The American Bakers Association (ABA), Washington, D.C., announced that Norm Rich, retired president and C.E.O. of Weis Markets and Food Marketing Institute (FMI) vice chairman, will be the retail headline speaker on Monday, April 6, during the 2009 ABA Convention at the Ritz-Carlton Resort on Amelia Island, Fla.

“ABA is extremely fortunate to have highly respected retail grocery leader Norm Rich joining it for the 2009 Convention,” said ABA President and C.E.O. Robb MacKie. “As president and C.E.O. of Weis Markets, Mr. Rich earned considerable recognition for his keen insight into consumer tastes and buying patterns. He will share his perspective on consumers’ buying habits during the current economic turmoil, and how bakers are perfectly positioned to benefit and also help their customers benefit. He also will offer his thoughts on broader trends in the retail grocery business derived from 40 years experience, including 15 years on the board of directors of FMI.”

Rich has held a variety of positions at Weis Markets, including director of in-store bakeries and deli merchandising, director and vice president of store operations, executive vice president and a member of the board of directors before being named president and C.E.O. in 1994.

Weis Markets had sales of $2.3 billion in 2008, has 155 supermarkets and 30 SuperPetz pet supply stores as well as dairy, ice cream and meat manufacturing facilities. He retired from the company in December 2008 and today serves as an advisor and consultant to some companies in the areas of food safety and strategic planning.