BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://chooserestaurants.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20220313T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20221106T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20230312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20231105T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250616T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T163000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051955 CREATED:20250203T201656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T210340Z UID:258912-1750095000-1750177800@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:MFHA Roundtable: Developing Future-Ready Leaders DESCRIPTION:MFHA Roundtable: Developing Future-Ready Leaders\nJune 16-17\, 2025Ecolab\, St. Paul\, MN\nLeadership is the foundation of success in the fast-paced restaurant and hospitality world. This session equips senior leaders and executives with the cultural intelligence they need to lead diverse teams\, navigate cultural dynamics\, and foster innovation. Learn how culturally intelligent leaders can drive operational excellence and organizational performance.\n \n Learn More and Register\n \n \n \n \n \n MFHA’s Roundtables explore how cultural intelligence can build more collaborative teams\, enhance communication\, and build future-ready leadership. Honing these skills makes individuals invaluable contributors in any professional setting and empowers organizations to build strategies that adapt\, endure\, and thrive. Designed for diverse industry stakeholders\, you’ll receive actionable insight and practical tools that drive organizational growth and fuel success. URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/mfha-roundtable-developing-future-ready-leaders/ LOCATION:MD CATEGORIES:MFHA Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-MFHA-roundtable-banner-660x220-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250529T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250529T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051955 CREATED:20250127T205035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T173451Z UID:258811-1748527200-1748530800@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 05/29/25 DESCRIPTION:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series\nDuty and Expertise: Upskilling America’s Military Foodservice Professionals\nThursday\, May 29\, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET – Register Now\nWhile foodservice professionals play a key role in America’s Armed Forces\, they’re also an asset to restaurant operators once they transition to the civilian career space\, bringing a range of high-level industry skills forged in demanding environments. During this special Armed Forces Day webinar\, find out how the NRAEF is strengthening the skill set of military foodservice professionals and why industry employers are embracing them as they build high performing restaurant teams. Leave with a fresh appreciation for the contributions of the military’s foodservice and hospitality professionals and learn how you can tap into their talent and skill set. \nSpeakers include: \n\nDerek Small (host)\, Military Program Director\, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation\nDonald Bartlett\, Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships\, Aramark\nMaster Gunnery Sergeant Shawn C. Fitzpatrick\, Food Technician\, DC I&L MCICOM G4\, HQMC\, U.S. Marine Corps\nCulinary Specialist\, Senior Chief Petty Officer Edward Fuchs\, U.S. Coast Guard\nDawn Lyons\, Senior Director HR & Military Talent\, Compass Group\n\nUnlock the potential of the restaurant industry with our six-part “Industry of Opportunity” webinar series! From building essential skills to inspiring the next generation of leaders\, this series is designed to empower you and your team with actionable insights and innovative strategies. \nJoin us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry. \n \n REGISTER NOW URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/industry-of-opportunity-webinar-series-052925/ LOCATION:MD CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/America-Works-Here-webinar-series_600x.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250517 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250521 DTSTAMP:20260404T051955 CREATED:20241120T210125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250512T171159Z UID:258252-1747440000-1747785599@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:National Restaurant Association Show 2025 DESCRIPTION:National Restaurant Association Show\n McCormick Place\, Chicago\, IL\n May 17-20\, 2025Chicago\, Illinois\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Educational Foundation Activities at and around the National Restaurant Association Show\nEach year\, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation hosts and participates in a variety of special events associated or concurrent with the National Restaurant Association Show. The following list includes highlights of our activity for the 2025 Show. If you have any questions\, please fee free to contact us at partnerships@nraef.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nTOPIC\nINFO\nDATE\nLOCATION\n\n\nNRAEF’s Military Foodservice Awards\nGo to the Awards web page\nFriday\, May 17\, 7:00 PM CT\nPalmer House Hilton\n\n\nAdvanced Military Management Training Program\nGo to Military Training\nFriday\, May 17 through Sunday\, May 18\nPalmer House HiltonNational Restaurant Association Show\n\n\nExhibit: National Restaurant Association Show\nThe National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation booth.