New Englands Vending Associations Bestow Wishart Award On Mark Lathrop

N. CONWAY, NH -- The New Hampshire Refreshment Service Association hosted this year's annual joint spring meeting of the New England vending associations. The event took place from May 29 to 31 at White Mountain Hotel and Resort here. Among the highlights of this year's meeting, the New England vending trade presented the Harry Wishart Award to Mark Lathrop of Lathrop Vending (Uncasville, CT).

The combined annual event unites operators and associate members of the Pine Tree Vending Association (Maine), Connecticut Vending Association, Massachusetts Vending Association, Rhode Island Vending Association and Vermont Vending Association, along with the New Hampshire group. The event also draws industry members from other parts of the country.

New England vending operators, suppliers, brokers and distributors were brought up to date on the latest news impacting their businesses and, along with their families, enjoyed each other's company in a host of recreational activities and social events.

An eagerly anticipated part of the weekend festivities was the presentation of the annual Harry Wishart Award, given to a person who has exemplified the ideals of the late Harry Wishart, working for the group as a whole towards building a better and stronger vending industry in New England. Jeff Terban of Burdette Beckmann, last year's winner, selected Lathrop. He asked Larry Lathrop, Mark's father, to bestow the honor on his son.

"I've had the privilege of working side by side with this year's recipient for over 20 years," said the senior Lathrop. "I've watched him mature from a route driver to a respected and professional business owner who brings numerous qualities to our industry. He has the knowledge, personality and the drive to be a true advocate of the vending business."

Mark Lathrop has been a board member of the Connecticut Vending Association for the past 15 years and has served as president and vice-president. He has also been instrumental in planning and organizing spring meetings hosted by CVA.

The second-generation operator often has been invited to testify at the state capital on behalf of the vending industry and has participated in many "meet and greets" with state legislators.

Past recipients of the Harry Wishart Award are: Rob Tappen (2000); Mike Campbell (2001); Ed Jones (2002); Ed Dooley (2003); Todd Hedrich (2004); Allan Gilbert (2005); Larry Cohen (2006); Howard Michaels (2007); Lloyd "Bud" Willey Jr. (2008); in the memory of Loren Athearn (2009); Eric Mueller (2010); Melissa Johnson (2011); Steve Foley (2012); Dennis Surprenant (2013); and Jeff Terban (2014).

INDUSTRY HONOR:Jeff Terban (l.) and Larry Lathrop (r.) present 16th annual Harry Wishart award to Mark Lathrop.