JACKSON,Mich. – Dawn Food Products, Inc., one of the world’s largest full-service, family-owned baking industry manufacturers and suppliers, is pleased to announce that Ronald L. Jones, Chairman, has been inducted into the inaugural class of Emeritus members of the Retail Bakers of America (RBA).  Ron Jones was honored for his many contributions to the RBA and to the baking industry during a banquet that was held as part of the American Bakery Expo on September 22 at the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Criteria for consideration for the honor of Emeritus included a written recommendation by one or more members of the RBA Board of Directors explaining why the nominee should be considered and the contributions they have made to help improve the association and the industry.  Ron Jones was chosen for his more than 50 years of service to the baking industry; for embracing and living Dawn’s Circle of Excellence – good People with outstanding work ethics, making excellent Products, taking great care of Customers; for his leadership as former President & CEO of Dawn; and for generously sharing his time, knowledge and expertise with bakers, RBA members and Dawn People around the world. 

Over the years, Ron has leveraged his keen business instincts and a love of the baking industry to oversee an explosive period of growth that took the company from a strong regional supplier with one mix plant and $27 million in sales in 1982, to a global leader in the baking industry with manufacturing sites and distribution centers worldwide.  In 2005, Ron was recognized by the professional services firm, Ernst & Young LLP, as the Master Entrepreneur® of the Year for the Central Great Lakes Area – the organization’s highest honor.  And in 2007, Ron Jones, along with his brothers Miles and Steve, was inducted into the American Society of Baking’s Baking Hall of Fame.

In 2006, Ron became Chairman, passing leadership of Dawn to his daughter, Carrie-Jones Barber, CEO.  Ron remains active with the company, continuing to serve as role model and motivation for Dawn People to help make Dawn a little bit better every day.

For over 85 years, Dawn’s dedicated employees, outstanding products and valued customers have made the Dawn name synonymous with excellence.  American-owned and family operated; Dawn currently supplies a complete line of quality, consistent mixes, bases, icings, glazes, fillings, frozen dough, par-baked and fully baked products and equipment to the food industry, worldwide.  For further information, please visit www.dawnfoods.com.