Today, 1.8 million Pennsylvanians use SNAP. That’s roughly 14 percent of the state’s population. Of this group, 59 percent of recipients are families with children, while 46 percent are households with older adults or disabled individuals. In addition, 37 percent of recipients are classified as part of the working poor.
Clearly, SNAP is extremely important to recipients, but it is also important to communities. Every dollar in SNAP spending generates $1.50 in overall economic activity, which benefits food retailers, food processors and suppliers, farmers, and the business community. Weis Markets has been engaged in SNAP advocacy for a long time, so we sat down with Dennis Curtin to find out a little more about some of the longstanding challenges for the industry, evergreen priorities when it comes to reform, and top-of-mind issues for this year specifically. “Our engagement with SNAP is about explaining how the program impacts our customers and communities,” said Dennis Curtin of Weis Markets. “We’ve all heard the myths about individuals exploiting SNAP and engaging in fraudulent activities. In our business, we see SNAP recipients buying groceries to feed their families. Our top SNAP item is a family-size package of 80 percent ground beef. Essentials like eggs, bananas and a gallon of whole milk are in the top five.” Overall, Weis Markets said that they have seen significant improvements to SNAP in recent years. For example, the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan formula has been updated to reflect how people buy and prepare food today compared to 40 years ago, and children and their families who are eligible for free meals at school will receive $120 in SNAP funding over the summer recess. It is their hope to see sustained improvements in these key areas. On the other hand, Curtin discussed the end of the COVID emergency allotment and how that has uniquely created challenges for many recipients. Single-person households, who used to receive $95 per person per month, now receive $23. Many of these individuals are seniors, so Weis Markets hopes the Commonwealth will address this issue and increase the allotment for this group. Weis Markets views SNAP advocacy as an ongoing process. While it’s true that SNAP is authorized every five years as part of the Farm Bill, it’s reviewed and scrutinized regularly. In addition, the USDA oversees administrative details of the program on an ongoing basis. Staying informed of these changes helps Weis Markets meet the needs of its SNAP customers. Once you have an understanding of how SNAP affects your stores and communities, explain its impact to your elected representatives whenever you have the chance. Over the years, Weis Markets has developed a relationship with Congressman Glenn Thompson, who is Chairman of the Ag Committee and a key player in the Farm Bill. His district is home to many of their Weis Markets stores; he has been fair, helpful, and receptive to our advocacy about SNAP. As a food merchant, you need to know how SNAP impacts your stores and communities. You should understand that this program impacts more than just its beneficiaries—it benefits the whole community. To get more involved with advocacy efforts email associationservices@pfma.net.
2. What are the important issues facing your district? Currently the 47th Senatorial District has been experiencing issues with road and bridge infrastructure, retaining a quality workforce, and overall labor shortage. 3. Where do you shop locally for food?I tend to frequent two local farms that have fresh fruits and vegetables from early spring until Thanksgiving. 4. What is your favorite vacation destination?I personally don’t have one special place, being that we have such a diverse region. My wife and I enjoy going to the beach, camping, and hiking in the mountains and in our national forests. 5. What are the biggest challenges for grocers in your district?Several of our area grocers are faced with supply chain issues which continue to cause a downturn in certain product availability. They are also faced with workforce challenges. 6. What are your biggest challenges and successes as a legislator?As a legislator one of the biggest challenges that we can be faced with is building consensus on important legislative issues. Though what I find is one of the biggest successes in my position is being able to translate the issues my constituents are bringing to my attention into meaningful legislation. Two great examples of this are my Pie Bill (Senate Bill 828) which was signed into law in 2010 and my Telemedicine Bill (Senate Bill 739) which I introduced during the current legislative session. 7. What is your favorite food or meal to cook?I really enjoy cooking steak on the grill and eating the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available all summer long. I also enjoy ice cream at any time. 8. What do you like to do for fun? In my free time, I take pleasure in tending to my farm. My farm has been in my family for generations and is something that I am passionate about. 