Mary Ellen Hudicka, director of marketing communications at Bodek and Rhodes, Philadelphia, was inducted into the Specialty Advertising Counselors of the Delaware Valley (SACDV) Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at the annual SACDV Holiday Gala earlier this month. Hudicka is one of an elite group of 20 industry persons to be in the Hall of Fame.
Last year, Hudicka was one of only six people in the history of SACDV to be honored with the President’s Award, recognizing her exceptional service and dedication, and was also honored with that award again this year. She has also been named SACDV Person of the Year.
“When you truly love doing something you don’t expect to be rewarded for it; the experience itself is the greatest reward,” said Hudicka. “That is certainly true of my involvement with SACDV. I’m being inducted into the hall of fame—which is an incredible honor—for having fun with fabulous people. I feel like I should be giving them an award, they have taught me so much, and I am still continuously learning.”
The 11 members of the SACDV Board of Directors decided unanimously to induct Hudicka into the Hall of Fame. Two of the most notable factors contributing to the decision were Hudicka’s unselfish dedication to SACDV and her chairing two of the organization’s most successful fall shows. However, the board also took into consideration Hudicka’s outstanding dedication spanning a 25-year history of volunteering with SACDV.
“There are so many dimensions to Mary Ellen, it’s hard to capture exactly why she belongs in the Hall of Fame. She has done it all, and continues to do even more for us,” said SACDV President, Vytas Masaliatis. “Her vast knowledge of the industry is amazing. There is no matching the creative effort she puts forth for SACDV. And her genuine, constant enthusiasm and energy…all you have to do is see the way her face lights up when discussing ideas and strategies, and you’ll understand how deeply devoted and truly special she is.”
Bodek and Rhodes is equally as proud of having one of their own receive the distinguished industry honor.
“From day one, Mary Ellen has been a team player who is one-hundred percent dedicated to the growth of the promotional products industry, and has certainly been instrumental in many positive changes,” said Mike Rhodes, president. “No matter who you talk to—from the largest distributors to the smallest independent shops—everyone has something great to say about Mary Ellen’s attitude, insight and creativity. We are proud to have her as part of the Bodek and Rhodes family.”
In addition to a crystal bowl and plaque presented to Hudicka, a plaque bearing her name and likeness will be installed in the Hall of Fame and travel to various SACDV shows and events throughout the year.
For more information, call (800) 523-2721 or visit www.bodekandrhodes.com.
