Modifications to the retail bakers organization include moving to a totally virtual office, getting out of trade shows and shifting the focus back to education.
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The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) has made several key changes in recent months to keep the organization viable in the years to come, including moving to a virtual office, getting out of trade shows and shifting the focus back to education.
Below are the major modifications taking place at RBA.
- Reduced staff by 45 percent. The office hours have been reduced to accommodate reduced staffing. The new office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST.
- Moving to a virtual office in 2013. The board and staff moving to a completely virtual office in 2013, with plans underway to transition staff to working from home.
- Focus on education and certification. The board has decided to shift RBA’s focus back to education and certification, with a plan to take its educational programs around the country through RBA Roadshows. Spearheaded by RBA members Beth Fahey and Lynn Schurman, the business model was unveiled Dec. 2 in Chicago. Read about the Roadshow launch. The second Roadshow is planned for March 3, 2013, in Seattle.
- Getting out of the trade show business. The organization will continue to build on its existing relationships with IBIE, ABA and BEMA, providing them with education at their show in 2013 and beyond.
These changes will help “ensure the future of RBA,” wrote Ken Downey in a message to members on Dec. 17.
