McCormick Place — Kirk Vashaw, chairman and CEO of Spangler Candy Co. (Booth 11240) was honored with the 2023 Kettle Award during a reception last night at the Union League Club of Chicago. The evening honored Vashaw along with fellow 2023 nominees Sylvia Buxton, president & CEO of Perfetti Van Melle North America and Douglas R. Dressman, president and CEO, Esther Price Candies, Corp.
In 2008, Vashaw became the seventh president in Spangler’s 111-year history and the first fourth-generation family member to lead the company. He was the driving force behind Spangler’s acquisition of NECCO, and through his leadership, the company reintroduced the NECCO Wafer, Sweetheart and Mary Jane brands.
A long-time active participant in NCA, Vashaw was honored with the association’s inaugural “Member Advocate of the Year” award during Washington Forum 2012 for his efforts in persuading members of Congress and other representatives from Ohio to reform the U.S. sugar policy.
He was elected NCA Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 2019 and remains a member today, continuing to actively lobby for sugar reform.
Vashaw’s community interests include being a member of the Bryan Area Foundation and the Williams County Airport Authority. In addition, he has worked in the past for the Fountain City Festival and Junior Achievement.
The Kettle Award is administered by Candy Industry and recognizes contributions for the ‘great or good’ of the industry. Each nominee requires superior achievement in the following areas: sales and marketing, education and personnel training, energy and environmental contributions, quality advancement, production and plant improvement and research and product development.
