young people "said President of Cumberland Farms Retail Division Ari Haseotes. "The Believe and Achieve scholarship is our investment to the next generation of community leaders.

Since its inception, Cumberland Farms has awarded more than $500,000 to talented and ambitious high school graduates across its service area. With the help of the scholarship, students offset a variety of expenses, including tuition, books, and room and board. Interested students can learn more about the scholarship rules and apply directly at https://cumberlandfarms.scholarshipamerica.org/index.html .

Gulf Oil Going Digital With GoGo Cast Deal

2011-09-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Gulf Oil LP is bringing new digital signage to more than 2,500 convenience stores now that it has inked a deal with GoGo Cast.

As part of the agreement, GoGo Cast will install select digital sign and advertising solutions, including GoGo Cast's Go-Screens, in c-stores beginning this month. Gulf Oil will use GoGo Cast's exclusive customer and location data to create streaming content that is tailored for its locations. As a result, Gulf Oil dealers will be able to reach in-store customers by delivering practical and effective messages to help influence buying decisions at the point of purchase, the company said.

"As Gulf Oil continues its national expansion, we welcome partnerships with companies that provide cutting-edge products that contribute to the success of our dealers' business," stated Ron Sabia, Gulf Oil president and COO. "We believe GoGo Cast's product can enhance our customers' shopping experience while building greater customer loyalty for our dealers."

In addition, vendors will have the opportunity to highlight key selling points, complementing traditional POP advertising. Gulf locations are expected to see an increase in sales for products advertised on the screens at the selected retail locations where they are installed.

"We are thrilled to partner with Gulf Oil and bring the latest technology for consumer engagement to the iconic Gulf brand," said David Paolo, president and CEO of GoGo Cast. "With our ability to provide real-time messaging and dynamic content through our networks, GoGo Cast is quickly becoming the venue of choice for retailers and brands alike to reach the critical mass of 'on-the-go' qualified buyers."

Cumberland Farms, Maverik and Wilson Fuel Among PDI Award Winners

2011-09-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms, Maverik and Wilson Fuel were among the first-place winners of the inaugural Doing Business Electronically awards handed out by PDI at the Grand Hyatt hotel here yesterday.

Cumberland Farms was awarded for forms usage, Maverik for SSRS report creation and Wilson Fuel for integration and environmental stewardship during the award ceremonies. They were among 16 companies PDI honored for using its PDI/Enterprise product "for creative practices that saved their businesses time and money, improved decision making and reduced paper processes."

"The goal of PDI/Enterprise is to help companies reduce their workload and increase productivity by doing business doing business electronically," said Austin Skaggs, community manager for PDI. "It's been amazing to see some of the ways our customers have accomplished this, and these awards are a testament to their efforts. Form automated imports to integration with third-party products, PDI customers are using the tools available through PDI/Enterprise to think outside the box and streamline their business procedures in really impressive ways. The end result is that companies are working more efficiently by having PDI/Enterprise take on more and more of the day-to-day activities."

First, second and third place companies for each award category received an Apple iPad and a commemorative plaque. "We are extremely pleased to be honored by PDI, a company with an unwavering commitment to helping its customers succeed," said Catherine Baker of Wilson Fuel. "Our organization always looks for opportunities to provide consistently superior solutions for our customers and suppliers, while emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness.

PDI is a software, hardware and professional services provider to convenience retailers and wholesale petroleum marketers.

Cumberland Farms store to donate thousands to local fire department

2011-08-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

The new Cumberland Farms convenience store on Route 4 in North Greenbush will present a check for more than $3,700 to the DeFreestville Fire Department tomorrow after a fundraiser pulled in more cash than expected.

Representatives of the convenience store said the month-long grand opening promotion of donating 20 cents to the department for every Chill Zone beverage and iced or hot coffee sold was anticipated to bring in around $1,000. Instead, the store more than tripled that figure, and will give $3,725.40 to firefighters during a ceremony tomorrow morning.

Cumberland Farms manager Ross McGowan will present the check to Fire Chief Raymond Stewart, department president Robert Durivage and vice president Bill Stewart.

"This fundraiser is our way of acknowledging those who risk their lives to save others in the community," said Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms Retail Division. "It’s our pleasure to help the DeFreestville Fire Department fund the equipment they need to keep our community safe."

The Cumberland Farms chain has donated more than $100,000 this year to support local organizations in the northeast

Paying for your Chillzone just got easier

2011-07-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms is launching a new mobile cash card that lets users pay for items by scanning their smartphones at the register.

The concept works with iPhones, BlackBerrys, and Droids, among other devices, Cumberland Farms said. Smartphone-owning customers first purchase a traditional cash card from the chain, in amounts ranging from $5 to $250. Then, after downloading a free app from Card Star, they enter or scan their personal cash card number, the chain said. At this point, their smartphone is transformed into a Cumberland Farms mobile cash card that can be scanned at a store register.

“It’s our mission to elevate our customers’ experience by delivering speed, ease and convenience,” Cumberland Farms president Ari Haseotes said in a statement.

The "Best" Retail Jobs

2011-06-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

The "best" retail company to work for will be the one that has the greatest combination of attributes that are important to you in your job search. In order to find an ideal retail work situation, you first have to be clear about what "ideal" and "best" is.

For some people, the "best" retail job would be the one with the best workplace environment, the best benefits, and the best health insurance programs. If you're new to the retail job market, then the retail companies that excel at launching retail careers would be your "best" employer.

If you want to work for a retail company with the best career advancement potential, then you'll need to apply for jobs at retail companies that believe in promoting from within. For example, check out Cumberland Farms career path.

At Cumberland Farms we want you to get the absolute most from your job. Beyond just competitive pay and extensive benefits, we want you to find everyday enjoyment and everyday fulfillment working with us. We aim to give you the excitement you want, the career growth you crave, and the utmost respect you deserve. If you're not happy, we're not happy, bottom line.

Jobs in Retail

2011-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Retail continues to be an industry with enormous growth potential. Retailers are always looking for good people with a commitment to customer service, the ability to work in a team environment and who can work through complex situations with problem solving skills. Working in retail offers many exciting opportunities for dedicated individuals. If you think retail may be for you, take a look at some of the jobs in retail listed on this site.

Retail Jobs in Massachusetts

2011-06-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Many jobseekers are looking for great retail jobs in Massachusetts. One job to consider is a Customer Service Associate with Cumberland Farms.
Our retail Customer Service Associates are the face and future of Cumberland Farms, working hard to ensure that customers get in, out, and happily along with their day. Whether just a part-time gig or a launch pad to a full-time retail career, these positions are a great way to make a real difference every day.
What are you waiting for? Start your Massachusetts retail job search today!

Forty-one Connecticut High Schoolers Win Believe and Achieve Scholarships From Cumberland Farms

2011-06-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

Forty-one talented high school seniors from across Connecticut have been awarded a Cumberland Farms Believe and Achieve Scholarship this year.

The 2011 Award winners are:

-Caitlin Brostek of Sharon will attend Chapman University
-Marie Dipinto of Burlington will attend St. Joseph College
-Rayne Mcglamery of Hartford will attend Vassar College
-Jake Odell of South Windsor will attend Williams College
-Valerie Stickles of Coventry will attend University of Hartford
-Jacqueline Lorange of Plainfield will attend Boston College
-Stephanie Vogel of Thompson will attend University of Connecticut
-Alicia Goncalves of Ledyard will attend University of Connecticut
-Carlos Lozada of Waterford will attend University of New Haven
-Patrick Campbell of Chester will attend Tufts University
-Joseph Jones of Meriden will attend Purdue University
-Rynne O'Connor of North Branford will attend Dickinson State University
-Patrick Lenehan of Cheshire will attend Harvard College
-Lucy Peng of Madison will attend Swarthmore College
-William Lederer of Fairfield will attend University of Southern California
-Lauren Taylor of Shelton will attend Saint Joseph College

"More than ever, today's high school graduates deserve to attend the college of their dreams without finances standing in the way," said Cumberland Farms President Ari Haseotes. "We are proud to help these college-bound students ease their costs through our Believe and Achieve scholarship."

Cumberland Farms is awarding a total of $130,000 in scholarships this year to students across its service area. In addition, the retailer sponsors scores of individual school fundraisers every year, supporting programs for kindergarten students through high school, as part of its corporate giving mission.

Cumberland Farms will again begin accepting Believe and Achieve Scholarship applications for the graduation class of 2012 in October. Eligible high school seniors are encouraged to visit www.cumberlandfarms.com, as well as any Cumberland Farms' store location for further information.

Cumberland Farms offers free iced tea this month

2011-06-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms is giving away free servings of our new, freshly brewed iced tea for the next three Fridays this month - June 10, 17 and 24 - at all of our convenience stores. Every other day, the iced tea is only 99 cents, any size. For more information, visit CumberlandFarms.com.

Cumberland Farms Store Managers Earn NECSA Honors

2011-04-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms' store managers have won the top prizes for operations, customer service and leadership from the New England Convenience Store Association (NECSA). Cumberland Farms' employees earned recognition in four out of the eight categories.

Manager of Cumberland Farms' Leicester, Mass., store, Linda Calver, won first place as 2010 NECSA Store Operator of the Year. Her colleague Dan Canova of the Deep River, Conn., store, won the NECSA Customer Service Award, Julie Gerundio of the West Warwick, R.I., store, won the NECSA Leadership Award and Roy Horsfield of the Halifax, Mass., store, won the NECSA Retail Operations Award.

"I take great pride in knowing our talented team of people have been recognized by their peers for their good work," said Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms Retail Division. "Our managers and their customer service associates are the face and future of Cumberland Farms, working hard to ensure that customers get in, out, and happily along with their day."

NECSA conducts a contest annually to determine which store managers, franchisees and independent owners are the best c-store operators in the Northeast. Every year, a panel of judges consisting of suppliers and retailers spends 600 hours, and they drive roughly 5,300 miles, to evaluate the 50 to 75 nominated operators and their stores.

Cumberland Farms' network of c-stores across 11 states reflects the values of three generations of providing customers with value, convenience and unparalleled service - whether you need a refreshing Chill Zone drink a cup of Farmhouse Blend Coffee or a quick satisfying meal. Family owned for over 70 years, Cumberland Farms also has a long heritage of giving back to the communities where it operates.

