Dear Friends and Colleagues,

When AIB International was founded 98 years ago, it had a truly unique mission: to put science to work for the baker. That close alignment with the needs of the customer and AIB’s second-to-none technical expertise is something that has carried forward as the organization serves the broader food industry today.

Though AIB International is a very different organization than it was almost a century ago, our objectives have remained consistent: provide quality service and support, and focus on education to foster growth. This is how AIB continues to meet the needs of a fast-changing industry—by investing in our core relationships and placing a high value of trust on our clients.

In 2016 the organization listened more closely to the voice of our customers around the world. It was a year where we contributed to our customers’ profitability. The consumer has clearly challenged the baking and food industry to chart a new path toward offering more satisfying and safe consumables. For AIB, this means sharpening our core skills and acquiring the non-traditional skills that will position us to respond as our customers demand.

The baking, food, and beverage markets worldwide are undergoing a tremendous amount of change and AIB strives every day to expertly assist the industry. That support includes: customer product formulations, process improvements, sanitation standards, food safety, labeling, employee training, research, and the latest information on regulatory changes to help our clients keep pace.

As Chair of AIB International’s Board of Trustees, I can say that we approach AIB’s challenges with a sense of urgency and confidence in our knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm to drive growth and improvement in the food industry. Two years ago, the Board of Trustees approved a significant investment in two initiatives: expanding our international footprint with personnel and services, and upgrading the Manhattan, Kansas, campus. Both of these assets will be critical to our future success.

Looking now to 2017, the Board of Trustees and AIB International’s President will continue to execute their shared vision to direct AIB’s growth in baking, food and beverage, as well as expand AIB’s product lines and reestablish financial stability. Simply put, AIB must nurture its core business activities, capitalize on the organization’s strengths and find new products and services to provide to our clients. We will build and sustain further industry and customer relationships by providing great products and services. This is the foundation of AIB International’s business.

It’s a privilege and an honor for me to serve as the Chair of AIB International’s Board of Trustees, and to guide this great organization and its employees to the next level of performance and growth.

Thank you for your commitment,

- John N. Riesch
Chair, AIB International Board of Trustees