9. What is your greatest success as a legislator over the past few years? I am proud to say that several of the initiatives I have championed, which included my Pie Bill (Senate Bill 828 of 2010), the Pennsylvania Farm Bill (House Bill 1514 of 2019), my Horse Racing Industry Standards Bill (Senate Bill 1237of 2022), and my Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Bill (Senate Bill 478 of 2019), have been signed into law. Additionally, my Dog Law Modernization Bill (Senate Bill 746 of 2023) passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now awaits House consideration. The new associate members represent a variety of industries, from sustainable operational improvements, workforce management consultants to accountants. Connors Group is an industrial engineering management consultancy specializing in operational improvement and productivity enhancement to help companies increase sales profitability. Little Leaf Farms was founded to make locally grown, great-tasting lettuce that’s available year-round. Taking inspiration from the best produce-growing systems in the world, they started developing their 10-acre greenhouse in 2015 to make this vision a reality. Today, they’re proud to share with you their fresh, crisp and sustainably grown baby lettuces. Marcum provides a full spectrum of traditional tax, accounting, and assurance services; financial, risk, and transaction advisory services; valuation, forensic and litigation services; technology consulting and managed services; and an extensive portfolio of specialty and niche industry practices. Their mission is to help your organization become more successful. Doordash is a technology company that connects people with the best in their cities. They do that by empowering local businesses and in turn, generate new ways for people to earn, work and live. They started by facilitating door-to-door delivery, but saw that as just the beginning of connecting people with possibility — easier evenings, happier days, bigger savings accounts, wider nets and stronger communities. Balford is a diversified food distribution company specializing in providing customized distribution services to foodservice and retail customers and the sale of dairy products throughout the Northeast. Founded in 1892, Balford remains a privately held corporation with a leadership team and employee workforce who has built a solid reputation for, and takes pride in, delivering Quality, Value, and Service to our customers. This year, scholarship winners earned a total of $67,500 toward their goals in higher education. Recipients are chosen by a panel of judges who review each applicant’s academic record, school, and community involvement, recommendations, and a submitted essay.
“Kudos to this year’s Ridge Scholars, who represent some of our brightest young adults,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “They have amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, service, and academic and professional leadership. We are happy to recognize their efforts and help them reach their academic goals.” Individual scholarship amounts awarded every student with a $2,500 scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. In total, $67,500 in scholarships were awarded. Scholarship funds come from PFMA’s Education Trust and sponsoring PFMA member companies The GIANT Company, Karns Foods, Rutter’s, Sheetz, and Wawa. “Working in retail food service has been a fun and rewarding experience. It has taught me to be fast, detail-oriented, and friendly while performing a variety of job duties in a fast-paced environment. To think that a job I love that has helped fund my education has also allowed me the opportunity to become a Ridge Scholar is an amazing privilege for which I am grateful,” said Helayna Baer of Cheswick, PA. “The Ridge Scholarship will help me achieve my goal of expanding my learning experiences to study abroad in France.” This year’s recipients are listed below with their goals in higher education. PFMA thanks its members for sponsoring the Ridge Scholars, and each sponsoring business is listed in parentheses. Helayna Baer of Cheswick, PA, plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in Chemical Engineering and a minor in French. (Sheetz) Alexis Benner of Reedsville, PA, plans to attend Juniata College to major in Biology. (Rutter’s) Madison Braswell of Howell, NJ, plans to attend Montclair State University to major in Earth and Environmental Science. (Wawa) Nancy Colwell of Hayes, VA, plans to attend James Madison University to major in Marketing and minor in Business Spanish. (Wawa) Sydney Eckhardt Phoenixville, PA, plans to major in Economics and History at Boston College. (Wawa) Maizie Ecker of Seven Valleys, PA, plans to attend West Chester University to major in Nutrition and a minor in Biology. (Rutter’s) Jillian Evans of Coatesville, PA, plans to attend University of Delaware Honors College to major in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. (GIANT/Martin’s) Lindsay Fittipaldi of Egg Harbor, NJ, plans to attend Quinnipiac University to major in Criminal Justice. (Wawa) Sarah Graham of Altoona, PA, plans to attend Dickinson College to major in International Studies with a minor in