William T. Cline

Class of 1990

Bill Cline was born in May, 1926, in Chicago, IL. A graduate of Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL, Bill also attended the University of Detroit, Detroit, MI.

Bill’s service to the confectionery industry spanned a 52-year career, beginning in 1946 when he became a territory salesman for Bunte Bros. In 1949, he joined the E. J. Brach Co. as sales coordinator/territory salesman, a position he held until 1968.

In 1971, Bill became national sales manager for Beich Co. until joining Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. as national sales manager in 1973. In 1975 he was appointed vice-president, sales and marketing for the American Licorice Co. a position he held until his retirement in 1977.

In addition to his induction into the Candy Hall of Fame in 1990, Bill’s long service to the industry is also honored with his membership in the Sales Managers Hall of Fame.