BEMA names Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
Kurt Miller of J&K Ingredients took home this year's honors.
The Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) announced that Kurt Miller of J&K Ingredients has been named the 2026 recipient of the Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor. The award will be presented during BEMA’s Convention at the Fairmont Orchid in Waimea, HI on June 29.
The Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and lasting impact on both BEMA and the baking industry. Miller’s decades of dedication and influential contributions make him a distinguished recipient of this prestigious honor, BEMA says.
According to BEMA archives, Miller has been an active and impactful member of BEMA’s leadership since the early 2000s. His forward-thinking approach, creativity, and willingness to take strategic risks have helped shape several of BEMA’s flagship initiatives, including BEMAConnect, BEMA-U, and Nexus.
During his tenure on the BEMA board of directors and as a past chairman, Miller earned a reputation as a thoughtful leader who consistently represented the voice of the membership. Known for his steady judgment and collaborative approach, he has played a key role in balancing the preservation of BEMA’s legacy with a forward-looking vision for the organization’s future. In addition to his leadership contributions, Miller has reportedly been a dedicated mentor, guiding and influencing countless industry professionals who have followed in his footsteps.
“Kurt exemplifies the excellence, integrity, and commitment that define the Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award,” says Jay Hardy, chairman of the board. “His impact on BEMA and the broader baking industry will be felt for generations to come.”
For more information about BEMA and the 2026 Convention, visit bema.org.
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