Cumberland Farms TV Commercial "Princess"

2011-02-09T06:41:00.001-08:00

Cumberland Farms TV Commercial "Heaven"

2011-02-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

Celtics, Cumberland Farms Announce Contest

2010-12-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

Thirty lucky Boston Celtics fans will be chosen at random to compete in a three-point shot contest and one winner will walk off with $25,000.

The Take-a-Shot contest, a promotion with Cumberland Farms, will be held at the team’s home games starting Jan. 3 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves and running through March 25.

Initially, 30 winners will be selected to compete in a three-point shooting contest on 10 different game nights. The 10 finalists from each contest will have the opportunity to attempt a half-court shot for the chance to win the $25,000.

Each contestant will receive a Celtics hat & T-shirt as well as a Cumberland Farms gift card.

Sign up online at http://www.cumberlandfarms.com/ or http://www.celtics.com/, or by mailing in a 3x5 card in a stamped envelope with their first and last name, address, and daytime phone number to:

Boston Celtics
Attn: Cumberland Farms Take-a-Shot Promotion
Corporate Partnership Services
226 Causeway St., 4th floor
Boston, MA 02114.

All entries must be received between Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Friday, March 18

Network to Find Your Next Job

2010-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Networking strategies range from basic to sophisticated. Here are some general ideas on effective networking techniques:

Initiate contacts for the sole purpose of networking. Do not just wait to bump into people. The best career self-managers always look to expand their contacts.
Develop a networking list. Make contact with each person on the list. Add names of people you meet or to whom you are referred. Update the list regularly.
Set networking goals. Write down specific goals for the number of networking contacts to make each day or each week, and then monitor your performance.
Set goals for each meeting. Meet with a purpose; don’t just “get together” to see where it leads. Express the goal when you set the meeting.
Come prepared. Know about the person you’re meeting. Do research. Have a list of questions to ask. While you are talking, take notes.
Ask for referrals. Ask the person if he or she knows someone else you should meet. Ask permission to use the person’s name when initiating contact.
Maintain networking files. Keep records of the meeting outcomes and note important information about the person. This will be helpful downstream.
Meet in person whenever possible. Telephone contacts are sufficient for most networking events, but face time is much more valuable.
Express appreciation early and often. Let them know you value the information and their professional opinion. Send thanks by email or snail mail.
Plan the next steps. If you are to follow up, make a note on your calendar. If you agree to do something, be sure to follow through. Set the right tone.

There are four basic categories of networking contacts. Each brings a unique value. A good campaign draws the best from each of the four categories.

1. People you know well.

These are the people closest to you: family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. They have the greatest interest in your success and are excellent networking contacts. Also, they are the people with whom you are most comfortable.

This is a good place to begin your networking campaign, because you can ask for the most assistance from this group. However, it is important to set clear goals and expectations. They might want to help more than you want. Remember to acknowledge their value and say “thank you” throughout the process.

2. People you see occasionally.

Examples might be acquaintances and business contacts. More than 25 percent of the people who find jobs through networking received the referral from someone they see once a year or less.

While you might be less comfortable with these people, they also have the greatest potential value. Ask this group for ideas and referrals. When making contact, you might need to reintroduce yourself. State your purpose, acknowledge their value and request a meeting.

It’s a good idea to set reasonable time limits like 20 or 30 minutes, and be sure to stick to your time limit. Come well prepared and be professional and organized in the discussion. This attitude will generate additional referrals.

3. Referrals from networking contacts.

Expand your network by meeting people who are friends, associates and acquaintances of your networking contacts. Remember to ask at each meeting if the person knows anyone else to whom you should talk. Sometimes these will be people with additional information, but they could also be potential employers.

At this point, most job seekers are out of their comfort zone. Simultaneously, this is where you can find the real action. You are getting closer to that next position or project.

When approaching the referral contact, introduce yourself with a lead statement that will get their attention. If given permission, use the name of the person who referred you. State your purpose clearly and request a meeting.

4. Cold calling people you do not know.

Through your research and networking, you will probably discover names of people with whom you should talk. This type of contact takes an additional level of confidence, but the potential is great. Take the initiative and you will discover these contacts can really pay off.

Now, start networking today!

Cumberland Farms Sponsors Massachusetts Food Drive with 4-H

2010-11-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Throughout the month of November, Cumberland Farms is helping Massachusetts 4-H to collect food for the hungry as part of a statewide food drive.

The USDA reports more than a half million people in Massachusetts are struggling to put food on the table this year. Cumberland Farms encourages the public to help ease this crisis in any way they can, and to contribute non-perishable food at any Cumberland Farms store in the Bay State. The 4-H volunteers hope to collect 12,000 pounds of food for food pantries in their local communities across Massachusetts.
"We are proud to sponsor the young people of 4-H who are working hard to assist those families in need," said Ari Haseotes, President of Cumberland Farms Retail Division.
Throughout November, 4-H members will retrieve donations from each Cumberland Farms store, and deliver it to local food banks. This is the third consecutive year the convenience store has supported the 4-H Massachusetts Food Drive as part of the company's Corporate Giving Program.

Cumberland Farms Celebrates New Store Openings

2010-11-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

To mark the grand opening of its newest remodeled convenience store in Brookfield, Mass., Cumberland Farms is kicking off a month-long fundraiser Wednesday that will benefit the students of Brookfield Elementary School. For the next month, Cumberland Farms will donate 20 cents from every Chill Zone beverage and cup of coffee sold at its 225 Main St. store in Brookfield to the school's current fifth grade class. All proceeds will support a class trip to Camp Bournedale, which the students will take in sixth grade. Cumberland Farms said it hopes to raise at least $1,000 for the class trip.
"With so many tight budgets these days, the costs of school trips can seem overwhelming to families," Principal Kathleen Hosterman said in a statement. "This donation will help lessen those burdens, and encourage our students to keep learning. We're grateful to Cumberland Farms for this generous donation, and thank them for their support."
Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms Retail Division, stated: "This fundraiser is our way of thanking the Brookfield families who patronize our stores. It's our pleasure to give something back to them, and help these kids take new adventures and broaden their minds."
In addition, Cumberland Farms recently celebrated the grand opening of its newly remodeled store in Southampton, Mass., by kicking off another month-long fundraiser -- this one benefiting the students of William E. Norris School. The fundraiser began Oct. 25.
From now through Nov. 25, the convenience store chain will donate 20 cents from every Chill Zone beverage and cup of coffee sold at the store, located at 130 College Highway and Route 10 in Southampton, to William E. Norris School. All of the proceeds will go toward purchasing new gym equipment for the students, including a new rock wall.
So far this year, Cumberland Farms has donated more than $10,000 to support local schools.
Family owned for over 70 years, the chain operates a network of c-stores across 11 states.

Cumberland Farms offers Believe and Achieve Scholarship

2010-10-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms is taking applications for its Believe and Achieve Scholarship program, which provides individual $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors bound for college.

The program is open to students who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms store, as well as children of Cumberland Farms employees. While the initiative takes academic performance into account, the award also considers the student’s financial need.

Applications can be submitted online through Cumberland Farms and will be open until Dec. 15. For details, visit CumberlandFarms.com/DoingGood.

CSI Fleet Fuel Card Adds Cumberland Farms to CSI Fuel Discount Program

2010-10-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

CSI Fleet Fuel Card, a leader in cost savings features for fleet businesses, announces the addition of Cumberland Farms convenience stores to its consortium of vendors participating in CSI’s fuel discount program. The CSI fuel discount program offers immediate at-the-pump discounts up to $0.05 per gallon at more than 30,000 locations. Cumberland Farms now offers a $0.03 per gallon discount at its 58 convenience store locations in Florida including those in West Palm Beach, Vero Beach, Hollywood and Orlando.

Cumberland Farms is currently enjoying a number of exciting changes, including new store designs as well as the introduction of premier fresh products and services, such as the new Farmhouse Blend coffee, all in an effort to become the first choice destination for every on-the-go consumer and fleet driver.

“We are always looking for new opportunities to help our customers save,” explains Keith Stone, CSI President/CEO. “Both Cumberland Farms and CSI strive to provide the very best for their customers, and I think the inclusion of Cumberland Farms in the CSI fuel discount program is a perfect example of each company offering a real and valuable benefit.”

The CSI fuel discount program is part of the comprehensive savings plan developed for CSI Fleet Fuel Card users. “Clients that take advantage of the variety of opportunities we offer, can consistently save up to 15% on their fuel expenses,” said Stone.

Savings begin with immediate discounts at the pump. Fleet managers also have access to the CSI Smart Buy Fuel Locator which not only lists the location of every participating discount merchant but also reports the current fuel prices at all stations, allowing managers to easily identify the lowest-priced merchants. In addition, CSI Fleet Fuel Cards may be individually set with a variety of controls such as purchase limits on the amount and types of purchases as well as requiring PIN and mileage prompts at the pump. Fleet managers can also monitor purchases and adjust limits online in real-time.

To apply for and learn more about the CSI Fleet Fuel Card, visit www.csifleetfuelcard.com.

Great Part-time Retail Jobs in Massachusetts

2010-10-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

As far as we're concerned our headquarters is located out here, in the stores, behind the counter, and by the pump. Our full and part-time retail customer service associates are the face and future of Cumberland Farms, working hard to ensure that customers get in, out, and happily along with their day. Whether just a part-time retail gig or a launch pad to a great full-time retail career, these positions are a great way to make a real difference every day.
As a Customer Service Associate, you are more than a retail clerk; you are the face of Cumberland Farms to our customers.

Whether you are looking for an incredible full-time retail career, or a great part-time retail job, the Customer Service Associate position is essential in our company.

As a Customer Service Associate you will be responsible for the following:

Providing a pleasant shopping experience for all customers.
Providing prompt, efficient and courteous customer service.
Maintaining a clean, customer friendly environment in the store.
Completing customer transactions and responding to customer inquiries.
Replenishing products and supplies to ensure our products are well stocked.
Assisting the Store Manager with the proper execution of all store level merchandising and marketing programs.
Performing all regular cleaning activities and other tasks as outlined by the Store Manager.

