The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) recently awarded its 2022 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship to 27 deserving students. 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 leadership both academically and professionally. We are happy to recognize their efforts and help them reach their academic goals.” Individual scholarship amounts increased this year, awarding every student with a $2,500 scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. In total, $67,500 in scholarships were awarded, an increase of $22,500 from 2021. Scholarship funds come from PFMA’s Education Trust as well as sponsoring PFMA member companies The GIANT Company, Karns Foods, Rutter’s, Sheetz and Wawa. “It is an honor to be selected as a recipient of the Ridge Scholarship from the many deserving applicants,” said recipient Sydney Eckhardt of Phoenixville, Pa. “As a Wawa associate for the last two years, my co-workers have shown me how the food industry supports our communities by providing convenient access to food and services. The scholarship will help me in continuing my education at Boston College where I plan to study history and economics while engaging in community service activities.” 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.
Aiden Anderson of Newton Square, Pa., plans to attend the University of South Carolina Honors College to major in international business and minor in Spanish. (Wawa) Helayna Baer of Cheswick, Pa., plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in chemical engineering and minor in French. (Sheetz) Ethan J. Cramer of York, Pa., plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to major in architectural engineering. (Rutter’s) Maizie Ecker of Seven Valleys, Pa., plans to attend West Chester University to major in biochemistry. (Rutter’s) Sydney Eckhardt of Phoenixville, Pa., plans to attend Boston College to major in history and minor in economics. (Wawa) Christian Herbster of Nanticoke, Pa., plans to attend Marywood University to become a physician assistant with a minor in nutrition and dietetics. (PFMA) Francis Iuvara of Haddon Heights, N.J., plans to attend Camden County College Blackwood to major in business. (Wawa) Katherine Kimmel of Dover, Pa., plans to attend Wilson College to study pre-veterinary medicine. (Rutter’s) Meredith Lucey of Hanover, Pa., plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in biology and minor in chemistry. (PFMA) Peter Murnane of West Chester, Pa., plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to major in mechanical engineering and minor in technology-based entrepreneurship and innovation. (The GIANT Company) George Papoutsis of Mechanicsburg, Pa., plans to attend Pennsylvania State University, Schreyer Honors College, to major in economics. (The GIANT Company) Riya Patel of Ellicott City, Md., plans to attend the University of Maryland, College Park, to major in public health science. (PFMA) Hayden Perrone of Phoenixville, Pa., plans to attend Penn State Berks and major in biology. (The GIANT Company) Jamie Pottman of York, Pa., plans to attend the University of Delaware to major in applied molecular biology and biotechnology. (Rutter’s) Mark Pottman of York, Pa., plans to attend Kutztown University of Pennsylvania to major in cinema, media and television. (Rutter’s) McKenna Shaffer of Somerset, Pa., plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in pre-occupational therapy. (PFMA) Kaitlyn Sheriff of Landisburg, Pa., plans to attend Lycoming College to major in astrophysics and minor in computer science. (Karns Foods) Caleb Shoemaker of Newport, Pa., plans to attend Penn State Harrisburg to major in mechanical engineering. (Rutter’s) Dylan Spangler of Spring Grove, Pa., plans to attend Penn State University to major in mechanical engineering. (Rutter’s) Dominic Spatola of Springfield, Pa., plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in computer engineering. (The GIANT Company) Sandya Subramanian of Bridgewater, N.J., plans to attend Boston University School of Medicine to major in medicine. (PFMA) Nadija Sulcaj of Philadelphia, Pa., plans to attend the University of South Florida to major in psychology with a concentration in advanced research experience. (Wawa) Caitlyn Sweet of Lincoln University, Pa., plans to attend Shenandoah University to major in exercise science pre-physical therapy with minors in biology, physiology and coaching. (The GIANT Company) Simon Szalla of Lower Burrell, Pa., plans to attend Ohio State University to major in political science. (PFMA) Ryan Wilson of Mechanicsburg, Pa., plans to attend Bloomsburg University to major in finance. (PFMA) Cayden Wright of Roaring Spring, Pa., plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology to major in computing security. (Sheetz) Donald Yealy of New Oxford, Pa., plans to attend Penn State University to major in forest ecosystem management and minor in wildlife and fisheries science. (PFMA) 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, 627 students have earned Ridge Scholarships, and nearly $1.2 million has been awarded. Tune in July 20 as the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association introduces the third season of Shelf Confidence, a podcast focused on trends and innovation in the food and beverage retail industries. “Our members lead the way with the initiatives they launch,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “From sustainability efforts to improved customer experience to innovative loyalty programs and so much more, the podcast provides an opportunity to share the amazing work our retail and associate members are doing to move the industry forward.” Westfield Egg Farm opens Season 3 with an episode focused on sustainable and ethical farming. Its brands Natures Yoke and Utopihen offer products that take customers down a broader journey focused on family, health and a positive future. Also on deck this season:
Listen, share and subscribe to catch these episodes, and hear what else is planned for Season 3. Shelf Confidence posts a new episode every other Wednesday morning. The podcast is available at shelfconfidence.buzzsprout.com, or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts. Shelf Confidence launched in July 2021. Over its two 10-episode seasons, the podcast has highlighted sustainability with The GIANT Company, home meal kits at Karns Quality Foods, reframing healthy snacking with Utz, High’s Safe Shop certification, the benefits of being an independent grocery with Charley Family Shop ’N Save and many other trending topics. At its annual board meeting in June, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association welcomed Scott Quigg, president and CEO of Pump N Pantry, Inc., to its Board of Directors. He joins the board on behalf of Pump N Pantry to fill the role of Sam Anderson. With 34 years of experience in the retail and petroleum industries, Quigg leads Pump N Pantry and its affiliates in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania. “We’re thrilled to have Scott join the board. Scott’s experience and knowledge in the industry will be such an asset to the association,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “I’m thankful for the time that Sam served and for Pump N Pantry’s continued support.” Quigg’s career began with Cumberland Farms Convenience Stores and Christy’s Markets in New England. He attended Boston University Questrom School of Business, earned his MBA and moved to Pennsylvania in 1993 to join the family business. In 2000, he became president of fuel wholesaler Fleet Transport & Trading, Inc. Upon purchasing Pump N Pantry, Inc. in 2001, he moved into his current role as president and CEO of Pump N Pantry and its affiliates. Quigg graduated high school from Deerfield Academy, received a post-graduate high school diploma from the American School in Switzerland, a Bachelor’s in Philosophy from Bates College and an MBA from the Boston University Questrom School of Business. Among other service, Quigg has served on the Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, the Board of Directors of the Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, Mass., and currently serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer of the Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Mass. He and his wife Melinda live in Montrose, Pa., and have two grown children. PFMA is grateful for Quigg’s service on the board. PFMA is led by a 36-member Board of Directors that includes retail and associate members. This volunteer group shapes the association’s agenda. With its finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the food and beverage retail environment, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association hosted members from across the commonwealth to discuss industry trends and challenges during its two-day Annual Conference in Gettysburg. “This conference provides valuable time for us to connect with our members and sponsors and discuss what’s happening in food and beverage retail,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “I’m grateful that some of the brightest and most innovative leaders in the industry took time to share their insight and collaborate on the issues and opportunities we’re facing today.” Tuesday’s first conference session covered the future of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the program’s online shift to meet the needs of its users. Following was a panel discussion on supply chain issues and how members from UNFI, Karns Foods, Turkey Hill/EG America and Utz Brands, Inc., strategize ways to tackle these challenges. The association welcomed attendees to a cocktail hour and dinner at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center Tuesday evening. Prior to dinner, PFMA presented the 2022 Food Industry Trailblazer Award to Lisa Dell’Alba, president and CEO of Square One Markets, Inc., for her dedication, creativity and leadership. Wednesday opened with a panel discussion on creating work cultures that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, featuring members from The GIANT Company, Sheetz, Inc., Core-Mark/Eby-Brown and Albertsons Companies. The final session covered transportation and infrastructure updates from Larry Shifflet, the deputy secretary for planning at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Prior to the conference kickoff, the PFMA Board of Directors approved new leadership. Serving for the next two-year term is Lisa Dell’Alba, chair, president and CEO of Square One Markets, Inc.; Justin Evans, vice president of sustainability and government relations for Giant Eagle, Inc.; Andrea Karns, treasurer, vice president of marketing and sales at Karns Foods; and Mike Mammone, secretary, senior director of customer experience, Robesonia division, C&S Wholesale Grocers. Baloga thanked outgoing chair, Tom Cormier, manager of government affairs at Ahold Delhaize USA, for his service on the board. “Tom led PFMA with clarity, creativity and optimism,” Baloga said. “Tom, thank you for helping to steer PFMA on a strong path forward. We’ve all benefited from your leadership.” PFMA is grateful to all the attendees, presenters and vendors who made the conference possible. A special thank you to Gettysburg Hotel and Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center for their hospitality. The PFMA 2022 Fall Legislative Conference is scheduled for October 25 and 26 at the Hershey Country Club. Details are forthcoming. (From left) Tom Cormier, outgoing chair of the PFMA Board of Directors and manager of government affairs for Ahold Delhaize USA; Lisa Dell'Alba, chair of the PFMA Board of Directors and president and CEO of Square One Markets, Inc.; and Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA at the Annual Conference dinner in Gettysburg. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association presented its 2022 Food Industry Trailblazer award to Lisa Dell’Alba, president and CEO of Square One Markets, Inc., during its Annual Conference dinner on Tuesday evening. The award recognizes a pioneer in food and beverage retail who is willing to take risks and innovate to stay ahead in the industry. “Lisa, who has now taken the reigns as chair of the PFMA Board of Directors, shares her creativity and energy with our board through her leadership,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “I know her hard work and dedication as chair will continue to inspire the direction of the association and her peers in the industry.” In presenting the award Tuesday night, Tom Cormier, outgoing chair of the PFMA Board of Directors and manager of government affairs for Ahold Delhaize USA, acknowledged Dell’Alba’s ability to navigate the challenging environment of food retail. “Those who can adapt, remain agile and are willing to experiment stay ahead of the issues,” Cormier said. “This is why the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association honors one of these industry trailblazers, Lisa Dell’Alba.” When receiving the award, Dell'Alba credited the honor to teamwork both at Square One and through the association. Dell’Alba was born into the world of retail at Square One Markets. When she was young, her father encouraged her to forge her own path before working in the family business. In 2004, she joined Square One Markets and fell in love with the industry. She worked as management of multi-facilities, category manager and human resource director. At 28 years old, she became the vice president of operations where she developed innovative concepts such as a team-based approach to operations management and redefining the customer service excellence. She also implemented the concept of multi-person interviews to strengthen her team’s approach to operations. In 2009, she became president of Square One Markets, continuing to focus on the core values of her family business. During the PFMA Annual Conference Board of Director’s meeting, Dell’Alba was named chair of the board. She previously served as vice chair. She also serves as the vice chair of member services on the NACS Board of Directors and is a member of the Board of Directors for the TEAM Pennsylvania Foundation. Since its establishment in 1952 at the Lawrence Hotel in Erie, Pa., the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has pioneered innovative ways to serve and support the commonwealth’s food and beverage industries. On Oct. 29, 2022, PFMA will commemorate its 70th anniversary. The association will share significant moments of its history and evolution over the next six months, ultimately celebrating the anniversary as part of its Fall Legislative Conference on Oct. 25 and 26 in Hershey. “It’s incredible to reflect on the work that PFMA has accomplished for its members over the past 70 years,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “The support of our broad and longstanding membership has allowed us to advance the interests of grocery stores, convenience stores, wholesalers, consumer packaged goods companies, lottery and gaming organizations and more—ultimately benefitting Pennsylvanian businesses and consumers.” A group of independent retailers established the statewide trade association in 1952 when they met in Erie to discuss common concerns. During the meeting, they accepted a charter from the National Association of Retail Grocers and named Paul Reitz of Riverside Market association president. The association first served 400 retailers from its Erie office, assisting with supermarket promotions, providing the PFMA Bulletin Service newsletter, and sharing industry news.
