IDDBA

It’s the first Tuesday of the month, and that means a brand-new episode of What’s in Store Podcast! In this special episode - the grand finale of our third season and final episode for 2024 - IDDBA President & CEO David Haaf joins host Whitney L. Atkins, VP of Marketing and Membership, for an insightful and forward-looking conversation about the future of the dairy, deli, and bakery industry. With the excitement of IDDBA’s 60th anniversary celebration at #IDDBA2024 in Houston still fresh, David shares what’s next for the association, its members, and the broader grocery and foodservice world. From emerging consumer trends to the growing role of convenience stores and international markets, this episode explores how IDDBA is helping its members understand the future of food retail and find greater successes with innovation, education, and collaboration. Enjoy this preview of our finale, packed with insights, a focus on the future, and some inspiration for 2025. Listen now, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gj7yVxvt Are you an industry professional with an exciting story or insight to share? We’re always looking for guests to join the conversation—drop us a note if you’d like to be featured on a future episode! #Dairy #Deli #Bakery #Grocery #Supermarket #FoodService #Leadership #Trends2025 #Innovation #Technology #EmbracingTechnology

Happy Holidays from all of us at IDDBA! Wishing you a joyful and fruitful season and a new year filled with fresh opportunities, growth, and continued success!

Today, I graduated cum laude from Cal Poly Humboldt with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies! 🎓 Balancing work, family, and education wasn’t easy, but it challenged me to push beyond my limits and reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance. As someone passionate about education and a proud champion of continuous learning at Gelson’s, this accomplishment is a reminder of the importance of leading by example. Education is transformative, no matter your stage in life, and it’s never too late to pursue it. To my family, friends, and colleagues who supported me along the way—thank you for your encouragement and belief in me. A huge thank you to California Grocers Association, National Grocers Association, Women Grocers of America and the IDDBA for every scholarship over the last 3 years! Your investment in education changes lives, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to achieve this milestone without the burden of student debt.

If you haven't had the chance yet, be sure to check out Elizabeth Yerecic Freedman's appearance on the Surfacing Leaders podcast with Marc Koehler! We're always excited when members of the IDDBA community are able to demonstrate their immense knowledge and talent to a wide audience. IDDBA tries to provide many opportunities to do the same for our community, from our IDDBA Webinar Series to the What's in Store Podcast and more. You can check out the podcast on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts; learn more about the IDDBA Webinar Series, here: https://lnkd.in/gTZ8kCzs

Darren Rebelez recently became the newest retailer inductee into the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame, but even though it is his name on the award, the credit, he says, goes to his exceptional team at Casey's General Store. “I’m just one person up here representing all the work of 45,000 team members across our 2,900 stores, many of whom are working tonight as we speak to take care of our guests and our communities,” Rebelez said while on stage last month at the 2024 Hall of Fame ceremony.  Rebelez, a U.S. Army Ranger and Gulf War veteran, began working in the retail and restaurant industries following his time in the military. His first foray into convenience retailing was as a self-described “food guy,” serving a couple of years as a director of foodservice before moving into merchandising and then continuing to rise up the ranks from there.

We are looking forward to having Grace Ritzinger join the IDDBA for the summer. She will be a great addition to the Education and Industry Relations team. David Haaf Whitney L. Atkins Miles Agatha-Currier Jack Ince Michele Tietyen Karen Tinglev-Hansen (Scott)

Did you know that 33% of cookie lovers make impulsive purchases to satisfy their cravings, according to Technomic? Additionally, the aroma of freshly baked cookies attracts 20% of consumers, while 21% seek cookies as indulgent treats. Whether people are looking for a little indulgence or simply can't resist the enticing scent, cookies are a delightful treat that never disappoints. #rise #risebakingcompany #createspecialmoments #cookie #cookies #cookiecravings #indulgeyourself #freshlybaked

As the holiday season tiptoes closer, bakery aisles become magical places—filled with the promise of celebration, nostalgia, and joy. Cakes, cookies, and desserts aren’t just treats; they’re traditions, they’re memories, they’re love served on a plate. Take this Grinch cake, for example. It’s more than frosting and fondant. It’s the sparkle of a child’s eyes as they spot it in the bakery case. It’s the laughter of families gathered together, carving out moments of connection in a busy world. It’s the kind of dessert that makes even the grinchiest of hearts grow a little bigger. This season, let’s embrace the whimsy, the wonder, and the magic that only bakery teams can bring to life. Because what we create isn’t just desserts—it’s the centerpieces for stories that will be told for years to come. Here’s to making hearts full, homes warm, and holidays unforgettable—one sweet creation at a time. Happy Holidays to All!!! #HolidayMagic #BakeryInspiration #WhimsyInEveryBite #GrinchyGoodness #iddba #BakeryBusiness #CakeDecorating #Holiday2024 #Christmas #Celebration #MakingMemories #Joy

The YL Pride Award is an annual recognition at Yerecic Label that honors team members who embody our Core Values: Continuous Improvement, Team Values, Stewardship, Agility, and Growth. This year, we are proud to recognize Daniel Painter, Facility Coordinator at our Arizona Facility, for his leadership, dedication, and inspiring commitment to these values. Check out the attached graphic for more words from Josh Yerecic on Dan’s incredible journey and contributions!

Behold the Charcutertree: the edible centerpiece that’s a total showstopper! Decorate it with your favorite Dietz & Watson goodies and make it the star of your holiday gathering. ⭐️ Featuring delicious delicacies like our Champagne Cheddar Cheese and Proscuitto—you’ll be rockin’ around the Charcutertree this holiday season. Not to mention, it’s much tastier than rocking around a regular tree. 🎄😉 Find this recipe, and other festive tips & tricks at our website! https://lnkd.in/etPY3Kcj #DietzAndWatson #CPG #Quality #Foodie