Keys to Success

A Successful Customer Service Associate is friendly, enthusiastic, energetic and willing to learn. A Customer Service Associate can advance his/her career by promotion to a Customer Service Leader or a Manager in Training.

At Cumberland Farms our Customer Service Associates are the backbone of our Company. That is why we are looking for great people. You can start your search for a great retail customer service job in Boston, Worcester, Springfield or the Cape and Islands by going to CumberlandFarms.com.

Get connected.

2010-09-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

How many times have you been told that it's not what you know, but who you know? Thanks to the emergence of professional networking sites like LinkedIn.com, job seekers no longer have to rely on the old standby of exchanging business cards with strangers.

LinkedIn is composed of millions of industry professionals and allows you to connect with people you know and the people they know to build your network.

The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have. However, I would caution you to connect with people you know and trust or have a business relationship with, no need to go crazy and connect with everyone. You should also take a few minutes to search LinkedIn and I'm sure you'll find lots of contacts from your current and prior employers, clients, vendors, and schools. All those contacts have the potential to help you grow your career or find a new job.

Ready to start your LinkedIn network? Start with me and I will share Cumberland Farms and Gulf Oil job opportunities with you as they become available !

You have an interview set up - Now start your research!

2010-09-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

I know right away when a candidate doesn't know too much about our company. If they don't know who “Ari” is or what a Cumberland Farms “Chill Zone” is, that's not a good sign. If a candidate can't tell me a little bit about our history, they have not done their homework.

In a job market where job seekers send out hundreds of resumes each week with the hope that anybody will respond, job seekers sometimes cut corners by not thoroughly checking out potential employers. But failure to know about the place you claim you want to work at can make you seem unprepared and disinterested.

To prepare for any interview, I suggest you research the following:

• What does the company do?

• What are its products?

• What is the company's mission?

• Where are its offices?

• How big is the company in terms of employees/revenue?

• How is it positioned in its industry?

How to research a company:

• Review the company's website.

• Read press releases.

• Pay attention to industry publications.

• Use Google alerts to stay on top of current company news.

• Talk to a representative at a career fair or trade show.

• Follow key decision-makers on Twitter.

• Use LinkedIn groups and other online social media tools.

If you get to know your potential employers, chances are they will want to get to know you!

Cumberland Gulf expands brand portfolio with addition of 75 Mobil stations

2010-09-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- With the purchase yesterday—as reported in a Morgan Keegan/CSP Daily News Flash yesterday—of ExxonMobil's real and contractual interests in 75 properties and a petroleum distribution fleet located in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, N.Y., the Cumberland Gulf Group of Companies has added the Mobil brand to its portfolio that includes Cumberland Farms, Gulf and Exxon.

The 75 Long Island stations will remain branded as Mobil, and will be a combination of company-operated and dealer-operated locations.
"We are proud to welcome Mobil, one of the premier brands in the Northeast, as a part of our business portfolio," said Joseph Petrowski, CEO of Cumberland Gulf Group of Companies. "Adding these high-quality sites fits with our company's long-term strategy of providing multiple quality brands to the motoring public."
All Mobil employees at the company-operated locations and in the petroleum distribution fleet are expected to be offered employment with Cumberland Farms, the company said.

You can read the rest of the article from CSP here

Are you looking for a great retail job? Check out the latest retail openings here

Cumberland Farms Joins Cause to Save Library

2010-09-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Local convenience store hosts fundraiser to support renovations

Cumberland Farms has kicked off a month-long fundraiser to benefit the fund to renovate the Morristown Centennial Library in Morrisville, Vt. For the next month, Cumberland Farms will donate 20 cents from every Chill Zone beverage and cup of coffee sold at one of its nearby stores. The monies raised will support the library's capital campaign fund benefitting phase one.

"The Centennial Library is in desperate need of renovations," said Pat Stevens, events programming committee chair. "We can't thank Cumberland Farms enough for this generous donation and support."

Cumberland Farms aims to raise at least $1,000 for the library, the company said.

"This fundraiser is our way of saying thank you to the people of Morrisville and the surrounding communities for their patronage over the years," said Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms Retail Division. "It is our pleasure to give back and help save the library." Cumberland Farms employees and library staff will hold a kickoff fundraiser celebration on September 10 at the store.

Framingham, Mass.-based Cumberland Farms is one of the nation's largest family-owned c-store chains. Operating in 11 states, in the Northeast and Florida, its mission is to make life easier for its on-the-go consumers with its trademark Farmhouse Blend coffee and Chill Zone beverages, as well as fresh food, dairy products, snacks and gasoline.

Family owned for more than 70 years, Cumberland Farms also has a long heritage of giving back to the communities where it operates.

Jobs in MA: Retail Managers-in-Training

2010-08-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms Store Managers love retail, merchandising, and most importantly customer service. The Store Managers realize that Cumberland Farms is a vital and exciting Company with endless opportunity for growth.

Cumberland Farms offers Great Retail Careers for individuals who are as enthusiastic about running great convenience stores as we are.

There are new opportunities to join a Manager-in-Training program in Massachusetts. Click here to learn more about these new careers and apply!

Presenting a Whole New Way to Pay

2010-08-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Cumberland Farms Cash Card

How easy is this? Now you can get whatever you need at Cumberland Farms with just a simple swipe of our brand new Cash Card. You can use it inside the store or out at the pumps. The card can be purchased or reloaded in increments from as little as $5 to as much as $250. It's a wonderful gift, a fantastic idea for businesses both large and small, and a great way to get things done without relying on a credit card.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

2010-08-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Cumberland Gulf Group of Companies is proud to be a sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. This year will be the Company’s 18th anniversary of participation in the ANNUAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S WALK. We are committed to assisting in the effort to raise funds for breast cancer research, patient services, education, and advocacy. If it hasn’t already, breast cancer will likely touch you or someone you know. The disease will strike more than 200,000 times this year and claim more than 40,000 lives. There are many ways to fight breast cancer: by walking, becoming a team leader, volunteering, becoming a sponsor or making a donation at your local Cumberland Farms. Click here to find a Cumberland Farms near you.

Thanks to you, and the many others who participate and donate to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, we are getting closer to a world where breast cancer never steals another year from anyone’s life.

You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Accounting Jobs in Massachusetts

2010-08-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for a Bulk Administration Accountant. The Accountant will accurately reconcile all bulk sales and purchase invoices; verify correct pricing and work with counterparties to resolve any pricing disputes, works closely with Treasury group to ensure proper payment and cash flow.

To learn more about this position, or search for other great jobs in Massachusetts, search my job board.

Free Chill Zone at Cumberland Farms!

2010-05-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Go to the Cumberland Farms Chill Zone Fan Page on Facebook and become a "liker". Once Cumberland Farms reaches 100,000 Chill Zone fans, they will have a free Chill Zone Day. Cumberland Farms needs about 6,000 more fans before they can make this happen, so be sure to spread the word!

Looking for a fun new job? Do you believe in giving great customer service? Check out Cumberland Farms latest job openings here

Cumberland Farms debuts iced coffee offering

2010-04-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms is rolling out a new iced coffee offering made from its Farmhouse Blend coffee recipe.

In response to customer demand, the chain said that its medium roast is now available chilled. Any sized coffee, hot or iced, is 99 cents, the chain said, and to get out the word about its iced coffee, Cumberland Farms said that customers can get iced coffee for free on Fridays from May 7th through June 4th.

You can follow Cumberland Farms on Twitter by clicking here.

Loyal Chill Zone Facebook Page Nearing 85,000 Fans

2010-03-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

You may not regularly run into celebrities when you visit your local Cumberland Farms retail location, but look a little closer because no matter which store you frequent, there is a rock star in your midst. This overnight sensation is known as Chill Zone – and it now has more than 82,000 fans.

Of course, the Chill Zone isn’t really an “overnight” sensation. It has been growing in popularity with customers since it was first rolled out several years ago – and why not? It’s the only place in the world that lets you mix up any drink you can think of, frozen or fountain, for just 79 cents any size. That’s
certainly worthy of stardom. In reality, Chill Zone beverages have way more than 82,000 fans. But the fans we’re talking about here are Facebook fans, who are responsible for the growing online buzz about all of the variety, value and fun the Chill Zone has to offer.

Last summer, 25 dedicated volunteer fans were made Chill Zone ambassadors, who helped to drive and create the content on Chill Zone’s Facebook fan page. That combined with weekly contests for a year’s worth of free Chill Zone beverages, picture contests and a Halloween costume contest helped drive the Facebook fan base through the roof.

“The campaign was so successful that Kbuzz, the advertising company that helped Cumberland Farms create, develop and manage the page was nominated for an advertising award and came in second-runner up among hundreds of other submissions,” said Dispensed Beverages Category Manager Gregory Lorance. “The rate our fan base grew as well as the amount of interaction that we see from our Facebook fans makes Chill Zone a standout in the Facebook community.”

The goal is to keep the growing momentum going – with the continuation of character collector cups and other merchandise items, like T-Shirts, which will soon be available – and to increase the fan base to 100,000 by the end of the year.

Gulf Oil Acquires Brand Rights for Entire U.S.

2010-01-13T10:06:00.001-08:00

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Gulf Oil, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cumberland Farms Inc., today announced its intentions to execute a significant geographic brand expansion. Effective January 12, Gulf Oil LP acquired all rights, title and interest to the Gulf brand in the United States.

For the last 20 years, Gulf-branded gasoline in the continental United States has only been available in an 11-state region in the Northeast through a licensing agreement between Gulf Oil's parent company and Chevron USA Inc.

Gulf Oil now controls the right to market the brand throughout the United States and its territories. This acquisition enables Gulf Oil to expand its use of the Gulf brand throughout the United States for the first time since it first acquired certain rights to the brand in 1986.

Gulf Oil, based in Framingham, Mass., is one of the Northeast's largest wholesalers of refined petroleum products. Gulf Oil distributes motor fuels through a network of more than 2,000 branded gasoline retail centers, 12 proprietary oil terminals and a network of more than 50 other supply terminals. Gulf Oil supplies gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel and kerosene through its Gulf Oil terminal network. Through its unbranded subsidiary, Great Island Energy, Gulf Oil L.P. also supplies petroleum products as well as risk management and financial services to industrial, commercial, and independent retail firms.

