Pictured above (from left): Amanda Cox, Andy Wilbur and Jayni Wunderlich

SPRINGFIELD, MO – June 19, 2026 – Retail Confectioners International (RCI) inducted three new members to its 2026-2027 Board of Directors during the RCI Candy Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

• Amanda Cox, Nothing But Chocolate, Cambridge, OH
• Andy Wilbur, Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, Freeport, ME
• Jayni Wunderlich, Graham’s Chocolates, Ltd., Geneva, IL

RCI inducts new board members each summer and honors those completing their terms. Kathy Bomboy-Casteel of Bomboy’s Home Made Candies, Kristi Hollis of Barry Callebaut U.S.A. and Joe Sofia of Linnea’s Candy Supplies were re-elected to serve a second two-year term. RCI also recognized outgoing board members Brian Boehm of Laura’s Candies (Metairie, LA), Jennifer Crudden of Rosalind Candy Castle (New Brighton, PA) and Bob Pikcilingis of Candy Kraft (Altamont, NY) for their service and dedication.

Gregory Power of Las Olas Confections and Snacks (Ormond Beach, FL) continues as board president for the 2025–2027 term, with Gwen Rosenberg of Rosenberg’s Candies (Ravenna, OH) serving as vice president. Jeffery Smith of Peterbrooke Chocolatier (Jacksonville, FL) will complete his term as the voting past president. The RCI Board of Directors includes nine retail confectioners and three supplier members.

“We’re grateful for the leadership of our board of directors and their commitment to advancing RCI’s mission,” said Angie Burlison, RCI Executive Director. “Their collective experience, industry knowledge and willingness to serve help strengthen our association and support the success of confectionery businesses.”

A complete list of RCI's Board of Directors can be found on the RCI website under the About RCI section. For additional information about RCI, including upcoming events and education courses hosted by the organization, visit retailconfectioners.org.

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

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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.

Indianapolis, IN – June 10, 2026 – Retail Confectioners International (RCI) named Winans Coffee & Chocolates of Piqua, Ohio, as the winner of the 2026 Grand Confection Award during the RCI Candy Convention in Indianapolis. Winans earned top honors for its Highlander Grogg Cream, combining the flavors of Highlander Grogg coffee—caramel, butterscotch and a touch of scotch whiskey—with a smooth cream center enrobed in dark chocolate.

Now in its third year, the Grand Confection Award celebrates excellence in confectionery craftsmanship by recognizing outstanding chocolates and confections created by RCI members. This year's featured confection was the cream, a fondant-based or buttercream-based center enrobed in chocolate.

A panel of judges anonymously evaluated 11 entries from confectioners across the United States and Canada based on how each piece highlighted the cream center, as well as flavor balance, craveability, originality, appearance and texture. This year's judges included Doug Dressman of Esther Price Candies, Randy Hofberger of R&D Candy Consultants, Gregory Power of Las Olas Confections and Snacks and Jeffery Smith of Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

The following finalists were also recognized for their exceptional entries:

• Crème Brûlée Cream — Fascia's Chocolates, Waterbury, Connecticut
• Dark Raspberry Cream — Joy Lyn's Candies, Paradise, California
• Hot Honey Chocolate Cream — Speckled Hen Chocolate Company, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania

"This year's entries showcased an impressive level of creativity and craftsmanship for a classic American confection," said Angie Burlison, executive director of RCI. "The Grand Confection Award highlights the talent found throughout our industry, and we're proud to recognize these confectioners for their outstanding work."

All competition entries were displayed during the RCI Candy Convention and featured in a special section of RCI's Convention Magazine. Click here to view the full list of entries and participants.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indianapolis, IN – June 8, 2026 – Retail Confectioners International (RCI), a trade association serving the chocolate and confectionery industry, proudly presented Sam Duerr III of Duerr Packaging with the 2026 Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award during its Candy Convention in Indianapolis.

Each year, the RCI Board of Directors selects a supplier member of the confectionery industry who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, loyalty, friendship and meaningful contributions to the industry. This year, that honor went to Sam Duerr III, a longtime supporter of RCI who has served on the Board of Directors and several committees.

“I was so honored and humbled to receive the 2026 RCI Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award from members I admire, respect and call friends,” said Sam. “The over 50-year association of the Duerr family and the RCI membership has provided scores of indelible memories and built generational friendships which we treasure. That association and the legacy of the Bornhofft Award overwhelms me with an appreciation of the industry we are so fortunate to serve. With gratitude and appreciation, I thank all of you!”

“Sam exemplifies the leadership, loyalty, friendship and service that the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award was created to recognize,” said Angie Burlison, RCI Executive Director. “For decades, he has been a trusted partner and friend to confectioners across the industry. We are proud to honor his many contributions with this well-deserved recognition.”

In 1980, after earning his master's degree in Packaging Science from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and spending four years working in Wisconsin, Sam returned home to join Duerr Packaging, the company founded by his parents, Lorraine and Sam Duerr Jr., in 1953. He has since played an instrumental role in the company's growth and evolution. Under his leadership, Duerr Packaging now serves customers in all 50 states and internationally.

The award highlights the Duerr family's longstanding involvement in the confectionery industry. Sam's father, Sam Duerr Jr., received the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award in 2013, making him the second generation of the family to receive the honor.

Established in 1985, the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award honors the legacy of Henry J. Bornhofft and recognizes supplier members whose dedication, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on 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, Missouri, 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.

SPRINGFIELD, MO – September 12, 2025 – Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is proud to announce the debut of the RCI Candy Convention, set for June 8–11, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

RCI has hosted annual conventions for more than a century, bringing professional candy makers and suppliers together since its very first event in 1917. Formerly known as the Annual Convention & Industry Expo, the event’s new name is designed to be clearer and more inviting to candy makers, chocolatiers, suppliers and retailers.

“RCI Candy Convention says exactly what it is—an event dedicated to our industry,” said Angie Burlison, RCI Executive Director. “This change will help us reach a broader audience while creating even more value for exhibitors and attendees.”

The RCI Candy Convention will feature:

• Education sessions with practical takeaways designed for retail confectioners
• Two days of exhibits (June 9–10) featuring equipment, packaging, ingredients, chocolate and more
• Confectionery tours that showcase local candy businesses and spark new ideas
• Networking events that go beyond business, creating shared experiences and new collaborations

RCI will also introduce new expo hours in 2026—Tuesday, June 9 from 1:00–5:00 PM and Wednesday, June 10 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. The new schedule is designed to make the expo more accessible for exhibitors and for area candy makers to attend and explore. Suppliers are now invited to reserve booth space for the expo.

“The expo is always a favorite part of the convention,” Burlison added. “It’s a chance for candy makers to meet suppliers in person, try out equipment and sample products that could help grow their business.”

Registration details and a full agenda will be available in the coming months. Interested attendees can sign up to be the first notified when registration opens at retailconfectioners.org/candyconvention.

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, Missouri, 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.