President’s e-News - January 24, 2011

Dear Chef:

As you know, one of my administration’s primary objectives since taking office was to develop new opportunities to foster student development in ACF. We have made many positive strides to provide more activities that aid students on their journey to becoming great chefs. I am pleased to announce a new student-focused event, the Student Culinarian Invitational, as well as the return of the Be Like “Mike” Contest at the 2011 ACF National Convention in Dallas. I hope you will participate or encourage students in your chapter, at your schools and in your workplaces to take part in these opportunities.

Student Culinarian Invitational

In 2010, I had the privilege of attending the Canadian Culinary Federation’s Junior Chefs Ice Breaker Reception during the organization’s national conference in Windsor, Ontario. The reception featured teams from each province and even an ACF team from Michigan. At the 2010 ACF National Convention in Anaheim, Calif., I announced that we would hold a similar function at this year’s national convention to foster mentorship and nurture culinary excellence.

I am pleased to invite all ACF student culinarian members to apply for the Student Culinarian Invitational by May 13, 2011, for the chance to win full registration and accommodations at the 2011 ACF National Convention at the Gaylord Texan, Dallas, July 22–26. Five teams: four two-person teams and their mentors representing each of the four ACF regions and one team at large will be selected to prepare their region’s cuisine at a special reception/dinner July 23, 2011. Winners who meet the age requirements mandated by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) will also travel, with complimentary airfare, hotel and registration, to the 2012 WACS International Congress in Seoul, South Korea. Visit the ACF website for more information and apply. Winners will be announced May 31, 2011.

Be Like “Mike” Contest

For the second year, ACF student culinarian members who are first-, second- or third-year full-time culinary students enrolled in either a degree-granting, diploma or certificate postsecondary culinary program, or who are in an ACFEF Apprenticeship Program, are invited to apply for the Be Like “Mike” Contest. One student will win a trip to the 2011 ACF National Convention in Dallas to shadow me. Students must submit an application, essay and other necessary documents by May 4, 2011, to be considered. The winner will be announced June 13, 2011. Learn more and apply.

Sincerely,
Michael Ty, CEC, AAC
ACF National President