Free Cups of Coffee to Kick Off 2010

2009-12-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

For those in need of an extra jolt to avoid dozing off this new year, the Framingham-based convenience store chain, Cumberland Farms will offer some assistance for what is sure to be the best price for a cup of coffee in 2010 - free.

From 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 5 a.m. New Year's Day Cumberland Farms locations across the Northeast and Florida - except for those with Dunkin' Donuts service - will be offering complimentary hot cups of Farmhouse Blend coffee for the third year in a row.

“We encourage drivers to have fun and stay safe and alert this holiday season,” the company's president, Ari Haseotes, said in a press release today announcing the promotion. “Offering free coffee on New Year’s Eve is one way for us to let our customers know we care about them.”

Good Customer Service

2009-12-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

Good customer service is the lifeblood of any business. You can offer promotions and slash prices to bring in as many new customers as you want, but unless you can get some of those customers to come back, your business won’t be profitable for long.

Good customer service is all about bringing customers back. And about sending them away happy – happy enough to pass positive feedback about your business along to others, who may then try the product or service you offer for themselves and in their turn become repeat customers.

If you’re a good salesperson, you can sell anything to anyone once. But it will be your approach to customer service that determines whether or not you’ll ever be able to sell that person anything else. The essence of good customer service is forming a relationship with customers – a relationship that that individual customer feels that he would like to pursue.

How do you go about forming such a relationship? By remembering the one true secret of good customer service and acting accordingly; “You will be judged by what you do, not what you say.”

Cumberland Farms Chill Zone

2009-11-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

The Cumby's Chill Zone is a delicious frozen drink sold at Cumberland Farms for 79 cents plus tax. The Chill Zone comes in many delictable flavors including coke, cherry, clue raspberry, sour apple, leomonade, and grape. There is an awesome variety of fountain and frozen flavors that you can blend, combine an concoct to your hearts desire.

After drinking a Chill Zone, you'll probably want to become a fan on Facebook!

Cumberland Farms needs great Customer Service Associates to help out in the store. Stop by your local Cumberland Farms to apply for a job today!

Cumberland Farms' New Norton, MA Store Fundraises for Area School

2009-11-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the grand opening of its latest remodeled convenience store here, Cumberland Farms kicked off a communitywide fundraiser yesterday to support the students at Norton High School.

"We are dedicated to making life a little bit easier for the residents of Norton," Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms' retail division, said in a statement. "This fundraiser is our way of saying thank you for the support the town has given us through the years."

Beginning yesterday, the company will donate 20 cents from every ChillZone fountain beverage and cup of coffee sold at the revamped store to the Norton High School Student Activity Agency, with a minimum donation of $1,000, the retailer stated. The donation will support students in need of financial assistance, as well as fund class field trips and awards ceremonies, among other activities, according to the convenience store chain.

"We are grateful for Cumberland Farms' support as our extracurricular activities are vitally important to our students' experience at Norton High School," Norton High School Principal Raymond Dewar said in a statement.

The newly remodeled Cumberland Farms store design features a fresh-food focused menu, a variety of sandwiches that can be toasted on site, milkshakes, flatbread breakfast sandwiches and personal pepperoni pizzas. The store also boasts a self-service coffee bar featuring the chain's new Farmhouse Blend coffee, as well as its trademark ChillZone fountain drink area.

Looking for a job in Norton, MA? Check out retail job a career opportunities at our great new Cumberland Farms location. Apply within.

Believe and Achieve Scholarship Program

2009-10-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms today announces that eligible 2010 high school graduates can apply for its Believe and Achieve Scholarship program. This is the fourth year the New England based company has been able to provide individual $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors bound for college.

The Believe and Achieve Scholarship program is open to students who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms retail convenience store. The scholarship program is also open to children of Cumberland Farms employees. While the initiative takes academic performance into account, the award also considers the student’s financial need. Applications can be submitted online through www.cumberlandfarms.com/doinggood and will be open until December 15, 2009.

“We know how difficult it can be for some students to afford college, that’s why we are proud to have a program that can make the cost of college a little bit easier for these families,” says Ari Haseotes, President of Cumberland Farms Retail Division. “The Believe and Achieve scholarship is a way for us to give back to the communities that patronize our stores.”

Information about the Believe and Achieve Scholarship program, including entry criteria and deadlines, is available online at www.cumberlandfarms.com/doinggood as well as in all Cumberland Farms store locations.

CUMBERLAND FARMS PUTS A FRESH FACE ONLINE WITH A NEW WEBSITE

2009-10-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

(Framingham, MA –October 21, 2009) - Extending the refreshed brand image that customers are beginning to experience at its convenience stores, Cumberland Farms is sharing its retail story and vision with a new website www.CumberlandFarms.com

Visitors to www.CumberlandFarms.com will see photos of the newest store design as it continues to roll out across the Northeast and Florida. The site features information about the company’s popular, fresh new products, from the custom-made Farmhouse Blend Coffee to the latest ChillZone cold beverage flavors. But rest assured the company’s traditional dairy and grocery products are included too.

Those interested in the company’s farm family legacy will learn how Vasilios and Aphrodite Haseotes grew Cumberland Farms from a cow and a dream to what today is the largest convenience store and gasoline marketer in the Northeast, run by their grandson, company President Ari Haseotes. The site also has detail on the organization’s longstanding commitment for doing good by giving back to the communities it serves.

“As we set out to recast what today’s convenience store experience should be, we wanted a fast and easy way to update our busy customers about all the changes. We are excited that our new website delivers on that pledge,” said Mr. Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms Retail Division.

"We're so excited and proud of the launch of the Cumberland Farms retail website”, said John Young, Partner/ Chief Strategist, Full Contact Advertising which designed the site in partnership with MNET. “This initiative represents the foundation of the company's growing digital strategy and rejuvenated brand experience. Simply put, the goal is to foster extraordinary and valuable relationships everywhere customers want to interact with Cumberland Farms. The company is here to serve and hopefully, delight."

About Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms makes life easier for busy people every day. Its network of convenience stores across 11 states reflect the values of three generations of providing customers with value, convenience and unparalleled service - whether you're buying a cold ChillZone drink, a hot cup of Farmhouse Blend Coffee or filling the gas tank. Rooted in a family-farm heritage today's Cumberland Farms also has a long heritage of giving back to the communities where it operates. For more information about a Cumberland Farms near you, please visit us at www.CumberlandFarms.com.

Cumberland Farms holds benefit for Mansfield, MA High School

2009-09-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms is kicking off the grand opening of its newest convenience store located in Mansfield, with a fundraiser to support the students at Mansfield High School.

Starting Sept. 14 the company will donate 20 cents from every ChillZone beverage and cup of coffee sold at the new 30 Chauncey Street, Mansfield store to the Mansfield High School Student Activities Fund. The fund benefits class trips, proms, dances and senior activities. Cumberland Farms intends to raise at least $1,000 for the school fund, with the help of the community.

“We are pleased to have Cumberland Farms’ support for the many co-curricular activities that are of critical importance to our students,” said Mansfield Principal Joseph Maruszczak. “Cumberland Farms’ fundraiser will help to ensure that after school enrichment activities will continue to add to the experience of Mansfield High School.”

“We are looking forward to making life a little bit easier for the residents of Mansfield, and that goes for our next door neighbors at the high school too,” said Ari Haseotes, president of Cumberland Farms Retail Division. “This fundraiser is our way of saying thank you for the warm welcome the town has given us.”

Visitors to the new Cumberland Farms will notice a change upon taking the first step through the front door. From a wide variety of sandwiches that can be toasted on site, to thick chocolate milkshakes, flatbread breakfast sandwiches and even personal pepperoni pizzas, the new menu is squarely focused on fresh food, and is steeped in the company’s farm-family heritage. Customers can be their own baristas at the coffee bar, stocked with the delicious new Farmhouse Blend, or opt for a cold beverage at the trademark ChillZone.

The Mansfield store is the company’s third new model store in Massachusetts, part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar investment in the brand.

Want to work for Cumberland Farms? Search for your new job here

Free Cumberland Farms Chill Zone!

2009-07-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

Oil Market Never More Bearish: Gulf Oil CEO

2009-07-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hard-Working Middletown Mechanic Wins $1,000,000 Prize

2009-06-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Forty-six year old Robert Whitby will certainly have great memories of this past Memorial Day as the day he became $1,000,000 richer. Whitby was taking a much needed break as the owner of Rob's Towing & Auto Repair, when he stopped at his local Cumberland Farms for a coffee and two lottery tickets - a Win For Life Spectacular and his winning $500,000,000 Extravaganza ticket.
"I scratched my tickets in my driveway directly after buying them," said Whitby, the father of two. "When I realized I'd won, I screamed so loud my neighbors ran out to my car to see what was wrong!"
Whitby purchased the $1,000,000 winning $500,000,000 Extravaganza ticket on May 25, 2009 at the Cumberland Farms on East Main Street in Middletown. He claimed the ticket the following day at the Lottery's Hudson Valley Customer Service Center in Fishkill.
As is the case with most New York Lottery instant game prizes, the third prize on the $500,000,000 Extravaganza ticket is paid as a 20-year annuity. Whitby will receive his prize in annual payments of $50,000 a year before required tax withholdings. His annual net check will total $33,015.
After working almost seven days a week for the past twenty years, it is no surprise Whitby's big plans for his winnings include a vacation. "I'm taking my family on a cruise," he said. "Then, I want to take a trip to Disney World and have lunch with Mickey Mouse," he joked.

Cumberland Farms Believe and Achieve Scholarships Awarded

2009-05-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

Graduating high school seniors from across Cumberland Farms' 11 state service area have been awarded Cumberland Farms Believe & Achieve Scholarships of $1,000 towards their college expenses, the Framingham, Mass.-based retailer said.This is the third year that Cumberland Farms awarded the scholarships to promising students. As part of the company's Corporate Giving Initiative, the scholarship is open to students entering college and who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms outlet in the Northeast and Florida. While the initiative takes academic performance into account, the award also considers the student's financial need."We are proud that our Believe and Achieve program can support 130 college-bound students, which will help defray the cost of tuition or ease the costs for books," said Cumberland Farms president Ari Haseotes.

