BEMA celebrates the careers of two retiring past chairs

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BEMA celebrates the careers of two retiring past chairs

30 Jan 2021

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

OVERLAND PARK, KS — BEMA believes in the baking industry’s collection of hard-working, dedicated individuals, and in recognition of industry service the association celebrates the retirements of two past BEMA chairs — Don Osborne of Intralox and Andrea Henderson of Rondo — to acknowledge the many to BEMA and the industry as they enter an exciting new chapter of retirement.

Osborne was elected to the BEMA Board of Directors in 2010 after also serving as chair of the Scholarship & Membership Committees and co-chair of the Convention & Programs committee. He joined the BEMA executive committee in 2014. He is known throughout the industry for his kind heart, encouragement and reputation for giving back.

“Having known Don for more than 15 years, I can’t think of a more standup guy with such great relationship building and professional development skills as Don,” said Rick Hoskins, Colborne Foodbotics and 2021 BEMA chairman. “His contributions to BEMA and the industry over his entire career will be very much missed.”

Throughout her 48 years of service to the industry at Rondo, Henderson provided a commitment to volunteering and demonstrated a determination to orchestrate progressive change. Serving as the second female BEMA chair to-date from 2007-2008, Henderson also served as Chair of the IBIE Education Task Force and was a returning committee member for several show cycles.

“Having known Don for more than 15 years, I can’t think of a more standup guy with such great relationship building and professional development skills as Don,” said Rick Hoskins, Colborne Foodbotics and 2021 BEMA chairman. “His contributions to BEMA and the industry over his entire career will be very much missed.”

In her IBIE advisory roles, Andrea championed the importance of ongoing education with a focus around content and the creation of more immersive educational experiences. At the 2019 IBIE, Andrea oversaw the largest comprehensive education program to date with more than 100 sessions offered during the international event.

“Working with Andrea on the BEMA Board and on the IBIE Committee gave me the opportunity to see her at her best,” said Dennis Gunnell, president, Formost Fuji and IBIE 2022 chairman. “She always considered all sides of a situation before making a conclusion and always came up with the best option. The way she took the IBIE Education program from it’s infancy to the fantastic program we all see now was truly remarkable. She was never the loudest voice in the room but always one of the most respected.”

BEMA and its Board of Directors congratulate Osborne and Henderson on their retirement and thank them for their contributions to BEMA and the industry at large over the years.

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