MESSAGE FROM WSCA PRESIDENT, MARK LINDEN

Mark Linden, CEC AAC

NOVEMBER 2012

From the Range

Greetings Fellow Culinarians and Associates 

I have referred to the book I have been reading by Peter Lencioni titled "The Advantage". In an early chapter he discusses the definition of Organizational Health and the three things that often get in the way. 1). Sophistication Bias, which basically is how we overcomplicate things. It assumes that great intelligence, complex procedures and processes are needed. When in reality these thwart a healthy organization if this is the true focus. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication according to Leonardo Da Vinci. Think about it, to bring all things down to the simplest forms often leads to greater understanding and application. 2). Adrenaline Bias, the need to go at things with full bore intensity. This can lead to inclusive results due to haste. What is needed is a slowed down look at what the crux of the matter truly is. This takes some serious in depth research into the root causes. 3). Quantification Bias, refers to the need to have everything measured. Many times it is our gut reaction/feelings that are the better guide. So many times we as chefs walk into our kitchens and immediately sense something is not right, and often we are right. So we don't always need to rely on benchmarks and measurements to understand something needs to change. In all of this "Integrity" should be the guiding principle. That is the quality of being complete or undivided. Or a consistent disposition to act honestly. All in all the many parts of the organization must fit together and in a away the fosters honest communication and willingness to change where needed.

That being said I would like to hear from you as to how we can improve our chapter from YOUR perspective and what you would like to see changed. Please drop me an email at mlinden@exeterhouse.org. 

October WSCA Meeting

The October meeting was held at FSA's Warehouse Facility in Kent. A special thanks to Lori Taylor for arranging this. There was a very informative educational session devoted to sustainability of eco-friendly paper products and the science behind recycling.  The board meeting discussions centered on our apprenticeship program, 2013 Inauguration Event, selection of the annual regional and national awards and the Puget Sound Health Walk. At the end of the meeting a question was brought up on how to increase membership. A special task force will be developed that has members from across the board in all areas to get together and discuss what it will take to meet the needs of future members. We also will begin discussions on how we can reduce the number of meetings and yet still add and improve dynamic meetings.

2012 Puget Sound Heart Walk
We are grateful to the 20 association members who braved the chill to walk 2.5 miles for the American Heart Association. Olympic College will receive a check for $500.00 for having the highest number of attendees. All together our group raised $1500.00 for the cause. A special thanks also to Gary and Elaine Fuller, Chris and Suzanne Plemmons, Tony Parker, Shalbe Walsh and Jeff Pratt. 

November WSCA Meeting
Our November 12th, 2012 meeting will be hosted by Le Cordon Bleu featuring a pastry demonstration by Chef Carpenter. Appetizers will follow. Click here to visit the meetings page for more info...  

Volunteer Opportunities 

-The Governors Inaugural Ball
The event date is January 16th, 2013 at the Hall of Justice in Olympia. It will be a large tented area serving appetizers for close to 5,000 people. Several committees have been assigned. The people in charge of these committees will be calling for volunteers. As a reminder it is an event that will raise close to or over $20,000 for our chapter. These funds are what make meetings possible at the rates we have them at. 

-Apprenticeship Demo Chefs  

Individuals are needed to help in the instructing the apprentice's. It always add extra credence to the program by having guests doing demonstrations in areas that the students may not see. The focus for the first quarter this year deals with the business side of things.

Join us on WE ARE CHEFS and FACEBOOK

Gouter a la Cuisine
Mark Linden CEC ACE AAC

Washington State Chefs Association Website

Our annual Joseph Sir scholarship for $1,000.00 is still available and will be handed out a later date once applications are received. See the scholarships page for applications.