Candy Hall of Fame

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Candy Hall of Fame

The NCSA administers the Candy Hall of Fame & Kettle Awards. confectionery manufacturing.

The Candy Hall of Fame honors those who’ve dedicated their careers to the confectionery industry, while the Kettle Awards recognize an outstanding individual in U.S. The Candy Hall of Fame was founded in 1971 to recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals committed to the confectionery industry. Each year up to 12 individuals are honored with induction at a black-tie gala, attended by friends, family and industry peers.

05/15/2026

"Follow your hearts and do what you love, for those who have the privilege of working, and it is a privilege, in the confectionery industry ... never, ever forget we create lifetime memories."

– Jim Dodge, 2025 Candy Hall of Fame Inductee

Hear Jim’s full acceptance speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtyEWgWo9vE

05/12/2026

One week until we celebrate the best in confectionery.

We’re looking forward to honoring this year’s Kettle Award recipient, Anton Vincent, President, Mars Snacking, North America, and Global Ice Cream at Mars, Inc., and IMPACT Award recipient, Elaine Wu, Co-Founder of Amos Sweets and Senior Vice President of Amos Food Group, in Las Vegas.

We hope to see you there!

https://www.kettleawards.com/

Mars, Incorporated Amos Sweets

05/11/2026

The NCSA is proud to recognize 2026 inductee Michael Flynn, Executive Vice President at Stribbons, Inc.

With more than 25 years in the confectionery industry, Michael has built a career defined by leadership, collaboration and a commitment to strengthening the industry from within.

At Stribbons, he has played a key role in delivering innovative packaging and product solutions while bringing an “outside-in” perspective — applying best practices from across industries to drive progress in confectionery.

Michael has also been a driving force behind industry engagement, serving on multiple NCA committees, co-founding and co-chairing the Young Professionals Network, and helping shape what is now the Future Leaders Program to support the next generation of industry talent.

Known for his generosity, mentorship and belief that “it takes a village,” Michael’s impact is felt across the confectionery community, bringing people together, fostering collaboration and helping others succeed.

We look forward to celebrating Michael and the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2026 this October.

05/05/2026

Two weeks to go.

The 80th Anniversary Kettle Awards are almost here — an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence in confectionery manufacturing.

5-7 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center (Room 307, West Hall/Level 3)

05/04/2026

Happy birthday to all the Candy Hall of Famers celebrating in May! 🎉

Join us in recognizing their contributions and the sweet legacy they’ve built.

04/29/2026

Everyone remembers their first job … especially in the candy industry. 🍬

From unforgettable moments to lessons that shaped lasting careers, those early experiences often leave the sweetest impression.

What’s the most memorable part of your first job in confectionery?

04/28/2026

"That's why this industry is the way it is ... because people continue to help other people. Pay it forward. Bring the next generation along. It will be so rewarding."

– Lynn Wieland, Candy Hall of Fame Inductee

Hear Lynn’s full acceptance speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F__SgU_zU4

04/27/2026

From then to now — hopping on the "This is Who” trend.

The 2025 Candy Hall of Fame Class showed us that everyone can grow up to join the candy industry! We’re glad they did!🍬

04/24/2026

🎉 Kettle Awards Fun Fact: The very first Kettle Award was presented 80 years ago in 1946, and the inaugural honoree was none other than Russell Stover, a true pioneer in the confectionery industry.

Since then, the Kettle Awards have recognized the leaders, innovators and changemakers who continue to shape the future of candy.

Here’s to 80 years of excellence - and the many more to come. 🍬✨

04/22/2026

The Candy Hall of Fame continues to grow thanks to the incredible individuals who make up our community.

We’re proud to welcome our newest members from the past six months:

Jeffrey Birnn - Birnn Chocolates of Vermont
Susan Whiteside - National Confectioners Association
Richard Toltzis - Bazzini LLC
Scott Samet - Taste of Nature, Inc.
Katherine Phegley - Brown & Haley
Eddie Jacobs - Irca Group
Tim Galloway - Galloway Company
Kaye Powell - S. Abraham and Sons
Dale Buys - The Walt Disney Company
Allison Miazga-Bedrick - Mars, Incorporated
Michele Polito - Impact Confections, Inc.
Mark Dieffenbach - The Hershey Company
AJ Sandberg - Mockups 4 You

Together, we’re preserving the history and celebrating the future of the confectionery industry.

04/19/2026

We’re getting closer…

One month to go until the Kettle Awards, and anticipation is building as we prepare to celebrate the leaders who continue to shape the confectionery industry.

Join us on May 19 as we honor excellence, innovation, and legacy.

https://www.kettleawards.com/

Address

Cleveland, OH

Telephone

+12166318200

Website

http://www.candyhalloffame.org/

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