The legislation makes the existing advisory group permanentThe Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), which advocates the views of the Commonwealth’s food and beverage industries, today issued a statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 721, which establishes a permanent Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) advisory board, by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
"The passage of Senate Bill 721 is a tremendous win for families across the Commonwealth," said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “By enshrining the existing advisory group into law, we are ensuring that pregnant women, new mothers, and young children have a team of experts advocating on their behalf for decades to come. "While the program offers immense benefits, the requirements imposed on over 1,300 WIC-authorized retail locations in Pennsylvania can be challenging. Nevertheless, many retailers choose to participate, recognizing the value it brings to families and the community, which goes beyond the bottom line. As a member of the WIC Advisory Board, I aim to represent our food retailers and advocate for improvements that enhance the program's efficiency and benefits for both retailers and participants." PFMA also has consistently advocated for federal legislators to take action to ensure the WIC program remains fully funded through the federal budget. The association also welcomed four new board members and named new officers.The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) welcomed Pennsylvania’s food and beverage industry leaders to Lancaster earlier this week for its two-day annual conference at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. "It's always a joy to unite our new members with long-standing partners for a rich blend of connection and education," said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. "This year we grew our mini trade show to 14 vendors and had four enlightening sessions that touched on artificial intelligence, the PA Preferred program, branding, and training." The event opened Tuesday, May 7, with the association's annual and wholesalers' meetings, followed by the mini trade show. Fourteen vendors — ranging from meat manufacturers to energy and insurance providers to tech companies providing digital services — showcased their offerings to fellow members throughout the evening. Vendors were:
Attendees also were offered free headshots courtesy of the Webber/Smith Group. And on Wednesday morning, the Painterland Sisters treated members to samples of their organic skyr yogurt. During Tuesday evening's dinner, Patrick Andrews, division chief of markets at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, gave a keynote address on the benefits of the PA Preferred program. Andrews discussed the various aspects of the program, including Homegrown By Heroes for PA Preferred members who are veterans; the Farm to School Network connecting local farmers with neighboring schools; and the new PA Preferred Organic designation, which was signed into law last fall by Gov. Josh Shapiro. On Wednesday, May 8, attendees reconvened for three panel discussions presented by representatives of member organizations.
Boad of Directors ChangesPrior to the start of the conference, PFMA's Board of Directors met and approved four new directors.
Additionally, the board approved its new executive officers for a two-year term.
PFMA is grateful to the attendees, presenters and vendors who made the conference possible, especially our Corporate Leadership Program sponsors. Photos from the event can be found on the 2024 PFMA Annual Conference page. The 2024 Fall Legislative Conference is scheduled for Oct. 29-30 at the Hershey Country Club. Details are forthcoming and can be found at pfma.org/2024FLC. |
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July 2024
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