The rain was coming down hard. Traffic was horrific. And it was hard to find the buses. But they came. Candy Industry’s 72nd Kettle Awards reception continues to be the premiere event of the U.S. confectionery industry and a powerful draw.

It’s an impressive resume: Chocolatier; entrepreneur; political activist; consultant; new product developer; foundation chairman; industry volunteer; philanthropist. Of course, let’s not forget wife, mother and foodie.

Sara Clair, director of product development for Brown & Haley, received the industry’s most prestigious award, the gleaming copper kettle.

Candy Industry’s 72nd Kettle Awards reception continues to be the premiere event of the U.S. confectionery industry and a powerful draw.

Made by caramelizing sugar or molasses with butter and allowing it to cool into slabs, toffee has provided decades of decadence to candy connoisseurs.

Brown & Haley has a new U.S. sales director and it’s someone who combines confectionery and specialty channel experience with sales and managerial expertise.

Clair will become vice chairman but retain his position as chief executive officer, while Melin will take over as president and continue his duties as chief operating officer.

Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee helped Brown & Haley launch its new packaging for its ROCA Buttercrunch in China last week while on a trade mission to the country.