Stephanie Stuckey

I just fulfilled a childhood dream…

I’m joining the Board of Trustees of the National Confectioners Association, the leading trade organization for America’s candy and snack industry! A special congratulations to Tony Jacobs, President of Bazooka Candy Brands, who is the incoming Chair of the Board.

Bazooka is one of my favorite candy brands. With over 70 years of heritage, they’re home to Push Pops, Ring Pop, and – of course, the classic Bazooka Bubble Gum (and more). As a kid, I collected Bazooka Joe Comics and loved opening up the gum just to read his latest adventure. For a Friday moment of fun, watch Michael Keaton reading a Bazooka Joe comic. (watch here: https://lnkd.in/gpR29QBP).

NCA represents more than 400 member companies in the confectionery industry from multi-national, global manufacturers to small, family-owned businesses (like Stuckey’s). Here are a few great facts about the candy industry:

·        Candy generates $42 billion in retail sales every year
·        The industry employs 58,000 workers in 1,600 facilities in the U.S.
(including 70 jobs at the Stuckey's plant in Wrens, GA)
·        The multiplier effect employs 635,000 job in related fields

NCA is in the business of creating everyday moments of joy with the chocolate, candy, gum, and mints that our members produce every day. I look forward to being part of this incredible community that includes fellow new board members: Carrie Abbott, John Kretchmer, Robert Nelson, Stephen Gohde and current board members: Pat Egan, CEO of See's Candy, Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley, Ellen Gordon, President of Tootsie Roll, Gregory Guidotti, CMO of Ferrara Candy, and more!

[Photo taken at Sweets & Snack Expo in Chicago 2022. Sign up for this year's expo at https://lnkd.in/gn8Ee8_k]

Feeling Happy…ready to sell some Stuckey’s pecan snacks & candies.

This is what I do on trade show day before folks arrive to keep my energy level & spirits high ☺️

If you’re at Sweets & Snacks Expo, please come visit our team in Booth #10695, including my awesome business partner, RG Lamar, our Sales Director, Arleen Meier Poquette, and the newest member of our team, Marcos Thomas, Marketing & Sales Associate.

That was Then. This is Now…

Whenever I’m traveling, I visit the local stores that carry Stuckey’s products – from the large retailers like Wawa and MAPCO to the small mom & pop stores like Urban Artifacts in Peoria, Illinois.

This past week, I was on the Georgia Coast and stopped by “Remember When” – a cute gift shop located in Jekyll Island’s historic village. They carry all sorts of interesting memorabilia from Jekyll’s past, including this pamphlet from the Stuckey’s Carriage Inn.

Back in the 1960’s, my father owned a hotel on the island that featured a Georgia shaped swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course. The hotel changed hands and closed in the 1980’s. The building (and swimming pool too, sadly) were razed, and the site became a Ramada Inn.

But that was past. Our team today is focused on rebuilding the Stuckey’s brand as a pecan snack and candy company. Thanks to our team at our pecan plant in Wrens, GA, we’re making that happen!

Remember When carries our delicious pecan log rolls and Hunkey Dorey snacks. My dad’s favorite is Hunkey Dorey, so – while his hotel is long gone – he’s happy that he can visit Jekyll and still find a taste of Stuckey’s there.

If you’re n Georgia’s beautiful Golden Isles, please stop by “Remember When” on Jekyll or Southern Soul BBQ on St. Simons and pick up some of Stuckey’s delicious pecan snacks and candies. We’re grateful for every customer and retail partner that are part of our comeback journey!