Monroe, NJ (October 30, 2024) – The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) last week celebrated the achievements of industry leaders at the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference and Expo in Monroe, NJ. Hosted in partnership with the New Jersey Food Council, the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association, and the Delaware Food Industry Council, this annual event brought together top professionals from the food and retail industries to explore the latest strategies, innovations, and technologies in loss prevention, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and resilience in an evolving market.
On behalf of PFMA, Dawn Roller, Director of Loss Prevention at Brown’s Super Stores Inc., chair of PFMA’s Loss Prevention Committee, and a 2023 recipient herself, presented two awards at the conference to recognize individuals whose exceptional contributions have made an impact on loss prevention.
The 2024 PFMA Loss Prevention Professional Award was presented to Wade Hess, Asset Protection Manager for Wegmans Food Markets. Known for his leadership and commitment to safety, Hess has set a high standard within the industry. His ability to work closely with law enforcement and represent food retailers in matters of public safety has been invaluable. Hess also helped lead the charge for Pennsylvania’s organized retail crime law, enacted in July, which addresses the growing issue of organized theft throughout the state.
Stacy Irving, Senior Advisor for Homeland Security Programs and Strategic Partnerships at the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center, received PFMA’s 2024 Retail Law Enforcement Achievement Award. Irving’s dedication has significantly strengthened security for retail staff and customers across the Philadelphia region. Her efforts to coordinate the Philadelphia Police Department’s Retail Theft Initiative have resulted in increased arrests and prosecutions of repeat offenders. Irving also manages hundreds of vital partnerships with retailers to help address their unique security needs and priorities.
“We are proud to recognize Wade Hess and Stacy Irving for their exceptional work,” said Alex Baloga, President and CEO of PFMA. “Their dedication has set new standards for safety and security in our industry. Events like the Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference are essential for bringing together leaders and exchanging ideas.”
The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference is scheduled for October 29, 2025 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, NJ.
