Welcome to “Back in Session,” a podcast focused on exploring various state-level policies and legislation shaping our nation, one state at a time. Join our hosts, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara from Duane Morris Government Strategies, as they engage a diverse range of guests to bring you behind the scenes of the legislative process.
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In this episode, the Back in Session hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara dive into their excitement for the upcoming National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. They then welcome this week’s special guest, Alex Baloga, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), for an insightful discussion on his career journey, PFMA’s mission, and their advocacy work. Alex shares recent legislative successes, the challenges of representing the competitive retail industry, and how PFMA navigates the partisan divide in Pennsylvania’s government. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the intricacies of legislative advocacy and the importance of collaboration.
About PFMA:
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) is a statewide trade association advocating the views of the food and beverage industries. Our membership includes convenience stores, supermarkets, independent grocers, wholesalers, distributors, and consumer product vendors of all sizes operating in Pennsylvania and beyond.
About Alex Baloga:
Alex Baloga became PFMA President and CEO on July 1, 2017. After joining PFMA in 2013 as director of government relations, he was promoted to director of government and public relations in 2014 and to vice president of external relations in 2015. Baloga leads PFMA’s day-to-day operations and helps implement its strategic vision, working with the board of directors, of which he is a member. He leads PFMA’s government relations efforts at the local, state and federal levels. He also manages PFMA’s federal, state and Philadelphia Food PACs along with PFMA’s Legislative, Pharmacy and WIC Stakeholder’s committees.
He serves on the Classification and Ratings Committee for the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau. He is a board member on the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund. He joined the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s newly formed Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Advisory Group in 2022. He sits on the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) Board of Directors, the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association Board of Directors and the NACS Legislative Committee. In addition, he represents PFMA members on the Pennsylvania Lottery Sales Advisory Council.
Baloga previously served as deputy finance director for Robert P. Casey’s re-election campaign for U.S. Senator, where he directed the fund raising activities in central Pennsylvania. He has extensive contacts from his experience as an associate lobbyist for a contract lobbying firm in Pennsylvania.
In addition, he worked in U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s Government office as a regional field manager, serving as the senator’s liaison to government, community and constituent groups in central Pennsylvania; monitoring local issues and developments, and representing Senator Casey at civic meetings and community events.
Baloga has earned recognition for his work in the food retail industry on several 40 under 40 lists, including Central Penn Business Journal, City & State PA and The Griffin Report. He recently was recognized in City & State PA’s 2022 PA Agriculture Power 100. He also earned the 2018 Excellent in Government Affairs Award from the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Baloga earned his bachelor’s degree in History with a specialty in Political Science from West Virginia University.
Learn more about PFMA:
Welcome back to another episode of the Back in Session podcast! In this episode, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan Demara delve into the world of legislative advocacy with Alex Baloga, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA). Here’s a breakdown of what we discussed:
Introduction
- Upcoming NCSL conference in Louisville
Alex Baloga’s Background
- Career journey from politics to PFMA
- Experience working for the former Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania and U.S. Senator Bob Casey
PFMA Overview
- Mission and members of PFMA
- Advocacy efforts for grocery stores, convenience stores, wholesalers, distributors, and consumer packaged goods companies
Legislative Engagement
- PFMA’s approach to engaging with state lawmakers and policymakers
- Importance of bipartisan issues
Recent Legislative Successes
- Organized retail crime bill
- Pending legislation for canned cocktails in retail stores (*UPDATE: the legislation passed the legislature)
Advocacy Challenges
- Competitive nature of the retail industry
- Importance of policy understanding among lawmakers and the public
Navigating Partisan Divide
- Strategies for working within Pennsylvania’s divided legislature
- Importance of compromise, consistency, and candor
Collaboration
- Working with other industry groups and trade associations
- Building coalitions to strengthen advocacy efforts
Join us for this insightful conversation and learn more about the intricacies of legislative advocacy and the importance of collaboration in achieving policy goals.
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