The RPIA Group was founded by Rick Crawford, formerly of Crawford’s Wholesale Bakery, Indianapolis, IN, former board member and treasurer of the Retail Bakers of America and four former presidents of the Retail Bakers of America, Mark Atwood, Atwood’s Bakery, Alexandria, LA, Matt D’Agostino, La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes, Edison, NJ, Randy McArthur, McArthur’s Bakery, St. Louis, MO, Larry Merritt, Merritt’s Bakery, Tulsa, OK, and their spouses/business partners. The RPIA Group has had a unique journey through the retail bakery industry. Born in the midst of tragedy during the September, 2001, Bakery Expo in Las Vegas, RPIA has become a virtual co-op that empowers its members not only in purchasing power, but in intellectual pursuits. By uniting retail bakers, RPIA has been able to capitalize on the concentrated buying power represented by its members. Currently, membership in RPIA is limited to retail bakers whose annual revenues are more the $1 million. In addition, members commit to paying all invoices within 30 days of receipt.