ABA growth focuses on industry support

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ABA growth focuses on industry support

27 Mar 2025

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

ORLANDO, FL — As the American Bakers Association (ABA)’s 2025 annual convention kicked off in Orlando, FL, the association’s key leaders outlined some of the top challenges facing the industry and the steps ABA is taking to provide support in navigating the rapidly changing landscape.

Along with its more than 375 member companies, ABA also welcomed 130 new attendees to the annual event, held March 23-26.

As baking companies of all types and sizes are challenged with workforce and labor demands, complex technological advances and rapid — often confusing — changes happening with government regulations, convention programming is focused on tools and best practices to guide members.

During his opening address, Bill Quigg, ABA board chair and president and CEO for Richmond Baking and More Than A Bakery, offered attendees real advice on what they’ll gain from their convention experience.

“I can’t promise you will leave here with all the answers,” he said, “but I can assure you that you’ll gain greater insight into the issues we’re facing and how we can all navigate them.”

Quigg pointed out that even before members convened for this event, ABA has been relentless in its advocacy efforts, including holding dozens of meetings between baking industry leaders and members of Congress from both parties.

“We have shared our challenges as an industry,” Quigg said. “We’ve explained how federal decisions have impacted our industry and have made sure the baking industry’s priorities are on the agenda.”

“We will never tire in our dedicated work to fight — and win — for this great industry. Your engagement allows us to propel our industry forward.” — Eric Dell | president and CEO | American Bakers Association

ABA strategic plan update

With the association just a little just more than a year into its five-year strategic plan, Eric Dell, ABA president and CEO, updated members on the plan’s progress and high points as the organization lives into its goal of becoming a champion of the baking industry.

“ABA is hyper-focused on strengthening, elevating and expanding our advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, to promote and protect your interests,” Dell said. “This work consistently positions the baking industry to be a strong voice with legislators at all levels of the government, and it’s paying dividends today and into the future.”

The association successfully launched the first Congressional Baking Caucus in late 2024. The bipartisan group is led by Republican Congressman John Joyce, MD (R-PA-13) from Pennsylvania and Democrat Congressman Don G. Davis (D-NC-01) from North Carolina.

The Caucus, which ABA spent more than a year working to organize, created a united effort in Congress, where the industry can share its views on the issues impacting them the most. It also provides an opportunity for bakers to share their priorities with lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.

“ABA advocacy is not just about party lines,” Dell said. “It’s about working with leaders who understand and support policies that help our industry thrive.”

In the first act as Caucus co-chair, Rep. Joyce introduced the caucus and its work from the House floor, sponsoring a resolution to celebrate bread as a staple of the American diet.

Taxes, tariffs and other policy changes

As taxes, tariffs, nutrition and immigration come to the forefront of policy changes — and impact baking companies on a daily basis — Dell assured ABA members the association is prioritizing stability and predictability in its advocacy efforts.

“It’s more important than ever that we all participate, stay informed and be engaged,” Dell said. “We understand your need for predictability, and the vital role that clear insights and strategic guidance play in helping you make sound business decisions.”

ABA is also prioritizing labor solutions with “destination workforce” as a key element of the strategic plan. In addition to focusing on workforce solutions in its advocacy efforts, ABA also included it as a primary of convention programming. For example, a leadership panel offered insights into creative strategies for workforce development and factors to consider when investing in automation and new technology such as AI.

Although there are many more topics to be covered during the convention, Dell emphasized that the work ABA does is rooted in its membership throughout the year, regardless of the landscape

“We will never tire in our dedicated work to fight — and win — for this great industry,” he said. “Your engagement allows us to propel our industry forward.”

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