Industry Stories

We are amid a time of comparison and contrast, historical significance versus modern-day relevance, work-life balance versus stay-at-home orders, the comfort of an old-fashioned handshake versus the convenience of a video conference call.  While we navigate this period of transition, few of us have the luxury of a compass for guidance, particularly as we navigate something generally deemed “unprecedented.”

The last couple of months have tested us as individuals and as an industry on many levels. Amid the stress and strain, we’ve had an unanticipated benefit of seeing leadership manifest and bloom in unexpected areas.

For some people in the business world, “virtual” signals a temporary compromise made necessary by the COVID-19 crisis. They feel virtual communications and operations need to last only until companies and society can return to “normal,” in-person activities. Kerwin Brown doesn’t see it that way. The President and CEO of BEMA

VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity). These times throw a harsh spotlight on what can and ultimately does get done when ambiguity no longer warrants a spot at the table. Baking manufacturers are on the front-line of this evolution as they manage innumerable real-time elements of VUCA.

Kerwin Brown, CEO of BEMA, explains how BEMA is the "glue" in the industry. "In a time of extreme challenges, we feel incredibly lucky to have a front-row seat as the industry comes together to create and strengthen important connections."

During these challenging times, our members are finding ways to make helpful contributions in their local communities and around the country.

BEMA has aggregated essential resources for info about COVID-19 and leading your workforce through these challenging times.

To give ideas about new careers, the Baking Industry Alliance and USO Pathfinder® hosted an Employment Readiness Workshop for service members on 01/31/20.

In this installment of the blog series discussing the value of BEMA members, CEO Kerwin Brown details how the financial strength of the organization benefits our members.

In this latest installment of posts focusing on the value of BEMA membership, CEO Kerwin Brown discusses the ways that strategic partnerships and alliances provide value.