This year, the  confectionery industry’s “Oscars” event - Candy Industry’s 65th Kettle Awards - will have a new venue, the prestigious Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC). Located at 65 W. Jackson Blvd. in downtown Chicago, ULCC was voted the No. 1 private city club in America by the Club Leaders Forum last year. It has been a Chicago treasure for the past 130 years and provides a most appropriate setting for the 2010 Kettle Awards Reception, which will be held on May 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Typically, most visitors to the Windy City wouldn’t have an opportunity to visit this piece of Chicago’s history, given that the ULCC is open to members only. The Kettle Awards reception, which is open to all those involved in the confectionery industry, will provide visitors a chance to see this unique venue steeped in Chicago history.   

Established in 1879 to uphold the sacred obligations of citizenship, promote honesty and efficiency in government, and support cultural institutions and the beautification of the city, ULCC has been a contributing partner in the growth and development of Chicago. Through the efforts of its dynamic membership, the Club has been a catalyst for action in nonpartisan political, economic and social arenas - focusing its leadership and resources on important social issues. 

As early as 1893, Chicago gained recognition as a world-class city when it hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition. ULCC members were instrumental in having Chicago named the site of the exposition by the United States Congress. Since that time members have played a role in establishing many of the city’s cultural organizations, including Orchestra Hall and the Field Museum. In the 1990s, ULCC celebrated its role in the opening of the Harold Washington Library Center. 

In ULCC’s Main Dining Room, where the Kettle Awards reception will be held, guests will have the opportunity to see several key works of art. Today, ULCC is recognized as having one of the most important privately held art collections in the region, with more than 750 works of art, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and decorative arts - with particular strength in Midwestern artists.

The room promises to be a most fitting venue for another exemplary state of nominees: Eric Atkinson of Atkinson Candy Co.; John  Brooks Sr. of Adams and Brooks, Inc.; Michael Rosenberg of Promotion in Motion Cos. and Ed Seguine of Mars Chocolate North America.

For more information about the event or club, visit www.kettleawards.com.