As part of National Ice Cream Month, IDFA joined with the International Association of Ice Cream Distributors and Vendors (IAICDV) today to recognize pioneers in the ice cream vending industry. During an informal ceremony held in IDFA’s offices in Washington, D.C., leaders of IAICDV unveiled a Hall of Fame plaque honoring those who have dedicated their careers to the overall betterment of the ice cream industry, as well as to participating in trade associations, educational efforts and community involvement.

“This event is extremely important to our association, as we recognize the great achievements and commitments of those who shall be immortalized on this plaque,” said Taylor Dubord, IAICDV executive director. “The individuals being recognized during this ceremony are true industry pioneers whose efforts have left an indelible mark and for whose service we are all extremely humbled and grateful.”

The plaque commemorated all 12 past awardees:

• Doc Abernathy, inventor of the iconic Bomb Pop;
• Earl and Sid Barish, pioneers in Canada’s bicycle and cart vending industry;
• Bill Conway and James Conway, creators of the mobile ice cream business with their Mister Softee trucks and product;
• Al Reynolds, former president of the Good Humor Ice Cream Truck Division;
• Stephan Feldman, Manny Ginsberg, Robert Holder, James Roberts and Jay Schwartz, who were “Founders Fathers” and the driving force for the creation and perpetuation of the ice cream vending industry; and
• Eric Walsh, former chairman of Unilever Ice Cream and champion for the mobile vending industry.

“IDFA is proud to display a commemoration of the International Association of Ice Cream Distributors and Vendors Hall of Fame right in our lobby, just three blocks from the White House, here in our nation’s capital,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO.

The IAICDV Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to recognize outstanding and extraordinary achievements in the ice cream industry. Induction into the IAICDV Hall of Fame is the highest honor in the industry. The ceremony is part of the industry’s celebration of National Ice Cream Month.

For more information, contact Peggy Armstrong, IDFA vice president of communications, at parmstrong@idfa.org.

(L to R) Honoree James Roberts, IAICDV legal counsel; Karen Reilly, director of mobile vending, Blue Bunny; Hoss Rafaty, IAICDV president and president of Yumi Ice Cream; Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA; honoree Sid Barish, retired, former co-owner of Dickie Dee Ice Cream.