Free Chill Zone Day at Cumby's!

2009-05-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Stop by Cumberland Farms for a Free Chill Zone on June 5th. Limit one per customer. Offer good only on June 5, 2009.

Cumberland Farms, Gulf Open New HQ

2009-05-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Cumberland Farms and Gulf Oil LP have announced the opening of their new business support campus in Framingham, Mass. This move will enable the corporate parent, its retail convenience stores, real-estate operations and Gulf Oil subsidiary to take better advantage of opportunities in the marketplace."The advantages of an efficient corporate integration combined with a more focused and coordinated business development strategy makes this move compelling" said Cumberland Farms CEO Joseph Petrowski. "This move helps our leaders best execute the Cumberland Farms and Gulf vision at becoming the premier brand of choice for the driving public."
This is the latest in a series of developments by the companies. Last month, Cumberland Farms opened a new, flagship store, focused on fresh food and hot coffee and leveraging the company's farm-family heritage. In addition, Gulf Oil has several new programs in 2009 to further its branding and customer loyalty programs.
You can read more from Convenience Store/Petroleum here

Cumberland Farms awards student

2009-05-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

Graduating Nashua high school senior Nathanael Chartier has been awarded a Cumberland Farms Believe and Achieve Scholarship of $1,000 towards his college expenses. Chartier plans to attend the College of the Holy Cross in the fall. This is the third year that Cumberland Farms awarded the scholarships to promising students across its service area. As part of the company’s Corporate Giving Initiative, the Believe and Achieve Scholarship is open to students entering college and who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms outlet in the Northeast and Florida. While the initiative takes academic performance into account, the award also considers the student’s financial need.For more information, visit www.cumberlandfarms.com.

Boomer Trivia

2009-04-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

It's described as "Mind-blowing fun for those who can remember." It's the Baby Boomer Retirement Game.

The ultimate goal of this board game is to achieve inner peace, but that can only be attained by mastering three key lifestyles areas: life experiences, health and assets. Originally an online-only game, a version has begun turning up in stores with a suggested retail price of $29.99 to $34.95.
The game has the potential to be a smashing success. With more than 82 million Baby Boomers planning to retire by 2027, it could quickly become a coffee table favorite.
Want to test your Boomer knowledge? See if you can answer these questions:

What year did most car models change from two headlights to four headlights?
Who was Dobie Gillis' beatnik friend?
What was the name of Sky King's airplane?

You can find the answers at http://www.babyboomersretriementgame.com/

Gulf Joins Fuel Savings Network

2009-03-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Following a month-long test, Gulf Oil L.P. announced this week that it will offer consumers the ability to lower their price of gas through a powerful new retail partner program known as Override. All consumers have to do to earn gas savings is shop at such retailers as Shaw's Supermarkets or Dunkin' Donuts.

Shoppers who make a minimum purchase of $50 worth of groceries with their Shaw's Rewards Card earn an immediate 10 cents off a gallon of gas up to 20 gallons at a participating Gulf Oil location. Dunkin' Donuts customers who purchase at least $20, which can be accumulated over multiple visits, with a Dunkin' Rewards Card, earn 5 cents off each gallon of gas at Gulf. Those savings can then be redeemed immediately at participating Gulf locations throughout New England.

Either partner card can be swiped right at the gas pump to earn the savings.

"Gulf Oil is always on the hunt for creative, unique programs that help the driving public," said Gulf Oil president and COO Ron Sabia. "The ability to extend a savings program to consumers is a fundamental part of our strategy to grow as the leading downstream energy distribution company. The key attributes of Override are its link to strong retail partners, our extensive network of Gulf locations and the immediate roll back of pump prices."

The gas savings program with Gulf is being piloted at eight locations in the Worcester and Gloucester, Mass., markets, and will expand to hundreds of locations throughout New England on Friday, March 27. According to Gulf chief marketing officer Rick Dery, "The response to the program from our Gulf-branded distributors and dealers has been outstanding."

You can read the rest of the article here

Cumberland Farms Retail Locations

2009-03-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms provides its customers with value, convenience and unparalleled service through a network of 900 retail stores, gas stations, and a support system including petroleum and grocery distribution operations.

Finding a Cumberland Farms close to you has never been easier. Visit CumberlandFarms.com to find a retail store near you!

Looking for a retail job at Cumberland Farms? Click here to find the latest retail jobs at Cumberland Farms.

Cumberland Farms' New Concept Store

2009-03-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

The newly opened Cumberland Farms convenience store on the highly travelled Route 6 here looks like no other of its kind. Gone are the blue and orange accents that have graced the chain’s stores for so many years. Instead, as a symbol of all that is new and different about this prototype store, a green and blue Cumberland Farms logo stands tall above the store entrance and on forecourt signs.

"Obviously there’s a lot of heritage in our logo, it’s been around for almost 70 years, and we wanted to be careful to pay it the respect it deserves," Ari Hasetoes, president of the Canton, Mass.-based convenience chain, told CSNews Online at the store’s grand opening ceremony last Friday. "But we also wanted to be able to morph ourselves into a new generation and communicate to customers that we’re not just about packaged beverages or milk anymore, we’re about fresh foods.

"The iconic tree symbol is now green, and has changed to resemble a sprout with leaves that is encircled by a ring of dots that grow larger as they move clockwise. Below that, the word “Cumberland” is blue, and the word "Farms" is green."It’s not just a logo, that logo will only adorn stores that have received the new fresh products and the new coffee and fountain offer," he said. "That really exemplifies and communicates what we are about now, which is fresh products, that’s why we introduced green into it."Heralded by the company as a new definition of convenience store, its offerings are based on fresh prepared foods and foodservice. In fact, using the cashier counter as a divider -- it is placed in the middle of the store’s back wall -- the left half of the store is dedicated to foodservice, while the right is the more traditional convenience items.

You can read the rest of the article by clicking here

You can apply for a job at Cumberland Farms by clicking here

A record high 12.5 million people are unemployed

2009-03-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Grim new unemployment numbers from the government show that 651,000 people lost their jobs in February and the jobless rate hit 8.1 percent, the highest in 25 years.

Economists surveyed by Briefing.com had forecast a loss of 650,000 jobs in February.

The survey of households found 12.5 million people are now unemployed, the most since records started being kept in 1940. Total job losses over the last six months are more than 3.3 million.

The unemployment rate jumped to 8.1 percent from 7.6 percent in January. That was the highest since December 1983, when the jobless rate was 8.3 percent.

In February, the number of persons who worked part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) rose by 787,000, reaching 8.6 million. The number of such workers rose by 3.7 million over the past 12 months. This category includes persons who would like to work full time but were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find full time jobs.

You can read more here

Looking for a full or part-time job? Check out CumberlandFarms.com

Cumberland Farms donations to honor Laconia Police Officer

2009-03-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Cumberland Farms officials are honoring a Laconia police officer for showing compassion to a man he had arrested for shoplifting food.

The company will honor Officer Jeff Wholley on Friday with donations to the police relief fund and a statewide food bank.

Last Jan. 7, Wholley arrested a man who shoplifted four pre-made sandwiches, valued at $9.16, from the Cumberland Farms store on Court Street. Later, however, upon learning that Benjamin M. Berry, 32, took the sandwiches because he was hungry as well as homeless, Wholley returned to the store, paid for the sandwiches himself and gave them to Berry.

To acknowledge Wholley's actions, Cumberland Farms President Ari Haseotes will present a $1,000 donation to the Laconia Police Relief Fund and $2,500 to the New Hampshire Food Bank during an 11:30 a.m. ceremony Friday at the Laconia Salvation Army. In addition to the donations, Cumberland Farms will provide lunch for the Salvation Army patrons.

You can read the rest of the article here

Tax, Job Search and Travel Sites See Growth as New Year Begins

2009-02-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

comScore, Inc. just released its monthly analysis of U.S. consumer activity at the top online properties for January 2009 based on data from the comScore Media Metrix service. The Tax category led as the top-gaining category as January marked the beginning of tax season, while Job Search, Government and travel-related sites also witnessed strong gains.

January has historically been a strong month for career sites as the beginning of the New Year causes many Americans to reconsider their current career trajectory and future goals. However, the surge in visitors this January also reflects the millions of lost jobs across the nation, resulting in significant increases to both the Job Search category (up 42 percent to 26.7 million visitors) and Career Resources category (up 26 percent to 48.9 million visitors).

The Job Search category was led by CareerBuilder.com Job Search with 12.2 million visitors (up 34 percent versus December), Monster.com Job Search with 9.5 million visitors (up 42 percent), and Yahoo! HotJobs Job Search with 7.7 million visitors (up 38 percent).

Kristie's job at Cumberland Farms

2009-02-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has worked with the general public knows the challenges associated. My experience working in a C-store has actually helped with my public speaking that is necessary both in the classroom as well as now working in my career.

It all started one day I was picking up milk for my friends mother and noticed a “now hiring” sign in the window of our local C-store, Cumberland Farms. I applied for the job, got an interview and was offered a job! I worked as a full-time customer service associate for 3 years while balancing a full college course-load. I stayed in my position at Cumberland Farms because the hours were incredibly flexible and the managers were understanding and considerate of the stresses during test time.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Business Management, the company offered me an internal career opportunity. My experience can be evident to others shown in the perks of longevity with a company and my ability to exhibit time management.

Start your career at Cumberland Farms! Apply today!

