Established in 1999, Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association, Inc. (GHRA) was originally conceived to connect like-minded independent convenience store owners in an effort to increase purchasing power on all goods and services sold through convenience stores.
Today, GHRA is a thriving organization supporting independently-owned and operated convenience stores in the greater Houston area. It provides professional and commercial support to its Members. GHRA provides opportunities for professional growth through educational and service-oriented training programs. It builds effective partnerships with many government agencies to collaborate on industry issues, develops safety programs, fosters business compliance initiatives and improves certification and permitting efficiency.
GHRA has achieved phenomenal growth and success by providing sustainable value programs to its Members and supplier partners. Nearly one third of all convenience stores in the Greater Houston area are Members of GHRA. Its current total membership stands near 2,000 and covers 37 counties across Southeast Texas.
The association strives to provide value back to the community in which it serves by partnering with industry-related organizations, government agencies and private non-profit institutions. In 2010 GHRA created Greater Houston Retailers Charitable Foundation (GHRCF), a non-profit organization that provides financial support to the families of area Peace Officers and Firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty.