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Day two opened with a poignant presentation by The Home Depot (THD), on its response to last May’s EF5 rated tornado that tore through the heart of Joplin, Missouri, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Chris Canoles, senior director of loss prevention for The Home Depot, gave an in-depth look at the essential planning and execution that THD undertook to ensure the well-being of store associates, customers, and the community during this disaster.

Later Steve Szilagyi, senior vice president of distribution from Lowe’s, delivered an astute presentation on the cornerstones of a successful safety culture within a company, citing ownership and personal accountability at every level in the organization as crucial to this mission. Szilagyi shared how creating a culture where safety is the highest value; where principles lead behavior and where leaders build safety first into every activity has resulted in a  significant reduction in workplace injuries.

Finally, Jason Brewer, vice president of communications and advocacy for RILA, closed out the day with a unique look at the decisions being made on Capitol Hill and how they will impact retailers and their operations. Brewer touched on the key issues affecting retail, such as health care, labor, privacy, ORC, tax reform and more, and what this legislation could mean for the industry.

The conference was closed with a dynamite line up of Asset Protection executives including Claude Verville, vice president of loss prevention and safety & hazmat from Lowe's; Stan Welch vice president of loss prevention for jcpenney; and Ken Amos divisional vice president, loss prevention from Walgreens, on an AP executive panel moderated by Jim Lee, executive editor of LP Magazine.

Later Walter Palmer, chief executive officer & president of PCG Solutions, shared tactics with attendees on doing more with less. Instead of trying to do the impossible, Palmer emphasized doing the right things. Starting with understanding where time is being spent now, identifying the most important things a team should be doing, and then negotiating for resources and outcomes.

Finally, seasoned investigator David Zulawski, chairman CFI and senior partner & speaker at Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, delivered a one-of-a-kind training session to help investigators become more proficient in developing the employee’s initial verbal admission, obtaining a solid written voluntary statement and preparing a rigorous investigative report.