Tuition reimbursement is among the convenience chain's benefits.
READINGTON -- The starting pay for workers at QuickChek will rise to $10 an hour Feb. 1, more than $1.50 higher than the state minimum wage of $8.38, according to a release issued Friday by the company.
QuickChek officials say it's part of the company's focus on investing in employees, a strategy that includes tuition reimbursement and career advancement.
"At a time when there is much talk about the need for companies to raise their starting pay, QuickChek Corporation has already been there," it was stated in a release announcing the pay increase. QuickChek's starting pay has been above the New Jersey and New York state minimums for the past eight years.
The Readington Township-based company stated it will be spending millions of dollars in 2016 as it keeps its starting pay for employees above state minimums, in addition to continuing to offer compensation packages to its team members at all levels.
QuickChek named a top firm to work for
"We are committed to being a great place to work, a great place to shop, and a great place to invest," said QuickChek Chief Executive Officer Dean Durling. "We strive to create a positive experience and fun environment where core values are nurtured, hard work is rewarded and leadership is cultivated.
"As a privately-held company, we can move at our pace and implement programs to ensure we attract, retain and develop the best people as well as empowering them to be successful."
Family-owned QuickChek employs more than 3,500 team members at its 143 retail locations throughout New Jersey, New York's Hudson Valley and Long Island.
According to QuickChek, all of the company's district leaders and most of its vice presidents began their careers working in a local store. Full-time employees are offered medical, dental and vision to life insurance, a 401k savings plan, fitness center reimbursement and even pet insurance, according to the company.
The company's tuition reimbursement program has enabled them to further develop and grow their own talent. One example is Senior Vice President Mike Murphy, who received assistance while earning both his undergraduate and master's degrees while working full-time in a variety of positions during his 40-year career with QuickChek.
"Tuition reimbursement is very attractive to candidates looking for a true career-oriented company that is loyal to its employees and cares about their professional development," said Murphy.
"When you come into any of our stores, the store leader manages that store as if it is their own," added Durling. "This helps them connect with our customers on a personal level, to create that neighborhood shopping experience, and provide the outstanding customer service for which we are known."
The privately-held company has opened 31 new stores and hired an additional 1,200 people since 2007. QuickChek opened five new stores in 2015. According to the company, each new store creates between 40 and 50 new local jobs and generates approximately $1 million in tax revenue.
The company recently honored 67 team members at its annual Total Customer Dedication awards weekend, including 16 who marked 25 years of service with the company in 2015. More than 75 people have 25 years or more experience with QuickChek, which was founded in 1967. QuickChek has been named one of the Best Places to Work in both New Jersey and New York, according to the company.
Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.