3118 Judson St., Unit 881
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Our History
Tribal Convenience Store Association
Our History
The Tribal Convenience Store Association was founded in January 2009. The first meeting occurred at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife, WA, and was attended by about 15 individuals representing 5 Tribes.
Simple Beginnings
Like the growth of Tribal gaming enterprises, Tribal-owned gas stations and convenience stores have expanded significantly across Indian Country as part of broader economic diversification efforts and job creation initiatives.
TCSA was founded on a simple but powerful belief: Tribes can achieve greater success by sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices with one another. Guided by a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, members came together to build a network dedicated to strengthening Tribal convenience store operations.
TCSA Today
Since its inception, TCSA has grown to include more than 60 Tribes across 12 states. Members gather three times each year, with meetings hosted by member Tribes throughout the country.
In 2012, TCSA formally organized as a nonprofit association under Tribal law. While the organization’s mission remained unchanged, formalizing its structure created new opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability.
Today, TCSA is supported primarily through membership dues and industry sponsorships. This support has enabled the association to expand its services, strengthen member communications, develop strategic initiatives, and maintain staff dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission.
As a nonprofit organization operating under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, TCSA does not participate in political campaigns, endorse candidates for public office, or engage in activities intended to influence legislation.
Structure
TCSA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors elected by the Voting Membership. Each Board member serves a two-year term and helps guide the organization’s strategic direction, growth, and member engagement efforts.
Objectives
The Tribal Convenience Store Association continues to experience strong growth and momentum. Membership has expanded steadily, and industry support remains strong.
Through collaboration among Tribal operators and partnerships with industry leaders, TCSA has built a trusted network that delivers educational resources, professional development opportunities, and valuable business insights to its members.
Looking ahead, TCSA remains committed to leveraging the collective strength, knowledge, and experience of its membership to identify new opportunities, support business growth, and contribute to the long-term success of Tribal convenience store operations.