Departing Baking Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) executive officer Garry Higgins is leaving the organisation in an improved state after four years in the role.

Garry, who finishes his term in February 2012, told Australian Baking Business that the association was in a more stable financial situation with almost twice the number of members as when he first started. Working alongside an “open-minded” board, he has been able to introduce a range of services for members, including superannuation, finance, training, labour hire and a bakery training network.

With energy prices set to rise, the upcoming launch of a baking energy buying group will also be a major benefit for members.

The introduction and implementation of an online program for improving business skills for bakers has been especially beneficial, Garry said. Baking Associations of Australia executive officer Tony Smith said that Garry had done a good job at the helm of BIAV.

“He’s brought the place back to life and kept the stability with all the initiatives he has put in since,” Tony said. In February the BIAV will host the Easter in the Fruit Bowl event. They are looking at combining their baking show with the Royal Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.