Bob Turner, who with his wife, Robin, owns and operates the Dairy Corner ice cream parlor of Urbana, was recently presented the Forrest Mock Person of the Year Award at the National Ice Cream Retailers Association (NICRA) convention at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Turner was recognized for his leadership and active support of NICRA, which the Turners joined in 1994. Turner has served on every committee and in every office of the NICRA Board of Directors, leading the organization as president in 2010. He served as chairperson of the 2009 national convention in Phoenix.

The Turners entered the ice cream business in 1984, when they purchased the Dairy Isle in Urbana from family friends. They renamed the ice cream shop the Dairy Corner in 1994 and in 2001 moved to their current location, 1472 E. Route 36, Urbana, where they began dine-in service.

The Turners’ two sons, Christopher and Matthew, grew up working in the business, which offers employment opportunities to many local teens.

“We are very grateful for our many loyal customers from Champaign County and surrounding communities,” Turner said. “And I’m honored to receive this recognition, as our involvement in NICRA has played a key role in helping us develop the Dairy Corner into a successful business. Through NICRA we stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the retail ice cream industry and bring them to our customers.”

NICRA represents hundreds of ice cream and frozen dessert retailers across the United States, Canada and in several other countries.

The Dairy Corner is currently closed for the season and plans to start the 2016 season in late February, weather permitting.