In This IssueCompany Updates from CEO

Coronavirus updatesGrocery, etc. safety tips

Covid-19 infographicEaster History & Fun FactsSpotlight: Rocky Davenport

How to file your taxesWacky Holidays

News

“Easter spells out beauty.The rare beauty of new life.”

~S.D. Gordon

First, I’d like to say that I appreciate and respect how this team has come together and persevered over the obstacles that

have been presented as the state and federal governments impose tighter restrictions. As I’m sure you’re quite aware,

many companies have had to close their doors and workers have been laid-off or furloughed as a result. We have opened

our doors and invited those who have lost their incomes to join our team so they can continue to support their families. I am

pleased that we have hired over 500 new team members in the last week alone. Welcome aboard to our new team

members! Secondly, as a leadership team, we are 100% focused on protecting our valued team members while safely

serving our customers. I’m happy to report we have or will be implementing a few improvements to further protect our

associates and customers.

• We have secured clear polycarbonate shields (sneeze guards) that will be installed by our maintenance teams in all our

stores. This is a clear shield that will act as a protective barrier between the customer and our associates at the

register. The order has been placed and installation will begin immediately.

• We have secured and will be shipping floor decals for stores to place on their floor that clearly identify where a customer

should stand to maintain a 6’ distance. The intent is to place these in high traffic areas and at the register area to assist

customers in maintaining social distancing standards when shopping in our stores.

• Our Facilities team has secured disinfectants that specifically kill the human COVID-19 virus in areas where they were not

readily available by current suppliers. These are currently in route where our Ops and Maintenance teams are working

together to get them delivered to the stores.

• Our Marketing team has been able to source hand sanitizer that has already begun to arrive in your stores now. Since

the supply is limited, we encourage you to use your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other forms of social media to let

your friends, families and customers know that your store has the hand sanitizer in stock while supplies last.

Our Management team and I are committed to your safety & well-being as well as the customers who shop our stores. As

always, we will continue to monitor all health and state guidelines as we continue our efforts to ensure your safety.

Effective immediately, our new Referral and Retention Plan is as follows:

Existing associates who refer someone to work for GPM and they are hired, the referring associate will get:• 5,000 points ($50 value) added to their fas REWARDS card once new employee reaches 30 days of employment.

• 10,000 points ($100 value) added to their fas REWARDS card once new employee reaches 6 months of employment.

Make sure you enter your card number in Kronos so we can make sure your points are loaded when due. Instructions can

be found on the intranet by clicking the “Kronos” link at the top of the page. Reference the User Guides.

Newly hired associates will get: • 2,500 points ($25 value) added to their fas REWARDS card one the new employee reaches 2 weeks of employment.

• 2,500 points ($25 value) added to their fas REWARDS card one the new employee reaches 30 days of employment.

You may redeem these points in the stores for free food, supplies, and gas.

I personally want to thank our front-line associates for your efforts during this challenging time. I am grateful for everything

you do. In recognition of your commitment and dedication, I am putting a recognition incentive in place to assist you and

your family with personal essentials such as fuel, food and household items.

Store Managers will receive the equivalent of $100 added to their fas REWARDS card: we will add 2,500 points to their fas

REWARDS card on 4/8/20 and 2,500 points again on 4/15/20. On 4/22/20, we will add an additional 5,000 points.

Full-time store associates who average at least 35 hours per week will receive the equivalent of $75 added to their fas

REWARDS card: we will add 2,000 points to their fas REWARDS card on 4/8/20 and another 2,000 points on 4/15/20. On

4/22/20, we will add an additional 3,500 in points. Part-time store associates who average at least 15 hours per week will

receive 5,000 points added to their fas REWARDS card on 4/22/20.

PayActiv, an added benefit offered to all GPM active employees, is waiving all fees during the COVID-19

pandemic! PayActiv is a voluntary benefit offered to all active GPM employees that allows you to access up to 50% of your

net earned, yet unpaid wages. Any associated fees are waived as we all manage through these challenging times. Learn

more about PayActiv by accessing the details on our intranet: click “Resources” and then “Benefits” to find details.

