Press Release

American Culinary Federation Honors Six People with President’s Medallions at 2009 ACF Western Regional Conference

St. Augustine, Fla., April 6, 2009—Six President’s Medallions were awarded by the American Culinary Federation, Inc., (ACF) at the 2009 ACF Western Regional Conference held at the Seattle Doubletree Hotel, Seattle, April 4–6.

ACF President’s Medallions were presented by Board of Directors President John Kinsella, CMC, CCE, WGMC, AAC, and Western Region Vice President Harry Brockwell, CEC, AAC, to ACF members who exemplify culinary excellence and leadership. The recipients have contributed their knowledge, skills and expertise to the advancement of the culinary profession.

ACF President’s Medallions

• William Barber, of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; educator, Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, Calif.; ACF Orange Empire Chefs & Professional Cooks Association
• James Callison, CEC, AAC, of Pullman, Wash.; executive chef, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash.; ACF Chefs de Cuisine of the Inland Northwest
• Lyle Hildahl, CFBE, FMP, of Mount Vernon, Wash.; director of education, Washington Restaurant Association, Olympia, Wash.; ACF Washington State Chefs Association
• James Koskiniemi, of Pleasant Hill, Calif.; executive chef, Bellevue Club, Oakland, Calif.; ACF San Francisco Chapter
• Mial Parker, CEC, of Campbell, Calif.; department chair/chef-instructor, Professional Culinary Institute, Campbell, Calif.; ACF Chefs de Cuisine Association of California
• Eric Watson, CCC, CCE, of Peoria, Ariz.; instructor, The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Phoenix, Phoenix; ACF Chefs Association of Arizona, Inc.

Chosen for its focus on sustainability and its rich culinary culture and breathtaking surroundings, Seattle was the location of the 2009 ACF Western Regional Conference hosted by ACF Washington State Chefs Association. Bringing chefs, cooks and foodservice professionals to the city, the conference provided attendees with numerous opportunities to advance their professional development and enhance their culinary skills through informative business seminars, forums and cooking demonstrations featuring the latest trends and techniques. In addition, the conference offered participants the opportunity to compete in several cooking competitions.

Sponsors of the 2009 ACF Western Regional Conference and ACF national award sponsors are: Alaska Silk Pie Company; Barber Foods; Beef Information Center; Bon Chef, Inc.; Boyd’s Coffee Company; Bunge Oils; Butterball Farms, Inc.; Canada Cutlery Inc.; Canola Council of Canada/CanolaInfo; Cargill Meat Solutions; Cargill Salt; The Cheesecake Factory Bakery Inc.; Custom Culinary, Inc.; Enviro-Solutions; GFF, Inc./Girard’s Dressings; Guittard Chocolate Co.; International Wine Guild; The Investing Chef; Kendall College School of Culinary Arts; Marine Farms Belize, Ltd.;The National Pork Board and America’s Pork Producers; Nestlé Professional; NewChef Fashion Inc.; Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats; Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission; Pearson Education; Pike Brewing Company; Peterson Cheese Company; R.L. Schreiber, Inc.; Rubbermaid Commercial Products; Splenda®; Starbucks Foodservice; SYSCO Seattle, Inc.; Tyson Food Service; Unilever Foodsolutions; Vita-Mix; Washington State Potato Commission; Western State Beef Councils in partnership with Snake River Farms; and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. With more than 22,000 members spanning 230 chapters nationwide, ACF is the culinary leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and accreditation. In addition, ACF operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States. ACF is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the United States in major international culinary competitions. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org.

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For photos and interviews, contact Leah Craig at lcraig@acfchefs.net or call (800) 624-9458, ext. 113.

Contact: Leah Craig
Public Relations Specialist
(800) 624-9458, ext. 113
lcraig@acfchefs.net

• American Culinary Federation Honors Six People with President’s Medallions at 2009 ACF Western Regional Conference