The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) just wrapped up its successful Annual Fall Legislative Conference! Thank you to everyone who attended and made this possible. Held at the Hershey Country Club, this two-day event brought together food industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss pressing state and federal issues impacting the industry.
This year’s PFMA Fall Legislative Conference was packed with dynamic sessions, insightful discussions, and plenty of opportunities to network. The conference gathered food industry leaders, legislators, and key stakeholders to address the pressing federal and state issues facing Pennsylvania’s food and retail landscape. From engaging keynotes and panels to lively networking, this year’s conference had something for everyone! Thank you all.
Day 1: Board Meeting, Golf, and an Keynote Dinner
The conference began with a PFMA board meeting, where members tackled association initiatives and discussed priorities for the year ahead. After the meeting, attendees hit the golf course, enjoying the friendly competition and networking on a gorgeous day. It was a perfect opportunity to unwind and connect with industry colleagues.
Later that evening, attendees gathered for our keynote dinner reception, highlighted by an address from Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Community and Economic Development. Siger shared insights from Governor Shapiro’s vision for strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy, underscoring key initiatives aimed at supporting food and retail businesses across the state.
Day 2: Insightful Panel Discussions and Election Forecasts at Tröegs Brewery
Day two was dedicated to a deep dive into current legislative issues impacting the food sector. The morning kicked off with two panels, one focusing on federal matters and the other on state issues, bringing together experts and policymakers to address the legislative landscape and discuss regulatory developments. These panels provided practical insights for members navigating today’s complex food industry and helped underscore the importance of advocacy in the legislative process.
The Federal Issues panel had Representatives from the Food Industry Association (FMI), NACS, and the Consumer Brands Association highlighted key national challenges affecting food and beverage retailers. Panelists included Andy Harig of FMI, Jon Taets of NACS, and Sarah Gallo of the Consumer Brands Association.
The State Issues Panel featured bipartisan representatives from Pennsylvania’s House and Senate. Panelists included Colleen DeFrank from the Senate Democratic Caucus, Mike Schwoyer from the House Democratic Caucus, Jake Smeltz from the House Republican Caucus, and Scott Sikorski from the Senate Republican Caucus. They covered upcoming state legislative priorities and offered insights into the legislative landscape for the food sector.
In the afternoon, attendees were treated to a unique networking event at Tröegs Brewery in Hershey, where a panel discussion on the upcoming November elections took center stage. The panel, led by industry veterans Chris Nicholas of Eagle Consulting and TJ Rooney from the Rooney Novak Isenhour Group, offered a candid outlook on Pennsylvania’s political climate and potential impacts on the food industry.
Celebrating a Trailblazer: Honoring Chris Reed
A highlight of this year’s conference was presenting the prestigious PFMA Trailblazer Award to Chris Reed, General Counsel for Rutter’s and PFMA Board Treasurer. Chris has been a driving force within the PFMA community. His dedication to advancing the industry’s goals was met with well-deserved recognition.
Read more about Chris Reed’s achievements and the impact he’s had on our industry here.
Looking Forward to Future Gatherings
The PFMA Fall Legislative Conference was a tremendous success. With invaluable insights and connections, our members and partners are now better equipped to address the evolving needs of Pennsylvania’s food and retail landscape.
We’re already excited for next year’s Fall Legislative Conference and for those looking to plan ahead, don’t miss our 2025 Annual Conference at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort May 13 & 14th, 2025. We’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones at these upcoming events as we continue to champion Pennsylvania’s food merchants.
