Slidell, LA – The Retail Bakers of America:
Robert Smith – Robert began his career in the baking industry in the 1970s when he took a job at his father-in-law’s retail bakery in South Carolina in order to support his young family. He and his wife Peggy went on to own that bakery for more than 20 years, growing it from eight to 26 employees, making everything from doughnuts to wedding cakes.
In 1990 he sold the bakery and began working with Dawn Food Products for 10 years as a sales manager and training coordinator. Robert joined King Arthur Flour in 2000 as the company’s National Sales Manager for Bakery Flour Sales. His focus was flour sales in the southeastern, central and western United States. He is now the Senior Sales Manager for Bakery Flour Sales. Robert’s inside knowledge of the baking industry proves an invaluable resource in working with bakery clients.
Robert has given back to the baking industry by sharing his knowledge and skills with bakers from across the country. He has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer for the Southeastern Retail Bakers Association. Robert has also served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Retail Bakers of America. “Robert’s service to RBA and the industry make him a very deserving to joing Michael Kalupa and Edward Lee as recipients of the 2012 Emeritus award” says Ken Downey, President of Retail Bakers of America.
Established in 2007, the emeritus membership is designed to honor those individuals who influenced the association and the industry. With numerous baking and decorating professionals, and those of the equipment supplier community, who continue to be active and contribute to the Association and the industry, RBA decided to recognize their work by establishing this honor.
The 2012 Class of Emeritus Members were honored during the general session at All Things Baking held in Houston, TX, September 9 – 11, 2012.
Retail Bakers of America (RBA) – a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade association, caters to retail bakeries, allied suppliers, educators, students and other industry partners, and is committed to the success of the retail baking industry. Founded in 1918, RBA works as the bakers’ business partner and resource provider, and is the nation’s premier source of industry information.
All Things Baking is the national trade show that serves as the industry’s annual marketplace, meeting place and educational forum during the two-year gap in the IBIE rotation. Sponsored by Retail Bakers of America, American Bakers Association and Bakery Equipment Manufacturers Association, this show is an exciting, high-energy event with educational and exhibit offerings focused on keeping baking and food service professionals on the leading edge of consumer trends. Professional bakers, caterers, restaurateurs, pastry chefs, cake decorators, chocolatiers, bakery directors and other culinary professionals are invited to attend to explore the ever-changing art of pastries, desserts and breads; hone their skills and get the information, answers and strategies they need to make their businesses more productive and profitable.
Source: Retail Bakers Of America