Pa. Food Merchants Honors ShopRite Owners Brown, Bracey

Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association named Jeff Brown, president and CEO of Brown’s Super Stores, as a 2016 Defender of the Food Industry. The advocacy award is presented to members who provide leadership and service as champions for PFMA’s grassroots efforts.

Brown was selected for his regular communication with lawmakers on issues like alcohol sales, menu and GMO labeling, sugar-sweetened beverage taxes and tobacco taxes. The Harrisburg, Pa.-based association also recognized Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter’s Farm Stores, as another Defender of the Food Industry.

“Jeff and Scott understand that the association can only do so much to present the industry’s views to lawmakers. It’s the phone calls and face-to-face meetings from members in their districts that help elected officials understand the impact legislation has on businesses,” said David McCorkle, PFMA president and CEO.

PFMA also named Bill Bracey, president of Bill’s ShopRite, as the 2016 Top Individual FoodPAC Contributor, while Sheetz PAC was named the 2016 top company FoodPAC contributor. PFMA's FoodPAC awards are presented to individuals and companies that contribute the most to its political action committee.

“We are pleased to honor Jeff and Scott this year,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA's VP of external relations.“Thank you for defending the industry and educating lawmakers about legislation affecting convenience stores, supermarkets, manufacturers and wholesalers.”