Asset Protection for Food Retail in 2015

By: Rhett Asher, Vice President, Asset Protection, Data Security & Crisis Management 

Asset protection is a profession grounded in the concept of mitigating risk. At the same time, it has evolved into a career calling beyond the boundaries of theft and fraud, and requires a holistic approach that reaches into the core operations of the business. Our role isn’t just changing—it has changed, and with it comes new responsibilities, and a new level of accountability. 

FMI recognizes that the best way to prepare yourself and your company is to anticipate and identify resources before a crisis happens. One of FMI’s dedicated resources is its annual Asset Protection Conference, held this year in Memphis, March 9-12. As this platform has continued to grow and develop, we have diligently worked to take a lead role in educating our industry professionals on the topics most relevant to the evolving role of the “risk mitigating” professional. This year’s conference will include topics such as professional development; crisis management; risk mitigation and safety strategies; data analytics; compliance; workplace violence; data security; and other subjects most critical to the thought leaders in our industry.

While this annual event incorporates key learnings and education from FMI's Asset Protection, Loss Prevention, Safety, Security and Risk Management focus areas, many of these same subjects and strategies apply to every aspect of the retail enterprise; and can provide fresh perspectives and innovative opportunities that can benefit a variety of business professionals throughout the retail industry. 

This year, we’re pleased to have FOX News National Security Analyst KT McFarland lead an engaging and informative discussion about critical issues facing the United States. A veteran of three Presidential administrations -- Nixon, Ford and Reagan -- she received the Defense Department's highest civilian award for her work in the Reagan Administration, the Distinguished Service Award. A sought-after speaker in the field of global politics and national security, she brings an expert's knowledge to the critical topics of cyber war, cyber theft, cyber blackmail, what's happening in the former Soviet Union, nuclear weapons in the Middle East and the emerging threat of China's increasing aggression on the global stage.

Here’s a taste of what KT McFarland will cover at the Asset Protection Conference: