It has been a very busy summer and it seems that the best weather is upon us now as we get ready to go back to school in a couple weeks. It seems to be always the case. I hope that you have had some time to enjoy the summer away from your work. It is very important to decompress every now and then before you get too overloaded, especially in our type of work with a great deal of stress.

National Convention

Our national convention was held in Phoenix, Arizona this past July and of course Arizona in July is always pleasant. It was 112 degrees or greater every day. Why do we go to the desert in the summer and places like Chicago in February??? That is the big question. With that said, the conference was fantastic! The J.W. Marriot property was beautiful. The staff was outstanding from beginning to end. The educational seminars were some of the best I have attended in all of my years. The two apprentices that went from our chapter had the opportunity to be a part of great learning and networking experience that they will not forget. They will have a few words to say at our dinner meeting about their experience at the conference.

Governor's Ball

We are working with the Governor's Ball Committee now for preparations for the next Inaugural Ball on January 11th, 2017. We again have been asked to supply the food for the event. We are working with the committee to get all the logistical details before sending out our letter to all of the schools that worked this event in the past as well as some local caterers and restauranteurs. The location of the event is the same and the number we are looking at this time is 2500 to 3500 people. They think it might be 2500 this time because if the incumbent governor wins than the event is not as large as a new governor coming in to office. We hope to have the letter finalized and out to all of you before the end of September. It is the same style of service as the last Ball. It will be hand held appetizers. 2-4 different apps per table and they would like to make sure that we are not using plates. They would like single service utensils or cocktail napkins. This is our largest fundraiser for the chapter and comes along every 4 years. I hope that everyone that has helped support the chapter in the past will be able to be a part of the event as well. 

Apprentices

 
Our Chapter currently has 13 active apprentices in our area. We are looking for houses that meet the criteria for having an apprentice. Keep in mind that you do not have to be a certified chef to have an apprentice. You just need to be at a level of chef de cuisine if you were certified. Your house needs to do at least two meal periods, lunch, and dinner for example. Maybe breakfast, lunch. The benefits for apprenticeship are many but one of the most valuable reasons would be that you have an apprentice for three years working with you. In today's workforce we have all seen the high turnover from workers that are just looking for a paycheck and are not on a career path. If you are looking for a more stable workforce and are able to mentor and train our upcoming culinarians, please reach out to me.

Annual Chapter Elections

 
Our annual chapter elections are coming up quickly. At our September dinner we will open it up for nominations for any positions that are at their term and need to be re-elected or have new members join. We will take nominations again in October at our board meeting and then have the elections at our Holiday dinner at the Clearwater Casino in November. We are always looking for chef's that want to help out and volunteer their time, but taking on a board or higher position is a commitment that you need to make sure you can fulfill. Chefs have a very busy schedule and attendance at the board and dinner meetings is required so that our business can be conducted. I appreciate all the members that give their time and knowledge to our chapter. You are the reason that makes this chapter what it is and what will make it bigger and better going forward. Thank you all.

Coming Events

Don't miss these coming events...

September 12, 2016

September 20, 2016

November 14, 2016