The organization also has been instrumental in lobbying for or against government legislation. For instance, BEMA helped establish OSHA and the Workman's Compensation Act. In fact, BEMA adopted sanitation and safety codes before OSHA existed. Sanitation codes were developed about 1948 to protect the baking industry and provide assistance with self-regulation.

As BEMA begins its 91st year, it will continue its policy of givebacks and unselfish dedication to the baking industry. “Since 1918, the members of BEMA have realized the need to provide consumers with the highest quality products and services,” Brown says. “Through the exchange of information, active involvement on committees and participation in educational seminars, BEMA members are continually able to increase the efficiency and sophistication of their equipment while keeping design in adherence with Baking Industry Standards Committee (BISSC) codes.”

The association has remained relevant throughout the years because of its ability to create value for its members-a point made by Ken Newsome, chairman of BEMA and president, AMF Bakery Systems, Richmond, Va. One of the organization's primary goals is to create venues to give equipment suppliers and bakers the opportunity to interact and acquire tools that will help them run their businesses better. BEMA will undoubtedly remain a fundamental part of the baking industry as it continues its path toward the century mark.

1918

BEMA founded to address food shortage created by World War I.

1920

BEMA holds first Bakery Expo in Atlantic City, N.J. with 150 exhibitors.

1925

Third Bakery Expo held with ABA's convention. Largest American expo ever held by baking industry up to this time.

1937

BEMA becomes incorporated; headquartered in Wilmington, Del.

1946

Federal price control regulation affects baking industry. BEMA lobbies for bakery equipment manufacturers' exemption.

1948

Technical committee establishes sanitation codes for BEMA members.

1949

BEMA establishes BISSC to promote sanitation standards. BEMA & ABA co-sponsor Bakery Expo, which draws 271 exhibitors, 10,200 attendees.

1951

National Defense Preparedness Committee formed to advise government on baking industry's metal requirements in the event of national control plan.

1955

Bakery Expo in Atlantic City draws 335 exhibitors, 13,000 attendees.

1961

Bakery Expo includes international experts. Show draws 15,000 attendees.

1962

BEMA actively promotes enriched bread.

1970

BEMA supports Occupational Safety and Health Act and Workman's Compensation Act.

1977

Bakery Expo draws 376 exhibitors (55 international), 16,000 attendees. Energy crisis drives innovation in new energy option machines.

1979

BEMA allocates $50,000 to Wheat Industry Council and begins annual donation to AIB. BEMA and ABA establish $400,000 fund for 1981 Expo for AIB.

1981

Bakery Expo moved to Las Vegas and renamed International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE). Show draws 440 exhibitors, 19,000 attendees.

1985

BEMA establishes scholarship program for baking industry employees. IBIE draws 469 exhibitors, 25,000 attendees.

1986

BEMA members support Kasten Bill to establish uniform federal standards for product liability.

1988

BEMA announces newly developed safety label program. BEMA helps support ASBE's first tabletop exhibit at its annual March meeting.

1989

BEMA takes active role to support Coalition of American Steel Using Manufacturers, an organization seeking removal of quotas that restrict imports.

1992

BEMA membership tops 100. Announces availability of product liability insurance program. Long range planning committee formed.

2000

BEMA opened up membership to all suppliers and changed its logo to reflect that decision.

2002

BEMA's membership exceeds 200 members. BEMA dissolved BEMATech in favor of holding IBIE every three years.

2005

BEMA's offices moved from Wilmette, Ill. to Overland Park, Kan.

2008

BEMA honors those who helped build the organization with Lifetime Achievement Awards at its Winter Summit.