Media Contacts:

Sarah Miller, Director of Marketing, Sarah@OrganicSugars.biz, 281-275-3146 

Monica E. Clem, Marketing Communications Coordinator, Monica@OrganicSugars.biz, 281-275-3120

Bobbie Lynn Kahara may be new to the marketing group at Wholesome Sweeteners but she is no stranger to the company. Prior to her position as Events and Promotions Associate Marketing Manager, Bobbie was in the customer service department of the organization for approximately four years. During this time, she had an opportunity to engage with customers on a daily basis, developing an immense appreciation for their needs and expectations, which she feels will benefit her in her new role.

When Bobbie learned of the opening in marketing she decided to apply for the position because she was keenly interested in expanding her knowledge of the operations of the company and felt she could leverage the skills she has acquired during her many years in customer service.

“We are thrilled to have Bobbie join our team,” remarked Pauline McKee, Vice President of Marketing for Wholesome Sweeteners. “Her prior experience and understanding of our customers and the industry will enhance our marketing efforts and be a huge asset to the company.”

Bobbie’s responsibilities are focused on managing the planning, scheduling, organization and co-ordination of all trade shows, consumer exhibitions, promotions, demonstrations, and marketing events for the company. This is no small task since the company attends approximately 30 trade shows and expos a year.

“Previously, I usually worked with customers via email or over the phone so trade shows provide a wonderful opportunity to meet with our customers face to face,” said Bobbie.

Bobbie has learned that the typical consumer customer for Wholesome Sweeteners is more informed about the food he or she purchases and consumes. She recognizes that customers have different reasons for choosing Wholesome Sweetener products. It may be because the products are organic, or support Fair Trade, or perhaps because they are non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) certified.

“While working in customer service, I frequently heard from customers who were very appreciative of the selection of sweeteners we provide,” Bobbie proudly states. “I think that’s what makes us unique is that we offer such a large selection of products – everything from low-glycemic to zero calories to agaves, honeys and syrups.”

Bobbie shares that she enjoys learning new things and that is the main reason she applied for the marketing position. It’s clear to those who work with Bobbie that she truly enjoys interacting with customers.

Since she began working at Wholesome Sweeteners, Bobbie admits she has developed a strong appreciation for the importance of organic and natural foods.

“I have made a number of changes in my lifestyle.” She adds “I’m now very conscious of how and where I shop and what types of food I purchase for my family. I also recognize the significance of shopping at local farmers markets and patronizing restaurants that serve local meats and produce. I know that making these small efforts will benefit not only my family, but the community and the environment.”

Currently, Bobbie is coordinating the company’s attendance at the annual Natural Products Expo East, taking place in Baltimore later this month. The company has exhibited at the show for a number of years and it is one of the biggest trade shows the company attends. This is the first large trade show that Bobbie is responsible for managing and her excitement is evident, partly because the company will be introducing several new products at the show.

Although she spent most of her childhood growing up in Maine, Bobbie has been in Houston for more than 20 years. Bobbie and her two sisters moved to Texas after their mother decided that the family needed a change. She laughs as she explains that her mother couldn’t have picked a place more different from Maine than Houston.

She recounts how her mother quickly acclimated to Houston. According to Bobbie, “I don’t think we were here for more than a week when my mother bought a bumper sticker that read ‘I wasn’t born in Texas but I got her as fast as I could’.”

Bobbie concludes by sharing that her new job is just about perfect for her because it allows her to learn the marketing side of the business but she can still frequently engage with customers – something she has grown to enjoy immensely.-Carlos Arcos