\nSaturday\, May 18 through Monday\, May 20\nNational Restaurant Association Show: North Building — 6600\n\n\nProStart® JumpStart Grantees\nProStart students from the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette\, LA\, tour the Show.\nSaturday\, May 18\nNational Restaurant Association Show\n\n\nSession: Creating Exceptional and Indispensable Experiences: How Cultural Intelligence Drives Retention and Growth\nMFHA’s Erika Cospy Carr presents at the Show. Session info here.\nSunday\, May 19\, 10:00 AM CT\nNational Restaurant Association Show: Room S502 – South Building – 5th Floor\n\n\nEcolab’s Sunday Night Spotlight \nBites & Beats private partner event. More information.\nSunday\, May 19\n \n\n\nSession: Diners\, Drama & Disrespect: Stopping Toxic Behaviors Before They Cost You\nMFHA’s Erika Cospy Carr presents at the Show. Session info here.\nMonday\, May 20\, 12:00 PM CT\nNational Restaurant Association Show: Discovery Theater – South Hall – 2693\n\n\nSession: Talented and Ready to Serve! Increasing Young Adult Employment and Advancement in Restaurant & Hospitality Careers\nNRAEF’s Patricia Gill presents at the show. Session info here.\nMonday\, May 20\, 11:30 AM CT\nNational Restaurant Association Show: Room S405 – South Building – 4th Floor\n\n\nSession: Expert Exchange & Networking\nNRAEF’s Patricia Gill participates with other industry experts where Expo + Education badge holders can connect directly to ask questions on critical topics tailored to each expert’s area of expertise. More information.\nMonday\, May 20\, 12:15 PM CT\nNational Restaurant Association Show: South Building\, 400 Level Foyer\n\n\n\n  URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/national-restaurant-association-show-2025/ LOCATION:McCormick Place\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:Apprenticeship,HOPES,MFHA Events,Military,Program Events,ProStart,Restaurant Ready,RHLC,Scholarships ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/nra-show-header-image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250516T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250516T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051955 CREATED:20241120T205721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T144110Z UID:258250-1747418400-1747429200@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Military Foodservice Awards & Training 2025 DESCRIPTION:Military Foodservice Awards\n Friday\, May 16\, 2025\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn more and watch the Livestream\n \n Register Now! URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/military-foodservice-awards-training-2025/ LOCATION:Palmer House Hilton\, Palmer House Hilton\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:Military,Program Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250502 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250505 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240508T180440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T164508Z UID:256077-1746144000-1746403199@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:National ProStart Invitational 2025 DESCRIPTION:National ProStart Invitational\n May 2–4\, 2025\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the main NPSI page\n \n Register to Attend URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/national-prostart-invitational-2025/ LOCATION:Marriott Baltimore Waterfront\, 700 Aliceanna Street\, Baltimore\, MD\, 21202\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Events,ProStart ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_ProStart-MKTO-banner.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250424T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250424T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20250127T205411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T152649Z UID:258817-1745503200-1745506800@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 04/24/25 DESCRIPTION:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series\nThinking Like a Restaurant Owner: How Apprenticeship is Fueling Leadership Development in the Restaurant Workforce\nThursday\, April 24\, 2025\, 2:00pm ET – Register Now\nRunning a restaurant requires stamina and a business-savvy skill set – expertise that is best acquired on the job. Find out how apprenticeship is maximizing the hands-on nature of restaurant employment to help operators advance and promote employees who can master cost management as well as they wield their knife skills. Walk away from this webinar understanding the value of apprenticeship to restaurant business longevity and actionable information to implement it at your operation. \nUnlock the potential of the restaurant industry with our six-part “Industry of Opportunity” webinar series! From building essential skills to inspiring the next generation of leaders\, this series is designed to empower you and your team with actionable insights and innovative strategies. \nJoin us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry. \n \n REGISTER NOW URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/industry-of-opportunity-webinar-series-4-24-25/ LOCATION:MD CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/America-Works-Here-webinar-series_600x.