NCA Aiding Future Confectionery Industry Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new initiative to facilitate confectionery industry growth and career advancement has been launched by the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) Young Professionals Network (YPN). The Future Leadership Program will offer support, education, access and opportunity to five future leaders in the industry.

Over the course of the yearlong program, the future leaders will attend NCA's State of the Industry Conference, Sweets & Snacks Expo and Washington Forum, all of which provide development opportunities through education and networking. Additionally, program participants will each be mentored by a respected industry professional chosen by the YPN Committee.

"A key element of NCA's mission is to advance the confectionery industry, and the Future Leadership Program achieves that," said John Downs, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based NCA. "This program will identify emerging young talent in our industry and facilitate an environment where they can learn from respected and experienced leaders within their profession."

Applications for the 2015-16 future leader class are now being accepted, with a deadline of Oct. 2. The five candidates chosen to participate in the program will be informed in December.

The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization representing the $35-billion U.S. confections industry, with members in more than 40 states employing about 70,000 workers in 1,000-plus facilities across the United States.