I hope 2012 finds everyone well and I would like to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year! I also want to extend a welcome to the new board of directors for 2012. This year brings new potential for growth for our chapter and there are exciting things happening on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We will have a new casino property opening this year with Maragritaville. In addition the new culinary arts and hospitality center will open on the Jeff Davis Campus of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. 2011 saw the chapter struggle in retaining members and keeping them interested in what the chapter is doing. Meeting attendance was down overall last year. However we held several successful and well organized events that generated positive feedback and interest. I want to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to those people that continually step up to the plate in service to their fellow members in support of this chapter and it’s activities, we would not exist without your steadfast dedication. This year we have several competitions planned and we are working on organizing some new projects that will allow the ACF to partner with other organizations within our community. I feel that our efforts this year should be focused on the member. How can we increase meeting attendance? What educational seminars can we host that will generate interest? How can we entice new members to join our ranks? I am excited and ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work. I look forward to seeing you at the first meeting of the year. The purpose of the American Culinary Federation is to promote the education of cooks and chef’s. In addition one of our goals is to set the standard for professionalism in our ranks. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Culinary Federation has the opportunity to play a part in the education of cooks and chef’s within and outside of our organization. We can do it, with your help!