Alexander Baloga

President and CEO, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA)

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

The penny is disappearing, but the questions around what happens next are very real for businesses, local governments and consumers.

In a new op-ed, State @RepNateDavidson, @CumberlandCoPA Treasurer @IsleyKaytee and #PFMA President & CEO @AlexanderBaloga make the case for a clear national rounding standard through the Common Cents Act as pennies continue to leave circulation.

Thank you to @PennLive for publishing the piece and helping bring attention to an issue affecting businesses and consumers across Pennsylvania.

Solving the penny shortage is a matter of Common Cents | Opinion
Read the full op-ed: https://t.co/K6WA2RZRnw

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Sometimes the biggest catalyst for tech change is generational change.
In this clip from Shelf Confidence, Farrell McKenna of PFMA member Ravyx talks about how new leadership, new expectations and changing operations can push retailers to modernize.

Watch the full episode of PFMA Talks Retail Tech with Ravyx.

#ShelfConfidence #PFMA #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #GroceryRetail #Ravyx_us

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

PFMA recently joined national partner NACS and PFMA member Rutter’s to host Congressman Lloyd Smucker for a store tour at a Rutter’s location in Hallam, Pa.

PFMA Board President Chris Reed and Fuels Committee Chairman Chris Hartman walked the store with Congressman Smucker, sharing a firsthand look at store operations and discussing federal issues affecting the convenience industry.

The conversation included upcoming SNAP stocking requirement changes, especially the challenges they could create for smaller-footprint retailers, as well as credit card swipe fees and fuel prices.

Thanks to @RepSmucker, @NACSonline and @Rutters for the conversation and the opportunity to discuss these issues where their impact is felt every day.

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Welcome PICS Inventory Specialists to PFMA!

PICS Inventory Specialists works with grocery retailers to improve inventory accuracy through physical inventory services. Its teams use technology and flexible service options designed to keep store disruptions to a minimum.

We’re glad to have #picsinventory as a PFMA member.

Learn more: https://t.co/m3069QMikf

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Congratulations to Patrick Carney, who has been named the new executive director of the @padairymens . 🥛👏

Carney will lead the association’s statewide operations, industry partnerships, milkshake program and efforts at the PA Farm Show. PFMA also congratulates Dave Smith on more than 30 years of service as executive director. Smith will remain with the organization as an advisor.

Best wishes to Patrick as he steps into the new role, and thank you to Dave for his decades of leadership in Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.

Read more at https://t.co/Ovc8a0Vwpa

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

The Pennsylvania legislature may be out of session, but PFMA’s advocacy work hasn’t slowed down.

In the latest Inside Dish, PFMA President & CEO Alex Baloga highlights PFMA’s ongoing federal advocacy efforts in Washington while the Pennsylvania legislature is out of session, including work on the Common Cents Act and the Farm Bill, and previews what the association is tracking as lawmakers prepare to return to the Capitol.

Alex also looks ahead to the 2026 PFMA Fall Legislative Conference, happening October 13���14 at the Hershey Country Club.

Watch the latest Inside Dish to catch up on what PFMA is working on and what’s coming this fall.

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Dynamic pricing 📊. Surveillance pricing 👀. Fact vs. myth ⚖️.

Kathy Hayden of Inmar Intelligence breaks it all down at PFMA’s Fall Legislative Conference 💬. @InmarInc

Register 👉 https://t.co/ttNmm8MY3E

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Retail technology is everywhere, but what actually makes sense for your store?

On this episode of Shelf Confidence, PFMA talks with Farrell McKenna, President of Ravyx, about POS systems, self-checkout, electronic shelf labels, robotics, data and how retailers can modernize without overcomplicating operations.

Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the PFMA website and all major podcast platforms.

WATCH NOW 🎙️: https://t.co/JvxSgJjAv8

#ravyxus #ShelfConfidence #PFMA #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #GroceryRetail #ConvenienceStores

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

🏛️ PFMA Legislative Committee 🏛️
August 26 | 10:15 am

State policy shapes how our members operate every single day. The PFMA Legislative Committee tracks the state budget, SNAP funding, adult beverage sales, tobacco and OTP policy, tax issues, and more. Members don’t just get updates, they help set PFMA’s advocacy priorities before decisions are finalized.

Join PFMA’s Legislative Committee on the last Wednesday of each month for our monthly virtual meeting with updates on policy items, legislative activity, elections, periodic guest speakers and more.

Disclaimer: This event is exclusively for PFMA members. Thank you for your understanding!

