| Building What’s Next
2026/27 Business Plan Update |
ASB is entering its next fiscal year (FY2027) with a strategic focus on growth, innovation, and financial sustainability, building on a strong FY2026 performance. |
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The organization projects approximately $2.57M in revenue and a $142K+ operating surplus, reflecting a disciplined approach that balances increased investment with continued financial stability. Key priorities center on expanding education programs, strengthening membership growth, and developing more year-round engagement opportunities that deliver greater value to members and industry partners.
Focused on Growth, Value & Impact
Membership remains a core driver, supported by targeted communications to the various segments represented in the diverse membership, more regional engagement opportunities, and the development of a new organizational membership model designed to expand access across entire companies. At the same time, the creation of a Career Center to address industry workforce challenges and position the organization as a connector of talent, training, and opportunity.
Education continues to be the fastest-growing program offering and FY27 will see significant investment in new hybrid and in-person training programs, digital certificates, and improved content access through the Education Hub. Complementing these efforts are the recent noticeable shifts toward year-round engagement, including new expanded digital content, newsletter features, and new marketing opportunities for both supplier partners and contract manufacturing bakers.
Together, these initiatives are designed to further enhance member value for baking companies and their supplier partners instilling ASB as the central community for education, workforce development, and industry connection for professionals in the commercial and industrial baking industry. |
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Growing Opportunity,
Strengthening Community
As we enter the second year of the ASB New Member Scholarship, we’re continuing to build on the impact your support made possible. So far, we've awarded two scholarships that helped bring new voices into our community and connect them with the BakingTECH experience. This year, we’re hoping to expand that impact and award even more.
Every contribution helps open the door for aspiring bakers and industry professionals to access ASB membership, education, and the connections that shape careers.
“Winning the New Member Scholarship has been truly life‑changing. Attending BakingTECH showed me how full this industry is of amazing people and opportunities, and it inspired me to dream bigger about my future.” — Kailey Jons-Fansler, 2025 Recipient
Thank you for being part of this effort & investing in the future of baking.
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Made Possible By Our Donors |
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July 8th Webinar: Protein & Fiber |
Protein and fiber have become key drivers of innovation as consumers seek foods that support wellness, satiety, and digestive health. Explore the science behind these trends, emerging market influences, and opportunities to develop differentiated bakery products that align with evolving consumer expectations. |
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July 15th Chicago Regional Meet-Up |
Join us at the Rademaker Experience Center for an interactive Regional Meet-Up. This experience combines hands-on learning with meaningful networking, giving baking professionals the chance to explore equipment in action, exchange ideas, and build valuable industry connections. |
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July 20—Aug 17th Mentoring Program Applications Open |
Ready to grow your career and expand your professional network? Applications for the next ASB Mentoring Program open July 20. This five-month virtual program connects emerging and experienced baking professionals through meaningful mentoring relationships that foster leadership, career development, and industry connections. |
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October 19—22nd Commercial Bread Production Course |
Designed for bakers who want a deeper understanding of how ingredients perform at scale, this course breaks down the science behind common production challenges and how to troubleshoot them. The course features online learning paired with a 4 day in-person workshop in St. Louis. |
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Protecting Our Industry
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. |
ABA Launched “Baking Feeds America” Campaign ABA recently announced the launch of its new advocacy-focused communications campaign, “Baking Feeds America.” The campaign was created to elevate the baking industry’s profile among federal and state policymakers and celebrate the longstanding and integral role of baked goods in American life. Developed in partnership with Ogilvy, ABA reinvested proceeds from IBIE into a six-figure initiative designed to share the industry’s story and reinforce key policy priorities with elected officials. Learn More Here |
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| MEMBER TIP: Add Your Photo |
A missing profile photo is one of the most overlooked missed opportunities in professional networking. Personal branding expert William Arruda explained in Forbes that your headshot "makes you real in the often nebulous online world...and allows people to connect with you on a deep, human level."
The numbers back it up. LinkedIn data shows that members with a profile photo earn 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests than those without one.
TAKEAWAY: Add your photo to your LinkedIn and ASB Member Profile. It takes two minutes and sends an immediate signal that you're present, professional, and ready to connect. |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Marc Schulman & Elana Schulman
Eli’s Cheesecake Company |
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In this month’s Member Spotlight, we’re proud to recognize Eli’s Cheesecake Company and two of the family members whose leadership continues to shape its legacy: Marc Schulman, President, and Elana Schulman, Vice President. What began as the signature dessert at Eli Schulman’s legendary Chicago steakhouse has grown into a third-generation, family-owned bakery known not only for its iconic cheesecakes, but also for its unwavering commitment to community, education, and opportunity. Guided by Eli’s belief that “Charity will never bust you,” giving back remains at the heart of the company’s culture.
Marc has led Eli’s Cheesecake Company for more than four decades, building on his father’s vision while expanding the business into one of the country’s premier specialty dessert bakeries. A passionate advocate for workforce development, education, and community partnerships, Marc has dedicated countless hours to organizations that create career pathways for students, individuals with disabilities, and refugees. His leadership reflects the company's longstanding belief that business success and community impact go hand in hand.
Representing the third generation of family leadership, Elana joined Eli’s Cheesecake in 2019 after an award-winning career in food media and culinary training in Ireland. She has helped drive business growth through new product initiatives while championing employee development and workforce programs that create meaningful opportunities for others. Her passion for innovation and people continues to build on the strong foundation established by previous generations.
ASB is grateful for the Schulman family’s continued support of BakingTECH over the years and for partnering with us to make the 2026 Hall of Fame Luncheon even more memorable by providing Eli’s signature cheesecake. Their generosity, leadership, and commitment to the baking industry continue to make a lasting impact on the ASB community.
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American Society of Baking | 4231 W 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268 |
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