Political Science and Spanish. (PFMA/David & Kathryn McCorkle) Sydney Hertzog of Kutztown, PA, plans to attend Gwynedd Mercy University to major in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology. (PFMA) Hannah Hess of Berwick, PA, plans to attend King’s College to major in Early Childhood Education PK- 4 and Special Education PK- 12 and pursuing a Masters in Reading. (GIANT/Martin’s) Lucas Hydock of Minersville, PA, plans to attend The Pennsylvania State University to major in Film and Cinematography Production. (PFMA) McKenna Kessler of Fleetwood, PA, plans to attend East Stroudsburg University to major in Digital Media Technologies (DMET). (GIANT/Martin’s) Edgar Maysonet of Orlando, FL, plans to attend the University of Central Florida to major in Mechanical Engineering. (PFMA) Peter Murnane of West Chest, PA, plans to attend The Pennsylvania State University to major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Technology Based Entrepreneurship and Innovation. (GIANT/Martin’s) Travis Noecker of Hamburg, PA, plans to attend Arcadia University to major in Forensic Science. (Rutter’s) Mackenzie Owens of Lansdale, PA, plans to attend University College Dublin to major in Applied Economics. (GIANT/Martin’s) Riya Patel of Ellicott City, MD, plans to attend University of Maryland to major in Public Health Science and minor in Humanities, Health and Medicine. (PFMA) Kara Peck of Waynesboro, PA, plans to attend Shippensburg University to major in Early Childhood Education. (PFMA) Jamie Pottman of York, PA, plans to attend University of Delaware to major in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. (Rutter’s) Mark Pottman of York, PA, plans to attend Kutztown University to major in Cinema, Media, and Television. (Rutter’s) Kaitlyn Sheriff of Landisburg, PA, plans to attend Lycoming College to major in Astrophysics and a minor in Computational Science. (Karns) Caleb Shoemaker of Duncannon, PA, plans to attend Penn State Harrisburg to major in Mechanical Engineering. (Rutter’s) Madalyn Strait of Columbia, PA, plans to attend Misericordia University to major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. (PFMA) LaRin Walls of Hollidaysburg, PA, plans to attend Point Park University to major in Theatre Production. (Sheetz) Ryan Wilson of Mechanicsburg, PA, plans to attend Bloomsburg University to major in Finance. (PFMA) Sandy Zheng of Spring Grove, PA, plans to attend West Chester University to major in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology. (Rutter’s) Established in 1996, the Ridge Scholarship honors the parents of former Gov. Tom Ridge. Thomas R. Ridge was a member of the food industry for 25 years, and his wife, Laura, was a great advocate of education for their three children: Tom, David and Vikki. To date, 654 students have earned Ridge Scholarships, and nearly $1.2 million has been awarded. The new associate members represent a variety of industries, from janitorial services, training, and renewable energy to creamery, cheese, and retail technology. Dri Mark is the number one manufacturer of Counterfeit Detectors and Custom Markers in the US. They are the original patent holder for counterfeit pens. Janitors Supply Co Inc. has provided cleaning solutions and more since 1954! They are the premier source of janitorial, industrial, and institutional cleaning products in a five-state area. Within the US, JT International U.S.A., Inc. has grown into a total tobacco company with three businesses: JTI USA, marketing and selling key cigarette brands Wave, Wings, Export ‘A’ and the global brand LD; PrimeTime International Distributing Inc. (PTID), an industry leader in filtered cigars and pipe tobacco; and Logic Technology Development (Logic), a category leader in vaper products. Orontes LLC mission is to deliver healthy dairy products of the highest quality to everyone by offering various delicious options using locally sourced ingredients. Orontes is proud that it products support local farmers and local businesses. Their Motto: Better Milk, Better Yogurt, Better Health. Revittle crafts artisan cheese from Pennsylvanian ingredients made the traditional European way. Their mission is to reconnect all Americans with the taste, joy, and health benefits of all-natural cheese made the way it should be. Reykjavik Creamery / TSC Emerald Valley LLC is a 30,000 sq ft. facility in Pennsylvania, located on a 400-acre organic dairy farm in the scenic Cumberland Valley, just north of Newville and about 25 minutes from Carlisle. Reykjavik is a high-tech dairy manufacturing facility specializing in contract manufacturing premium cultured artisan dairy products. Their specialty is strained yogurt, called Skyr, otherwise known as Icelandic Style Yogurt. The WEBBER/SMITH Group are independent full-service Engineering and Building Design firm providing engineering and building design solutions to Food & Beverage and other industries. With Upside LLC., people earn cash back, and businesses earn a proven profit, so communities grow stronger. And every transaction through Upside benefits the world at large, offsetting carbon and food waste so that our