[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 45 (Friday, March 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE HEATH BROTHERS CONFECTIONARY IN 
                           ROBINSON, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 2014

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial of 
the Heath Brothers Confectionary in Robinson, Illinois. Founded one 
hundred years ago by L.S. Heath and his sons Bayard and Everett, this 
once small business has expanded to become a global franchise. Over the 
past 100 years, the Heath Confectionary has produced many successful 
products, chief among them the Heath Bar, a delicious toffee candy 
covered in milk chocolate and almonds.
  Made by hand until 1942, production of Heath Bars was eventually 
ramped up to commercial scale to supply American troops during World 
War II. Throughout the conflict, Heath Bars were a staple of soldiers' 
rations, providing them with a small taste of home during their long 
deployments.
  Known as ``America's Finest,'' popularity for the candy grew steadily 
after the war. Recognizing the potential of the Heath Confectionary, 
the company was eventually acquired by Leif, Inc. in 1989, itself 
acquired by Hershey in 1996.
  Today, Hershey maintains a plant in Robinson, Illinois, producing 
iconic candies such as Heath Bars, Paydays, Whoppers and Milk Duds. I 
applaud Hershey for maintaining the plant's roots in Robinson and for 
their contribution to the community through the creation of jobs and 
their generous corporate giving.
  I invite all members to stop by my office to try a Heath Bar and all 
of the various other Hershey products produced in our district for 
themselves.

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