Some of the association’s milestones over the years include:
Today, PFMA supports more than 800 corporations and 4,000 retail stores that represent more than 250,000 employees in Pennsylvania. The association works to improve the public image, effectiveness and profitability of companies providing products and services in agriculture production, consumer education, consumer packaged goods, food retailing and wholesale food distribution. Follow PFMA on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to join in the 70th anniversary celebration. During its Annual Conference in June, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association will present an award to Lisa Dell’Alba, president and CEO of Square One Markets, Inc. PFMA will honor Dell’Alba, with the 2022 Food Industry Trailblazer Award during dinner on the first day of the conference. Dell’Alba, who serves as vice chair of PFMA’s Board of Directors, is an active association member and an innovative business owner. She became the second-generation to own and operate her family’s c-store chain in 2004. “We have all benefited from Lisa’s drive and vision,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “Square One has been a PFMA member and sponsor for several years, and Lisa is an engaged, dedicated and creative member. Her experience and leadership help to shape the association’s agenda.” In addition to the award, the two-day conference features educational sessions, networking opportunities and a mini trade show. This year’s sessions focus on the changing world of food assistance programs; transportation and infrastructure updates from PennDOT; how PFMA members are maximizing workforce inclusion; and the challenges, opportunities and strategies surrounding supply chain in 2022. “The conference provides valuable time for our members in the food and beverage industries to connect and collaborate on the trends and issues facing us today,” Baloga said. Registration is now open for the Annual Conference, which is scheduled June 14–15, 2022, at the Gettysburg Hotel. The dinner and award presentation will be held at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. After dinner, conference attendees can enjoy access to the museum’s exhibits, video and cyclorama painting. For details and to register for the conference, visit the PFMA 2022 Annual Conference events page. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) chose Sadie Fedor, a Bethel Park High School senior, as the recipient of a $1,000 DECA Scholarship. PFMA sponsors a DECA scholarship each year. Fedor credits her experience in DECA for influencing her decision to pursue a degree in business. She has been accepted to the Farmer School of Business at Miami University of Ohio where she plans to study marketing. “Sadie is an exceptional student. Her dedication to DECA has positively impacted the organization and prepared her for success as she continues her education,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “We are thrilled to award this scholarship to Sadie in recognition of her hard work.” Fedor joined DECA as a sophomore and quickly rose to leadership roles. As a junior, she became an officer in her local DECA chapter, getting more involved in the organization’s community service opportunities. She competed and placed in several district events and completed a research project for Pittsburgh-based PGH Apparel to help them determine how to recover from the impact of COVID-19. As a senior, Fedor served as co-president of her DECA chapter. She organized several fundraisers to provide money for students attending future conferences. Her efforts raised nearly $5,000. In this year’s district conference, she earned first place in the Retail Merchandising Role Play category. “Through DECA, I have learned how to truly be a leader and gained self-confidence,” Fedor wrote in her scholarship statement. “DECA has driven me to work harder outside of school and improve myself through sparking my interest in the world of business.” In addition to DECA, Fedor is in the National Honor Society and French National Honors Society. She serves on the Principal’s Advisory Council, Student Government, Homecoming Committee and is vice president of French Club. She is involved in Drill Team, chorus, the musical, Teen Leadership Corps and Ways and Means. Fedor works as a lead brand rep for Hollister Co., kitchen help at Al’s Cafe and as a customer service associate at John the Greek Food Concessions. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association is pleased to announce the addition of Rena Shiles, vice president of operations at Albertsons Companies, to its Board of Directors. Shiles leads the ACME Markets subsidiary of the MidAtlantic Division of Albertsons, overseeing 86 grocery stores that cover central and southern New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, down to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “ACME Markets always has been a supportive and active association member. We’re excited to welcome Rena to the board as we continue that relationship,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “Rena’s impressive personal and professional experience will be a great asset to the association.” Shiles rose quickly within the company. In January 2016, she joined Albertsons’ Safeway Division as an assistant store director, moving up the ranks to store director. She eventually became a district manager, controlling more than 21 stores in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in 2019. During this tenure, she was recognized for being a focal point of her division’s high growth in sales. She increased creative marketing strategy initiatives and built cohesive, diverse teams that exponentially improved her company’s economic stature. Prior to Albertsons, she served with distinction in the U.S. Army for over 25 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. She attributes this life experience to developing a strong sense of commitment, high motivational presence and lead from-the-front mentality. She demonstrates these qualities daily, which is witnessed by her subordinates, peers and supervisors. Shiles is an expert problem-solver and innovator. This allows her to get the best performance from her employees and teach them to show an exemplary presence in customer relations. Shiles earned a Master’s in Business Administration from American University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Texas. Her husband, Timothy, is currently serving overseas in the U.S. Army. PFMA is led by a 35-member Board of Directors that includes retail and associate members. This volunteer group shapes the association’s agenda. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association welcomes Mike Gould, president of Core-Mark International’s Pennsylvania Division, to its Board of Directors. Gould joined Core-Mark as division president in January 2021. In this role, he services convenience retail customers throughout the commonwealth. “Our association and membership will benefit from Mike’s vast experience in food retail as he takes on this position with the PFMA Board of Directors,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “We’re thankful for his time and the continued support of our sponsor, Core-Mark/Eby-Brown.” Gould has extensive experience on both the retail and distribution side. He previously worked as market manager with 7-Eleven, overseeing 100 convenience stores in north-central New Jersey. More recently, he worked as the Director of Operations at C&S Wholesale Grocer’s 550,000-square-foot frozen grocery distribution center in Westfield, Massachusetts. A West Point graduate, Gould served 26 years in the U.S. Army. He held a variety of leadership roles, both overseas and stateside, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. PFMA is led by a 35-member Board of Directors that includes retail and associate members. This volunteer group shapes the association's agenda. |
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May 2024
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