The merger of the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers' Association (B&CMA) was approved after the organizations received unanimous consent from their respective Boards of Directors and memberships.

To commemorate this significant moment, a signing ceremony was held during the 2017 ABA Convention's All Membership Meeting featuring the members of the Transition Steering Committee:

ABA:
Rich Scalise, Hearthside Foods
Erin Sharp, Kroger Co.
Robb MacKie, ABA president

B&CMA:
Bill Quigg, Richmond Baking Co.
Todd Wallin, Ellison Baking Co.
Dave Van Laar, B&CMA president

"Together, we will be a stronger, unified organization that will offer enhanced, comprehensive services to meet the needs of our members and the baking industry," said B&CMA president and CEO Dave Van Laar. "It has been an incredible journey thus far and we are eagerly looking forward to this next phase of transitioning into an enhanced, merged organization for our members."

"The Transition Steering Committee has done an outstanding job over the past year to complete its due diligence and ensure the voices of the ABA and B&CMA members were heard," said ABA president and CEO Robb MacKie. "It is very clear that there are tremendous synergies and that combining our two organizations will return significant added value for the industry."

As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding approved by the ABA and B&CMA's respective memberships, the merger closing date will be June 30, 2017. Prior to this date, there will be several forums offered to the ABA and B&CMA members to learn more about the benefits of the merger and the opportunities it presents to their companies.

Learn more about the benefits of the ABA B&CMA merger.