The Retail Bakers of America have selected contestants for its 2010 Pillsbury Bakers Plus Creative Decorating Competition, to be held live at the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE).

Representing RBA’s local affiliate associations:


Chicago Area Retail Bakers Association – Chris Andrews, Kirsten’s Danish Bakery, Burr Ridge, Ill.

Deep South Retail Bakers Association – Karey Barela, The Ambrosia Bakery, Baton Rouge, La.

Greater Cincinnati Retail Bakers Association - Camilla Smith, Busken Bakery, Inc, Cincinnati, Ohio

Greater Southwest Retail Bakers Association - Deena Oden, Rick’s Bakery, Fayetteville, Ark.

New Jersey Baker’s Board of Trade - Annemarie Kane, Food Scene, Inc, Colts Neck, NJ

Ohio Bakers Association - Sarah Crews, Ele Cake Company, West Carrollton, Ohio

Upper Midwest Bakery Association - Keeann Martineau , Jerry’s Bakery, Two Rivers, Wis.

Southeastern Retail Bakers Association – To be selected during the local competition held in August

Contestants named by portfolio (open to RBA members in areas not served by a local affiliate or not having a local competition):

Tina Bennett, Vanilla Swirl Cakery, Fairport, NY

Nancy Sepe, Nancy’s Fancies Cakes, Providence, RI

Adam Gonsalves, Bristol Community College, Fall River, Mass.

Rita Llanso, Touche’ Touchet Bakery, Columbia, Md.

Retail Bakers of America – a 501(c)6 not-for-profit trade association located in McLean, VA, caters to retail bakeries, allied suppliers, educators, students and other industry partners, and is committed to the success of the retail baking industry. Founded in 1918, RBA works as the bakers’ business partner and resource provider, and is the nation’s premier source of industry information.  RBA partners with the American Bakers Association and BEMA for the 2010 International Baking Industry Exposition.

Pillsbury Baker’s Plus Creative Decorating Competition – Contestants will compete head-to-head for the championship title in the 10th annual competition, sponsored by General Mills. Held at IBIE in front of a live audience on the tradeshow floor, the competition will be judged based on the following sponsored categories: Flowers and Sprays (Chefmaster), Wedding Cake (Pfeil & Holing), Rolled Fondant (Bakery Crafts), Custom Design Cakes (DecoPac) and Sculpted Cakes (Satin Fine Foods). The highest scoring individual, as determined by a panel of judges, will be awarded the coveted Pillsbury Baker’s Plus Grand Champion Trophy, sponsored by General Mills. Gold, silver and bronze medals will also be awarded for the highest three scores in each category. Over $14,000 in prize money will be awarded to competitors and their sponsoring bakeries and local bakery associations. The awards ceremony, sponsored by the California Raisin Marketing Board, will be held Tuesday, September 28 at the Bellagio Resort and Hotel, 6:30pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling (703) 610-0241 or email[email protected].