👉 Get involved: https://t.co/4lQgGb9cu2

#PFMA #Advocacy #Harrisburg #FoodAndBeverageIndustry #PolicyMatters

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Welcome @TestoUSA as a new PFMA member!

Testo helps food businesses manage food safety and day-to-day operations with measurement technology built for the industry. Its solutions include handheld measuring instruments, data loggers, software and food safety management systems designed to deliver precise results and reduce workload.

Learn more about Testo North America: https://t.co/HYRACEXnoW

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Sometimes the biggest catalyst for tech change is generational change.

In this clip from Shelf Confidence, Farrell McKenna of PFMA member Ravyx US talks about how new leadership, new expectations and changing operations can push retailers to modernize.

Watch the full episode this Thursday of PFMA Talks Retail Tech with Ravyx.

#ShelfConfidence #PFMA #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #GroceryRetail

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

PFMA member Wakefern Food Corp. marked the opening of new EVgo fast chargers at the ShopRite of Daleville in Covington Township.

The station can charge up to eight electric vehicles at once, giving shoppers another way to power up while they stock up. Congratulations to Wakefern Member Bracey Supermarkets, the Bracey family, EVgo and the community partners who helped bring the project to life. @Wakefern_Food

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

The conversations 💬. The insights 💡. The connections 🤝.

Take a look back at PFMA’s 2025 Fall Legislative Conference 📸✨���then get ready to join us Oct. 13–14 at Hershey Country Club 🏌️‍♂️🍫.

Register now 👉 https://t.co/ttNmm8MY3E

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Commercial recycling is not the same as residential recycling.

In this clip from Shelf Confidence, Doug Moderick of PFMA member Gateway Recycling explains the difference and why food and beverage businesses need programs built for their operations.

Watch the full episode of PFMA Talks Beyond the Blue Bin with Gateway Recycling.

#ShelfConfidence #PFMA #Recycling #Sustainability #BusinessOperations #gatewayrecycling

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Commercial recycling is not the same as residential recycling.

In this clip from Shelf Confidence, Doug Moderick of PFMA member Gateway Recycling explains the difference and why food and beverage businesses need programs built for their operations.

Watch the full episode of PFMA Talks Beyond the Blue Bin with Gateway Recycling.

#ShelfConfidence #PFMA #Recycling #Sustainability #BusinessOperations

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

PFMA member Federated Insurance is hosting an upcoming webinar on workplace drug testing solutions.

Understanding Drug Testing Devices
📅 Thursday, Aug. 20
🕑 2 pm

The webinar will cover Abbott’s Workplace POCT Drug Test Program and MyeScreen Full Drug Test Program, including available testing products, marijuana testing trends and how employers can set up a program based on their workforce and compliance needs. @federatedins

Register to learn more about the options available for your workplace.
https://t.co/vPu8l4kOda

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Recycling goes beyond the blue bin.

On this episode of Shelf Confidence, PFMA talks with Doug Moderick of Gateway Recycling about commercial recycling, sustainability and how food and beverage businesses can build programs that actually work.

From contamination issues to operational efficiency, this conversation breaks down practical steps businesses can take to better manage materials.

Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the PFMA website and all major podcast platforms.

WATCH NOW 🎙️: https://t.co/Y5qrPwGlbR

#ShelfConfidence #PFMA #Recycling #Sustainability #BusinessOperations #gatewayrecycling

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

PFMA member Asher’s Chocolate Co. took the team out to the ballgame! ⚾

Employees spent the day with the Reading Fightin Phils, enjoyed the mascot band and cheered on Jerry as he threw out the first pitch. @AshersChocolate

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

Recycling goes beyond the blue bin.

On this episode of Shelf Confidence, PFMA talks with Doug Moderick of Gateway Recycling about commercial recycling, sustainability and how food and beverage businesses can build programs that actually work.

From contamination issues to operational efficiency, this conversation breaks down practical steps businesses can take to better manage materials.

Tune in this Thursday to watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the PFMA website and all major podcast platforms.

#ShelfConfidence #PFMA #Recycling #Sustainability #FoodAndBeverageIndustry #BusinessOperations

[PFMA @PAFoodMerchants]

PFMA welcomes C.A. Ferolie as a new member!

Since 1947, the family-owned sales and marketing agency has helped consumer brands grow through retail partnerships, data insights and in-store execution. C.A. Ferolie connects brands with shoppers across retail, e-commerce and emerging channels.

We’re glad to welcome them to PFMA and Pennsylvania’s Food and Beverage Industry.
@ESMFerolie