Press Release

Michael Rand Inducted into American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame

St. Augustine, Fla., July 16, 2009—The American Academy of Chefs (AAC), the honor society of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), inducted Michael Rand, of Marietta, Ga., into the AAC Culinary Hall of Fame. Rand was inducted during a formal ceremony and dinner at the 2009 ACF National Convention held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Fla., July 10.

Established in 1988, the AAC Culinary Hall of Fame recognizes AAC Fellows for their accomplishments and extraordinary contributions to ACF, AAC and the culinary profession over a lifetime.

Rand, director of hospitality sales for Barber Foods, Portland, Maine, has successfully driven sales for the foodservice industry for more than 35 years. Soon after earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio, Rand began working as director of sales for Fiesta Foods, New Castle, Pa., a startup foodservice company. Thirty-five years later, he is still dedicated to the industry and has been a leading producer in hospitality sales in companies such as Tyson Foods, Inc., Allen Brothers and now Barber Foods.

Rand had the foresight to build a strong mutually beneficial relationship with ACF in 1989 when he worked as national sales manager in hospitality for Tyson Foods and became a member of the federation in 1993. He is a current member of ACF Greater Atlanta Chapter, Inc. Rand is a two-time recipient of an ACF President’s Medallion and the Industry Support Award. He and his company have supported more than 112 ACF events during the past 25 years. Rand was awarded an honorary induction into the American Academy of Chefs in 2008.

“Induction into the American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame is the highest honor an AAC Fellow can receive,” said AAC National Chair Thomas Macrina, CEC, CCE, AAC. “Since 1988, we have recognized more than 70 chefs who have dedicated their careers and their lives to advancing the culinary industry. We are proud to welcome five more to the Hall of Fame.”

Sponsors of AAC events at the 2009 ACF National Convention are: Allen Brothers; American Lamb Board; Barber Foods; BelGioioso Cheese Inc.; Buckhead Beef; Butterball Farms; The Chef’s Garden; CleanFish; Contessa Premium Foods; The Crystal Cave; Desserts International; Ecolab; Harbor Seafood; Hudson Valley Foie Gras; Ice Caterers; Icon Estates; Jennifer Garant; Labriola; Lactalis; Les Chateaux de France; Marky’s; Nestle Waters North America; New Chef Fashion; PinSource; Revol; The Schwan’s Food Company; Shucks Maine Lobster; Tito’s Hand Made Vodka; Valrhona; and Villeroy & Boch.

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, and to the Chef & Child Foundation, founded in 1989 to promote proper nutrition in children and to combat childhood obesity. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org.

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To arrange an interview or for a high-res photo, contact Leah Craig at (800) 624-9458, ext. 113, or Patricia Carroll at ext. 147. Email lcraig@acfchefs.net or pcarroll@acfchefs.net.

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

Patricia Carroll
(800) 624-9458, ext. 147
pcarroll@acfchefs.net

• Michael Rand Inducted into American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame