USA— The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) has appointed Amie Smith as its new Board President.
Smith, who owns AMIE® Bakery in Osterville, Massachusetts, brings over two decades of experience in corporate marketing and education to her new role.
In her position, Smith aims to enhance the organization’s growth and visibility within the baking community. “One of the biggest mistakes I made when I started my bakery was not joining the RBA,” she remarked.
“After joining, I discovered a treasure trove of information and resources. An RBA membership is something you cannot afford to miss. Being part of the RBA means you aren’t alone; whatever challenges you face, someone has been in your shoes and can guide you.”
Smith’s journey into the baking industry was not straightforward. After spending years in high-tech marketing and teaching writing at Northeastern University, she found herself needing to pivot during the 2008 economic downturn.
This led her to attend pastry school at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan, where she rediscovered a passion for baking that had been dormant since childhood.
In 2014, she opened AMIE Bakery, offering a diverse menu that includes pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, as well as launching AMIE Académie, which provides baking classes to the community.
As she embarks on her presidency, Smith is also working on her first book, which she describes as a blend of storytelling and practical advice for navigating career changes at any stage of life.
“I want to share my journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way,” she stated.
During the RBA’s recent annual board meeting in Ann Arbor, outgoing president Scott Calvert formally passed the gavel to Smith.
He expressed confidence in her leadership, saying, “This year, our annual meeting welcomed several new board members and our new Executive Director, Marissa Sertich Velie. We had a valuable training session led by Zingerman’s ZingTrain program, which helped outline our strategic vision and refine our mission statement.”
Under Smith’s leadership, the RBA is set to continue its mission of connecting, educating, and supporting the baking community.
“Our board is working hard to foster connections and ensure our members’ businesses thrive,” Smith noted. “We are leveraging our vast resources to develop new programs that will increase the value of RBA for our members.”
Founded in 1918, the RBA has been a vital advocate for the retail baking industry, providing training, resources, and networking opportunities to help bakers stay informed about industry trends.
The organization’s community-building platform, RBA Connect, allows members to share knowledge and experiences, fostering a supportive environment for bakers at all levels.
RBA’s focus on education is evident in its commitment to establishing industry standards through professional certification and research, which helps ensure that all members operate at a high level of quality and professionalism.
AMIE Bakery, located in the picturesque village of Osterville on Cape Cod, is known for its commitment to quality, using high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers.
The bakery not only serves a wide range of baked goods but also aims to restore the neighborhood bakery experience.
Smith’s vision for AMIE Bakery extends beyond just food; it includes creating a welcoming space where the community can gather and learn through classes offered at AMIE Académie.
As Smith steps into her new role, the RBA and its members look forward to a future of growth and collaboration under her leadership.
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