NFL legend Joe Gibbs to address RBA Expo

May 12, 2009, McLEAN, Va. – NFL legend Joe Gibbs will be the
General Session speaker at the 2009 American Retail Bakery Exposition, to be held Oct. 18-20 in
Charlotte, N.C.

Gibbs, the coach of the Washington Redskins, is to speak on Perseverance, Teamwork and Excellence – a fitting topic for the baking industry as it has encountered many obstacles in the last year, including a sour economy forcing bakeries in business for hundreds of years to close their doors; explosive price increases on ingredients leading bakeries to raise product prices in an attempt to sell their way out of difficult times; the opening of specialty shops and the convenience of supermarket bakeries creating a great deal of competition within the industry; and generational bakeries seeing an end in sight to the “family owned and operated” business as younger generations seek out new occupations.

“Our industry is considered a tight fraternity of bakers,” says RBA president Richard Reinwald. “We share ideas to help each other through difficult times. The challenges faced have been grave. It’s time to stop the bleeding.”

Enter Joe Gibbs. With a dynamic personality, relentless work ethic, deep-rooted integrity and a knack for finding business opportunities, success follows him wherever he goes. As a coach, NASCAR team owner, businessman, spokesperson and father, Gibbs excels in every role he plays and makes those around him shine in the process.

In 2004, Gibbs returned to football as the head coach and team president of the Redskins franchise, bringing back his demanding leadership style, tradition of excellence and respect that defined his tenure with the team for 12 glorious years. Gibbs, who first coached the team from 1981 to 1992, turned the Redskins into an NFL dynasty, leading the team to four Super Bowls and winning three titles.

In 1993, he left the Redskins and the NFL at the pinnacle of his career, looking to spend more time with his family and his NASCAR race team, Joe Gibbs Racing, established in 1991. The team would find success similar to what was achieved in the NFL.

In 1986, Gibbs founded Youth for Tomorrow, a faith-based residential facility in Bristow, Va., providing care for at-risk teens ages 11-18. Gibbs’ personal commitment and time at the home has helped turn hundreds of kids away from drugs, alcohol and crime, all while demonstrating that they are each a valuable and important asset to this world.

“Our industry is full of highly skilled, incredibly talented, scientifically and mathematically knowledgeable, extremely passionate people who have a serious love for baking and decorating,” says Aleksandra Syska, RBA’s director of member relations and communications. “Our members are skilled at feeding the multitudes, but are hungry to learn how to persevere.”