members

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

Press Release: Middleby Bakery is pleased to announce the promotion of Blake Colgan to Director of Aftermarket for Baker Thermal Solutions, effective July 13, 2020.

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."

Press Release: Hinds‐Bock President, Derek Pagenkopf, and Middleby Processing Group President, Mark Salman, announce Rod Gregg as Executive Vice President for the Auto‐Bake Serpentine Brand.

In a time of unprecedented need, BEMA is engaging its members to actively support hard-hit community QSRs by providing meals to heroic front-line workers through its member-wide “We Knead You” giveback initiative.

On Thursday, April 16, 2020 supplier members of the Baking Industry Forum gathered to share their insights and experiences via a town hall webinar.

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

It’s no secret that workforce development is a major challenge in today’s baking industry. At IBIEducate we learned that 78 percent of baking companies are reporting a shortage of employees and at IBIE 2019 we awarded BEST in Baking industry awards to companies that are working to tackle this important issue. In addition, we’re working to create a strong workforce in the future through our new Student Immersion Program, which gives emerging industry professionals a taste of the industry and tools to kickstart their careers.