Fourth-Generation Dager Tapped to Lead Velvet

UTICA, Ohio (Sept. 3, 2009) - For nearly a century, the leaders of Velvet Ice Cream were all misters. Now, they're all sisters.

The father-to-son succession that followed three generations of the Dager family since the company's founding in a Utica confectionary in 1914 became a father-to-daughter handoff today with the announcement that Luconda Dager was named Velvet's president.

Luconda Dager, the great granddaughter of Velvet's founder, succeeds her father, Joseph Dager.

"It's a proud day for Velvet, and a very proud day for me," said Joseph Dager. "It is very special for me to pass the baton to my oldest daughter. Luconda has been with us for 15 years. She understands and breathes the ice cream business, and there is no one better suited for this position."

Joining Luconda Dager on the leadership team are her sisters, Andre and Joanne.

Andre Dager was named vice president of guest services, overseeing tourism, marketing and daily operations of Velvet's Ye Olde' Mill.

Joanne Dager was named vice president of Velvet's food service division, overseeing sales to independent restaurants, chains, schools and nursing homes.

Joseph Dager will serve as chairman of the board, and his wife, Tatla Dager, will continue in her current position as treasurer of the board.

"This is my dream job," said Luconda Dager. "As we near the hundred-year anniversary of Velvet's founding, my sisters and I are extremely proud to be at the helm of the family business. Our overarching goal is to set the company on a firm path toward another hundred years. My sisters and I are dedicated to that task."

The Dager sisters have worked at Velvet for a combined 30 years.

Headquartered at Ye Olde' Mill in Utica, Ohio, Velvet Ice Cream has been a family owned and operated business for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1914 by family patriarch Joseph Dager, Velvet has been run by four generations of the Dager family. Each year, Velvet produces more than five million gallons of ice cream, which can be found in freezer cases throughout the Midwest. The historic Ye Olde' Mill, which houses the company headquarters, an ice cream museum and restaurant, attracts more than 150,000 visitors a year.

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CONTACT:
Robin Yocum
614.378.3286