Sign the Baker Letter to Congress

The Senate may take up the 2012
Farm Bill this week! If so, there is little time remaining to sign on to
the retail baker letter urging the Senate to support reforming the current U.S. sugar
program. If you have already signed on to this letter, THANK YOU!
There is no need to sign on again, although please send this out to other
retail bakers and urge them to sign on as well. If you haven’t yet signed
on, it’s quick and simple, and there is still time! To view the letter
and to see those who have already signed on, click here.

For more information on this issue, please see the below

As you know, the current sugar program forces you to typically pay
twice the world average for sugar. The program has led to 125,000 lost
jobs in the U.S.
between 1997 and 2010 (U.S. Department of Commerce) and an increased cost of
over $3.5 billion dollars a year to consumers. It also creates a
competitive advantage for baked goods produced outside of the U.S. and placed
on grocery store shelves in your community. The Canadian government has
even created a brochure
detailing the economic benefits of relocating to Canada to enjoy
a 30 to 40 percent decrease in the cost of sugar.

All the facts point to the need to reform this archaic program, but Congress
has yet to act. They need to hear from you! Please take a moment to
sign on to the letter addressed to Congress supporting the need to reform the
current U.S.
sugar program. To view the letter, click here. This letter will
go to all members of Congress On April 25, 2012. In order to make an
impact, we need hundreds of bakers from across the country to sign on. Some of you have already signed
on to the letter – if so, thank you (click here
to see the growing list of bakers who have signed on to the letter)! If
not, click here to sign on to this letter.

We’re getting very close to the boiling point. Constant pressure has been
applied to Congress and many are supporting reform. There are some that
would rather this issue just go away so they wouldn’t have to deal with it –
it’s these members of Congress who will benefit most from receiving this letter
signed by hundreds of bakers from across the country. Let’s not let them
get off easy…

ABE2012 – What a huge SUCCESS!

The Atlantic Baking Expo was a huge success for both Vendors
and Attendees! The registration for the show was over 20% from ABE 2010
show! All of the vendors I spoke are very excited with the amount of
leads they gathered and are expecting some great results. The Expo
committee did a great job this year and a big “Thanks” goes out to George
Delaney and Joe Gifoli for leading the way! Preparation for the 2014 show
has already begun and it is expected to be even bigger and better than this year!

Let’s not forget a big “kudos” for the folks manning our
booth! There was always a smile on their faces when walking by!
Great job to Pat Philbin, Jim Usilton and Gina Graenert, a long time friend and member of the NJBBT,
for spreading the word while handing out all of our goodies! Thanks to
King’s Supermarkets for donating cases and cases of water! And let’s not
forget Mr. Happy with his Popcorn and Cotton Candy machines going full blast
from open to close each day. Thanks Jay!

Eric Littenberg – NJBBT President

The New Jersey Bakers Board of Trade is dedicated to the promotion of the baking industry in the state of New Jersey.

Established in 1918, NJBBT was originally organized to serve as an association of retail bakers. Today, we’re committed to serving all who are in the business of baking and pastry arts.

Whether you are a neighborhood baker or a super-market decorator, a wholesale baker or a food service pastry chef, NJBBT invites you to become a member. Membership is open to any retail or wholesale organization involved in the baking industry. Student Memberships are available for high school, vocational/technical school and college students enrolled in any baking or pastry arts program. For more information or to become a member, click here.

We help our members not only survive, but SUCCEED!

Our commitment continues to the next generation of bakers offering students majoring in the pastry arts generous scholarship awards.