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Walker’s Shortbread Leader Marjorie Henderson Walker Dies

Marjorie Henderson Walker, who grew her family’s business Walker’s Shortbread  “from one village bakery employing 20 people into an international business employing over 1,000 people,” died peacefully in Aberlour, Scotland, on Oct. 22.

The company posted an obituary on its website:

Marjorie, fondly known as ‘Marj’, was born in Inverness on 17th July 1940, daughter of the late James and Winnie Walker, a younger sister of Joe and older sister to James.

Marjorie is survived by her son David, daughter in law Beverley, grandson Josh and great grandchildren, Evie and Jack. Sadly her younger grandson Brodie passed away in 2018 at the age of 23.

Since she was a child, Marjorie had a huge love of all things nature – the countryside, farming, birds and animals, with a particular love of both horses and dogs.

Marjorie attended school in her home village of Aberlour. After school, Marjorie followed her passion attending equestrian schools in both the Cotswolds and Germany. During her time in Germany, Marjorie unfortunately suffered a bad knee injury, which ruled out the equestrian career she had dreamed of.

In 1962, Marjorie returned home to Speyside and joined her family business Walker’s Shortbread. She was made a full partner in the business with brothers Joe and Jim and was one of the three founding directors in 1980, when the Limited Company was formed.

During her 40 year career with the business Marjorie did a fantastic job for the company. She oversaw administration, and in the early days attended key events and food shows as the Walker’s brand was beginning to grow. As time went on, she managed the finances, and took on the role of Company Secretary later in her tenure. Marjorie also passionately managed the company’s five bakery shops, a responsibility which she greatly enjoyed, and they thrived under her management.

Marjorie was a real people person, like her father, and was full of kindness. Marjorie was popular with staff and managed customer relationships very well, in the process making good friends both at home and abroad. She was a composed and magnificent ambassador for the family business and an accomplished bridge-builder when there were disagreements to overcome.

Marjorie’s role in the development of Walker’s was highly significant and she was both a motivated and motivational businesswoman. During her time with the business, it grew from one village bakery employing 20 people into an international business employing over 1,000 people.

With great enthusiasm for animals and agriculture, Marjorie fulfilled her lifelong ambition of buying a farm with her son David who manages the farm to this day. Marjorie was a loving mother to her son David, and later to her grandsons Josh and Brodie all of whom she adored and championed passionately.

Marjorie was enormously loved by many people around the world, especially colleagues and customers. She will always be remembered as a fun-loving passionate and dynamic woman who will never be forgotten.

Singer Equipment Continues Promotions for Singer EVI

Singer Equipment Company has promoted five team members to integral leadership roles within the Singer EVI division. EVI founding partners Tom and Dana Lawson have mentored and prepared the team and will continue to provide guidance through the end of the year.

Raymond Fischer, CFSP, has assumed the role of president of Singer EVI. Fischer brings extensive experience in foodservice and construction management to his new role. He has served as VP Operations at EVI for nearly a decade, and previously served as VP of development and facilities for Rosa Mexicano Restaurants as well as director of construction for Ruby Tuesday.

The leadership team is further complemented by the appointment of Kerry Thorn as executive director, Division Operations; Sarah Kernan as executive director, Estimating and Procurement; Nic Bramer as executive director, Sales; and Keith Boeckmann as controller.

Fred Singer, president and CEO says, “We are delighted to promote these five executives from within the company and are grateful for the mentorship from Tom and Dana that made it possible. We congratulate Tom and Dana on this exciting new time in their lives, and applaud Raymond, Kerry, Sarah, Nic, and Keith as they too start a new chapter, leading and building upon the success of the Singer EVI division.”

Singer Equipment Company, the fourth largest equipment and supply dealer in the United States, remains privately owned and operated in its third generation of family leadership. Headquartered in Elverson, Pa., Singer maintains offices and distribution centers throughout the East Coast. Singer offers the power of a century of experience combined with highly personalized service.

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Salon du Chocolat to Return to NYC in November 2024

The largest world-renowned celebration of chocolate and cocoa, Salon du Chocolat, is set to return to the heart of New York City on Nov. 8-10, 2024 at the Javits Center.

Globally recognized by its Parisian origin,Salon du Chocolat is a remarkable international gathering of chocolatiers, artisans, pastry chefs, experts, and businesses from around the world, united by their unwavering passion for everything chocolate. Together, they create an awe-inspiring array of delectable offerings while showcasing their craftsmanship, diverse cultures, and extensive knowledge in a thoughtfully curated and immersive setting.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore exclusive vendors, partake in delectable tastings, demonstrations, and educational seminars, shop for chocolate treasures, and most importantly, revel in the joy of chocolate in all its delightful forms.

The November 2024 edition of Salon du Chocolat New York City marks an exciting new chapter with globally recognized event organizer, Messe Frankfurt. This collaboration is poised to elevate the trade show to new heights, offering an even more premium, immersive experience for attendees, building on the strong foundation established in 2019.

“Celebrated for its diverse gastronomic landscape and culinary innovation, New York City provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates the art of chocolate in all its forms. We look forward to continuing Salon du Chocolat’s legacy of excellence,” said Sharona Sandberg, operations manager, Messe Frankfurt Inc.

Save the date and prepare your taste buds for a sumptuous adventure at Salon du Chocolat New York City 2024.

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