The food industry has experienced tremendous change and unexpected challenges in 2020. During a worldwide pandemic and in the midst of a presidential election year, it was more important than ever for the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association to connect our members with leaders in the industry and state and federal government.
This year’s Fall Legislative Conference, held virtually at the end of October, created that opportunity for our members in Pennsylvania’s convenience stores, supermarkets, independent grocers, wholesalers and consumer product vendors. Two days of sessions covered topics on state and federal legislation impacting our industry, the effects of COVID on businesses, disability inclusion, loss prevention and cyber and data security.
Just one week out from the presidential election, we were fortunate to welcome PA House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff and PA House Democratic Whip Jordan A. Harris to discuss the timely issues of our state budget, liquor reform, COVID, and more. Three representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce later joined us to speak about federal updates, liability, and tax policy.
Our valued members also took time to share their experience. We were grateful to hear about disability inclusion from James Emmett of James Emmett & Co., loss prevention from Dawn Roller, director of loss prevention and POS at Brown’s Super Stores, and cyber and data security from members of EisnerAmper.
This has been a year of incredible disruption, but our members continue to rise to the challenge and adapt. I’m grateful to our conference speakers for sharing their valuable insights and what the future might hold. This conference is a valuable opportunity to meet with our industry, state and federal partners to discuss pressing issues and collaborate moving forward.
We look forward to gathering in person again in the spring for our annual conference. I appreciate the time and expertise of all of our conference speakers, and I’m grateful to our association sponsors for making the conference possible.
We have a lot of work ahead of us, but the future is bright.