WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Boards of Directors of the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA) today announced approval of resolutions to explore merging the two organizations.
“Both ABA and B&CMA are stable, financially healthy organizations serving their constituents with a wide range of successful programs and services. This initiative seeks to build on each organization’s strengths to achieve a stronger future together,” said ABA Chairman Rich Scalise, Hearthside Food Solutions.“We are very excited about possibly building upon B&CMA’s outstanding education platforms to fill gaps in the broader baking industry’s leadership and technical training regimens.”
“By working together and capitalizing on the strengths of both ABA and B&CMA, we will provide higher levels of service and value for our members and organizations,” said B&CMA Past Chairman Bill Quigg, Richmond Baking Company. “ABA’s extraordinary advocacy program, regular trends research and partnership with the Grain Foods Foundation on the category promotion efforts of the Grain Foods Foundation would all add tremendous value to B&CMA members.”
The year?long process will allow for a thorough examination of potential synergies and benefits of a merged organization. A transition committee will conduct appropriate due diligence; address governance and structural issues; and most importantly seek full and complete feedback from the respective organizations. The Transition Steering Committee will consist of the following members:
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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 |
“What began as general conversations over potential partnerships evolved into wide?ranging discussions over how best to serve our respective members,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “Dave and the B&CMA leadership deserve tremendous credit for their willingness to explore a whole range of options to better serve the broader baking industry.”
“In searching for potential partners to benefit B&CMA members, it was clear the place to be was with ABA,” said B&CMA President & CEO Dave Van Laar. “Rich and Robb have such high integrity we quickly developed a strong trust with their commitment to building a stronger organization.”
“In addition to the enhanced programs the new organization will be able to offer, we are very excited about the capabilities the combined professional staffs will bring to bear for the industry,” MacKie and Van Laar agreed.
The merger plan under consideration would incorporate the programs of the B&CMA within the structure of ABA while maintaining the highly regarded B&CMA brand for its Technical Conference and online learning programs. Additionally, current B&CMA leadership would join the ABA leadership structure at all levels.
According to a timeline reviewed by both the ABA and B&CMA Boards there will be several webinars and survey opportunities to gain input from each groups respective memberships. Additionally, consideration of a final merger recommendation is tentatively scheduled for March 2017 with a closing date of June 30, 2017.
“It is critically important that the members share their feedback on the potential merged organization,” said Scalise and Quigg. “Success will hinge on blending the cultures of ABA and B&CMA and their professional teams. This will be a multi?year effort.”
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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.
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
