Happy holidays!
I would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season. For most in our industry, the holidays are a time that keeps us very busy with special events and parties. I just want to remind everyone of the significance of what you do this time of year. Chefs and all foodservice professionals work hard to provide hospitality to others during the holiday season by sacrificing time with family and loved ones. The result of this sacrifice brings so much happiness to so many, even if some do not realize it.
You can be sure that your colleagues and fellow ACF chefs fully understand the impact of this commitment. This is the time of year to reach out to each other and appreciate how chefs make the world a better place along with the importance of our industry and the impact we can make to continue to improve it. Just remember when the dust settles to take time with your loved ones and remember the support they provide to allow us to accomplish what we need during the holiday season.
I would like to congratulate all the chapters in the Central Region for another amazing year of success, and to thank each and every one of the members who work so hard to continue to move not only ACF forward but the culinary and hospitality industry into the future.
I had the honor of observing the 2017 ACF CMC Exam which took place Sept. 30 to Oct. 8 at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. I would first like to thank Schoolcraft College, faculty and students for all of their hospitality while hosting the exam. It was extremely well run and everyone who attended and all who observed were very impressed by the facility and overall reception they received.
I would like to recognize the ACF Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association for their support during the event. It was very impressive to see so many volunteers representing their chapter with dedication and professionalism. I would like to thank the ACF Certification Commission members and Jeremy Abbey, CEC, CEPC, CCE, CCA – ACF Director of Certification for all of the hard work and planning that went into the event.
Also, thanks go to all the CMC evaluators who volunteered their time, with special thanks to Chef Brian Beland, CMC, for his leadership and professionalism making sure the test was given with the highest level of integrity. Finally, I would like to congratulate all the candidates for their participation and dedication to their craft as they all performed at a very high level. When it was all over, it was very exciting to see three new ACF Certified Master Chefs: Gerald Ford, CMC; Joseph Leonardi, CMC;
and Shawn Loving, CMC, CCA
. Congratulations!
I would like to thank Chef John Johnson CEC, CCE, and Madison Area Technical College for agreeing to host the 2018 Central Region Culinary Salon Feb. 16-18. Once again, we had a great turnout with the 2018 Central Regional awards applications and I would like to wish all the finalists good luck with the upcoming competition. If I can help in any way or answer any question please reach out to me and I will get you the information as soon as I can. Otherwise, good luck and congratulations again.
Finally, the ACF events staff has done an amazing job in preparation for the 2018 events and the 2018 ChefConnect: Newport Beach regional conference. The conference will be held at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa on March 18-20. I know everyone is working very hard to set up a great conference, with excellent educational seminars, delicious food and obviously great company. I do hope to see everyone there and to enjoy a great event with all of you.
Happy New Year to all!
Respectfully,
Brian A. Hardy CEC, CCA, AAC
ACF Central Regional Vice President
