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Stevie Hughes, president and owner of IMI Association Executives in Morrisville, N.C., was named the 2007 Supplier of the Year by the North Carolina Vending Association (NCVA), the professional trade association representing vending and food service companies across the state. IMI is the association management company of NCVA. The surprise announcement was made on Friday, May 2, during the Annual Awards Breakfast, held in conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Exposition, a trade show and convention for the vending industry, which attracts exhibitors and registrants from around the country. 

Originally from New England, Hughes graduated from the University of Rhode Island and moved South in the mid-70s. Putting her physical education degree to work, her career began in the Orange County school system

Starting as an administrative assistant, her run with IMI Association Executives began in February of 1982 and over the course of the next 14 years, she worked her way up to the company's vice president position. In 1996, she took over ownership and has been at the helm of this successful, growing company ever since.

Hughes enjoys spending time with her two grown children, her three grand children and friends. In her free time, she relishes traveling, cooking and Jazzercise.

Hughes has worked with the North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia vending associations for 26 years.