We are so incredibly thankful to all who supported us this past fiscal year.
Our volunteers, who dedicate their time, ideas and expertise to leading the association and making our many projects and events come to life.
Our sponsors, donors and hosts who contribute dollars, candy and space for learning.
Our speakers and instructors, who share their knowledge with other professionals because it makes the whole industry better.
Our conference exhibitors, who provide attendees with connection to a diverse group of companies and the products and services they have to offer the industry.
We invite you to look back over the past fiscal year with us and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished – together.
Let’s go!
WE’RE ALL ABOUT OUR ATTENDEES
Chocolate Processing Course
OVERALL COURSE RATING OF EXCELLENT OR VERY GOOD
“I loved my time, especially all of the hands-on activities. Everyone was well-informed and willing to discuss troubleshooting.”
“Wonderful course. Great people that are knowledgeable and responsive to questions. Will attend more courses.”
Thanks to all instructors for donating their time and knowledge!
Dr. Silvana Martini, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (formerly Utah State University), Gabe Eaton, Russell Stover, Wayne Houde, Russell Stover, Christina Jenkins, Barry Callebaut, Rebecca Kuehn, Guittard Chocolate Company, Charles Quinto, Blommer Chocolate Company, Camille Woods, Blommer Chocolate Company
Check out more details about the course, including photos and press release here.
Thanks to our first-time course host!
![Aggie Chocolate Factory Logo Aggie Chocolate Factory logo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Aggie-Chocolate-Factory-Logo.png)
Thanks to our attendee outing sponsor!
![Guittard Chocolate Guittard Chocolate Company logo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Guittard-Chocolate.jpg)
77th Annual Production Conference
SPEAKERS RATED VERY INFORMATIVE BY ATTENDEES
“I really enjoyed the presentations! The topics were varied enough to engage a wide audience and the level varied enough to engage newcomers to the industry and industry experts. And of course — everyone is so friendly and helpful!”
“As a supplier of the conference, we look to see who is attending and if we can learn anything from the meetings as well as make new contacts. We thought the supplier show was a success for us. The conference as a whole we also thought was good for learning and making connections.”
“2024 PMCA was excellent overall. This was my seventeenth consecutive year at PMCA, and I look forward to many more years attending!”
“The speakers’ quality and subject matter is always very professional and on point. It was again this year.”
Thank you to our Program Committee for pulling off yet another great conference! These volunteers dedicate their time and talents to creating an educational, fun program each year for attendees to learn, connect and grow as industry professionals. For more info on speakers, photos and other details, check out our 77th Conference highlights page.
Student Outreach Program
STUDENTS REPORTED PROGRAM MET OR EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS
22
STUDENTS
21
MENTORS
10
UNIVERSITIES
” I enjoyed the welcome event. It was a great way to meet the other students and mentors. I thought the breakout session was helpful in providing tips on applying for jobs and networking.”
“I loved having the chance to interact casually with the other students at the beginning of the program…Carly was an incredible mentor, and I am so grateful for her! She helped introduce me to many people and made it easy to feel confident in myself and my capabilities.”
Thanks to the Student Outreach Committee for putting together a fun, informative program for the next generation of confectionery professionals. Thank you, mentors, for sharing your time and experience with students to give them a sneak peek into the industry.
Virtual Troubleshooting Q&A Session: Gummies
To make sure everyone had a chance to ask questions, we kept attendance for this informal Q&A session on the smaller side. We’re happy to say we reached full capacity! Thanks to our panelists Judy Cooley, Global Confection Connections, LLC and Kristi Sufferling, Suff Solutions Inc. as well as our moderator Kim Stangl, The Hershey Company.
![blue and red gummi_hearts](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/blue-and-red-gummi_hearts-1024x733.jpg)
15
ATTENDEES
![Gummi Bears home slider](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Gummi-Bears-home-slider-1024x681.jpg)
This offering was presented by our New Confectioners Welcome Committee and was so popular that we’ll be running another one next winter!
GROWNG OUR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to all our sponsors for your support! We appreciate your generous contributions that help make our events possible.
INCREASE IN SPONSORSHIP REVENUE
22
CONFERENCE EVENT SPONSORS
11
SUPPLIER SHOW SPONSORS
1
SHORT COURSE SPONSOR
GETTING THE WORD OUT
Industry Trade Show Attendance
PMCA staff Brandy Kresge and Rachel Halkias traveled to Atlantic City, NJ for RCAP’s Philly Candy Show in September. In October, PMCA COO Yvette Thomas represented the association in Oak Brook, IL for the AACT National Technical Seminar. We value our relationships with other industry associations and love connecting with friends — and making new ones.
Social Media Presence
INCREASE IN LINKEDIN FOLLOWERS
INCREASE IN INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
INCREASE IN FACEBOOK PAGE LIKES
Our Most Engaging Posts: LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook
![sm most engaging posts](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sm-most-engaging-posts-2000x978.png)
Make sure to follow us if you don’t already!
LEADERSHIP & RECOGNITION
Officer Transition
During our Annual Meeting of Members held Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the 77th Annual Production Conference, members ratified the slate of officers and directors for the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024.
Shawn Houser-Fedor, The Hershey Company was elected vice president. Steve Genzoli, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company transitioned to chair of the board and Cynthia Angelo, Givaudan Flavors transitioned to president. Ed Minson, retired, Tate & Lyle continues to serve as treasurer. Thank you to our outgoing chair, Tom Houlihan, Guittard Chocolate Company for his years of exemplary service as an officer.
