This award is given every three years in memory of “Dick” Gowell who tragically passed away while attending the Philadelphia Candy Show in 1982. Prior to that year, the award had been known as the New England Retail Confectioner’s Association Candy Bowl Award given to the active member or members who best exemplified the spirit of the association through his or her contributions to other NERCA Members and confectioners everywhere. Dick Gowell was one of those people who was always ready to help others. He loved to talk candy and would often make trips to other NERCA members stores to help in any way he could. He truly believed in the power of our organization, but more importantly in the sharing nature of it.

A four person panel of supplier representatives meets prior to the annual meeting every three years to select the recipient. The current panel includes Jim Bourne of Hilliard’s Chocolate Systems, Rod Oringer of I. Rice & Company, Howie Robinson of H&C Sales and John O’Keefe.