MCLEAN, VA. — More than five years after engaging an association management group, the Retail Bakers Association last week said it was changing its organizational structure and returning to independent management.

With the change, the company will relocate its headquarters to Slidell, La., a suburb of New Orleans, effective March 1.

The group has been managed since 2005 by Association Management Group, a McLean-based group specializing in non-profit associations.

“There has been considerable progress under the A.M.G. management, but several dynamic changes have led the board of directors to approve a strategic move,” R.B.A. said.

In particular, the R.B.A. cited:
o It’s partnership with the American Bakers Association and BEMA in the 2010 International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas
o The new “All Things Baking” show to be launched with the same partners in suburban Chicago this October
o A partnership formed with ISupport TV and Multiview aimed at invigorating the R.B.A. website, making it an improved member resource while creating a revenue source for the R.B.A.

“These factors weighed in on the decision of the board of directors to return to independent management,” the R.B.A. said. “In addition, the R.B.A. recently completed a strategic planning where key membership programs were identified, including actions needed to promote and protect industry resources.”

The group said it selected New Orleans as a more centralized location (east to west). Additionally, the association said it is in an area with strong R.B.A. affiliate organizations; it has a very advantageous employee base; and the cost of doing business “more closely fits the R.B.A. membership than the Washington, D.C. area.“
Individuals who will manage the R.B.A. going forward were not named in the announcement.