Cumberland Farms and Gulf: A marriage of convenience

2009-02-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

When Joe Petrowski got the opportunity to serve as Gulf Oil’s president and CEO in 2005, he jumped at the chance. Not only was he fascinated by the energy industry, but the job allowed him to return to his native Boston area.
Petrowski grew up in Brockton and attended Harvard, where he wrote his thesis on the gasoline business. After graduation, he went to work in the energy industry.
In 2005, he came to Gulf, a wholesale petroleum distributor then headquartered in Chelsea. Since October, he has been CEO of Gulf Oil and Cumberland Farms (Gulf is a subsidiary of Cumberland). Ron Sabia is now the president and COO of Gulf, and Ari Haseotes is the president of Cumberland Farms.
Like Petrowski, 54, Cumberland Farms has local roots. It was started as a farm in Cumberland, R.I. With 600 stores from Maine to Delaware, and as far west as Pennsylvania, it is now the seventh largest convenience store operator in the U.S. There are about 2,500 Gulf stations in that same area.
In May, Cumberland Farms will move out of its Canton headquarters and Gulf will move out of its Newton offices. The two companies’ 400 corporate employees will be housed in the same office in Framingham.
Read the entire article by Julie Onufrak here

Cumberland Farms Brews up a Free Cup of Coffee for New Years Eve Revelers

2008-12-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

This New Years Eve Cumberland Farms is making it a little easier to keep perky as we bid so-long to 2008 and welcome 2009. From 5 pm on New Years Eve until 5 am on New Years Day all Cumberland Farms locations will be giving away a cup of its new Farmhouse Blend and original piping hot coffee - on the house for the second year in a row. Search for a Cumberland Farms near you by clicking here.

Gulf Express Convenience Store Opens with Donation

2008-12-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the grand opening of its latest convenience store, a Gulf Express station located in Framingham, Cumberland Farms presented the Boys and Girls Club of MetroWest with a $1,000 donation last week.

The Boys and Girls Club of MetroWest serves more than 600 young people per day in Framingham, Marlborough and Hudson, Mass. Students in elementary school through high school participate in after-school programs ranging from technology to gym activities.

Through Cumberland Farms’ Corporate Giving Program for Youth, the company works to improve the prospects for young people; encourages and supports young people’s achievements in business and leadership; and provides educational opportunities for young people.

Good news! Grape juice isn't bad for your waist, says study

2008-12-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

This just in from Welch Foods, Inc. of Concord, MA - drinking polyphenol-packed 100-percent Concord grape juice isn't associated with significant weight gain or changes in appetite, and may actually reduce waist circumference. That's according to new study data presented at the 49th annual meeting of the American College of Nutrition. The study examined the effect of regular consumption of 100-percent Concord grape juice on body weight, diet quality and markers of metabolic syndrome, compared to a placebo grape-flavored beverage.

Visit www.welchs.com for more information on the study. Visit your local Cumberland Farms to purchase Welch's grape juice.

Top 10 Retail Movies

2008-12-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

There are dozens of movies about retailing that have been released over the years. The following Top 10 are from Retail Info News:

Elf, 2003 Will Farrell is raised by Santa's elves, but it is time for him to find his birth family in New York City. Scenes take place in Gimbel's to complete the off-made connection between Christmas and retailing.
You've Got Mail, 1998 AOL product placement romance remakes 1940 film "The Shop Around the Corner." Meg Ryan is an independent bookstore manager while Tom Hanks is scion of a family that runs a mega chain.
Mallrats, 1995 Kevin Smiths second film also features Jay and Silent Bob. Although less successful than "Clerks," it has achieved cult status. Shenanigans are carried out by Shannon Doherty and Ben Affleck.
Clerks, 1994 slacker comedy introduced to cinema Jay and Silent Bob. Made on a budget of $27,000 and shot at a convenience store in New Jersey where the director, Kevin Smith, worked.
Mannequin, 1987 An artist makes a store mannequin so perfect it comes to life at night in the form of Kim Cattrel, from "Sex and the City." Movie largely takes place in a large New York City department store.
High Fidelity, 2000 Dramedy about record shop owner examining the past to figure out why he can't maintain a relationship. Arrested development is clear from the vinyl records he specializes in.
Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 Yes, there is a Santa Claus, Virginia. Timeless, uplifting drama moves from Macy's flagship store to a psychiatric hospital to a courtroom, where Santa Claus is put on trial.
Employee of the Month, 2006 To get an idea about this movie all you have to know is it was a Jessica Simpson vehicle. It makes the list because the entire movie is set in a large , warehouse club store.
Empire Records, 1995 Comedic day in the life of an independent record store fighting for survival against a large chain. Wacky employees, including a young Renee Zellweger and Liv Tyler, save the store.
40 Year Old Virgin, 2005 Four buds at an electronics superstore learn Steve Carrell hasn't "done the deed." Carrell meets Catherine Keener, manager of an iSold It store. "It" finally happens.

Looking for a great retail career? Check out some of the job openings at Cumberland Farms here

Do not take a holiday from interviewing

2008-12-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Many jobseekers take a vacation from the job search during the holidays, figuring that no one is hiring. This is a mistake on their part, but one that can be used to the diligent jobseeker’s advantage. The fact is employers are hiring all the time. If there is a need for workers, then it does not matter if it is the week of Christmas. And, while it is true that some of those you wish to interview with are on vacation, many others will be working throughout the holidays. Jobseekers who keep up their interviewing schedule during the holidays, or even try to increase their activity, will likely be rewarded with several interviews.

Looking for a job? Check out Cumberland Farms!

The Stop That Keeps You Going Careers That Keep You Growing

$1 per Gallon Gas? Cumberland Farms CEO Says It May Be

2008-12-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

One day after a petroleum industry expert said oil prices will likely bottom out at $40 to $50 per barrel next year, Gulf Oil and Cumberland Farms CEO Joe Petrowski said the price of oil could sink to as low as $20 per barrel and pump prices may plummet to $1 per gallon by early next year.
"The oil market is a manic-depressive market. It tends to over shoot," said Petrowski told WCVB-TV in Boston. "The market overshot last summer on the high side. Oil should never should have gone to $147, but it did and it can."
Now Petrowski believes the slide in oil prices will continue and overshoot on the low side. "There is a better than 25-percent probability that we'll see oil go as low as $1 a gallon sometime after the first of the year," he said.
Dramatically lower gas prices would essentially be similar to a rebate check for consumers, he said. The drop may even help ease the country out of the recession.
What will you do with the money saved at the pump?

Gulf Oil Unveils E85 Fueling Station

2008-11-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

Last week Gulf Oil, LP opened its first e85 fueling station in New England to service commuters with Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).

According to Gulf Oil officials the station is an important milestone to expand Massachusetts and New England's fuel resources, providing greater access to affordable and environmentally friendly alternative fuels. There are more than 75,000 FFVs registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, about 4,000 of which are located within a 5-mile radius of the new Gulf Oil e85 fueling station, located at 100 Service Road at Logan Airport.

According to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, there are more than 1,800 E85 ethanol fueling stations in the U.S. E85 is also more affordable and environmentally friendly than conventional gasoline. For instance, drivers who filled up with e85 in August paid on average 68 cents a gallon less than their counterparts who used conventional gasoline. In addition, e85 reduces ozone-forming pollution by 20 percent, green house gases by 30 percent, according to the Argonne National Laboratory.

Gulf Oil CEO Joseph Petrowski said the opening is the result of two strong partnerships that seek to bring alternative fuels to the state. The first is between Gulf Oil and the station's operator Energy North and its President Ken Black who is committed to broaden its fuel options from traditional petroleum to a more varied and secure domestic source of bio fuel. The second partnership is between the public and private sectors including the federal Energy Department and Massachusetts Representation Bill Delahunt, Governor Deval Patrick, and state Energy Secretary Ian Bowles.

'Forbes' Names Top Private C-Store Companies

2008-11-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Forbes list of the 100 largest U.S. private companies is out, and nine convenience stores made the cut.
Flying J topped the c-store segment at No. 16 (moving up from No. 19 last year. Love's Travel Stops made the list at No. 25 (jumping up from No. 42 last year). Cumberland Farms held its spot at No. 35 (same as last year).
QuikTrip moved up three places from last year to No. 37. Sinclair Oil came in at No. 45 (losing a little ground from last year's No. 38 spot). Colonial Group, operating Enmark gas stations and convenience stores, took dead center of the list at No. 50 (moving up seven spots from its place last year).
RaceTrac Petroleum skipped up five places from last year, earning the No. 56 spot of this year's list. Wawa came in at No. 69, dropping five places from its position in 2007. Sheetz made the list at No. 82, gaining ground from its place last year of No. 98.Beyond just the Top 100, Forbes total list of top private companies in the United States (with $1 billion or more in 2007 revenue) included 441 companies employing 6.2 million people and accounting for $1.8 trillion in total revenues.
Other convenience store companies that made the expanded list include: U.S. Oil (No. 211), Thorntons (No. 250), Kum & Go (No. 283), and Brookshire Brothers (No. 361).

Cumberland Farms offers free coffee on Fridays

2008-11-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

Cumberland Farms is offering free cups of coffee on Fridays through early December at its roughly 500 convenience-store-and gas-station locations.

Cumberland Farms said in a press release: "The company dedicated six months to researching, testing, and tasting blends with its coffee roaster to create a delicious new taste, at an unexpected price. Farmhouse Blend is a medium roast with a smooth, harmonious flavor. Because Cumberland Farms understands the importance of offering its consumers a great cup of coffee at an affordable price, customers can pour a cup of Farmhouse Blend for free every Friday through Dec 5. Additionally, all hot beverages, of any size, will be just 99 cents, every day of the week. (For those loyal to Cumberland Farms original coffee, that's still available too.)"
Cumberland Farms press release included a statement from Ari Haseotes, the chain's president and chief operating officer.

"We felt the time was right to offer our customers an updated and delicious coffee choice at a great price," Haseotes said. "A great cup of coffee shouldn't cost as much as a gallon of gas, nor should anyone have to take a lot of time out of the day to get it. Farmhouse Blend is another way we provide our customers with value and convenience."

Do you have experience working with coffee, fast food and providing great customer service? Looking for a great career? Apply now to some of the best jobs in the convenience store industry.

Cumberland Farms is set to kick off food drive

2008-10-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Cumberland Farms, the Canton-based convenience-store chain, said it has partnered with Massachusetts 4-H to mobilize a food drive that will benefit food pantries across the Bay State.

Starting Monday and running through November 15, people can drop off all non-perishable food at any of the 190 Cumberland Farms stores in the state as 4-H members aim to collect 12,000 pounds of food.