![s genzoli bg removed Steve Genzoli](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/s-genzoli-bg-removed.png)
Chair of the Board
Steve Genzoli
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
![c angelo bg removed Cynthia Angelo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/c-angelo-bg-removed.png)
President
Cynthia Angelo
Givaudan Flavors
![s houser bg removed Shawn Houser-Fedor](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/s-houser-bg-removed.png)
Vice President
Shawn Houser-Fedor
The Hershey Company
![e minson bg removed Ed Minson](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/e-minson-bg-removed.png)
Treasurer
Ed Minson
Retired, Tate & Lyle
Incoming Board Member
We also welcomed Sarah Woodling Houle, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company as the newest member of the PMCA Board of Directors.
![s houle bg removed Sarah Houle](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/s-houle-bg-removed.png)
PMCA/PSU Fellowship
The Pennsylvania State University named Cynthia Loi as the recipient of the thirteenth PMCA/PSU Fellowship Award. She presented her research on Sensory-Guided Investigation of Cocoa Polyphenol-Induced Astringency at the 77th Annual Production Conference as a breakout session.
![Loi C bg removed Cynthia Loi](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Loi-C-bg-removed.png)
Awards
Marie Kelso Memorial Award
Award Chair Sarah Houle, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company presented the award to Jenna Derhammer, Blommer Chocolate Company. She is the twenty-sixth recipient of the Marie Kelso Memorial Award for her presentation titled There’s No Sugarcoating It: Formulating with Alternative Sugar Ingredients in Chocolate, which she presented Tuesday, April 18, 2023 during the 76th Annual Production Conference. Learn more about the award here.
Distinguished Service Award
Dedicated PMCA volunteer Ed Wilson, retired from AAK, was named the third recipient of the PMCA Distinguished Service Award for his longtime outstanding service to PMCA. The award was presented by Rose Potts, Blommer Chocolate Company. Learn more about the award here.
Dennis L. Zak Education Award
Student Outreach Program participant Taelie Kennedy, Utah State University was the third recipient of the Dennis L. Zak Education Award. The award seeks to honor Dennis Zak’s love for science, learning, mentoring and confections by recognizing the PMCA student participant who most exhibits these qualities. It is bestowed by Karen Zak and presented at the PMCA Annual Production Conference. Students who are chosen do not know they are the recipient until the award presentation during the annual dinner.
Cheers to 20 Years
In a surprise acknowledgement of appreciation, PMCA COO Yvette Thomas recognized staff member Brandy Kresge for her 20 years of service to PMCA.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE YEAR AHEAD
Calendar
Are you getting our emails? If not, reach out to us to be added to our member distribution list so you won’t miss a thing!
Distinguished Service Award Nomination Period
Opens Sept. 1, 2024
Learn More
![dsa photo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dsa-photo.png)
Panning Course
Nov. 12-15, 2024
Paulaur Corporation | Cranbury, NJ
Learn More/Register
![panning photo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/panning-photo-2000x1429.png)
Troubleshooting Q&A Session
Presented by the New Confectioners Welcome Committee
Coming this winter
![gummies photo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gummies-photo.png)
78th Annual Production Conference
April 7-9, 2025
Lancaster, PA
Learn More
![conf photo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/conf-photo-2000x1428.png)
Get Involved
VOLUNTEER
There are lots of ways to contribute your enthusiasm, knowledge and talents to the association. Join a committee, help instruct a course, present at our conference or become a student mentor. There are lots of opportunities to become involved. Contact us to find the right fit for you.
DONATE
Companies that donate ingredients, product, equipment and other items to our events contribute immensely to their success. Contributors are recognized in event materials, on our website and in press releases. Contact us if you’re interested in donating to a PMCA event.
HOST
We would not be able to deliver high-value courses without the generosity of our host facilities. Benefits of hosting include complimentary registration for up to two employees as well as recognition in the trade press and several PMCA publications. Contact us to learn more about hosting.
Volunteers
Thank you, volunteers! We are so grateful for your time and dedication to PMCA and the confectionery industry. You embody the essence of LEARN. CONNECT. GROW.
For a full list of all committee members, visit this page.
Education & Learning Committee Co-Chairs
Randy Hofberger, R&D Candy Consultants
Eric Schmoyer, Barry Callebaut
Marketing Committee Chair
Angie Sanchez, ofi
Membership Committee Chair
Ed Wilson, retired, AAK
New Confectioners Welcome Committee Chair
Elizabeth Macks, UTZ Brands, Inc.
Nominations Committee Chair
Eric Schmoyer, Barry Callebaut
Production Conference Program Committee Chair
Judy Cooley, Global Confection Connections, LLC
Research Committee Chair
Jenna Derhammer, Blommer Chocolate Company
Student Outreach Committee Chair
Carly Meck, Blommer Chocolate Company
Western Region Committee Chair
Rebecca Kuehn, Guittard Chocolate Company
For a list of the PMCA Board of Directors, visit this page.
PMCA Staff
![B Kresge photo Brandy Kresge](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/B-Kresge-photo.png)
Project Manager & Operations Assistant
Brandy Kresge
![Y Thomas photo Yvette Thomas](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Y-Thomas-photo.png)
Chief Operations Officer
Yvette Thomas
![R_Halkias – photo Rachel Halkias](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/R_Halkias-photo.png)
Marketing Projects Manager & Operations Assistant
Rachel Halkias
To each and every one of our volunteers and members, we’d like to say
![THANK-YOU](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/THANK-YOU.png)
We hope you’ll continue to learn, connect and grow with us as we embark on this new fiscal year.
![Logo_with_descrip_for_web PMCA logo](https://pmca.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Logo_with_descrip_for_web-300x101.png)
PMCA is an international association that enhances the companies and careers of confectionery and snack professionals through inspired learning and the building of long-term personal connections, which empowers our members to create products that bring people joy.
Produced by Rachel Halkias, PMCA Marketing Projects Manager & Operations Assistant in conjunction with PMCA staff