The Maryland Retailers Alliance recognized two state lawmakers and three retail theft prevention leaders during its 2026 annual awards ceremony.
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson was named Legislator of the Year, while Sen. Pam Beidle, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, received the Louis L. Goldstein Public Service Award.
Retail Theft Prevention Awards were presented to Sergio D’Alto of the Bel Air Police Department; Ahmad Ali of Safeway; and Lara King of the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The annual awards recognize legislators, business owners, community leaders and industry partners who support Maryland’s retail sector and MRA’s advocacy work.
“This past year was another incredibly busy one for the Maryland Retailers Alliance,” MRA President Cailey Locklair said. “To the elected officials joining us tonight: thank you for taking our calls, meeting with our members, listening to our concerns, working through complicated issues with us, sponsoring amendments, and supporting Maryland’s retail community.”
MRA said it weighed in on more than 100 bills during the Maryland General Assembly’s 2026 session. The organization was particularly involved in drafting dynamic-pricing legislation affecting how retailers may set and communicate prices throughout the state.
The alliance also worked with Senate leaders on proposals addressing predatory lending practices and gift card scams. Its legislative agenda included a measure intended to give retailers and customers guidance on cash transactions following the federal government’s decision to discontinue production of the penny.
Ferguson said successful policymaking requires lawmakers to work directly with the businesses affected by their decisions.
“What I’ve learned in the last few years is that real leadership requires listening,” Ferguson said. “It means working with those who are impacted most — you, our retailers, who are growing in our neighborhoods, who are being incentivized to open up in our main streets across our entire state. If our retailers are successful, then Maryland is successful.”
Beidle said the public service award carried personal significance because of her connection to Goldstein, who served as Maryland comptroller from 1959 until his death in 1998.
“When I first ran for office 28 years ago, at my very first fundraiser, Comptroller Louis Goldstein was my guest speaker,” Beidle said. “So it’s a special award to receive from the retailers, but it’s really special to me for that memory.”
The awards were presented virtually. The ceremony is available through the Maryland Retailers Alliance website.