Sanders VP nominated for confection industry’s most sought after award

Clinton Township, Mich., January 28, 2016 – Sanders and Morley Candy Makers recently announced that its Vice President of Manufacturing, Mike Koch, Sr. has been nominated for the confection industry’s prestigious Kettle Award and encouraged fans to vote for him at www.kettleawards.com.

With only four industry professionals receiving a nomination each year, the Kettle Award is widely considered the highest recognition an individual working within the U.S. confectionery industry can attain.

“Mike has shown an amazing level of dedication to our company and confections for more than four decades,” said Ron Rapson, President of Sanders and Morley Candy Makers. “We are proud to see him receive recognition for his tireless efforts to propel not only our organization, but the entire candy industry forward.”

Koch began his career with Morley Candy Makers in the early 1970’s as a young maintenance employee sweeping and mopping the chocolate factory floors. Today he is part owner of the company and acts as Vice -President of Manufacturing. Mike’s passion for his work has led to additional recognitions and achievements including:


-2012 Retail Confectioners International (RCI) President’s Award
-2013 National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA)’s Candy Hall of Fame Inductee
-Former RCI board member and past president
-Graduate of RCI’s Gus Pulakos International Candy School at Gannon University
-Member of the Confectionary Education Advisory Board since its inception
-Speaker and educator at several RCI and AACT education forums & conventions
-Member of the current NCA Board of Directors
-Member of the NCA Candy PAC


The Kettle Award was established in 1946 by Candy Industry Magazine's founder and publisher, Don Gussow. The 2016 Award reception announcing this year’s winner will be held on Tuesday, May 24th immediately following the Sweets & Snacks Expo.