Citing statistics from Project Bread, Cumberland Farms noted in a press release that on in three Massachusetts children lives in a family that struggles to put food on the table - "a figure that is unfortunately only worsening in the current troubled economy."

"Too many people in Massachusetts don't have enough to eat," Cumberland Farms chairman and chief executive Lily Bentas said in a statement. "We are pleased to partner with 4-H in this food drive, easing the burden of families in need."

The Cumberland Farms press release added, "The 4-H will retrieve the donations from the Cumberland Farms stores, delivering the food to local food banks in each county, from Barnstable to Berkshire, from Norfolk to Middlesex, from Worcester to Plymouth and in between."

A Good Retail Job - Framingham, MA

2008-09-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

This is an exciting opportunity that could be the start of a great career with Cumberland Farms! We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who enjoy helping customers. Join us as a Manager-In-Training and show our customers what good customer service is all about!

As Store Manager you will manage a retail location using critical information from state-of-the-art in-store computer systems, maximize profits using proven marketing and merchandising strategies, analyze store financial data for cost containment, inventory management and hire, train and develop employees to their fullest potential.

Cumberland Farms, Inc., offers a competitive employee benefits program. We offer benefits to salaried, full time and part time hourly employees. If you're looking for an exciting career with a progressive company and an excellent benefits package, then apply today!

The Stop That Keeps You Going Careers That Keep You Growing

Now You See Them...Retailers Need to Engage Fast with Gen Y New Hires

2008-09-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Employers must win over their younger new hires quickly, according to a survey of more than 2,500 senior human resources executives conducted by Boston-based global consulting firm Novations Group (www.novations.com).

About half of the executives (51 percent) reported that they have between one and six months to show Generation Y employees that the company is the best place for them. One-quarter (26 percent) indicated they have less than a month to do so!

This means retail managers have a short window of time to capture the hearts and minds of Gen Y new hires. Some simply tactics to improve Gen Y retention are:

Making sure that every applicant gets a realistic job preview and a clear sense of what to expect from he company.
Try to connect new hires with other employees

Facing Facts

2008-09-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering what the face of Facebook users looks like, you're not alone. The Simultaneous Media Usage Study (SIMM) conducted last December by BIGresearch offers some insight.

Amound survey participants who indicated that they go to Facebook most often for fun/entertainment:

64 percent are female
63 percent are ages 18 to 24
73 percent regularly view photos from friends
59 percent regularly IM/chat while online
For women's clothing, they shop most often at Forever21, American Eagle and Old Navy
For men's clothing , they shop most often at American Eagle, Kohl's and JCPenny

Believe and Achieve Scholarship Program

2008-09-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

Cumberland Farms hosts the third year of its Believe and Achieve Scholarship open to college-bound seniors. The program awards about 80 individual scholarships of $1,000 to students in the Northeast and Florida.

The Believe and Achieve Scholarship program is open to students who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms. The program is also open to children of Cumberland Farms employees. While the initiative takes academic performance into account, the award also considers students’ financial needs.

Applications can be submitted online through http://www.cumberlandfarms.com/ from Oct. 15 through Dec. 15. Information about the Believe and Achieve Scholarship, including entry criteria and deadlines, is available online as well as at Cumberland Farms locations.

Save money at the pump by carpooling

2008-09-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Do you realize how much your commute may be costing you? Everyone is concerned about prices at the fuel pump, but there's more to a commute than just the cost of gas. The average Massachusetts household spends more on transportation than it does on food: 15% of its income. Of the 3 million people who commute in Massachusetts each day, 74% of them drive alone. Why spend your time and money in traffic? Choose an alternative to driving alone -- carpooling, vanpooling, transit, and others. You may have more options than you think. If you live in Massachusetts, click here for more information on MassRIDES. MassRIDES can help you find others who share your commute!

Working in Retail

2008-09-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

Retail continues to be an industry with enormous growth potential. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the retail sector is expected to increase to more than 26 million employees by the year 2010. Retailers are always looking for good people with a commitment to customer service, the ability to work in a team environment and who can work through complex situations with problem solving skills. Working in retail offers many exciting opportunities for dedicated individuals.

An Example Retail Career Path:

Area Sales Manager - Supervises a territory of stores

Store Manager - Responsible for the day-to-day operations

Manager-in-Training - Trains to run a store

Customer Service Associate - Can be part-time or full-time

4 Quick Tips to Finding a Great Job on the Internet

2008-06-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

1. Research Yourself On-line
Do some research on your cyber identity. Enter your name into Google, Yahoo, MSN. What comes up? Does a simple search of your name turn up offensive writing, less than professional photos, or activities that could turn off a potential boss? If so, you need to clean up your image, fast. Many employers use search engines and social-networking sites to research candidates.
2. Network On-line
Get yourself on LinkedIn or other professional networks. Make the most of these sites by building contacts and asking mentors or former employers to recommend you.
Many companies use LindedIn for recruiting.
3. Think Twice Before You Hit Send
The Internet makes it easy to send out resumes. Consider quality over quantity. Research each opportunity and to tailor your resume and cover letter to each employer and position. Add key words to your resume that are from the industry to let the employer know you understand the job duties.
4. Don't Forget To Say "Thank You"
Even when the Web helps you land the interview, remember to send an old-fashioned thank-you note as soon as possible. Handwritten notes make the best impression and will sometimes put you on the top of the list for call backs!

Free Resume Builder

2008-02-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

Many people working in retail do not have a resume. They are very confused about resume writing. The biggest difficulty is knowing where to start or what to include. They don't know what to write in a good resume and what not to write. For example, a good resume does not have to be just one page in length or follow a specific resume format. Every resume is a one-of-a-kind marketing communication.

I think I can help.

If you are one of these frustrated individuals trying to create a great resume, try using my Resume Builder to write your winning resume. When you are done, check out the jobs that are available or download your resume and go. It's easy.

When your new resume gets you an interview with a great company, come back and check out my Interview DON'Ts before you go to the interview. I wish you all the best in your search for a new job.

Important Interview DON'Ts

2008-02-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

Most job seekers and recent graduates know what to do on a job interview: Sell why they are best for the job. Sadly, many of these same job seekers make common mistakes during the same interview. Sometimes their mistakes cost them a great retail job.

Use these tips on what not to do during your next retail interview:

Show up unprepared
Have nothing to say
Say too much
Trash a former employer
Give too many personal details
Fidget, bite your nails, or drum your fingers
Bring only one copy of your resume
Sit before you’re offered a chair
Show up late
Discuss money, time off or benefits unless an offer has been made
Ask no questions
Get too comfortable
Give vague answers
Use foul language
Act as if they need you more than you need them
Forget to shake hands
Fail to follow up
Fail to send a thank you note

Retail Store Manager Careers

2008-01-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

This exiting opportunity could be the start of a great retail career!

Are you an enthusiastic individual who enjoys helping customers? Would you like to turn your "job" into a career?

Consider becoming a retail Manager-In-Training and show customers what good customer service is all about!
As a Manager-in-Training you will be trained to manage a retail location using critical information from a state-of-the-art windows based computer system.
Many retail stores recognize success is directly related to the success of each employee. That is why Cumberland Farms invests so heavily in training and development. The Company's unique Manager-in-Training program emphasizes the learning process to ensure learning takes place, identifies, defines and conveys management skills utilizing in store mentoring, includes instruction by our best, most experienced Training Managers, and provides self-paced, hands-on practice to reinforce newly learned skills.

Your new retail career starts at Cumberland Farms.

Resume Tips

2008-01-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Tips for writing a great resume

Determine your job search objective prior to writing the resume. Once you have determined an objective you can structure your resume around that objective.

Think of your resume as a marketing tool. Market yourself through your resume. Why should a company hire you?
Use your resume to obtain an interview, not a job. You want to generate enough interest to be called in for an interview. Use the interview to provide a more detailed explanation of your accomplishments.
Use bulleted sentences. Resumes are read quickly. Bullets make it easier for someone to quickly scan your resume and still absorb it.
Lead with your strengths. Put strengths first where they are more apt to be read.
Accent the positives. Focus on job duties that support your objective.
Use action words. Action words cause your resume to pop. For example, prepared, developed, monitored, and presented.
Use #'s, $'s and %'s. Numbers, dollars, and percentages stand out in the body of a resume.
Construct your resume to read easily. Remember, resumes are reviewed quickly. Help the reader to scan your resume efficiently and effectively.
Have someone else read your resume. They may help you discover items you left off your resume.

Company honored for operational excellence

2008-01-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Cumberland Farms receives CSP Magazine's

2007 Outlook Leadership Award

Cumberland Farms was selected by CSP Magazine to receive its 2007 Outlook Leadership Award for Operational Excellence. Cumberland Farms had the highest overall scores in a mystery shop survey involving seven other chains.

"We are extremely happy for our Store Managers and Area Sales Managers," said Vice President of Store Operations David Merriam. "They work very had to ensure that our customers consistently have a pleasant and positive shopping experience. Part of achieving store-level excellence comes through continuously reinventing ourselves to meet the customer's needs and expectations. That means being more than just a place to buy food and gas. It's about offering the products in an environment that's friendly and accessible."

Potini Anyone?

2007-12-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

This years Holiday Party featured Potini's from Domenic and Anthony Catering .

What's a Potini?
A Potini is hard to describe and impossible to forget. It's as warm and comforting as a bowl of mashed potatoes...as fresh and exciting as a new-age martini...and to top it off, we were able to customize our Potini with Bordelaise Sauce, roasted pumpkin, caramelized onions, salsa/sour cream, bacon,and roasted chestnuts.
I strongly recommend a good Potini for your next home or office party!

Stay Awake at the Wheel This New Year’s Eve with a Free Cup of Coffee from Cumberland Farms

2007-12-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

Convenience store wants drivers to be safe for the holiday

This New Years Eve Cumberland Farms is making it a little easier to say so-long to 2007 and hello to 2008 by helping their customers keep alert and awake on the road into the wee hours of 2008. That’s why from 5 pm on New Years Eve until 5 am on New Years Day all Cumberland Farms locations will be giving away a cup of piping hot coffee - on the house.
Cumberland Farms is encouraging drivers to take advantage of this community service. Indeed fatigue on the road is a dangerous issue. The National Sleep Foundation says the combination of caffeine and naps is one of the best ways to help fight drowsiness, which they cite as a leading cause of accidents.
“We want to thank our customers this holiday season,” said Ari Haseotes, Vice President of Marketing for Cumberland Farms. “The goal of our free coffee program is to help them stay alert, and keep safe on the roads.”
The free coffee is available at all Cumberland Farms stores across the Northeast and Florida except for those with Dunkin Donuts service.

