Another conference has come and gone and I must say it was probably my favourite after all of these years. (Yes, since 1992!). It was the very first with a Young Chef Chocolate Competition where they had to produce a 7" x 12" sculpture using multiple techniques in 4 hours. AMAZING. Well done and as well to all competitors and award winners. The energy, engagement and food was off the charts. Thank you to all of the Canadian Culinary Teams for your talent, professionalism and discipline. What representatives of our Federation you all are! All of this would not have been possible if but for three very important pieces! #1......Thank you to our amazing partners! They continue to shine and showcase not only their products, but support, engagement and genuine love for our industry and Federation. For the familiar faces it was great reconnecting and to the partners I just met it was an immense pleasure meeting you. I look forward to our continued relationship and what you can bring to our organization and next conferences. We will not disappoint you in showing our support back! #2.....To all of the branches and their membership that attended, thank you for being a part of us! I hope you felt the intensity of this conference and will bring that feeling back home to light a fire in more of your membership to take part in any aspect of our Federation. It will be greatly welcomed and I am here to support you in any way possible. #3.....Finally, to three amazing people. The Dream Team! First Sue and Lisa! I don't think we fully understand the number of hours, level of organization and work it takes to not only run this Federation but a Conference as well. Tireless amounts of time away from family, balancing other work and like our partners, without them our conference would not have been such a resounding success. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! And Ryan! My friend! For urging me to take the reins and for six incredible years of mentorship and galvanizing all committees, partnerships, teams and competitions. Also for making our association and its meetings more streamlined and efficient. Ryan has been a testament to what a hard working Chef is. Balancing a full time job, our organization, personal and professional relationships and his family. Thank you to Bonnie, Kayley, Aislyn, Palmer and Lachlan for lending us your amazing husband and father and entrusting our family with him! I have big shoes to fill and am so incredibly grateful to have the support of Lisa, Sue and Ryan as my Board Chair. Their advice will be welcome and vital to our continued success. I look forward to being of service to you all! More to come! | 