communities thrive for years to come. Vanguard Renewables was founded with the goal of producing renewable energy from organic waste to power homes, businesses, and communities. Sustain farms for future generations by reducing on-farm methane emissions and providing a diversified income stream and beneficial byproducts that support regenerative agriculture. And reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food waste by diverting tons of food waste from landfills and incineration in compliance with state organics to landfills bans and food and beverage companies’ ESG and decarbonization goals. Wise Snacks / Wise Foods Inc. is a company based in Berwick, Pennsylvania, that makes snacks and sells them through retail food outlets in 15 eastern seaboard states, as well as Vermont, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. Best known for its several varieties of potato chips; Wise also offers Cheez Doodles, bagged popcorn, tortilla chips, pork rinds, onion rings, Dipsy Doodle chips, nachos, Quinlanbrand pretzels, and French onion dips. Ready Training Online (ROT) offers training for administrators and employees. At Ready Training Online, their mission is to inspire and facilitate employee success through the delivery of engaging, customizable, and easy-to-manage online learning. They place a high value on integrity, teamwork, and excellence while remaining client-focused in all we do. At the end of the day, their goal is to make your training impactful and easy. The Kraft/Heinz Company is the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands. A globally trusted producer of delicious foods, The Kraft Heinz Company provides high quality, great taste, and nutrition for all eating occasions, whether at home, in restaurants, or on the go. Food sustainability is a crucial issue facing the world today. With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, it is important to ensure that we have a sustainable food system that can provide healthy food to everyone while protecting the environment, reducing the volume of surplus food generation, recycling and limiting the waste headed to landfills. Coming out of COVID, food retailers like Price Chopper are still working to regain their momentum in sustainability efforts. During that period, in many cases, food banks could not transport the food that would normally be coming to them from food retailers through fresh recovery programs; this was mainly due to staffing, logistical restraints, and pandemic protocol. The program, an effort from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that Price Chopper joined in 2016, promotes reducing food waste generation, increasing the donation of unsaleable but still edible food, and composting excess food in order to operate more efficiently, feed hungry people and protect the environment. The fallout from COVID threw some of the momentum Price Chopper had prior to COVID when they were able to get the food to the people that needed it within the cities and the footprint where they do business. With COVID in the rear view mirror, they are working on efforts to regain their footing and momentum in their fresh recovery program and get everyone back up to 100% execution. Just as important as addressing food insecurity through its fresh recovery program, Price Chopper is focused on helping the environment through a new recycling program called AgriCycle. AgriCycle is helping Price Chopper save organic material from becoming landfilled. Over 50% of all materials being sent to landfills are compostable. These organic materials have the power to restore our soils and benefit our atmosphere when composted. When landfilled, these same materials directly contribute to greenhouse gases that pollute our air and contribute to climate change. AgriCycle is the premier food-waste-collection service in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. They recycle food waste and scraps via anaerobic digestion and composting—turning your “waste” into renewable energy and healthy soil. AgriCycle’s priority is to support its partners in reducing and donating food before collection. Participating in this AgriCycle has positively impacted the Price Choppers recycling program, sustainability program, and the back side of their business with what they send to landfills. It is great for the environment and Price Choppers’ bottom line because there are fewer trip costs and disposable costs. “Everyone wins with Price Chopper’s sustainability efforts. People that need the food win, the environment wins, Price Chopper wins, and the customers in all the areas we do business win,” said Patrick Iannotti, Director of Retail Operations for stores in the Northeastern United States of Price Chopper and chair of PFMA’s Sustainability Committee. Most importantly, Price Chopper sets out to make the right amount of products in the first place, which helps them limit the waste they will have. If they are producing the right amount of products, then they do not have as much shrink or as much markdown product leftover. They rely on the numbers and statistics from a production planning program called