Keefe, Clarey Receive National Confectioners Association Candy Dish Awards

Washington, DC (May 6, 2019) – Kevin Keefe, Director of Business Development at Shankman & Associates, and Shelly Clarey, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Adams & Brooks, will each receive a National Confectioners Association Candy Dish Award at the upcoming 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago from May 21-23.

Keefe will receive the Lou Spector Golden Candy Dish, which is presented each year to a broker who has performed exceptionally as a leader and partner to the confectionery industry. The award committee particularly noted Keefe’s participation in leadership opportunities across the industry and his talents as a mentor both within his company and throughout the industry.

“I have been in CPG sales for over 30 years, during which time I have worked with some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals, including my colleagues at Shankman & Associates,” Keefe said. “In an industry where everyone is so talented, I am honored to be recognized with the Golden Candy Dish for my contributions and hope to continue to leave a legacy of mentorship in our industry.”

Clarey will receive the Doc Reed Silver Candy Dish, which is bestowed upon a leader that has made an extraordinary contribution in a sales, marketing or general management role. Beginning her journey in the confectionery industry in accounting, Clarey soon progressed to leading award-winning marketing and advertising program and has built a reputation for sharing her knowledge with others in the confectionery industry, including the NCA Women’s Leadership Group.

“When I started working in the category, I never anticipated the incredible three decades of opportunity that laid before me,” Clarey said. “Representing the confectionery marketing industry as I receive the Silver Candy Dish is an honor that I’m thrilled to share with my colleagues on the Adams & Brooks team.”

Keefe and Clarey will receive their Candy Dish Awards at the 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo during a breakfast in their honor at 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 23. The event will welcome over 800 exhibitors and 15,000 industry professionals. For more information about the Sweets & Snacks Expo, please visit sweetsandsnacks.com.

About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)

The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these special treats. As the leading association for the U.S. confectionery industry, NCA helps ensure the public understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 54,000 workers in more than 1,300 manufacturing facilities across the country. For every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another ten are supported in related industries. In total, more than 607,000 American jobs are supported by the U.S. confectionery industry. America’s leading chocolate and candy companies support the Always A Treat Initiative, a commitment to transparency, portion guidance and choice, and consumer education. Learn more at CandyUSA.com, or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Sweets & Snacks Expo

Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the confectionery and snack industry’s most successful, world-class event. It is unrivaled in new product launches, business building solutions and innovations in merchandising. Over 15,000 qualified professionals attend with global presence from 90 countries. More than 800 companies displaying more than 4 acres of candy and snack products participate in the Expo. The event is held each May at Chicago’s McCormick Place.