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Inspired by the success of the very first community-based trade association, Atlanta Retailers Association (ARA) in Georgia, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board of United States appointed a special task force in 1998 to establish similar trade associations in other geographical areas across the U.S. As a result of this effort, Greater Austin Merchants Cooperative Association (GAMA) came into being on October 5, 1999.
Since then GAMA, along with a group of twelve other trade associations, serve convenience store and gasoline station owners under the national umbrella of the National Alliance of Trade Associations(NATA) by equipping the business owners with a greater purchasing power, increased industry know-how, and the right connections to strengthen their business models and practices. NATA store count across the U.S. is in upwards of 6,000!
Despite the previous recession, GAMA has been blessed with extraordinary growth over the years. In its inaugural year, GAMA’s membership was 150. Fifteen years later, its membership has grown to over 400 members locations. Collectively, the GAMA members hold over 35% of the convenience store market share in the Austin area.