Periscope. Periscope is the latest in inventory management technology and came out of one of the many COVID-era lessons learned the hard way by commissaries and other offsite providers and their retail partners when they learned it was more important than ever to know your inventory and to limit budget-busting waste. Periscope, a fresh item management system that maintains and manages a perpetual inventory for all sellable and backroom products, also has a Financial Inventory module to capture fresh inventories for periodic financial reporting. The Periscope production planning system helps Price Chopper determine how much each of their fresh products and their fresh departments need to produce each day to meet their customer needs. It’s all based on math, history, algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, which gives Price Chopper the information on what they need to produce on a daily basis. Collectively this helps Price Chopper affect how many leftover products they have, limiting waste and getting them closer to selling all of their products to the customer, eliminating leftovers. But they know that there will always be some leftovers, and when there is, Price Chopper wants to be prepared with a plan to distribute and recycle these goods, limiting the quantity sent to landfill. Price Chopper follows the inverted triangle. They start with using technology to produce what their customer’s needs dictate, followed by donating to food banks through fresh recovery, getting good viable food to people who need it. After that, they try to help farmers by feeding livestock. Whatever product is left after completing those steps, Price Chopper works with AgriCycle before sending the remaining products to landfills. Right now, Price Chopper is fine-tuning its processes. These efforts take a lot of collaboration and communication, which is the biggest challenge when it comes to sustainability efforts facing food retailers. Across its footprint, Price Chopper is working with 11 different food banks. That impact is contributing to sustainability and Feeding America. Price Chopper’s efforts in sustainability have not gone unnoticed. They have received several awards over the years, including EPA awards, produce sustainability awards, whole health wellness awards, and awards for cutting food waste with tech platforms. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, unemployment and food insecurity soared. According to Feeding America, in 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table. Patrick Iannotti, said, “To me, impacting people that are food insecure within our footprint is one of the most rewarding thing that we do. To help people get food that need food, I do not know if there is anything more gratifying than that.” To assist with PFMA’s efforts, or to get involved in the association’s Sustainability Committee, email associationservices@pfma.net. What are your top three legislative priorities in 2023? As an advocate for criminal justice reform, I prime co – sponsored a bill with Rep. Harris which would expand Pennsylvania’s first in the nation clean slate legislation to include low level, non-violent drug felonies. The bill, HB 689, would give more Pennsylvanians the ability to get back into the work force. Constituents in my district have been helped by the state’s property tax rent rebate program. I introduced a bill to help more seniors get rent rebate relief. My house bill HB 1048 would add COLA moratoriums into the program. As the former chair of the Children and Youth Committee in the State House, I had worked on a bill to update the definition in the child protective services law. This year I am again working on the bill, as it is a needed process reform, to help our state’s children and youth agencies. What are the important issues facing your district? As a legislator that represents part of three public school districts and two private schools the needs of each district as it relates to funding in the budget. Another important issue is the rise in the cost of living in Central PA due to inflation. And finally, transportation infrastructure is a priority with our growing population in Cumberland County to keep roads and bridges safe. Where do you shop locally for food? I like to shop at local grocery stores whether that be Giant or Weis. I also give special preference to PA Preferred food for our farmers here in Central PA. What is your favorite vacation destination? I enjoy going with my family to Bethany Beach Delaware in the summer. What are the biggest challenges for grocers in your district? Supply shortages in grocery stores like the lack of eggs due to the avian flu. Some grocery stores are facing staffing issues due to not being able to find people willing to apply for the good paying jobs that are open. What are your biggest challenges and successes as a legislator? A challenge I face as a legislator in Harrisburg is the lack of civility in political discourse and debate. Democracy is based on dialogue and debate. This can be done respectfully, even when we disagree to work a comprise that moves an issue forward. I’ve had success as a legislator through my ability to work in a bipartisan manner on issues. I am proud to have had seventeen bills signed into law. The one that has impacted the most people was the first in the nation Clean Slate bill, giving people with criminal records a second chance after they have earned it. "My biggest success has been being the First in the Nation Clean Slate reform that I and Rep. Harris introduced and helped pass in 2018 helping more than 1.2 million Pennsylvanians get a second chance." What is your favorite food or meal to cook? One I pick up or take out from a local restaurant. What do you like to do for fun? Go to the beach, to read a book or to watch baseball, especially my Washington Nationals play. