BOCA RATON, FL – The merger of the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA) was approved today after the organizations received unanimous consent from their respective Boards of Directors and memberships.
To commemorate this significant moment, a signing ceremony was held during the 2017 ABA Convention’s All Membership Meeting featuring the members of the Transition Steering Committee:
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ABA |
B&CMA |
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Rich Scalise, Hearthside Foods |
Bill Quigg, Richmond Baking Co. |
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Erin Sharp, Kroger Co. |
Todd Wallin, Ellison Baking Co. |
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Robb MacKie, ABA President |
Dave Van Laar, B&CMA President |
“The Transition Steering Committee has done an outstanding job over the past year to complete its due diligence and ensure the voices of the ABA and B&CMA members were heard,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. “It is very clear that there are tremendous synergies and that combining our two organizations will return significant added value for the industry.”
“Together, we will be a stronger, unified organization that will offer enhanced, comprehensive services to meet the needs of our members and the baking industry,” said B&CMA President and CEO Dave Van Laar. “It has been an incredible journey thus far and we are eagerly looking forward to this next phase of transitioning into an enhanced, merged organization for our members.”
As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding approved by the ABA and B&CMA’s respective memberships, the merger closing date will be June 30, 2017. Prior to this date, there will be several forums offered to the ABA and B&CMA members to learn more about the benefits of the merger and the opportunities it presents to their companies.
Learn more about the benefits of the ABA B&CMA merger.
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About the 2017 Stronger Together Convention:
The premier annual gathering of the baking industry, the 2017 ABA Convention will take place March 26 – March 29 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Fla. This annual event is where top industry leaders participate in business seminars to cement best practices, connect with the latest trends, engage with industry colleagues to share ideas peer-to-peer, and determine the best solutions for baking issues. Find more information at www.americanbakers.org/2017ABAConvention. Follow the convention with #ABAConvention.
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 706,000 highly skilled people.
About the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers’ Association:
The Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA) is a 115-year-old international trade organization representing the entire spectrum of companies in the manufacturing of cookies and crackers and the suppliers to the industry. Our mission is to bring unparalleled education, training and networking opportunities to members of the B&CMA.
The B&CMA is the largest consortium of cookie and cracker industry professionals in the world. Baker member representation includes brand, private label and contract manufacturers. Supplier representation is diverse including equipment, ingredients, packaging and services. The extensive network of industry professionals makes B&CMA the definitive source of information and contacts for the cookie and cracker industry and the training choice for professional development.
B&CMA membership offers access to the largest network of cookie and cracker professionals from around the world. B&CMA education programs provide the building blocks that every company needs to develop a first class work force. Whether training bakery personnel or developing a knowledgeable sales team, B&CMA offers comprehensive programming for the many diverse experience levels found in the industry.
Source: American Bakers Association
