WESTLAKE, OH — Retail Bakers of America (RBA) has named Amie Smith its new board president. The appointment was confirmed at the association’s annual meeting in Ann Arbor, MI.
She succeeds Scott Calvert, owner of The Cake Plate in Dripping Springs, TX.
Amie attended pastry school at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. She later opened AMIE Bakery in 2014 and expanded the business through AMIE Académie, offering baking and cooking classes. Before joining the baking industry, she worked in high-tech marketing and taught writing at Northeastern University.
“One of the biggest mistakes I made when I started my bakery was not joining the RBA,” Amie said. “After joining, I discovered the treasure trove of available information and resources. Being in the RBA means you aren’t alone, and you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Whatever challenges you have, whatever highs or lows you experienced, whatever formula you need, whatever piece of equipment you’re considering, someone out there has been in your shoes and can guide you. Our members are eager to help and generous with their time and our board is working hard to foster these connections and help ensure our member’s businesses continue to thrive by leveraging our vast resources.”
As board president, Amie will utilize her experience in marketing, branding, writing, and teaching to help facilitate RBA’s growth and brand recognition.
“This year, our annual meeting welcomed several new board members as well as our new executive director, Marissa Sertich Velie,” she said. “The RBA is positioned to continue its mission to connect, educate, and support the baking community while developing new programs to further increase the value of RBA for our members.”