Keys to Successful Interviewing

2007-12-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

Successful hiring takes time and thought, and, like most skills, it also take practive. Below are fifteen specifics necessary for a successful interview:

Screen carefully.
Have a plan.
Follow a logical sequence.
Create a proper interview environment.
Put the candidate at ease.
Let the candidate do the talking.
Perfect your questioning techniques
Become a better listener.
Keep your reactions to yourself.
Stay in control.
Take notes.
Don't oversell the position.
Conclude the interview on a positive note.
Write an interview summary.
Learn from each experience.

Educational Assistance

2007-12-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a job that will allow you to obtain a degree or continue your education?
If so, you may want to consider joining the Cumberland Farms team! Cumberland Farms has an excellent benefits package that includes an educational assistance program that will fit into anyone's life.
Cumberland Farms offers educational assistance to all full-time active employees. Full-time employees are those scheduled to work 40 or more hours per week.
Employees must be actively employed and have completed a minimum of six continous months of full-time services with the Company to be eligible to participate in the Company's program. Once eligible to participate, you could be reimbursed for the successful completion of a GED, undergraduate or graduate course or course of study with an accredited school, college or university.
The program will allow you to take two (2) undergraduate or graduate level courses per semester. You will be reimbursed 100% of the cost of tuition, books and fees for A, B, or C to a maximum amount of $3,000 per calendar year.

Visit http://www.cumberlandfarms.com/ to learn more.

Free Job Boards That Generate Traffic

2007-11-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

Don't have a big budget? Looking for some free job boards that will generate traffic?

Check out these boards with free job postings:

Insourced.com
Postjobfree.com
Thejobbox.com
Jobadsusa.com
Postiteasy.com
Thejobspider.com
Oodle.com
Kijiji.com
BackPage.com

Some of these sites may not rank well with Alexa or Google. That's not important. What is important is where your jobs show up after posting. For example: Post a job on Postjobfree or Postiteasy and within 24 hours it's on Indeed, SimplyHired, Jobster, Google and Myspace!

It's worth taking the time to experiment with each of these boards to see what site works best for you!

Recent Graduates: Having a hard time finding a good job? You must first determine your skills

2007-11-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

Job listings rarely read, "We need English majors for top jobs with top dollars," or "History majors: Earn six-figures for performing intellectually fulfilling work." For some job seekers with liberal arts degrees, targeting potential employers and marketing yourself may seem like an impossible task.

It's not. The first step is not to think of yourself in terms of your specific degree. Many companies do not hire students because of their specific degrees - instead they use job applicants' skills as criteria for filling positions.

So, instead of asking, "What are good jobs for English majors?" ask, "What are my passions and strengths? What skills do I have? What do I want to be doing in my job?" The first step in responding to these questions is to honestly address what you love to do. What fascinates you? What do you find compelling and fulfilling? Once you've answered these questions, address what skills you can bring to the work place. Also, when you assess your skills, don't forget the skills you gained from doing volunteer and extra-curricular work.

You can learn more about starting your job search at JobHuntingTips.com

Big Four Auditor? Live in Rhode Island or Massachusetts? Read on!

2007-11-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

Senior Accountant

This position will assist the Compliance and Financial Reporting department by performing several functions, such as preparing monthly and annual financial statements, reconciling specific complex accounts (such as pension liability, environmental reserves), filing census information with respective agencies, assisting with policies and procedures, research technical accounting issues and prepare Corporate position memos, preparing complex journal entries, assist with year-end audit, and other projects as directed by management.
This position requires a C.P.A. or the ability to acquire a C.P.A. and 3-5 years of public accounting experience.

The Stop That Keeps You Going. Careers That Keep You Growing.

Cumberland Farms

The Job Jumper: Looking for a job right now? Then check out retail!

2007-11-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

The "Job Jumper" offers five great tips to finding a retail job during the holiday season.

The Job Jumper: Looking for a job right now? Then check out retail!

Interview Red Flags

2007-11-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

Certain behaviors and reactions displayed during the interview indicate cause for concern. This list was developed after conducting many interviews. Can you think of any Red Flags I missed? Read on!

Poor personal appearance.
Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
Overemphasis on money.
Condemnation of past employers.
Late for the interview.
Failure to express appreciation for the interviewer's time.
Asks no questions about the position.
Vague response to questions.
Overly aggressive, conceited, or know-it-all complex.
Inability to express oneself clearly.
Lack of planning for a career.
Lack of confidence and poise.
Unwilling to start at the bottom; expects too much, too soon.
Evasive, hedges on unfavorable factors in job history.
Lack of maturity.
Lethargic, lack of energy.
Merely shopping around.
Wants job only for a short time.
No interest in company or industry.

Employers: Got any more examples? Leave a reply with your example Interview Red Flag!

Job Seekers: Got any Red Flag examples from the other side of the desk? Share them!

Top Daily News Headlines

2007-11-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

Wal-Mart to Launch New C-store Concept

Wal-Mart reportedly has a team of executives in the San Francisco area devising two new small-footprint stores.

Whole Foods to Test Express Concept

Following its $565 million acquisition of rival organic grocer Wild Oats, Whole Foods is considering a test of Whole Foods Market Express, focusing on convenience.

Brookshire Bros./ Polk Oil Merger Spawns New Super C-Store Format

In an exclusive interview with CSNews Online, Jerry Johnson, president/CEO of Brookshire Bros. supermarkets, confirmed plans to unveil a new c-store model with fresh produce, meat, a pharmacy and clinic services of a medical professional.

Chevron Promises to Grow Retail and Explore Alternative Fuels

Company executive told marketers, dealers and franchisees the best is yet to come during its biannual convention in Denver.

You can read about these stories and more at csnews.com.

34 Students Awarded Scholarships

2007-11-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the 2007 Scholarship Program recipients of the Frozen and Refrigerated Association of the Northeast (FRANE). Thirty-four students have been awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships.

The FRANE Scholarship Program has awarded over $425,000 in scholarships over the past 29 years. The FRANE Scholarship Program is funded by the Ryan Marrocco Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament (In May) and the FRANE Western New England Scholarship Golf Tournament (In August).

Employees of FRANE member companies and their immediate family members are eligible to apply for a FRANE Scholarship. Information and requirements for the 2008 Scholarship Program will be posted in January on the FRANE website frane.org/scholarship.

Working In Retail

2007-11-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that there are more than 2 million retail businesses employing more than 19 million people in the U.S. The retail industry offers opportunities in merchandising, store management, loss prevention, and buying.

Working in retail requires good sales skills with a strong ability to work with people because of the constant customer interaction. Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a positive attitude are essential characteristics necessary to succeed in the retail industry.
Now is a good time to begin working in retail due to numerous job opportunities in fast-paced environments.

Start your retail job search today!

Associate of the Year Award - New Hampshire

2007-11-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

Cumberland Farms Store Manager Debbie Tellier of Littleton New Hamphire, has been named Associate of the Year by the New Hampshire Grocers Association. Tellier was selected to receive the honor from a group of finalists that included convenience store managers from across the state.
Managers were judged on customer service, store conditions, leadership, employee turnover, sales, profitability and shrink.
"I have received overwhelming congratulations from all of my colleagues and mentors. I wish to thank all of those who have allowed me to learn and grow in the more than 20 years that I've been with Cumberland Farms, " said Tellier. "I'd especially like to thank my Area Sales Manager, Deane Palmer, and my staff, all of whom have dedicated themselves for a very successful year."
What's Tellier's secret to providing amazing customer service? "Follow your instincts. Work hard, as we all do, and definitely enjoy what you're doing. Success comes with what you are willing to put into it.

Are you looking for a better career? Visit CumberlandFarms.com to learn more about the job opportunities and benefits associated with a career at Cumberland Farms.

The Stop That Keeps You Going. Careers That Keep You Growing.

Calling All High School Seniors!

2007-11-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

The application period is underway for Believe and Achieve Scholarships

Cumberland Farms kicked off the second year of its Believe and Achieve Scholarship program on October 1st. The program provides individual $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors living in the Company's service areas.

The Believe and Achieve Scholarship program is open to students who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms outlet int he Northeast and Florida and who are entering college in the fall of 2008. The scholarship program is also open to children of Cumberland Farms employees, regardless of where they live. While the initiative takes academic performance into account, the awards also considers the student's financial need.

"There is a tremendous amount of bright students who need help easing the financial weight of a college education, " said Cumberland Farms CEO, Lily Bentas. "That is why we're so proud of our Believe and Achieve program. Last year we were able to help 79 motivated students, by assisting in the costs of paying for books or tuition. We're looking forward to being able to help more again this year."

Eligible high school seniors are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. information about the Believe and achieve Scholarship, including entry criteria and deadlines is available online at http://www.cumberlandfarms.com/ and in store locations.

The application deadline is December 15, 2007.

Vitamin Water - The latest trend

2007-11-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

The hottest trend in Hollywood is taking off in New England. "Glaceau Water has been one of Cumberland Farms' fastest selling items," according to Kevin Platt, Category Manager for Cumberland Farms.
"In a Cumberland Farms exclusive giveaway, one customer will win a trip to the Daytona 500 in February. So, stop by your local Cumberland Farms and try what all of Hollywood is drinking. While you're there, register for your chance to win a trip to the Daytona 500!"

Job searching made easy

2007-11-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Cumberland Farms, a leader in the convenience store industry, just made searching for a job easier. Applicants searching for a Customer Service Job can now search by zip code on the Cumberland Farms website. After a zip code is entered into the system, a list of stores within a 5 mile radius are displayed. Applicants can apply electronically to the store closest to their home. Most applications are reviewed within 24 hours.

To search for your Customer Service job, visit www.cumberlandfarms.com today!