AWMA Honors Hershey Foods and R.J. Reynolds’ Tom Trader for Service photo by David Hathcox Steve Shing congratulates Tom Trader and Tom Joyce after presenting their awards Thursday evening. At Thursday evening’s Chairman’s Dinner, AWMA presented its two most prestigious awards, the Supplier of the Year Award to Hershey Foods and the Industry Achievement Award to Tom Trader, long-time director of trade relations at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Accepting the award for Hershey was Thomas J. Joyce, vice president, customer and industry affairs. Chairman Steve Shing thanked Hershey for being a "tireless supporter" of AWMA and said the company’s consistent financial support for key association programs has been critical to AWMA’s success. "It’s a true and humble honor to be recognized by the candy and tobacco distributors," Joyce said. "The majority of the Hershey sales people who call on candy and tobacco people have learned a tremendous amount about not only selling candy, but also about business, and that will benefit them throughout their careers." Shing thanked Trader for 15 years of service to the industry, and noted with regret that Trader is slated to retire in July. "He has positively influenced every person he has met," Shing said. "He always places you first and makes you feel you are his only best friend." True to that reputation, Trader spent his remarks thanking his colleagues, staff, friends, family and AWMA distributors and urged customers to support his R.J. Reynolds team after his departure. "They won’t skip a beat," he promised. For more information on attending the 2007 AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO, contact customer service at either 800-564-4220 or 703-449-6418 or awmaregistration@jspargo.com