Updates from your CEO, Arie Kotler:

GPM is committed to ensuring its employees remain safe and informed as the world continues to navigate this pandemic together. As of 4/2/2020 the CDC is reporting current cases of COVID-19 in the US at 213,144 and rising. 1,144 are travel-related, 3,245 are from close contact, and 209,755 are still under investigation. Local cases for our region are up to 1,706 in VA, 1,857 in NC, & 2,240 in TN. It is still extremely important to practice basic hygiene in an effort to keep ourselves and our customers safe: Wash your hands frequently, Use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol based, Don’t touch your face, Cough or sneeze into a tissue and discard *Wash hands or use sanitizer afterward, If no tissues, cough or sneeze into your upper arm,*Wash hands or use sanitizer afterward, Wear gloves while on duty and change often, Routinely wipe down frequently touched surfaces as often as possible with cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants (counters, desks, phones, door handles, restrooms, beverage, and food service areas), Practice social distancing and remain 6 feet away from each other, If you are ill with a fever, stay home and contact your Manager.

Experts are recommending that everyone drink lots of water and perform a simple self-check every morning in an environment with clean air. Take a deep breath and hold for 10+ seconds. If you complete successfully without coughing, discomfort, stiffness, or tightness, it indicates there is no fibrosis in your lungs which, when present, is a sign of infection.

Ballad Health's Nurse Connect is the toll-free phone line that connects you with experienced nurses around the clock. Call Nurse Connect at 833-8-BALLAD(833-822-5523) or log on to balladhealth.org to contact or view expert medical advice, COVID-19 information, & testing assessments – anytime, day or night.

The demand for emergency supplies is surging, the national stockpile of personal protective

equipment is dwindling, and countries are doing everything they can to stem the spread of the

virus in crowded places. On a personal, singular level, you need to be doing the same. Reporters

and experts are now addressing the risks of

grocery shopping and potentially

transporting the virus home.

You’ve seen the wipes and cleaning spray

posted at every grocery store next to the

carts – use them! If you’re weary of

frequent public use, bring your own with

you to the store. The CDC has confirmedthis virus can live 2-3 hours in the air.

It can live up to a full day on cardboard and

even 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel.

Keep this in mind before, during, and after

shopping. Especially while loading, paying,

and unloading groceries. Experts recommend

leaving packages and non-perishables outside

of your home, separating items that need to

come inside into 2 piles (sterile and non-sterile), and wiping everything down.

You should be cleaning frequently. If you

decide to eat take-out, consider microwaving

your food before eating. Officials are saying

that the virus is not heat resistant and a

quick zap could possibly reduce your risk of

exposure. Choose hot goods over cold. For

personal belongings, use a UV light box for

sterilization if you have access (keys, cards, phone, etc.)

Drink lots of water (consider warm water

intermittently) and do get outside for fresh air

and exercise. Maintain a 6-10-foot distance

from others. Avoid panic-buying but be

prepared. A good rule of thumb is to shop for

2 weeks at a time. Add a few new items to your

cart each trip. This places less of a burden on

suppliers, can help ease financial burden on

you, and allows for the entire community to

have the access they need to food and

supplies as well. Renew and refill your prescriptions. Make alternative arrangements.

And lastly, if the news media is making youfeel anxious, take a break from it. Self-care!

In Pagan times, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-

birth of nature, the return to the land of fertility, and the birth of many young animals. These are the

origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat. In Christian times, the spring began to be associated with Jesus Christ's crucifixion and

resurrection. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the resurrection is remembered on

Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs.

1. Easter takes place on a Sunday (this year = 4/12), after the 40-day period called Lent. Lent is referred to as a time of fasting, but participants focus more on giving up one significant indulgence.

2. The first story of a rabbit (later named the “Easter Bunny”) hiding eggs in a garden was published in 1680. The Easter Bunny tradition made its way to the US in the 18th century. It is believed to have originated in Europe where it was actually the Easter Hare.

3. It’s estimated that Americans spend $131, on average, every Easter.4. Half of the United States agree that chickens shouldn’t be dyed for Easter. It sounds like common knowledge,

but some people still think that multicolored poultry is festive. While nontoxic dye typically doesn’t pose a health risk to baby chicks, it’s still a little inhumane.

5. “Easter” was named from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. At least, this is what author Bede stated in the book he wrote back in the 8th century. This goddess was known for springtime celebrations and fertility. Some believe that Eostre had a connection with two other big Easter items — hares and eggs.

6. Egg dyes were once made out of natural items such as onion peels, tree bark, flower petals, and juices. The traditional act of painting eggs is called Pysanka.

