VAIL, COLO. — BEMA closed its annual convention, held June 17-21 in Vail, by naming Rich Hoskins, former president of Colborne Foodbotics, as the 2019 recipient of the Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michael Cornelis, vice-president, international sales, American Pan, a Bundy Baking Solution, presented Mr. Hoskins with the award, which was renamed in 2018 after Fred Springer, president, Burford Corp. The honor is bestowed on a BEMA member who is recognized for outstanding contributions not only to the association but also the baking industry.

Mr. Hoskins was instrumental in the association’s self-sustainment after it broke away from a management company more than two decades ago. He was also responsible for one of the association’s biggest changes: opening its annual convention and winter summit to baker attendance.

“Rich and much of the board instinctively knew that this was the path to BEMA’s future,” Mr. Cornelis said.

BEMA’s chairman of the board in 2005, Mr. Hoskins worked diligently to put the needs of the association and its members front and center.

“He wasn’t afraid to do the hard thing, as long as it was the right thing,” Mr. Cornelis said. “That’s the kind of leader Rich is.”

Mr. Hoskins also played a key role in the American Pie Council, introducing a commercial category to the National Pie Championships, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and served on the International Baking Industry Exposition’s planning committee for more than 20 years, including a term as chairman in 2010.

“During his tenure, Rich led IBIE through some tough times and also incredible growth,” Mr. Cornelis said.

At Colborne Foodbotics, Mr. Hoskins pioneered the concept of high-speed ultrasonic cutting for commercial bakery production as well as full-scale robotic integration into production lines.

“Rich has a passion for giving back to our industry, and he’s proven that so many times, in so many ways,” Mr. Cornelis said.

Mr. Hoskins accepted the award with his wife, Linda, son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Niki Hoskins, and his grandchildren.