Washington, DC—The American Bakers Association (ABA) announced Publix President Todd Jones as the retail speaker for their upcoming Annual Convention, planned for March 14-17 in Boca Raton, Florida. Jones will speak on the topic of “Bakers and Retailers: Collaboration for Success” during the March 15 morning business session.
“In the year after taking the helm of Publix Supermarkets Todd Jones has faced enormously challenging economic,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. “He will share with convention attendees the current status of Publix’ markets and the company’s strategies to overcome the challenges they face.”
Todd Jones began his career with Publix Super Markets, Inc. in 1980 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, working part-time as a front service associate while attending high school. He progressed through the ranks of retail management, spending ten years as a store manager. He then expanded his knowledge of operational leadership while escalating through the positions of district manager, regional director, and vice president of the Jacksonville division. In 2005, Jones was promoted to senior vice president of product business development and, in 2008, he was promoted to his current position of president. As president, he is responsible for the retail operations and supply chain functions for the company.
“Mr. Jones will specifically discuss how Publix’ multi-pronged approach in the baking category has contributed to successfully meeting the demands of its customers,” MacKie continued. “He will address key retail initiatives on sustainability, food safety and nutrition, as well as the importance of closer collaboration between retailers and bakers to bring healthy, wholesome and fun products to the market.”
Governor Jeb Bush to Headline ABA Annual Convention
Washington, D.C.—The American Bakers Association announced former Governor Jeb Bush as the keynote speaker for the Annual Convention.
“Governor Bush will be a tremendous source of insight and inspiration to our members, and we are thrilled to have a leader of such caliber participating in our event,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. “His experiences as a former business leader and two-term statewide executive will be invaluable to the baking industry's leaders during this very critical time for our country.”
Bush, who served two terms as Florida’s governor from 1999 to 2008, is known for his sweeping reforms that opened the doors for new business and created a thriving environment for entrepreneurship. With the convention theme “Leading in Times of Change,” Mr. Bush’s address will focus on the importance of business and government cooperation in solving policy-making challenges.
The heart of his success as governor is his ability to inspire citizens, business people and policy makers to embrace change as the only way to take charge of the future. In the face of inertia and entrenched interests, he
reformed traditional institutions such as education and health care.
“The baking industry, like many others, has found itself tested recently by the unpredictability of today’s economic climate,” MacKie continued. “We are looking forward to hearing guidance from Governor Bush as to
how we can improve our partnership with government leaders for the benefit of our businesses.”
The 2010 ABA Convention promises to be the premier industry event of the year. The theme of “Leading in Times of Change” reflects the fiscal and political challenges facing the country. The convention speakers and presenters will provide the tools the industry needs to help lead the industry and the country overcome the current economic conditions. ABA’s Annual Convention will bring together hundreds of leaders from America’s baking businesses and their suppliers for five days of networking, idea exchange, and working sessions. Registration is ongoing through February 12th, and open to both members and prospective members. More information can be found at www.americanbakers.org.
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, state legislatures and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of over 200 companies – both baking companies and their suppliers. The baking industry generates more than $70 billion in economic activity annually and employs close to half a million highly skilled people.