FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact
Joan Toth, Executive Director, Network of Executive Women (NEW)
Tel. (312) 693-5393 | E-mail jtoth@newonline.org | www.newonline.org

NEW honors Dave Onorato for diversity leadership Hershey executive receives Hedy Halpert Award

CHICAGO (Nov. 12) -- David Onorato, vice president, national convenience store sales for Hershey Foods Corporation, has been presented with the Network of Executive Women’s third annual Hedy Halpert Diversity Awareness Award for his leadership in the development of diverse work teams in the consumer packaged goods industry.

Onorato accepted the award from NEW Executive Director Joan Toth at a reception sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Hershey Foods, RJR Tobacco Co., and Altadis USA October 18 at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Café during NACS Convention.

Onorato said he was “very proud to recognized in such a way, and to be working for a company that sets such a wonderful example of diversity and inclusion.” Presenting the Halpert award, Toth noted that that it was named for the late Hedy Halpert, one of NEW’s founders and “a driving force who embraced diverse work teams."

Onorato was nominated for the Award by colleague Michelle Gloeckler, Hershey’s vice president of customer/category development. Gloeckler wrote that “David is a role model in developing people, building a diverse team, encouraging diverse thinking and welcoming diverse ideas.”

Gloeckler’s comments were echoed in a statement from Hershey CEO Richard Lenny, who said, “This award exemplifies your leadership and belief in living the Hershey values. Diversity and inclusion are so very important to all that we do, both internally and externally.”

Onorato was joined by other Hershey executives at the awards presentation, including Gloeckler and Tom Joyce, Hershey’s vice president of Customer & Industry Affairs.

The first Hedy Halpert Award was presented in 2002 to Jim Keyes, CEO of 7-Eleven. Last year the award recognized Michele Hanson, vice president of First Data Corp. and a NEW founder and board member.

For more information about NEW contact Joan Toth at jtoth@newonline.org or visit www.newonline.org.

The mission of the Network of Executive Women, Consumer Products and Retail Industry (NEW), is to attract, retain and advance women in the retail and consumer packaged goods industries through education, leadership and business development. The organization has over 500 members and more than 30 corporate sponsors. Activities include a National Leadership Summit, mentoring programs and regional networking events across the country.

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