Driving Solutions for Allied Members at ABA

Fueling the business success of allied members

ABA is prioritizing solutions to help supplier members advance business connections and brand awareness, and to benefit from thought leadership, professionals groups involvement and workforce solutions.

“We are excited about highlighting solutions for our allied members, as they are crucial partners to bakers,” said Jennifer Colfelt, ABA’s Vice President, Operations and Membership. “We are committed to helping the allied members increase their engagement and success.”

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

During ABA’s recent annual convention, the largest in its history, allied members took advantage of the opportunity to engage with bakers and build relationships and collaboration.

Bill Gross, an ABA board member who is President of ATBI (Allied Trades of the Baking Industry), said suppliers had the opportunity to engage with many baker and allied organizations and meet first-time attendees. He added that ABA helped facilitate the business relationships.

“Suppliers and bakers made connections, and already there have been many follow-up meetings,” elaborated Gross, who is Executive Vice President of PPC Flexible Packaging. “If you don’t build those relationships, you can’t get to the next level.”

ADVOCACY SOLUTIONS

Suppliers benefit from ABA’s industry advocacy efforts and its communications updates for members. ABA’s Eric Dell, President and CEO, has been emphasizing the crucial role of advocacy at the federal, state and local government levels to press the industry’s case across the quickly changing regulatory landscape.

“ABA helps the industry speak with a singular voice,” Gross said. “The lobbying helps us stay ahead of developments, and the association shares information with members in real-time.”

PROFESSIONALS GROUPS

Allied member organizations participate in ABA professionals groups and events to understand and influence issues that are top of mind for the industry. Among ABA’s professionals groups are those focusing on Commodity and Agricultural Policy, Energy and Environment, Food Technical Regulatory Affairs, Human Resources and Safety, Legal, Logistics, and State Affairs.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

ABA’s research presentations, webinars, and white papers provide allied members with valuable industry insights. Among recent ABA thought leadership pieces are the Life Through the Lens of Bakery consumer research and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Study.

“ABA’s thought leadership plays a big role in informing us,” commented Gross. “You need to know where your customers want to be headed. This helps you figure out a path for supporting the industry.”

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

ABA supports industry workforces through efforts that range from advocacy to leadership development programs.  

The association fosters development of the industry’s rising leaders at baking and supplier companies through its NextGenBaker program. Areas of focus include professional development, public policy engagement, relationship building, and industry trends education. ABA also drives training for rising plant-level supervisors through its Leadership Development for Front Line Professionals program. For a range of educational options for all levels in a facility, ABA's Bakers Manufacturing Academy offers a wide variety of online training specific to the wholesale baking industry.

“Baker and supplier workforces are crucial to our industry’s success,” Colfelt said. “ABA’s programs for rising leaders help ensure that our industry’s people and companies will meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

PREMIUM ALLIED MEMBERSHIP

ABA’s Premium Allied Membership is specifically designed for supplier members that want to maximize their exposure and brand awareness within ABA. In addition to the standard benefits of allied membership, this comprehensive investment includes a partnership with the ABA staff to tailor a customized, multi-channel strategy. 

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES

Suppliers are encouraged to take advantage of all the opportunities. “ABA’s efforts are invaluable for allied members,” said Gross. “It really helps you grow your potential as a supplier.”