BEMA is pleased to announce that it will honor Fred Springer, President of Burford Corp. with its 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. Springer served as chairman of BEMA in 2001 and continues to serve as a BEMA representative on the IBIE committee. His work on behalf of the baking industry and for the association goes far beyond these appointments.

Fred Springer has been an industry icon for many years. He has been a leader on BEMA committees and the board of directors where he led efforts like increasing membership and creating opportunities at international tradeshows.  Fred played a significant role in the creation of BEMA Tech and since 2013, Fred has represented BEMA on the IBIE committee where he is the chairman of the Technology task force. Fred represented BEMA on the American Bakers Association (ABA) board of directors for three years and was a member of the American Society of Baking (ASB) executive committee in the 1980’s.  He has also served on the boards of directors for the American Institute of Baking (AIB) and the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry (ATBI). 

Fred’s approach to success is simple, “Get involved and make something happen.” He made many things happen during his tenure with BEMA including inviting bakers to attend BEMA’s Convention, instituting the Lifetime Achievement Award and helping to create BEMA Tech. Fred applies this approach to his community as well, especially regarding veterans. He works to hire veterans and makes active duty easier on his employees. Most recently he organized “Operation Military Care Package” which challenged the industry and others to send care packages to soldiers abroad. 

“The board and I are thrilled to be able to recognize Fred in this way,” says Kerwin Brown, BEMA president/CEO. “Fred’s decades of dedication, commitment, wise council and investment have had a uniquely positive effect on moving the mission of BEMA and the entire industry forward. His diplomatic leadership has been instrumental in creating and sustaining a culture of cooperation, innovation and commitment with so many other organizations.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at BEMA’s luncheon at noon on Sunday, February 25, the closing event of BEMA’s Summit. Admission to the awards luncheon is included in the full Summit registration fee.  Single tickets for the luncheon can be purchased for $80 on the BEMA website.