Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance combats retail theft through strategic collaboration

The Small Business Development meeting held on April 1, 2025, in Georgia focused on various initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and addressing challenges faced by the retail sector. The meeting featured discussions on mushroom cultivation, organized retail crime, and the collaborative efforts between retailers and law enforcement.

The session began with a presentation on mushroom farming, highlighting the potential profitability of the industry. A representative noted that an initial investment of $127 could yield approximately $270,000 in annual revenue from mushroom production. The speaker emphasized the importance of training and support for new growers, stating that their company provides extensive onboarding and consultation services to ensure success in mushroom cultivation.

Following this, Ben Cowart, Vice President of Government Affairs for Georgia Retailers, addressed the committee about the ongoing issue of organized retail crime (ORC). He outlined the formation of the Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC) in 2010, which has become a national model for collaboration between retailers and law enforcement. Cowart highlighted the success of GROC in combating ORC through intelligence sharing, joint enforcement operations, and legislative support, including the recent establishment of a dedicated prosecution unit for ORC and cybercrime.

Chad McManus, chair of GROC, provided further insights into the alliance's activities, noting that it has grown to nearly 800 members, including retailers and law enforcement agencies. He emphasized the importance of communication between retailers and law enforcement to effectively address retail theft and enhance community safety. McManus also mentioned recent initiatives aimed at educating small businesses about crime prevention strategies.

Rory Stallard, Director of ORC for Ulta Beauty, shared specific cases of organized retail crime affecting various retailers in Georgia. He discussed the collaborative efforts with law enforcement to resolve these cases and the impact of such crimes on both large and small businesses. Stallard underscored the need for continued support from the state to combat these issues effectively.

The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration between the government, retailers, and law enforcement to foster a safer and more supportive environment for small businesses in Georgia. The discussions underscored the critical role of training, legislative support, and community partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by the retail sector.