Recognizing and honoring Wawa, Inc. on the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the first Wawa convenience store and for Wawa's many investments in the Philadelphia area.

WHEREAS, The Wawa Dairy was founded in 1902 by George Wood in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The dairy produced pasteurized and doctor certified raw milk products and distributed them to customers in the City from a milk depot in West Philadelphia and later from Allegheny Avenue; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1950's the popularity of supermarket shopping eroded the home delivery business and Wood's grandson Grahame sought an alternate retail outlet for the Wawa Dairy. The first Wawa Food Market opened on April 16, 1964 at 1212 MacDade Boulevard in Folsom, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Wawa's chain of stores has continued to grow over the last 50 years. Wawa now operates 650 stores, and including over 40 stores in the City of Philadelphia. Wawa employs over 22,000 people, and serves more than 600,000,000 people every year.

WHEREAS, Wawa is known for the service it provides to its customers and for its commitment to all its employees. A Harvard Business Review study found Wawa's employment turnover rate to be 22%, substantially lower than the retail-sector average. Wawa encourages their employees to pursue a college education, and offering tuition reimbursement at several colleges. Wawa employees are also able to earn stock through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) based on company performance; and

WHEREAS, Wawa is known for their community engagement and support. Wawa since 2010 has been the title sponsor for Philadelphia's “Welcome America” 4th of July celebration, which is an annual weeklong festival including America's largest free concert and fireworks and other free community activities celebrating America's birthday in America's birthplace. Since Wawa opened its first store in 1964, community relationships have been a priority. Wawa provides financial grants to charitable organizations throughout its operating area and Wawa employees volunteer at major charitable events. In tandem with its 50th Anniversary, and to strengthen its support to communities, Wawa announced the creation of The Wawa Foundation. The goal of Wawa and The Wawa Foundation is to commit $50 million in five years to causes in support of The Foundation's focus areas which are: Health, Hunger and Everyday Heroes; and

WHEREAS, From a small dairy company to a flourishing convenience retail operation, Wawa has been the ultimate Delaware Valley success story. The Wood family and all Wawa leadership should be praised for their dedication to the Philadelphia area, and to their employees and customers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize, honor and commend Wawa, Inc. on the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the first Wawa convenience store and for their many investments in the Philadelphia area.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Chris Gheysens, President & Chief Executive Officer of Wawa, Inc., as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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