Retail Confectioners International (RCI) has announced that Jacques De Waele, sales manager for Savage Bros. Co., has won the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award, presented last month at RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Cleveland.
Born in Ghent, Belgium, De Waele immigrated to the United States in 1970 and became a U.S. citizen in 1982. He is fluent in five languages and currently serves Savage clients in the Western United States and Canada. As the first outside sales employee of the modern Savage Bros. Co., De Waele’s work ethic, exceptional social skills, dedication and industry knowledge qualify him for the award.
“Jacques is a tireless advocate, not only for our company, but for each candy maker he meets and the industry overall.” said Bob Parmley, president of Savage Brothers Co. “All of us at Savage are extremely proud that Jacques has been selected for this impressive award and honor.”
RCI selects a member of the industry each year to receive the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award. Established in 1985, it honors industry members who've demonstrated strong leadership, friendship and have made important contributions to the confectionery industry overall.
“Being the recipient of the Henry J. Bornhofft Award has humbled me as never before, but has also energized me to strive even more to be yet a better person than I have ever been,” De Waele said. “This is a great honor that my peers have bestowed on me.”
