Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Announces John Zimmerman as New Director of Communications and Media Relations
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), a leading statewide trade association advocating for the food and beverage retail industry, is proud to announce John Zimmerman as its new Director of Communications and Media Relations. John Zimmerman is an experienced communications professional with a background in political communications, video production, and marketing. He brings a […]
PFMA Launches Redesigned Website
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), which advocates the views of the Commonwealth’s food and beverage industries, is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, offering a fresh and modern experience for its members and the public. The new website is designed with user accessibility and engagement at its core, providing easy […]
PFMA awards Ridge Scholarships to 28 students
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) is pleased to announce the 28 recipients of the 2024 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. Each student will receive a one-year, $2,500 scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, totaling $70,000. “Congratulations to these outstanding students on this well-deserved recognition,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “This […]
PFMA applauds passage of bill allowing sale of ready-to-drink beverages
The 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 688, which amends the state Liquor Code to allow retailers such as grocery and convenience stores to sell ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages or canned cocktails. “We are thrilled with […]
PFMA celebrates passage of bill to create WIC Advisory Board
The legislation makes the existing advisory group permanent. The 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 […]
PFMA highlights trends in food industry during 2024 Annual Conference
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 […]
PFMA welcomes Larissa Newton as director of communications and media relations
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, a statewide trade association advocating the views of the food and beverage retail industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Larissa Newton as director of communications and media relations. With a background spanning print and digital journalism, website and social media management, and state government communications, Larissa brings a […]
PFMA lauds passage of legislation targeting organized retail crime
Following the passage of SB 596 in the General Assembly today, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association President and CEO Alex Baloga released the following statement: “PFMA was proud to lead a coalition in support of SB 596, legislation which provides needed updates to Pennsylvania’s laws to address this increasingly pervasive and dangerous form of retail theft […]
PFMA members, allies urge House committee to exempt ‘swipe fees’ from being charged on state sales tax collections
At a hearing of the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee this week, Linda Smith, payments manager for Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association member/sponsor Sheetz, along with the payments reform advocate John Drechny, CEO of the Merchant Advisory Group, testified in support of legislation to prohibit credit card networks from charging “swipe” fees on the sales tax collected […]
Ridge Scholarship applications now open
Now in its 27th year, PFMA is proud to accept applications for the 2024 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. Named for the parents of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, the Ridge Scholarship honors Thomas R. Ridge, who was a member of the food industry for 25 years, and his wife Laura, who was a […]