When the going gets tough, true leaders get going. Bakers are facing the toughest economy in recent memory, and those that are doing things right are still excelling in their trade. Modern Baking's 2009 Leadership Award winners are representative of successful action in seven critical facets to operating bakery businesses: commitment to quality, training, marketing, profitability, management, merchandising and industry service. All segments of the baking industry — retail, in-store, foodservice and specialty wholesale — are recognized for best practices in one of the seven categories.

Supporting the bakers are leading allied companies whose products and services reflect their valued contributions. You can view the report here.

Here is the list of the seven categories:
• Commitment to Quality
• Training
• Marketing
• Profitability
• Management
• Merchandising
• Industry Service