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250331 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250405 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20241120T204848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T125723Z UID:258244-1743379200-1743811199@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - March 2025 DESCRIPTION:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/advanced-culinary-training-program-actp-march-2025/ LOCATION:Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio\, 312 Pearl Parkway\, San Antonio\, 78215 CATEGORIES:Military,Program Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20250127T203725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T170317Z UID:258797-1743084000-1743087600@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 03/27/25 DESCRIPTION:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series\nBuilding Opportunity for Young People\nThursday\, March 27\, 2025 – Register Now\nFind out why the restaurant industry means opportunity for young people from all backgrounds and how Restaurant Ready is equipping them with first job skills to enter our industry and grow. You’ll leave with an understanding of the unique contributions these young people are bringing to the restaurant industry and how you can be part of the NRAEF’s work through Restaurant Ready to empower people from all backgrounds to build a long-term restaurant career. \nPanelists: \n\nPatricia D. Gill – Director\, Program Development & Success\, NRAEF (moderator)\nWakin’ Bakin’ – Restaurant Ready Site & Employer:\n\nConrad Chura\, Founder & Operator – Wakin’ Bakin’ LLC\nIsaiah Talbert\, Graduate\, Lead Cook – JW Marriott New Orleans (Wakin Bakin Bridge Program Alumna)\n\n\nCafé Reconcile\, Restaurant Ready Site & Employer:\n\nVy Linh Ky\, People Manager – Virgin Hotel New Orleans\nMia Williams\, Hostess – Virgin Hotel New Orleans (Café Reconcile Alumna)\n\nJoin us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry. \n\n\n \n REGISTER NOW URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/industry-of-opportunity-webinar-series-032725/ LOCATION:MD CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/America-Works-Here-webinar-series_600x.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250305 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250309 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20241120T205506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250822T160127Z UID:258247-1741132800-1741478399@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic 2025 DESCRIPTION:PEBBLE BEACH\, CALIFORNIA\n March 5-8\, 2025\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/ted-j-balestreri-leadership-classic-2025/ LOCATION:The Inn at Spanish Bay\, 2700 17-Mile Drive\, Pebble Beach\, CA\, 93953\, United States CATEGORIES:Fundraisers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/nraef-TJB-banner-logo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250227T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250227T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20250127T200613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T164225Z UID:258786-1740664800-1740668400@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 02/27/25 DESCRIPTION:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series\nCultural Intelligence 101\nThursday\, February 27\, 2025 – Register Now\nIn a jargon filled world\, building industry workplaces that support everyone is simpler than many realize. Join this webinar with MFHA’s leader\, Erika Cospy Carr who will talk through the concept of cultural intelligence and what it means in today’s restaurant industry environment in a polarized climate. Leave with a fresh take on next steps and the MFHA resources that are available to help you maximize the human potential of your business. \nUnlock the potential of the restaurant industry with our six-part “Industry of Opportunity” webinar series! From building essential skills to inspiring the next generation of leaders\, this series is designed to empower you and your team with actionable insights and innovative strategies. \nJoin us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry. \n \n REGISTER NOW URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/industry-of-opportunity-webinar-series-022725/ LOCATION:MD CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/America-Works-Here-webinar-series_600x.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20250122T172055Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T200054Z UID:258700-1738245600-1738249200@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 01/30/25 DESCRIPTION:Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series\nCulinary and Beyond: Building Skills and Advancement in the Restaurant Workforce\nThursday\, January 30\, 2025 – Register Now\nUnlock the potential of the restaurant industry with our six-part “Industry of Opportunity” webinar series! From building essential skills to inspiring the next generation of leaders\, this series is designed to empower you and your team with actionable insights and innovative strategies. \nJoin us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry. \n \n REGISTER NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n Meet The Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Shipshock\, Culinary Team Manager\, Rich ProductsAmy’s first cooking instructor was her mom\, a very talented home cook who taught Amy how to prepare and love food. Later\, Amy was introduced to a neighbor who owned one of the top 50 fine dining restaurants in the United States. When Amy was in her 20s and deciding her career path\, her neighbor offered her a