Stephanie Dillon, Jodi Schwiess and Rose Adams

Jodi Schwiess, Schnuck Markets Inc., St. Louis, won the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) 16th annual Cake Decorating Challenge. The event was held during the Dairy-Deli-Bake 2011 seminar and expo last month. Stephanie Dillon, Hy-Vee Inc., Belton, Mo., placed second and Rose Adams, The Kroger Co., Bloomfield Hills, Mich., finished third.

“Creating customer excitement and involvement in the store is as simple as letting talented cake decorators demonstrate their skills in a special in-store showcase,” said Carol Christison, IDDBA executive director. “Decorating cakes is a customer magnet. We know this because the contestants in the cake decorating challenge had people standing three and four deep to watch them.”

Ray Burke, president of the in-store bakery and foodservice division of Rich Products Corp., received the 2011 IDDBA President’s Award. The award recognizes distinguished service or contribution to the industry and honors those who have led with vision and dedication.

“Ray Burke has the unique honor of having served as the president of IDDBA not once, but twice. It is this unselfish willingness to meet challenges and work for the good of all that has marked his career since the very beginning,” Mark Rudy, IDDBA president, said when presenting the award. “In recognition of his passion and enthusiasm for excellence, and on behalf of the IDDBA and our grateful industry, we are delighted to present the 2011 IDDBA President’s Award to Ray Burke. His vision and service are an inspiration to us all.”