7. Giving eggs is a tradition that dates back even farther than Easter.8. The white lily is the official flower of Easter as it represents grace and purity.9. President Rutherford B. Hayes created the annual White House “egg roll,” back in 1878 which is still done

today. Who would have thought that the egg roll tradition would last so long? 10. Americans spend $1.9 billion on Easter candy. That’s the second biggest candy holiday after Halloween. 70% of

Easter candy purchased is chocolate. Americans buy more than 700 million marshmallow peeps during the Easter holiday, which makes Peeps the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy.

11. Back in the day, pretzels were often used to celebrate Easter.12. When biting into a chocolate bunny, 76% of consumers prefer to bite off the ears first, 5% eat the feet first,

& 4% eat the tail first.13. The largest Easter egg ever was made in Italy in 2011 - taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant!14. 25% of children surveyed thought that Easter was a celebration of the Easter Bunny’s birthday.15. Good Friday is an official holiday in 12 US states.16. Americans consume over 16 million jellybeans on Easter, enough to circle the globe three times over.17. The largest ever Easter egg hunt was in Florida, where 9,753 children searched for 501,000 eggs.18. The first Easter baskets looked like bird’s nests.19. Some European countries follow a tradition of burning Easter fires, which represent fertility.20. Did you know that a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing? The normal grinding of their upper teeth against their

lower teeth is what keeps them short. And rabbits have 3 eyelids! The third eyelid keeps the eye clean sorabbits are more aware of approaching predators.

20 Fun Facts:

Rocky “Earl” Davenport

is the Store Manager for

Scotchman #3424 in Roan Mountain, TN. He has been an accomplished GPM

associate since 2015, but many may not know that he has accrued success

and notoriety elsewhere in the community. Just like his dad, Rocky

became one of the greatest umpires in TN. The Elizabethton Star calls

him “Solid as a Rock,” “One of the best in the business,” and “A true

professional.”

Rocky played ball all throughout his youth,

which positioned him to be an even better

official later in life. He started playing

at age 5. He lived, loved, worked

hard, and played every chance he got. In

his senior year, he made All-Conference

batting 106 times and only striking out 4

times. “He became a legend in the baseball

world.” “I could catch his curveball with

my bare hand,” said teammate

Tim Chambers. “Rocky always

stepped up in big games and

played well.” He began

umping at 16 with his

father, Big Earl

Davenport – a seasoned

official and class act

in his own right. Rocky

retired from calling

ball a few years ago

with over 30 years under

his belt as a TSSAA

official. He worked

numerous tournaments in

every division and several

state tournaments. He was

fair with everyone, from

Kingsport to Unaka, college or

high school. “When you got the

Rock, you got the best. He was on top of the rules and when he stepped on the

field, he had the shiningest shoes, cleanest shirt, and best-pressed pants –

ready for the game.” Rocky has 1 son, Robert, who is carrying the family torch

as a great athlete and TSSAA umpire. Rocky was recently inducted into the

Carter County Hall of Fame this past November

just like his father before him.

Congratulations, Rocky! We are so happy to have

you on our team where you bring with you the

same sense of dedication, professionalism,

and pride. “Rocky “The Rock” Davenport

has left the field,” but not without

leaving a hard-earned and impressive

legacy behind. You can read more about

Rocky’s career at Elizabethton.com.

Davenport always

prided himself on

making sure he was

accurate and one of

the things the

coaches could

depend on was him

putting himself in

position to make the

right call.

How to File Your Taxes:

Where to Start:

What Do You Need?

Recap:

There are 3 main ways of

filing your taxes:

1. Manually by filling out a

Form 1040 according to

instructions provided by the IRS. Mail the form to the IRS, along with any payments you owe.

2. Use a tax software program or the website of a service like TurboTax, TaxSlayer, or H&R Block.

The service will walk you through a series of questions about your income and potential deductions, fill

out your 1040, and (if you so choose) file it electronically.

3. Get professional help from an accountant or tax preparer, who will work with you to maximize

your refund and fill out your tax return on your behalf.

The first option is free. If you go with the second option, you’ll likely need to pay a fee, though some

programs now offer free filing if your return is simple enough. The third option will almost certainly cost

you money. Most often the poorest Americans don’t’ file their taxes. They figure they don’t make

enough money so what’s the difference. You’re going to need to file your taxes to get the $1,200 relief

check. But you could also be eligible for an earned income tax credit or child tax credit. So you might

get an additional refund. Let’s say you can’t afford to hire professional help, try to use the free file

program. About 70% of taxpayers qualify. The IRS offers tax help for anyone with a gross adjusted

income of $69k or less. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, go to irs.gov and search “free file” to check

income, other requirements, and find answers to more general tax filing questions.

