HARRISBURG, PA – October 30, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) recognized two outstanding Pennsylvania honorees at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference and Expo, held earlier this month at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, New Jersey.
The event, co-hosted by PFMA alongside the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), New Jersey Retail Merchants Association (NJRMA), and Delaware Food Industry Council (DFIC), brought together retailers, law enforcement, and industry leaders to address security and organized retail crime (ORC) challenges across the region.
PFMA presented the Loss Prevention Professional Award to Dave Fones, Investigations Manager for the Mid-Atlantic/Pennsylvania region at Ahold Delhaize, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to combating organized retail and financial crimes. Fones, a former Carlisle Police Department officer with more than 30 years of service, was recognized for his extensive experience and proactive coordination with law enforcement partners to protect retailers and consumers alike.
The association’s Retail Law Enforcement Achievement Award was presented to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit, which has made significant strides in investigating theft rings and recovering stolen merchandise since its formation last year. The unit’s work has led to nearly $2 million in recovered goods and has strengthened statewide collaboration to deter large-scale retail theft operations.
“These awards highlight the power of collaboration between the retail industry and law enforcement,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA President & CEO. “We’re proud to recognize professionals who not only protect businesses but also build stronger, safer communities across Pennsylvania. The partnerships that come out of this conference are critical to staying ahead of organized retail crime and supporting the food and beverage industry.”
The conference featured presentations and discussions with security leaders from the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and other national experts, along with sessions exploring the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technology in asset protection. The annual event also serves as a platform to strengthen cross-state relationships and promote shared strategies for public-private cooperation.
PFMA’s involvement reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to helping members address complex security challenges through advocacy, training, and partnerships with law enforcement.
For more information about PFMA’s advocacy and industry initiatives,
visit www.pfma.org.