It has been an honor and joy these past twenty-seven years, the past 17 as President and CEO, getting to know this industry – and the spectacular people that power it. As I approach the end of my chapter with ABA, I can’t help but think about everything we’ve accomplished together to advance this noble industry.
First and foremost, our highly skilled team of professionals, with your strong support, has worked every day to protect this great industry from massive government overreach. We also have worked tirelessly to strengthen the industry through education, business networking, and developing innovative solutions to your challenges. We have made great strides during that time, thanks to passionate leaders, growing partnerships, and substantial business investments.
ABA’s engagement has grown with so many organizations. The ATBI (Allied Trades of the Baking Industry), BEMA (Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds), and the North American Millers Association (NAMA) in particular. There are so many other organizations — too many to mention here — that are part of this industry’s vital ecosystem.
We’ve also benefitted from involvement with organizations in the broader food and business communities. I’ve seen it firsthand through our work in leadership roles with the Food & Beverage Issue Alliance and the National Association of Manufacturers. I’ve seen the power of like-minded organizations coming together to drive meaningful results.
One of our most significant areas of focus has been making sure the industry is always in the room and active when important decisions are being made. This strategy has served us well. Throughout my time at ABA, it involved protecting industry interests with Congress, OSHA, FDA, and the Agriculture Department. It will be vitally important to build on this momentum to ensure the industry’s voice is always heard.
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of your response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You pushed the envelope every day to ensure employees remained safe and the country was fed. ABA’s professional team worked with over 50 food, beverage, and supply chain associations to ensure Americans had access to essential foods. You should be so proud of all these efforts. You have demonstrated how strong and resilient this industry is.
As ABA celebrates its 125th anniversary, the association is stronger than ever, especially by its merger with the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA) in 2017. We truly are Stronger Together.
As I move forward to fulfill my commitment to my family, I am extremely optimistic about the future of this great industry. By convening the entire baking industry supply chain, ABA is on the launch pad to a bright and exciting future. With the professional team, outstanding and engaged industry leaders, and a new President, ABA will overcome whatever challenges lay ahead and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.
My family and I thank you for the incredible honor and privilege of being a temporary steward of this amazing organization for the past 17 years.