The most important document you will

need is your W-2 form or your 1099 form.

A digital copy of your GPM W-2 is

available in Kronos under “My W-2.” A hard copy was also mailed to your home in January. You can

even download it into many tax preparation software packages using GPM’s employer ID #55-0807113

and your SSN. Your employment situation determines which form to use. W-2 forms come from full-

time employers. 1099 forms are for anyone who received at least $600 from someone other than a full-

time employer or for anyone who’s unemployed. The sooner you file, the sooner you will get that

rebate check and position yourself to receive your relief check from the government. Make sure you

sign up for direct deposit on irs.gov. That’s the quickest way to get your money. You’ve filed – Now

what? – Track your return by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on irs.gov. The IRS updates it daily.

Gather your forms, Decide how to file,

Pick standard or itemized deductions, Select a filing

status, File your taxes, Review results (Do you owe

*If it’s more than you can pay at once, set up a payment plan* or Are

you owed *Decide if you want a mailed check or direct deposit into

your bank account*?), Save a copy of your tax return for your records,

Prep now for next year, & then Determine if you are eligible for the

relief check. Secretary Mnuchin said to expect it within 3wks of the

President signing. So $75k or less = $1,200 + $500 for every child that you have, and that amount

goes down until we hit $99k. But first thing’s first: YOU HAVE TO FILE THOSE TAXES!

The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, although some require additional time. You should only

call if it has been: 21 days or more since you e-filed, 6 weeks or more since you mailed your return, or

when “Where’s My Refund” tells you to contact the IRS. You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to

help make sure your withholding is right for 2020.

Honor your sibling on this unofficial holiday celebrated annually on April 10. The day aims to celebrate the very important but often under-appreciated special relationship and bond of love, friendship, and respect shared between siblings. All of us who have been lucky enough to have siblings know that sometimes they can be annoying and a pain to be around, but this should not stop you from celebrating what will possibly be the longest relationship in your life. The unofficial day was created by New Yorker Claudia Evart in memory of her brother and sister, whom she lost early in her life. Since 1998, US President Bill Clinton and governors of 39 states in the U.S. have officially recognized Siblings Day as an observance. Did You Know...siblings who have the same parents share 50% of their DNA, while half-siblings who have one common parent possess about 25% similar genetic material?

April 12 is Grilled Cheese Day, a day to celebrate this hearty bread and cheese dish and to make every meal out of it. A grilled cheese consists of grilling or toasting a slice of cheese between two slices of bread. Enjoyed today by people around the world as an after-school snack or comfort meal, the modern version is believed to have originated in the US during the 1920s when sliced bread and cheese became easily available. American cheese is typically used, which is a processed cheese product that has a very low melting point. Hot tomato soup, potato chips, and pickles are common accompaniments.The British version of a grilled cheese is called a cheese toastie. The cheese of choice for a toastie is cheddar cheese.Did You Know…that mozzarella is the most consumed cheese in the world?

April 13 is Scrabble Day, a day to celebrate the popular board game created in 1938 by Alfred Mosher Butts, an American architect. Scrabble is a word game where 2 to 4 players place tiles, each having a single letter, on a board such that the tiles form words. First marketed in the US as Lixiko and Criss-Crosswords, the game is now so popular that it is sold around the word in 29 different languages! “Scrabble” comes from the Dutch word, schrabbelen, meaning to struggle and scramble. Did You Know…if you played the word Oxyphenbutazone in your next game of Scrabble, you would make 1,458 points as calculated by Dan Stock of Ohio? Oxyphenbutazone is a medication used to treat arthritis and is the highest scoring single play word in Scrabble.

On April 14, step out and take a few minutes because it’s Look up the Sky Day.Maybe this unofficial holiday, with unknown origins, aims to encourage people to go outdoors and enjoy the various bounties of nature or perhaps to ponder over the vastness of the sky and space and learn more about what lies beyond what we can see. In daylight, we refer to the sky as the blue dome above us. At night, whenthe light fades, one can see many celestial bodies, including the Moon, stars, meteors, and comets, and even phenomena including rainbows, moonbows, auroras, zodiacal lights, halos, sundogs, and light pillars.Did You Know...the Earth's atmosphere scatters more violet light than blue? If it weren’t for how the human eye perceives colors, the sky would look purple to us!