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Program Descriptions

Annual Convention Educational Program

During TPCA's annual convention, we feature nationally recognized speakers to present seminars for all levels of management. A diverse educational program is offered with something for everyone, from the owner/operator of a petroleum marketing or convenience store company, to mid-level supervisors and managers, to convenience store managers.

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Computer-Based Training

The TPCA/LJT Seller Server Training School receives approval from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. This training on demand can be taken at any time, in any office with an Internet-connected computer. The introductory fee will be $19.95 per employee for TPCA members and $29.95 per employee for non-members.

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Fall Management Conference

The Fall Management conference is a one day educational event held annually in Austin. The conference covers a wide range of issues focusing on today's challenging business environment, while providing an opportunity to meet and visit with members sharing similar challenges.

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Food Guard

Computer-based food safety training for food handlers allows you to protect your customers and protect your business. Employee-level CD-ROM training with 60 to 90 minutes of self-paced instruction in the following areas of food safety:

  • foodborne illness
  • time and temperature
  • personal hygiene
  • cross contamination
  • preparation
  • safe serving
  • regulating safe food handling

This information will prepare a food service manager to take the state approved test for food safety management certification.

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Food Protection Management Training Program for Food Service Managers

This 2-day course, presented by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in cooperation with the National Restaurant Association, the Texas Department of Health (TDH), and TPCA, satisfies TDH requirements for certified food service manager training. Attendees receive the ServSafe program materials from the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association. This material instructs managers on [1] sanitation and hygiene, [2] food flow with HACCP (hazard analysis critical control points), and [3] facilities and equipment regulations.

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HAZMAT Certification Training

Offered by TPCA associate member, Linscot Enterprises, this program satisfies the Federal Department of Transportation requirements of HM126F and HM 232 (HAZMAT Transportation Security). This certification requires renewal every three years and applies to all employees involved with or responsible for the transportation of hazardous materials such as gasoline and diesel. Certification is required for warehouse workers and dispatchers in addition to transport drivers. Training is offered at various locations around the state throughout the year.  For more information, contact Michael Terry at 800-823-8649.

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In-Company Training

In addition to programs scheduled around the state, TPCA is prepared to meet your training needs by bringing TPCA Leadership Academy and other educational programs to you. TPCA can customize a training program for your employees dealing with key operational issues of concern. This is a cost-effective way to improve the productivity of your employees with minimal time away from the store.

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Regional Seminars/Business Meetings

This activity will combine educational seminars for marketer employees with timely regulatory and legislative updates for TPCA marketer and associate members. Following the educational seminar and updates, a business luncheon will be conducted with TPCA officers, staff, and a special guest speaker.

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Restaurant Finance

Just because you have a great fast food operation, doesn’t mean you have a good business. Knowing how to manage the financial side of an operation and control your entire food production process can mean the difference between going broke and making a profit.

Each course is an individual 90-minute CD-ROM program containing:

  • video presentation by finance expert Jim Laube
  • flash movies with case studies and calculations
  • downloadable business tools and worksheets
  • downloadable PDF workbooks

Food Cost Fitness
How to trim waste, pump up profits and please your customers, with sections covering:

  • food cost basics
  • food cost controls
  • profitable purchasing practices
  • receiving controls
  • profitable preparation practices
  • serving and settlement controls.

Restaurant Numbers
What every operator should know about managing the financial side of the restaurant, with sections covering:

  • two sides of the restaurant
  • more valuable numbers
  • cash flow competence
  • key industry standards
  • financial best practices

    These CD’s are available for $99 each or both for $179.

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    Stage II Training Kits

    These kits satisfy the TCEQ and EPA requirements for Stage I & II Vapor Recovery systems in non-attainment areas.  All pertinent training material and record keeping reports are organized in a 3-ring binder for easy storage and access.  The Facility Representative training is contained in a self-study workbook.  Additional educational tools are included for hourly employees, as well.  A look at the program contents, plus purchase agreement and order form are available through this link.

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    TPCA Leadership Academy

    The TPCA Leadership Academy was developed after four years of presenting educational programs to our members and their employees. Based on human resource skills, managers learn what it means to be a leader—developing followers. To do so requires the art of communication, mastering motivational techniques, learning to listen, and the difference between training and education. Retaining through training teaches attendees new skills and prepares them to lead others. Employees will feel rewarded for the time and money you have invested in their continuing education. In addition, they will take back to their job, enhanced skill sets to deal with employee turnover, inventory control, customer service, and store safety.

    Leadership Academy Course Components:

    • Leadership Skills: learn how leadership differs from management and why people don't do what we expect them to do...plus the "what, how, and when of training" and the "why of education"
    • Communication: determine personality styles and learn how different personalities get along
    • Employee Retention: keys include recognition and reward; participants will also learn the benefits of time management

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    TPCA/LJT Seller Server Training School

    This program is certified by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and is widely used throughout the state. It is designed for retailers who do not have timely access to training facilities or schools for the training and certification of newly hired employees. With this computer-based training program and Internet testing, employees can be training and certified virtually before they spend time behind the counter. An employer’s representative is the administrator of this self-study program dealing only with TPCA for material, LJT Management for technical support and Bennett & Associates for certification.

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    TPCA/LJT Tobacco Seller Certification Training

    This program is certified by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The tobacco seller certification training program is designed for retailers who do not have timely access to training facilities or schools for the training and certification of newly hired employees. With this computer-based training program and Internet testing, employees can be training and certified virtually before they spend time behind the counter. An employer’s representative is the administrator of this self-study program dealing only with LJT Management for technical support and TPCA for material and certification.

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