President’s Message 2007/08

Greetings to one and all! It was my honor to be elected for the next 2-year term. I look forward to working with the other dedicated Executive members from across Canada.

Canadian Chef Educator’s Association National Conference 2007 Report

36 Members gathered in Calgary, Alberta for this year’s event.

Friday, we visited the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Polytechnic (SAIT) where we enjoyed a tour of the kitchen facilities led by Chef James McWilliams, head of SAIT’s Hospitality Program. Chef Sean Toner then gave an expert presentation on Sushi techniques, sharing knowledge gleaned from his professional sabbatical to Japan. A very nice lunch was then served in their beautiful Highwood Dining Room, culminating with a delightful flambé dessert demonstration by SAIT’s Louise Remillard and our very own Matthew Stinson. The 2007 AGM was then hosted by Terry Larsen. Some of the highlights included; A further report from the CFCC that they are willing, in the future, to align National Conference sites & dates with the CCEA’s. More information is being sought, as to feasibility, etc.; Life Membership was approved for Kathleen Hancock and Ron Dobrinsky and that of Allen Holtz was deferred for re-consideration at a later; Future National Conference sites were announced as Vancouver (more likely Abbotsford area), B.C for 2008, and Saskatchewan for 2009. This is by no means a comprehensive AGM report. Please refer to the 2007/08 CCEA newsletter for more detailed info. Dinner was then held at the lovely Panorama Dining Room atop the Calgary Tower. The Ray Johnson Hospitality suite rounded out the evening.

Saturday was Western Day. Everybody picked out their favorite cowboy hat, or other western item, at Lammle’s Western Wear and then we were off. The driver took us for a lovely cruise through the Foothills region, ending up at Anchor D Ranch near Turner Valley. Most members then went for a 2-hour trail ride through the foothills, with a few opting to hike instead. All RAVED about the breathtaking views of the Rockies and lovely mountain flowers blooming. A picnic lunch was then served at the ranch. From there, the group headed out to see the tiny Longview (AB) Jerky Factory, then assembled for a group photo at the ‘Big Rock’. Next up was a beer tasting hosted by Big Rock breweries, followed by dinner held at my school, Foothills Composite High School, in Okotoks. Dinner was prepared by Karen Peters, Maureen Smith, Cheryl Poile, Tori Smith, Sayta Bassmahjiyan and myself.

Matthew Stinson hosted the door prize bonanza and then we returned to the Ray Johnson Hospitality Suite for more networking and conversation.

Many thanks to the Alberta Committee for all their contributions, to all members for their attendance and kind praise, and a special thanks to Manitoba member Russ Brandt for his diligence and expertise taking photos and collating them into fantastic CD’s available to members. Just send him an email at: rebrandt@shaw.ca . Way to go Rusty!

The 2007-2009 CCEA Executive

President: Greg Poile

Past-President: Terry Larsen

Vice-President - Membership: Susanne Mikler

Vice-President – Communication (Secretary): Kathleen Hancock

Treasurer: Terry Larsen

B.C. Director: Ralph Walker

AB Director: Tim Yzerman

SK Director: Linda Galenzoski

MB Director: Andy Ormiston

ON Director: Sebastian Cugno

We are seeking representation from Chef Educators in the other provinces and territories!

Yours in Culinary Education,

Greg Poile

President, CCEA

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