(PMCA — June 18, 2018 – Bethlehem, PA) — PMCA’s Production Conference Program Committee has named Carly Meck, R&D Scientist, Blommer Chocolate Company, as the twenty-second recipient of the Marie Kelso Memorial Award. Ms. Meck presented a paper titled Mysteries of Conching Revealed as part of the Developing Flavor in Chocolate seminar on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 during the 72nd Annual Production Conference.
PMCA’s Marie Kelso Award Chair Steve Genzoli, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, will present the award at the Tuesday evening dinner during the 73rd Annual Production Conference, April 9, 2019 at the Marriott Lancaster at Penn Square. Carly Meck joins the ranks of the 21 previous award winners; Jeffrey Bogusz, Ferrara Candy Company , Edward S. Seguine, Mars Snackfood, Susan L. Hefle, Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Marlene B. Stauffer, Blommer Chocolate Company, Harold H. Schmitz, Ph.D, Mars Snackfood, Nicole Staniec, Firmenich, Bill Dyer, Blommer Chocolate Company, Greg Ziegler, The Pennsylvania State University, Jeffrey Fine, AAK USA, Joe Smillie, Quality Assurance International, (QAI), Cindy Cosmos, Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Richard Hartel, University of Wisconsin – Madison (awarded twice), Tracey Duffey, World Cocoa Foundation, Kurt Muentener, Keymount GmbH, Abdoulaye Traore, Mars Chocolate, Jordana Swank, The Hershey Company, Joseph Bell, Joseph Bell Consulting, Kerry Kaylegian, The Pennsylvania State University, Mark Kline, The Hershey Company and John Ashby, California Natural Products.
PMCA’s Board of Directors established the award in 1997. It is given each year to the author of the paper presented at the previous year’s annual production conference that most significantly contributes to industry knowledge, thus honoring the memory of Marie Kelso and her faithful dedication and unwavering belief in the value of the production conference for the industry.
Marie Kelso served as secretary to the Production Conference Committee for 38 years, and indeed her name became synonymous with the event itself. In her youth, she was secretary to Hans Dresel, a salesman for Felton Chemical Company in Philadelphia, PA. As her boss worked tirelessly to organize and promote PMCA’s Annual Production Conference, as well as AACT events, she organized and managed tirelessly as well. After she left her job at Felton Chemical, the production conference became her life’s work. Marie was also active for many years in the Philadelphia Section of AACT. Marie Kelso passed away in September 1995.
About PMCA
PMCA is an international organization 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.