The man who’s lived by the “Golden Rule” personally and professionally, received a payback during the Sweets &  Snacks Expo this year, albeit in copper. R. Anthony Sweet, chairman of Salt Lake City-based Sweet Candy Co., became Candy Industry’s 67th annual Kettle Award recipient during a reception held at the exclusive Union League Club of Chicago on May 9.

The Club’s main room was filled with more than 250 guests who came to celebrate the four Kettle Award nominees: James Buffardi, cfo of Ferrara Pan Candy Co.; Charles Flavelle, chairman of R.C. Purdy Chocolates Ltd.; Mitchell Goetze, president and ceo of Goetze’s Candy Co.; and “Tony” Sweet, chairman of Sweet Candy Co.

 Kettle Committee Chairperson Katherine Clark faced a hushed room when she received the envelope containing the announcement of who will be this year’s Kettle Award recipient. Clark then patiently opened the envelope before revealing the news. The room burst into applause as she read the words, “And the recipient of this year’s Kettle Award is Tony Sweet of the Sweet Candy Co.”