Chuck Phelan Named Recipient of RCI’s 2025 Henry J. Bornhofft Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RCI Board President Jeffery Smith of Peterbrooke Chocolatier presents Chuck Phelan of Barry Callebaut U.S.A. (left) with the 2025 Henry J. Bornhofft Award.

COVINGTON, KY – June 18, 2025 - Retail Confectioners International (RCI), a trade association serving the chocolate and confectionery industry, proudly presented Chuck Phelan of Barry Callebaut U.S.A. with the 2025 Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award during its Annual Convention & Industry Expo.

Each year, the RCI Board of Directors selects a member of the confectionery industry who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, loyalty, friendship and meaningful contributions to the industry. This year, that honor went to Chuck Phelan—a name well known and respected by confectioners across the country. An active member of RCI, Phelan has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors and participated on several committees. But beyond his service, it’s the way he approaches his work that sets him apart.

“It is a great honor to receive the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award,” said Phelan. “There are so many distinguished winners of this award over the years that I am extremely grateful to be this year's recipient. It means a great deal to give back to the industry that I have been involved in for the last 29 years. Thank you to the Board and to those folks that I have had the pleasure to work with over my career. RCI is a truly special association, and I am thankful and blessed that I work with so many great people.”

“Chuck is an incredible supporter of this association and the confectionery industry as a whole,” said Angie Burlison, RCI Executive Director. “His loyalty and commitment are commendable, and we were privileged to present him with this award recognizing his contributions.”

His impact extends beyond the workplace. As a husband, father and mentor, Phelan has taught others—especially his sons—that success is something you build through dedication, perseverance and heart.

“Chuck makes it personal,” said Kristi Hollis, Senior Sales Manager at Barry Callebaut. “He remembers birthdays, anniversaries—he genuinely cares. That’s what sets him apart.”

The Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award was established by the RCI Board of Directors in 1985. Each year, a standout supplier member is selected and recognized during RCI’s annual convention for their many years of leadership, loyalty, friendship and significant contributions to the confectionery industry.

For more information about Retail Confectioners International, visit retailconfectioners.org.

Contact:
Lacey Hesse, Marketing Manager
Lacey@retailconfectioners.org
417-883-2775

###

Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is a not-for-profit trade association serving the confectionery industry.  Based in Springfield, MO, RCI has represented the interests of confectionery manufacturing retailers and promoted public interest in these products for over 100 years. RCI provides a forum for confectioners to network, share ideas and develop their candy-making and entrepreneurial skills. For more information, please visit www.retailconfectioners.org.