Clark's Pump-N-Shop Earns Ky. C-store of the Year Honors

ASHLAND, Ky. — The Kentucky Grocers Association and Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores (KGA/KACS) named Clark's Pump-N-Shop (Clark's PNS) the 2014 Convenience Store of the Year. The award was presented during the annual awards luncheon at West Sixth Brewery in Lexington.

Established in 1976 by John W. Clark, the business is now owned by second-generation family owners and brothers Rick, Rodney and Brent Clark. Ashland-based Clark's PNS now operates 63 c-stores in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Florida.

"The success of the company has been possible only through the hard work of all Clark's PNS employees," stated Rick Clark after accepting the award. "Teamwork and trust in each other has allowed the company to grow and provide employment for over 600 associates."

Jim Glockner, general manager for H.T. Hackney Co., which serves as the wholesaler for Clark's PNS, introduced Rick and Brent Clark at the KGA/KACS luncheon. He also spoke about the company's focus on family and community.

The Clark family donates to charitable organizations and events in the communities where its stores are located. This includes donations of gasoline gift cards to families of National Guard members and funding projects with local schools.

"Each community has a different personality and needs," Clark said. "It's important to remember when staffing our stores that we find managers and associates that know the needs and personality of that community."

The KGA/KACS has honored industry leaders for their contributions to Kentucky's c-store industry since 2008. The Convenience Store of the Year awards recognizes an association member who has made an outstanding contribution to the good of the industry.