MIAMI -- During its State of the Industry Conference in Miami last week, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) honored Dean Spangler, chairman of Spangler Candy Co., and Katherine Clark, vice president of sales for Capol LLC, with its Distinguished Service and Supplier Member of the Year Awards, respectively.
The group honored Spangler, who has served on NCA's executive board and board of trustees as well as its strategic planning and audit committees, for his influence on the confectionery category.
NCA chairman and Jelly Belly Candy Co. president and COO Bob Simpson presented Spangler with the award, saying that Spangler was instrumental in transforming Spangler Candy Co. into an instantly recognizable brand as Dum Dums went from the fifth best-selling lollipop brand into the first on his watch.
"Dean is the reason Spangler has been so successful," said Simpson. "He accepts the challenges that come with the industry--even one as fun as ours. He epitomizes honest, hardworking and thoughtful values that are the very core of Spangler and its family founders."
"It seems funny to get an award for doing something that was always enjoyable," said Spangler. "I'm proof that at the age of 66, if you do what you love, you'll love what you do."
Friends and colleagues lauded Clark, who heads the North American operation of the Capol Group and is vice chair of NCA's supplier advisory committee, for being professional, thoughtful and a natural leader.
"Katherine has always been extremely professional and represents the confectionery industry to the highest degree," said Peter Blommer, NCA vice chairman and president and COO of The Blommer Chocolate Co. "She is a familiar face at NCA events and volunteers before she's asked to be of service."
"It took a lot of hard work and dedication by everyone to make this happen," said Clark. "You know, you just go into work each day, working first to meet your clients' expectations, then you hope that you may be fortunate enough to reach beyond. But never, never do you expect to be recognized in a manner like this."
NCA gives its Distinguished Service Award annually to a person who works tirelessly during his or her career, often in cooperation with NCA, to benefit the confectionery industry in a lasting way. The Supplier Member of the Year Award celebrates a supplier member individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the industry through dedication and involvement in NCA and other organizations.
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