MESSAGE FROM WSCA PRESIDENT, MARK LINDEN

Mark Linden, CEC AAC

FEBRUARY 2013

From the Range

Greetings Fellow Culinarians and Associates

A very happy 2013 to all of you. I hope that as the year progresses for each of you that you achieve the small goals you have set for your self. In the book entitled "The Advantage", Patrick Lencioni discusses accountability. So many times we view this as being held accountable by others and or accountable for actions we are required to do in the function of our duties. However why not use some of the same principles when holding ourselves accountable for achieving the goals we set forth. It is only when we have completely bought into our decisions that we have the courage to embrace self-accountability. Therefore commitment becomes so important in attaining these goals. If we are truly committed we can confront issues facing our growth, and overcome these obstacles. Many times it is not a bad idea to have a close personal friend in on our decisions so that we can reach out to them to help along the way and if he/she is truly a great friend they will encourage you and ask you from time to time, how things are going. So basically accountability is about having the courage to confront our deficiencies and to stand up in the moment of trial and overcome. Sometimes it is easier not to hold ourselves accountable and allow us to fall back because after all, who knows but me. Accountability is also about performance (achieving the goal through a thought out plan) and behaviors (the triggers we have along the way that prevent us from achieving these goals and short cutting the process).If we hold ourselves true to the course our collective performance will naturally succeed. So holding ourselves accountable is a survivable and productive activity and will make us likely to succeed and move forward.

December WSCA Meeting 

The December Holiday event was hosted by Fiona Ronyai and Crowne Plaza, our past Executive Director of the chapter. A large thanks to her and her team for a great evening. The inclusion of the Sage and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Loaf was a very nice touch to the holiday meal. Special thanks also to David Lee, founder of Field Roasts Inc, for the educational seminar on Field Roasts Inc and all that it takes to produce these wonderful food products. The silent auction raised close to $300.00. This will go towards our educational foundation. 

February 2013 WSCA Meeting

The February 11th meeting will once again be hosted by Lori Taylor and FSA. It will feature an educational component with a panel of chefs. The session will concentrate on how to handle the first few weeks in a new job, question and answer sessions on culinary jobs, how to effectively seek and gain employment and the skills necessary to maintain employment. Click here to visit the meetings page for more info...  

Volunteer Opportunities 

-The Governors Inaugural Ball  

Special award certificates and plates will be handed out to each school and volunteer during our March Presidents Gala Meeting. As a reminder this will be held at the Columbia Tower Club on March 11th 2013. Reservations will be required.  

-Apprenticeship Demo Chefs  

Individuals are needed to help in the instructing the apprentice's. It always adds extra credence to the program by having guests doing demonstrations in areas that the students may not see. The current focus deals with Nutrition.

Join us on WE ARE CHEFS and FACEBOOK

Gouter a la Cuisine
Mark Linden CEC ACE AAC

Washington State Chefs Association Website

Our local American Academy of Chefs and our ACF Washington State Chapter student scholarship applications are available online. To find out when our next scholarship will be awarded and the application due dates please visit the scholarships page on our website for details.