Starting wage of convenience store employees moved to $11 an hour.

Family Express Corp. of Valparaiso, Ind. is elevating its starting wage to $11 per hour, as a consequence of the recent tax package approved by the United States Congress.

This will complement its impressive store manager starting annual compensation of $50,000.

Family Express pre-empted large brick and mortar retailers, such as Wal-Mart, in April of 2015 with an above market-starting wage. This latest move is a continuation of that strategy.

“We feel obligated to pass on a significant portion of the tax savings to our staff,” said Gus Olympidis, president and CEO. “Our employees are the ones that exemplify the unique brand promise that we extend to our valued customers day after day. This higher starting wage, in combination with our robust benefits package, highlights our ongoing commitment to maintain our position as an Employer of Choice in the communities that we serve. The tax package is permanent, so instead of a one-time bonus, the pay adjustment will be PERMANENT.”

The Family Express benefits package includes Outstanding Health Coverage, 401(k) with Matching, Fitness Services and more.

Family Express was awarded the most prestigious award in the Convenience Store Industry, by being named Convenience Store Decisions’ 2015 Chain of the Year. Family Express operates stores throughout northwest and central Indiana. Family Express is planning 10 new stores in the immediate future throughout Indiana. Most of the stores will feature its proprietary Cravin’s To Order restaurants with online ordering and home delivery capabilities.