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association is pleased to share that three new members are joining its Board of Directors. PFMA welcomes Jess Reese, VP of Sales, Small Format and Value for UTZ Snacks; Tim Murray, Manager, Industry Engagement for Altria Group Distribution Company; and Keith Martin, Director of Business Development, Executive Director of Business Development for Associated Grocers. “In welcoming these respected and active members of the food retail industry to the board, they bring years of experience and knowledge that complement our current outstanding PFMA Board of Directors,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “We look forward to benefitting from their perspectives and expertise.” Jess Reese is VP of Sales, Small Format/Specialty/Discount Channels for Utz Quality Foods, based in Hanover, PA. Jess has a diverse background in Revenue Management and Sales, with experience across multiple channels, ERP implementation, Price and Promotion strategy, change management, and team development. She currently serves as Chair of the Utz Women’s Mentoring Group, guiding the first diversity and inclusion group within Utz. She has also served on the board of the American Wholesale Marketers Association, San Antonio Food Bank, and the Executive Finance Chair of Network of Executive Women Northwest Arkansas. Jess graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and started her 20+ year career in food with ConAgra Foods and Daymon Worldwide before joining Utz in 2017. She resides in Lancaster, PA, with her husband and youngest daughter, who will be heading to Texas A&M University in August 2023. Tim Murray is the manager of industry engagement for Altria Group Distribution Company. A native Floridian, Tim began his career with Philip Morris USA in 1998 as a Territory Sales Manager in Deerfield Beach, FL. Over the past 25 years, Tim has served in a variety of roles within the Altria family of companies, including sales, operations, and analytics. In his current role, Tim is part of a team responsible for developing advocacy solutions in support of Altria Client Services’ Government Affairs department throughout the Eastern United States region. This work further supports the development and execution of engagement systems that enhance alignment with the states, the industry, and Altria Group Distribution Company. Tim is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and resides in Longwood, FL, with his wife, Ali, and two children, Brooke (22) and Nick (20). Keith Martin is the Director of Business Development and Executive Director of Business Development for Associated Wholesale Grocers. He has a long history in wholesale operations, private label, loss prevention, and business development. Martin also serves on the Virginia Retail Merchants Association board for the past ten years and is a Board Member of Northwest NC Food Bank. Martin is a graduate of Surry Community College with an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science. He is a former scoutmaster and proud parent of an Eagle Scout. He has four children and two grandchildren. PFMA is led by a 37-member Board of Directors, including retail and associate members. This volunteer group shapes the association's agenda. Members are elected to unlimited three-year terms. Pennsylvania food and beverage industry leaders gathered at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square during a two-day Annual Conference hosted by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) earlier this week. “Our Annual Conference provides valuable time for us to connect with our members and sponsors to discuss what is happening in the food and beverage industries,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “These events always provide attendees with valuable insight from the most innovative leaders in the industry. This year we also had guest speakers from the WIC program and Auditor General Tim DeFoor, who had valuable information to share on state and federal issues affecting our industry.” Prior to the conference kickoff, the PFMA Board of Directors approved new board members. Newly added members of the board include Jason Bassett, Director of Government Affairs for Sheetz, Tom Gumkowski, Vice President of Business Development for Tripifoods, Inc., Jess Reese, VP of Sales, Small Format and Value for UTZ Snacks and Tim Murray, Manager, Industry Engagement