McLean, VA - The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) is excited to announce changes in its organizational structure designed to adjust to the changing needs of its members and the baking community. The RBA will be relocating its headquarters to Slidell, LA (suburban New Orleans) on March 1, 2011.

Since 2005, RBA has been managed by the Association Management Group (AMG), a Washington, D.C. area firm specializing in non-profit associations. There has been considerable progress under the AMG management, but several dynamic changes have led the Board of Directors to approve a strategic move including:

• RBA completed a solid partnership with the American Bakers Association (ABA) and BEMA in a very successful 2010 IBIE show in Las Vegas
• RBA is launching a new concept “All Things Baking” show with the same partners in suburban Chicago this October
• A partnership was formed with ISupport TV and Multiview to make the RBA website more dynamic and an improved member resource while creating a revenue source for RBA

These factors weighed in on the decision of the Board of Directors to return to independent management. In addition, the RBA recently complete a strategic planning where key membership programs were identified, including actions needed to promote and protect industry resources.

The New Orleans area was chosen as it provided a more east to west centralized locations; it is in an area of strong RBA affiliate organizations; it has a very advantageous employee base; and the cost of doing business more closely fits the RBA membership than the Washington, D.C. area. Aligning the operational structure and costs will allow RBA to continue to provide top-level education, valued affinity programs for members, a communication link, a watchful eye on governmental actions, a strong certification program, and new and exciting programs identified during the strategic planning process.

RETAIL BAKERS OF AMERICA (RBA) - a 501(c)6 not-for-profit trade association catering to retail bakeries, allied suppliers, educators, students and other industry partners, and is committed to the success of the retail baking industry by improving the operation and profitability of retail bakeries. Founded in 1918, RBA works as the bakers’ business partner and resource provider, and is the nation’s premier source of industry information.  RBA is at www.retailbakersofamerica.org.