The American Culinary Foundation (ACF), Inc., the largest professional organization of culinarians in America, has been enhancing and furthering food service careers for more than seven decades. Through its Educational Institute, professional chef certification is possible, as is thorough training of culinary and pastry apprentices to meet a growing need for trained personnel in the industry. The ACF is the voice in the industry, representing more than 20,000 chefs nationwide and in the Caribbean countries with like concerns and needs.

The ACF Sarasota Bay Chefs Association was founded in 1983 by a group of local chefs. They realized the importance of a standard of certification and as a mean for communicating and educating themselves and other culinarians. Through these initial efforts, an interest was sparked to devote our collaboration of skills and talents to local charities as a means of charitable contributions and financial support for our local chapter.

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News

Award Winners Announced at the 2009 Annual American Culinary Federation National Convention

St. Augustine, Fla., July 15, 2009—The American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF) honored chefs, culinary industry professionals and foodservice establishments at the 2009 ACF National Convention held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Fla., July 11–14.

Orlando was the location of the 2009 ACF National Convention, bringing hundreds of chefs, cooks, students and foodservice professionals to the Sunshine State. The national convention provided attendees with numerous opportunities to advance their professional development and enhance their culinary skills through informative workshops and seminars, cutting-edge demonstrations, a trade show featuring more than 100 exhibitors, national competitions and ACF’s annual national awards.

ACF President’s Medallion Recipient

Brian D. Knecht, CEC, CCA, ACE, AAC; department chair and instructor, Sarasota County School Board, Sarasota, Fla.; ACF Sarasota Bay Chefs Association

Chef Knecht’s position with the Sarasota County School Board is the Department Chair and Instructor of the Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Program on the campus of the Sarasota County Technical Institute. Chef Knecht is also responsible for the ACF Apprenticeship Program. This award was bestowed upon Chef Knecht for his dedication, work ethic, mentoring of young culinarians and vision for the future of our industry.