When Alexander Stubb, Finland’s Minister for European Trade and Foreign Affairs, was asked to say a few words regarding Majlen Fazer being awarded the 2013 European Candy Kettle Club award, he didn’t hesitate to open his comments with some humor.

Noting that Finns have a reputation for being shy, he told the select group of attendees at the Helsinki Fair and Convention Center Winter Garden how to distinguish a shy Finn from an extroverted Finn.

“When introduced to someone new, a shy Finn will look at his shoes,” he explained. “But when an outgoing Finn is introduced to a new person, he or she will look at that person’s shoes.”

There was, however, nothing demure about the on September 13, 2013, celebration honoring Majlen Fazer, senior specialist, product quality cocoa and chocolate business for Helsinki-based Fazer Brands.

First, the crowd was entertained by dancers from Finland’s version of the popular television show, “Dancing with the Stars.” The polished Boston Promenade Big Band provided the musical background as past European Candy Kettle Club recipients or their representatives extolled the hard work, passion and perseverance Majlen Fazer has given to the company’s confectionery group for a quarter of  a century.

Indeed, it was a poignant moment when 91-year-old Guy Urban, founder of the European Candy Kettle Club, shared his memory of Majlen Fazer’s father, Peter Fazer, winning the award.

And then the band played on. 

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