When restauranteur and Culinary Institute of America trained Chef Kimberly Snow developed an intolerance to gluten, she set out on a personal mission to ensure Celiac Disease and her journey to good health never got in the way of her enjoyment of food. Today Aleia’s Gluten Free Foods crafts certified gluten-free products that taste not only as good as their gluten-filled counterparts, but better.

Aleia’s artisan cookies, versatile bread crumbs, real panko, crunchy croutons, flavorful stuffing mixes and wholesome breads were immediately well-received by the marketplace and the Aleia’s team was encouraged to approach national-level providers. “We met with the Whole Foods Market, and they liked our products, inviting us to become providers,” shared Kim. “From there, our growth was inevitable. We were going to need more ovens, more refrigerators and more room. We were going to need a partner bank who wanted to grow with us … and we found that partner in Guilford Savings Bank (GSB).”

“Kim’s vision was immediately clear,” shares Renee Pallenberg, SVP, Director of Marketing and Cash Management with GSB. “A passionate entrepreneur, leader and mentor, it was an honor to be a financial partner through Aleia’s growth. By being able to provide cash management services, we sought to provide efficiencies, so Kim, the company’s CFO Theresa, and the rest of the Aleia’s family could focus on developing and producing the best gluten-free products on the market.”

“We’ve consistently grown with every year,” concludes Chef Snow. “Our production and shipping facilities now occupy two buildings and our dedicated team reflects this growth. It has been great to work with a community-focused bank that echoes our own operating philosophy — offering great products and mission-driven support. I believe it’s really important to feel comfortable about where you bank, and it’s a real warm, hometown feeling with GSB.”