On November 11, 1901, the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association was established in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was the era of the nostalgic cracker barrel so aptly characterized by B&CMA’s “Biscuit Boy” Trademark.

The B&CMA is an international trade organization representing the entire spectrum of companies involved in the manufacturing of biscuits and crackers and the suppliers to the baking industry. Our mission is to bring unparalleled educational training programs and networking opportunities to members of the cookie and cracker industry.

The basic representation of the membership is found in the governing body of the Association, the Board of Directors.  The Board is responsible for establishing policy and direction of the Association.

Regular - Manufacturers of biscuits, cracker or kindred products located in the United States.

International - Manufacturers of biscuits, cracker or kindred products located outside of the United States.

Allied - Suppliers of products or services to the manufacturers of biscuits, crackers, or kindred products.

Annual Technical Conference - This is the only Conference available with 100% focus on the cookie and cracker industry. The many benefits of this invaluable Conference include the opportunity to: attend numerous educational sessions including Breakout Sessions and Ask the Experts Panels, discuss relevant issues confronting the biscuit and cracker industry; attend the Allied Member Table Top Exhibit and Luncheon; the time to network with colleagues; hear great guest speakers; tour a cookie and cracker bakery, be part of the popular annual golf tournament, and more! The 83rd Annual Technical Conference took place on September 14-17, 2008 at the Marriott Westfields Washington Dulles Hotel, Chantilly, VA, with a tour of the Interbake Foods LLC Bakery in Front Royal, VA.  The 84th Annual Technical Conference will take place September 20-23, 2009 in Charlotte, NC, with a tour of the Lance Inc. Charlotte Bakery.  http://www.thebcma.org/techncl.htm

The Cookie and Cracker Manufacturing Course 2nd Edition - This self-study correspondence Course trains and educates each student in all aspects of the manufacturing/production process.  One of the trademarks of our Course is that our students work at their own pace within a two-year parameter and testing is completed either on-line or via mail.  The Course is targeted towards production supervisors but the information presented benefits anyone who serves in the cookie and cracker industry including suppliers, scientists and sales representatives.  http://www.thebcma.org/educatn.htm

Membership Directory - The Directory is published and distributed annually and contains contact information for all member companies including Domestic and International Baker Members in addition to all Allied Member suppliers to the cookie and cracker baking industry.

Entry Level Training Program - The B&CMA is excited to announce that the Entry Level Training Program for the Cookie and Cracker Industry will be available in a web based format in mid-2009.  Students will be able to choose taking the program in English or Spanish, and it will teach the very basics on four lessons– Ingredients, Mixing, Forming and Baking.  Going web based will provide added convenience for students allowing them to take the lessons at any time from any computer with Internet access.  The program, intended for new hire training and facility-wide refreshers, includes lessons, videos and tests.  For easy monitoring, the individual who will be responsible for managing the program at each facility will have an Administrator Tool that will allow him or her to track the progress of each employee through the lessons.   Each lesson will take the student approximately one to one and half hours to complete.  More information on the program will be available in 2009.

Annual Convention - Attending this Convention provides members an invaluable opportunity to network with fellow executives.  The 2010 107th Annual Convention will be held April 18-20, 2010 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort & Spa, Naples, Florida. 

Webinar Series – The B&CMA held it’s first educational Webinar, Bake & Post Bake Operations – Ask the Experts, on August 7, 2007.  Our second Webinar, Flour Performance, Choice, Consistency and Control was held on June 19, 2008 and was deemed an “overwhelming success” by participants.  Our third Webinar was held on November 6, 2008 covering the topic Statistical Process Control.  New Webinar topics for 2009 will be announced in the first quarter of 2009.

Allied Advisory - Allied Members, an integral part of the Association, provide input to the Association concerning issues of mutual interest. 

Convention Planning - Develops an overall plan and format for the Annual Convention.

Education - Examines the educational needs of the industry and recommends various programs. Participates in developing and organizing the Annual Technical Conference.

Financial Planning - Works closely with the B&CMA staff in developing the operating budget for the Association.

Safety - Review OSHA regulations and trade industry developments.  Responds to proposed regulations. 

Stacey Sharpless, President - mailto:ssharpless@thebcma.org

Kathy K. Phelps, Membership & Student Relations Manager - mailto:kkinter@thebcma.org

Kerry Kurowski, Education & Meetings Manager – mailto:kkurowski@thebcma.org

Vanessa Vial, Administrative Assistant – mailto:vvial@thebcma.org

The B&CMA • 6325 Woodside Court, Suite 125 • Columbia, MD 21046