(PMCA — March 2025) — The PMCA Production Conference Program Committee has named Rachel Quiring, sustainability manager at Blommer Chocolate Company, as the twenty-eighth recipient of the Marie Kelso Memorial Award. Ms. Quiring presented Overcoming Manufacturing and Sourcing Obstacles: Strategies for Achieving Stability in Sustainability Wednesday, April 9, 2025 during the 78th Annual Production Conference. The award will be presented at the 79th Annual Production Conference in Lancaster, PA.
Ms. Quiring has more than seven years’ experience in regulatory and sustainability compliance. Before Blommer, she specialized in pastry arts and holds a bachelor’s degree in food science. She pairs technical expertise with a strong passion for people and education. Recently, she was selected for the NCA’s Future Leaders Program, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning, leadership and positive industry impact.
Beyond her professional work, Rachel volunteers on Occupational Advisory Committees for a local technical school and college. She enjoys hiking, gardening and developing her sewing skills, and is motivated by opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Ms. Quiring joins the ranks of the 27 previous award winners (in ascending order); 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, John Ashby, California Natural Products, Jeffrey Bogusz, Ferrara Candy Company, Carly Meck, Blommer Chocolate Company, Nina Puch, Knechtel, Inc., Sarah Houle, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Pam Gesford, The Hershey Company, Jenna Derhammer, Blommer Chocolate Company and James Walsh, Tate & Lyle.
About the Award
The PMCA Board of Directors established the Marie Kelso Memorial 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.