Dennis Witzel, right, receives the 2012 Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award from the RCI. Photo provided.

Dennis Witzel has been in the chocolate business for more than 40 years, working for Nestlé Chocolate Division, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate and Linnea's Cake & Candy Supplies.

And now, he’s been recognized for his sweet contributions to the confectionery world.

The Retail Confectioners International, a trade association serving the chocolate and confectionery industry, recently awarded Witzel the 2012 Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award at its 92nd Annual Convention.  

Aside from his impressive list of jobs, Witzel also is an active member of RCI and has been associated with the Western Candy Conference, the west coast chapter of AACT and has attended the French Pastry School. He has also served on the instruction team for RCI's Chocolate Boot Camp and served a term on the RCI Board of Directors.

"It was a privilege to present this award to Dennis. He has been instrumental in the growth of many of our candy making members' businesses and in the growth and quality of RCI as a whole,” says Terry Hicklin, 2011-2012 RCI president. “Because of his dedication to the industry, we are grateful and felt he was more than deserving of this award."

Each year, the RCI board selects a member of the confectionery industry to receive the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award at the annual convention in June. The recipient is a stand-out person who has exhibited many years of outstanding leadership, loyalty, friendship and has made numerous contributions to the confectionery industry.