What You Missed in the Biz Brief This Week: June 4, 2014

In today’s information-overloaded business world, we often find ourselves deluged with literally hundreds of news items from dozens of sources. While it is likely impossible to read every article and remain productive, by not doing so we risk missing the one article that could change a key business practice or thought process. And that is where the NATSO Foundation’s publication, Biz Brief, provides assistance! The NATSO Foundation's Biz Brief is a daily collection of the most relevant business intelligence for truckstop and travel plaza operators. 

While we think the Biz Brief is a must-read every day, if you only read ten news articles this week, these ten most-clicked Biz Brief articles are the ten to read. 

1. Iowa 80 Raises Huge Flag in Walcott 
   The largest flag currently flying in the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois can be seen at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott, Iowa. The flag was donated to the museum by the Iowa 80 Truckstop. The U.S. flag measures 25-foot by 40-foot and was raised on a 100-foot high flag pole on May 23. The standard is being flown in honor of all of the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Click here to read more >

2. A Swiss Truckstop Buffet 
   Ever wonder how European truckstops and travel centers differ from those found in the United States? Attached is a link that provides a look at a buffet offering that was photographed at a road-side truckstop in Switzerland. Click here to read more >

3. Marathon/Speedway Acquires Hess Retail Ops 
   Marathon Petroleum Corp. announced that it has acquired 1,257 retail locations from Hess Corp. for $2.87 billion. The stores eventually will operate under the Speedway LLC banner. The purchase will stretch Speedway's footprint from its current nine states to 23 states once the acquisition is completed, which is expected to occur in the 2014 third quarter. The new total of 2,733 retail locations will make Speedway the second-largest operator of convenience stores in the United States. Click here to read more >
   
   
4. Pictures Tell the Story 
   In May 2010, the Love's Travel Stop on I-40 in Oklahoma City was destroyed by a tornado. For some it would mean the end of a business but for Love's and the truckstop industry it meant an opportunity to rebuild and improve. The attached video, which highlights the destruction of the location immediately following the tornado, is a testament to the spirit of both Love's and the industry. Click here to read more >
   
   
5. A Closer Look at the Assets Involved in Speedway Acquisition 
   Marathon Petroleum's recently announced purchase of Hess' retail operations involves an impressive list of assets. The $2.6 billion acquisition will make Marathon/Speedway the second-largest convenience store chain measured by units, and the largest if measured by revenues. Speedway also will be the fourth-largest chain in the truckstop industry. The retailer is now Dunkin' Donuts largest franchisee. The company also has partnerships with Wendy's and Dairy Queen. Click here to read more >
   
   
6. A Closer Look at the Assets Involved in Speedway Acquisition 
   Marathon Petroleum's recently announced purchase of Hess' retail operations involves an impressive list of assets. The $2.6 billion acquisition will make Marathon/Speedway the second-largest convenience store chain measured by units, and the largest if measured by revenues. Speedway also will be the fourth-largest chain in the truckstop industry. The retailer is now Dunkin' Donuts largest franchisee. The company also has partnerships with Wendy's and Dairy Queen. Click here to read more >
   
   
7. New Love's Coming to Missouri 
   Love's Travel Stops has begun construction on a new facility in Neosho, Mo., along Interstate 49. The travel stop will offer a Subway sandwich shop, a McDonald's restaurant, as well as a truck tire sales and service center. The company is aiming to open the location by Thanksgiving. This will be Love's 10th facility in the state. Click here to read more >
   
   
8. Werner Co-Founder Gloria Werner Dies at 79 
   Gloria and Clarence Werner founded Werner Enterprises in 1956 as a one-truck operation. Nearly 30 years later, Gloria Werner retired and today the company employs more than 13,000 people as drivers and independent contractors. Werner managed all of the financial aspects of the growing company during her time with the fleet. The co-founder passed away at 79, following a 17-month battle with lung cancer. Click here to read more >
   
   
9. McLane to Open New Distribution Center in Ohio 
   NATSO Chairman Circle member McLane Corp. has announced that the company is building a $119 million distribution center in Findlay, Ohio. The center, which will employ 425 people, will enable the grocery distribution company to improve service to the Great Lakes Region. The Temple, Texas-based chain currently serves more than 45,000 retail locations nationwide. The Findlay facility, which is McLane's 22nd distribution center, will begin construction this summer. Click here to read more >
   
   
10. Diesel Sales Up 4.9% in January 
    Diesel volumes in the United States grew by 4.9 percent to 3.075 billion gallons in January, according to the most recent figures from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Gasoline sales also increased by 1.6 percent despite the harsh weather that much of the country experienced during the month. While the North Central region saw a decrease of 3.5 percent, the Northeast and South Gulf regions experienced increases of 4.7 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. Click here to read more >

I might be biased, but I think if you aren't receiving Biz Brief, you are missing out! Not a subscriber? Be sure to submit a request to be added to the email list. Already receive it and have feedback for me? Be sure to email me at editor@natso.com.