Energy Star Top of Mind for Bakers 

"Partnering with EPA's Energy Star program is an opportunity providing bakers with another tool to better understand their energy management," said Jerry Hancock, vice president of regulatory & environmental affairs for Flowers Foods and co-chair of the ABA Energy & Environment Committee. ABA will be facilitating a process to help the baking industry develop an energy performance indicator that could be used by the industry to save energy and improve its efficiency. In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced Energy Star as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Today, almost 20 years later, the Energy Star program has developed tools for general food processing, juice processors, frozen fried potato processors, cookies and cracker bakeries and is also working with the dairy industry. The ABA Energy & Environment Committee discussed developing these tools and resources to help improve energy efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions during its May meeting.

With research showing rampant use of Smartphones while driving, as employer of drivers, you can't afford to miss this Webinar.

Every single day in the U.S. SMARTPHONE USERS:

• 38% compose text messages while driving.
• 40% read at least one text message while driving. 
• 25% read emails while driving.
• 40% admit to writing emails while behind the wheel.

Why Participate on June 7th?

• Learn why it's necessary to establish a distracted driving policy 
• Learn about the current statistics and legislation
• Learn how to implement a distracted driving policy 

"Research shows that tasks that take the driver's eyes off the road for as little as 2 seconds increase crash risk. And when an employee driver gets into a crash - it's his or her employer who foots the sky-high bill." Source: Strategy Analytics, a leading consulting firm focused on automotive transportation, March 9, 2011 
 

Register Now!

 Call in number will sent to all registrants at a later date. 

ABA Joins GMA in Filing Comment Extension Request on Response to Interagency Working Group Proposed Principles on Marketing to Children 

ABA Sends Letter to Gov. Kitzhaber on Federal Preemption of Oregon Bread Standards 

On May 16, ABA submitted a letter to Oregon Gov. Kitzhaber and Director of the Department of Agriculture Katy Coba regarding federal preemption of the Oregon Bread Standards, as related to recently-passed House Bill 3334 that is on the way to Gov. Kitzhaber for his consideration. ABA wanted to alert officials that the Oregon law the bill would amend is preempted by Federal law, and the amendments proposed by the bill would not fix the issue.  Specifically detailed in ABA's letter, Oregon's prohibition against the manufacture and sale of non-enriched bread, rolls, and buns is preempted by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as it unlawfully establishes requirements for these foods that are different from the standards of identity for bread, rolls, and buns under Federal regulations promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, Oregon law unnecessarily restricts consumers' access to natural bread products made with whole grains. ABA urged that, rather than enacting House Bill 3334, Oregon should amend or repeal the relevant sections of Oregon law in order to avoid this conflict with Federal law, and to allow its citizens access to a broad range of wholesome and natural bread products. 

ABA and GFF Help Launch "Healthy Kids, Healthy Flavors" Program

Last week, the American Bakers Association (ABA) partnered with the Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) as program sponsors of the inaugural "Healthy Kids, Healthy Flavors" conference.  Hosted by the Culinary Institute of America and the National Restaurant Association, the event kicked off a national initiative to improve the health of children and young people through food education, culinary strategy, and flavor insight.  Attendees included restaurant representatives, foodservice providers, child nutrition experts, and leaders from more than 35 school districts and educational facilities from across the country.  ABA and GFF members were excited to participate as ambassadors of the industry, and will continue to stress the importance of grain foods as the group works toward healthier meals at school and beyond.

ABA Staff Tours Baltimore Facility of Longtime Member H&S Bakery

Last week, a group of the ABA professional staff visited H&S Bakery Inc. in Baltimore, Md. where V.P. of Operations Philip Bain treated the group to an extensive and informative tour of the Bond Street location. The group had the opportunity to visit with JR and Chuck Paterakis at the H&S corporate office as well. "We really enjoy the opportunity to see our members' operations first-hand and learn the intricacies of how different bakeries operate," said ABA Director, Marketing & Membership Services Kelly Kotche.  

"What I enjoy the most is learning the history of some of the bakeries - each one has its own unique story," added ABA Vice President, Membership Services Karin Soyster Fitzgerald. "Seeing ABA member company logos on equipment, ingredient containers, and such, tied the whole process together for our new interns visiting the bakery."

Check out the 2011 Convention Photo Gallery!

Check Out the Digital Edition of the 2011 Convention Bulletin!

 

ABA is taking the unprecedented step of asking all bakers to immediately contact the CFTC to implement rules enforcing contract limits on index funds. Please take a couple of minutes to visit ABA's RisetoAction.org grassroots Web site. The risk to your business is too great to not invest those couple of minutes.

      

For over 80 years Pfeil & Holing has supplied the baking professional with all the essential Novelty Cake Decorations,Seasonal Cake Decorations, Royal Icing Decorations, Royal Icing Roses, Molded Sugar Decorations, Wedding Cake Top Ornaments, Pastry Bags, Gumpaste Flowers, Bakery Supplies, Pans and Utensils.

Contact: David Stricker, President  davids@cakedeco.com | (718) 545-4600

www.cakedeco.com

Upcoming ABA Meetings 

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