for Altria Group Distribution Company. Baloga shared all the great work that the association has been able to accomplish over the past few months since the last board meeting during the Fall Legislative Meeting and thanked everyone for their board service. The conference commenced with a mini-trade show where 12 vendors showcased their products and had lively conversations with association members and guests. Vendors included Dri Mark Products, Facility Cleaning Solutions, Federated Insurance, Healthy Brand Oil, Westfield Egg Farm, Poly Craft, Portogallo Peppers, PWI/Tank Installers, The Webber/Smith Group, TripiFoods, Watchfire Signs, and World Kinect Energy. The association welcomed attendees to a cocktail hour and dinner Tuesday evening. During dinner, PFMA presented the 2023 Food Industry Trailblazer Award to Andrea Karns, vice president of Marketing and Sales for Karns Quality Foods. Association members also honored the 2022 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship awardees with a special message from Governor Tom Ridge. An excerpt from Governor Tom Ridge's letter read, “Students, you stood out among hundreds of applicants. Congratulations on being selected by our panel of judges. You represent some of our brightest young minds, and I am proud to award you this scholarship. Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning, and I hope your candle continues to burn and your quest for knowledge never ends. Pennsylvania and our nation need bright minds like yours.” Wednesday opened with a panel presentation from Federal and State officials updating the association on WIC initiatives and changes. Panelists featured officials from Supplemental Food Programs at USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services, PA WIC Programs, and the Bureau of WIC. The second session of the conference covered industry trends and included leaders from Square One Markets, Inc., Karns Quality Foods, and Flashfood. In the final session, we uncovered the right approach to attracting and retaining customers with leaders from UNFI, Pa Dairymen’s Association, and Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats. To conclude PFMA’s 2023 Annual Conference, we welcomed Tim DeFoor, Pennsylvania Auditor General, for a lunch and learn. Tim shared several special initiatives he is working on and fielded questions from association members. PFMA is grateful to all the attendees, presenters, and vendors who made the conference possible. A special thank you to the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square for their hospitality. The PFMA 2023 Fall Legislative Conference is scheduled for October 10 and 11 at the Hershey Country Club. Details are forthcoming. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) chose Ryleigh Tillotson, a Northampton High School Senior, as the recipient of a $1,000 Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Scholarship.
Tillotson has been a member of DECA for 4 years and credits her involvement in the club for shaping her career aspirations. She has taken advantage of countless opportunities to advance her business knowledge to prepare her for both her future collegiate and professional careers that she will be pursuing. “We are delighted to award this scholarship to such a dedicated and hardworking student like Miss. Tillotson,” said Alex Baloga, president, and CEO of PFMA. “We are proud to see DECA introducing our youth to career fields that they might not have discovered otherwise. We know Miss. Tillotson has a bright future ahead of her and we wish her luck as she embarks on the next chapter of her educational career.” Tillotson joined DECA as a freshman and quickly became involved in competitions at the district level where she placed 2nd in Business Services Marketing Series and state level, where she clinched the 1st spot two years in a row in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Products competition. As a DECA member, Tillotson has helped facilitate and grow her DECA chapter by using the plan of action, participating in career outreach events, organizing club meetings, and helping to raise money through fundraisers. Her strong leadership skills led her to become the Vice President of Marketing during her Junior year. She then rose to the ranks of Chapter President as a Senior. “This club [DECA] has provided me with countless opportunities to expand my business knowledge,” Tillotson wrote in her scholarship statement. “With this knowledge, I feel better prepared for what lies ahead.” In addition to DECA, Tillotson has an impressive resume of extracurricular and community involvement including several leadership roles. Tillotson has been a varsity sideline and competitive cheerleader throughout her high school career. And, as a Senior, she is the captain of both varsity cheer squads. She is also a Junior Town Council Member, active in Biology Club, French club, and Honor Society. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. PFMA sponsors a DECA scholarship each year. |
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May 2024
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