NCA Industry Awards honor Dean Spangler, Katherine Clark

During its State of the Industry Conference in Miami last week, the National Confectioners Association honored Dean Spangler, chairman of Spangler Candy Company, and Katherine Clark, vice president of Sales for Capol, with its Distinguished Service and Supplier Member of the Year Awards, respectively. Spangler, who has served on NCA’s Executive Board and Board of Trustees as well as its Strategic Planning and Audit Committees, was honored for the impact he has made on the confectionery category during his time in the industry. 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 Company 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.” Clark, who heads the North American operation of the Capol Group and is vice chair of NCA’s Supplier Advisory Committee, was lauded by her friends and colleagues 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 Company. “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’s Distinguished Service Award is given annually to a person who works tirelessly during his or her career, often in cooperation with NCA, to benefit the 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 confectionery industry through dedication and involvement in NCA and other organizations. NCA’s Industry Awards are announced annually at the Associations’ State of the Industry Conference.