Phil Lempert, CEO of the California-based Retail Dietitians Business Alliance (RDBA), and Jeff Friedman, vice president and group brand director of Illinois-based Progressive Grocer, announced the formation of a strategic alliance between the two entities.

The combined knowledge base and resources of RDBA and Progressive Grocer's Retail Dietitian Connect (RDC) will allow them to jointly develop new cutting-edge resources that help retail dietitians succeed in the burgeoning North American retail dietitian market.

RDBA has over 1,900 members and is a subsidiary of Consumer Insight, Inc., parent of SupermarketGuru.com. Its portfolio includes the RDBA weekly eNewsletter, webinars, EduTrac self-learning modules, in-person networking events at FMI Connect and the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, surveys, and custom on-site training for retailers.

RDC is a multifaceted platform dedicated to serving the information and networking needs of the retail dietitian community. Centered around its annual Retail Dietitians Symposium, it also produces a monthly eNewsletter, monthly columns in Progressive Grocer magazine, the RD Share Group and website, and multiple educational webcasts throughout the year. Progressive Grocer is also accredited to offer continuing education credits to food retail dietitians.

"This unique partnership combines the forces of our two powerful and respected organizations which have unique and non-competitive offerings," said Lempert. "Together we will raise the bar for brands who understand the importance of developing a relationship with the retail dietitian community, as well as provide outreach to students in nutrition programs in order to attract them to join our retail industry."

"The entire Progressive Grocer team is excited to to be working with Phil and RDBA," said Friedman. "It makes perfect sense for our audience and our business partners that we join forces in advancing the cause of retail dietitians and the vital role they play in the grocery industry. We are now able to bring the food retail dietitians the most complete offerings to enhance their careers and development in North America."

For more information, visit www.retaildietians.com or www.progressivegrocer.com.