Did you know 89% of bakeries focus recruiting

on military veterans?  

This is +10% since the survey was first conducted in 2016. Explore insights into the U.S. commercial baking workforce with this comprehensive, multi-phase study: The Workforce Gap in U.S. Commercial Baking: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions. 

The report draws on interviews, case studies, and a survey of 90 industry executives representing 73% of the U.S. commercial baking sector. Along with consequent follow-up surveys, it highlights key trends, challenges, and actionable steps to address the skills gap and promote industry growth.

These findings equip companies to meet future workforce needs and leverage effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and workforce development. 

Explore more key findings, case studies, and best practices:

Thank you for spending 2024 with us, from BakingTECH to Regional Meet-Ups and everything in-between.

December 6th

Partners in Education

Deadline

Join ASB as a sponsor and help shape the future of the baking industry. ASB fosters innovation, collaboration, and education, offering tailored sponsorship opportunities to boost your brand visibility, connect with industry leaders, and support future professionals. Don’t miss the chance to sponsor BakingTECH 2025.

December 11th

Webinar: Mastering

Whole Grains

Join us live at our December webinar where baking expert Elizabeth Arndt and Master Baker Richard Charpentier will dive into the challenges and solutions for revitalizing whole wheat production. From hydration and dough handling to flavor enhancement, attendees will gain practical strategies to master the complexities of whole wheat baking. 

January 15, 2025 

BakingTECH Advance

Registration Deadline

We’re counting down the days to BakingTECH 2025, happening February 15-18! Don’t miss your chance to save $150 by signing up before the advance registration deadline on January 15. Secure your spot and book your stay at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld® to enjoy unbeatable networking opportunities and easy access to all educational sessions. 

January 15, 2025 

BakingTECH Room

Reservation Deadline

Extend your stay and take advantage of our exclusive hotel rate of $249 per night, available three days before and after BakingTECH (based on availability)! Whether you want to relax by the pool, enjoy a round of golf, or simply bask in the Florida sunshine, this is the perfect opportunity to turn your trip into a mini-getaway. Availability is limited, so lock in your reservation today! 

To keep you informed on important legislative and regulatory issues impacting our industry, ASB is partnered with the American Bakers Association to bring you timely updates.

EPA Finalizes HFC Management Rule

Recently, EPA’s final rule establishing a new program to manage, recycle, and reuse hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was published in the Federal Register. ABA commented on the proposed rule expressing concern about EPA’s proposal to lower refrigerant charge thresholds for leak repair to 15 pounds. 
 
While the revised HFC management program keeps the current annual leak rates for industrial equipment, commercial refrigeration, comfort cooling, refrigerated transport, and other appliances – it lowers the applicable charge threshold to 15 pounds. The new 15-pound charge threshold will nearly double the number of units subject to leak repair provisions.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Steve Berne  

Executive Vice President | Avant Food Media

Steve Berne is a connector. If you've ever interacted with Steve on the phone or at an industry meeting, you know you've made an immediate friend. He has an uncanny knack of bringing people together to make a positive impact in their career.

A member since 1999, he is a tireless champion of ASB and the food industry as a whole. Steve served as co-chair of the 2014 BakingTECH Programming Committee, an event featuring memorable speakers such as a brewmaster explaining spent grains' potential in baking, and the head of NASA’s space food division sharing the nuances of producing safe, nutritious and delicious food for space. 

With a bachelor's degree in Food Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Steve's passion for this industry extends beyond his media career. An avid hiker and mountain climber, Steve and his friend/business partner, Paul Lattan, have climbed some of the most impressive peaks around the world.

At ASB, Steve leads the Membership & Marketing Committee as its 2024 Chair in addition to contributing to ASB's strategy through his Advisory Council role as a past BakingTECH Programming Chair and the 2023 Strategic Planning Task Force. Under his leadership the BakingTECH Ambassador Program will deliver new value to the more than anticipated 200+ first-time attendees and hundreds of new members joining the organization to help them find their place in the ASB Community.

Our hats are off to you, Steve, for your exceptional leadership in the industry and the connections you help make.    

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

American Society of Baking | 1415 Shelby Street, Suite A | Indianapolis, IN 46203 US