Northeast Regional Conference on Loss Prevention Draws Sizeable Crowd on Sandy Anniversary

TRENTON, NJ – Linda Doherty, President of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), cheered the success of the Northeast Regional Conference on Loss Prevention, which took place on Oct. 29 at the Sheraton Eatontown, in Eatontown, NJ. The conference was the only regional loss prevention event in the northeast this year and was coordinated by the New Jersey Food Council, with partners the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association, the Delaware Retail Council, the Delaware Food Industry Council, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association and the Food Industry Alliance of New York State. Ms. Doherty stated, “We are tremendously pleased that one year after this conference was disrupted by Superstorm Sandy that almost 150 loss prevention professionals from across the Northeast Region traveled to tackle progressive security issues, share information on the latest security scams, network with law enforcement and get a handle on cyber-crimes.”

The conference featured a host of industry leading speakers, Larry Slonina, President of U.S. Advisory Services opened the session with “Securing Invisible Borders from Electronic Intruders;” Aaron T. Ford, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Division shared on “The Future of Law Enforcement, Security and Thinking Outside the Box;” Erez Lieberman, Esq., Deputy Chief, Criminal Division, United States Attorney General’s O¬ffice presented “Cyber Crimes: Victims and Justice;” Lisa LaBruno, Esq., Senior Vice President Retail Operations, Retail Industry Leaders Association shared her expertise on “LP Investigations: In-House Attorney and Prosecutor Perspective;” and Gus Downing, President & Publisher, Downing & Downing, Inc., The D&D Daily & LPNN closed the afternoon session with “Retail America's Expanding Threat - How it Impacts Your Career.”

Also at the event, Derrick Price of Wakefern Food Corporation was honored with the Regional Loss Prevention Leadership Award, Darick Leighty of Walmart received with the Retail Industry Loss Prevention Leadership Award and Detective Eric Hernando of the Holmdel Police Department was awarded the Retail Law Enforcement Achievement Award at the event. “These individuals have proved that partnerships between public and private sector resources can significantly help thwart crime and are shining examples of how loss prevention and law enforcement professionals can work together to cut shrink and reduce risk,” stated Ms. Doherty.

NJFC also awarded five scholarships to member associates during the event as part of the inaugural 2013 Loss Prevention Scholarship Program. The newly created program offers loss prevention solution vendors the opportunity to fund continuing education for NJFC loss prevention associates through the Loss Prevention Foundation. “The NJ Food Council is the first state council in the United States to incorporate this type of loss prevention scholarship program. We are pleased to support their vision to provide the best loss prevention education possible to its members. ” stated Gene Smith, president of The Loss Prevention Foundation.

Ms. Doherty stated, “We are tremendously pleased by the commitment of Security Resources, Inc., Cambridge Security Services, Eastern Security Corp., Agilence Inc. & the Corrective Education Company in sponsoring these scholarships for our member’s loss prevention associates. Their commitment exhibits great dedication to furthering the practice of loss prevention and provides a valuable benefit to our members.” Scholarships were presented to Sydney Harris of A&P, Carrie Roberts of A&P, Samar Andres Cruz of Wegmans, Robert Phillips of A&P, and Michael Carter of A&P.

Attendees also saw the first screening of the NJ Organized Retail Theft Task Force presentation for the statewide law enforcement training platform NJ Learn, with the help of NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. The presentation features Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk, and highlights the methods used by the multi-billion dollar organized retail theft industry, and the enhanced criminal charges that can be used by law enforcement to combat it.

The New Jersey Food Council represents 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in NJ.

CONTACT:
Grant Lucking
609-392-8899