News
Chris Bauman from Le Creuset Named Newest The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance Board Member
Bradley Beach, NJ, Release: August 11, 2021. For Immediate Release The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance is proud to announce the addition of Chris Bauman, Vice President of Finance at Le Creuset to its board. Bauman is a Penn State University graduate and has been in the cookware and bakeware industry for over 17 years. He started his career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers and transitioned into the industry as a financial analyst. As the Vice President of Finance and Accounting, he worked eight years with GroupeSEB, where he focused on the All-Clad and Krups Brands. Bauman then moved to Charleston, South Carolina and joined the Le Creuset team where he currently is the Vice President of Finance and Accounting. He aids in all aspects of the business and corporate strategy. Given the industry he has experience in, Bauman is always conflicted between cooking in his own cookware at home or dining out and indulging in all the creative new dishes that the chefs of Charleston have to offer! When asked about his new role with the CBA, Bauman expressed, “I am really excited for the opportunity to become a member of the CBA Board, both for me personally and for our Brand. I truly feel it will be a mutually beneficial partnership.” The CBA is accepting new members who have a long-term, primary commitment to the cookware and bakeware industry and have a financial, operational, and marketing presence in the U.S. and/or Canada. To learn more about becoming a member of the CBA, visit www.cookware.org/join. About The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA): Founded in 1922, the CBA is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware, bakeware and kitchenware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. The CBA’s mission is to inform and promote the industry to its members, their customers and to the general public. At the core of fulfilling their mission, the CBA Engineering Standards for Cookware and Bakeware are the result of extraordinary voluntary collaboration among member companies in the US and Canada. The standards exist to promote the welfare of the cookware industry and improve its service to the public. The Standards are continually updated to reflect changes in materials and technology. You can learn more about the CBA at www.cookware.org. Contact: Fran Groesbeck Managing Director The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance info@cookware.org
The CBA Member Directory has a new look!
We are proud to announce a better way of featuring our valued The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance members. Introducing our new CBA Member Directory! The directory has a completely new look and navigation for better member representation and searchability for anyone who is looking to connect. New features include: Logo representation for all members Members at a Glance section featuring the logos of members and load in random order Grouping of members by General, Associate, Brand, and Supplier Individual company page listing highlighting key company information Added Other Information section on company pages as an opportunity to submit a brochure, video, or other marketing materials or resources
Announcing the CBA’s New Managing Director
The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce and welcome Fran Groesbeck as the new Managing Director. Fran steps in to fill the position held by Penny Rosema as she retires mid-2021. “Fran brings a career of market experience, from retail, product development and manufacturing” said Andy Padawer, CBA President. “Her industry relationships and experiences will ensure that the CBA will grow and evolve to serve the cookware and bakeware industry. Fran’s ability to foster strong relationships will support our mission at trade shows, with the media, and among consumers.” Fran has spent her career in the housewares world. Starting her career in Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn stores, her big step into the world of housewares was with Macy’s/Federated Product Development as the Product Manager for Tools of the Trade. She went on to become Brand Manager of Hard Home for Frederick Atkins, which led her to the fantastic opportunity at Whitford Worldwide. At Whitford, a leading nonstick coating company, Fran created the Worldwide Retail Marketing Program to provide retailers with the information and tools they needed so they could specify the ideal coating with precision. Over two decades this program was expanded to other countries – and other partners in the industry, including importers and brand owners. The objective of the program was to connect innovators and technical experts at Whitford with the decision-makers and specifiers in the appropriate markets and help solve their problems – sometimes before they even anticipated them! She has had the pleasure to work with retailers, importers, brand owners, and factories around the world. Now she brings that experience to the CBA! Rosema said, “Fran’s experience in housewares product development, manufacturing, retail expertise, collaborative style, and energy made her a perfect fit for this role. Her focus on results makes her the ideal person to promote the interests of CBA members.” As Managing Director, Fran has clear goals for what she plans to accomplish. “I am honored to be selected for this position with the CBA. I can remember the excitement of when I was selected as a CBA member representative, and now to be directly involved in helping to grow and expand this amazing Association is a dream come true. Together with the Board, we have a lot of new ideas in the works. I am looking forward to expanding our membership and connecting with more key industry experts. With a vision of bringing more benefits to our members, growing the reach and recognized expertise of the CBA, and connecting with all key groups of the market, we are ready to go!” The CBA is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware, bakeware, and kitchenware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. The CBA helps develop engineering standards for the industry, disseminates information to all members of the industry, and offers forums for members to learn about the latest advances in manufacturing, retailing, distribution, and materials. For retailers specifically, the CBA has developed a comprehensive series of educational tools, materials about design, care, and much more. Check us out at cookware.org. Contact Information: Fran Groesbeck Phone: 646-372-4660 Email: fran@cookware.org Website: cookware.org