The Retail Bakers of America announces Robert Smith joins the 2012 Class of Emeritus members.

Smith began his career in the baking industry in the 1970s when he took a job at his father-in-law’s retail bakery in South Carolina in order to support his young family. He and his wife Peggy went on to own that bakery for more than 20 years, growing it from eight to 26 employees, making everything from donuts to wedding cakes.

In 1990 he sold the bakery and began working with Dawn Food Products for 10 years as a sales manager and training coordinator. Smith joined King Arthur Flour in 2000 as the company’s National Sales Manager for Bakery Flour Sales. His focus was flour sales in the southeastern, central and western United States. He is now the Senior Sales Manager for Bakery Flour Sales. His inside knowledge of the baking industry proves an invaluable resource in working with bakery clients.

Smith has given back to the baking industry by sharing his knowledge and skills with bakers from across the country. He has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer for the Southeastern Retail Bakers Association. He has also served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Retail Bakers of America.

“Robert’s service to RBA and the industry make him a very deserving to joining Michael Kalupa and Edward Lee as recipients of the 2012 Emeritus award,” says Ken Downey, President of Retail Bakers of America.

Established in 2007, the emeritus membership is designed to honor those individuals who influenced the association and the industry. With numerous baking and decorating professionals, and those of the equipment supplier community, who continue to be active and contribute to the Association and the industry, RBA decided to recognize their work by establishing this honor.

The 2012 Class of Emeritus members were honored during the general session at All Things Baking held in Houston, TX.