job at his kitchen. There she fell in love with pastry and working in a professional kitchen. Amy earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts from the Art institutes International of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in hospitality management from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Amy ran the pastry program at the school for ten years and mentored other young chefs in the art of dough. Amy received her CEPC\, Executive Pastry Chef Certification from the American Culinary Federation and spent 16 years as an Executive Pastry Chef. She transitioned to a job in sales for a gelato manufacturer out of Italy before joining Rich’s in 2016\, where her multifaceted background is a perfect fit. Amy worked in TV doing food segments along with food styling which has given her an incredibly well-rounded background. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robert Tremblay\, Associate Director of Admissions\, The Culinary Institute of AmericaRobert Tremblay has been working in the admissions office at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) for the past 11 years and is also a 2010 graduate. Prior to going to culinary school\, he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations at The University of Lynchburg. He used his PR background as a media relations intern while attending The CIA. He worked in restaurants for several years prior to joining the CIA admissions department. In addition to being in the admissions department\, he’s also doing culinary demonstrations to help showcase teaching strategies at the CIA. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Nemchik\, Personal Chef and Continuing Education Instructor\, Westmoreland County Community CollegeAt age 65\, Greg decided it was time for him to pursue his lifelong dream of going to culinary school. After a decades long career in sales\, he retired from his position as CEO of Workplace Furnishings and returned to school. In 2021\, he enrolled at Westmoreland County Community College to begin his studies in the culinary arts. As a nontraditional student\, he was apprehensive about being one of the oldest students in the program but graduated with honors in 2024. He is adjunct instructor at Westmoreland Community College and a personal chef. He is a member of the United States Personal Chef Association and a earned a Specialized Certificate as a Personal Chef from the American Culinary Federation. In December 2024\, he was inducted into the prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs\, a renowned wine and food society founded in France. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Laryssa Maia\, Student\, Culinary Institute of America\, Major: Food Business ManagementLaryssa is a 2nd semester student at The Culinary Institute of America majoring in Food Business Management with a concentration in the culinary. She went to a vocational high school where she won “Outstanding Vocational Student of the Year” by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators She is the first in her family to go to college. Growing up in a Brazilian American home\, every family gathering was centered around food\, and he favorite role was helping her mother in the kitchen. That passion for cooking continued through high school where she participated in the ProStart program and SkillsUSA all four years. She worked in restaurants throughout high school in quick service\, country clubs and fine dining restaurants. One day\, she hopes to own a Brazilian restaurant that celebrates her culture and Brazilian heritage. She chose to pursue a career in the hospitality industry because of all the endless opportunities it provides\, and it will give her an outlet for her creativity. URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/industry-of-opportunity-webinar-series-013025/ LOCATION:MD CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/America-Works-Here-webinar-series_600x.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241112 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241114 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240122T212643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T172304Z UID:254836-1731369600-1731542399@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:MFHA Roundtable - Dallas\, TX DESCRIPTION:MFHA Roundtable - Dallas\, TX\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/mfha-roundtable-dallas-tx-2024/ LOCATION:Brinker International\, Dallas\, TX CATEGORIES:MFHA Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MFHA_Roundtables2023_Aventri_v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241104 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241109 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240123T164711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T172158Z UID:254909-1730678400-1731110399@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2024 DESCRIPTION:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/advanced-culinary-training-program-actp-november-2024/ LOCATION:Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio\, 312 Pearl Parkway\, San Antonio\, 78215 CATEGORIES:Military,Program Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240820 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240822 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240730T204318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240730T204324Z UID:256982-1724112000-1724284799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:MFHA Roundtable - Washington\, DC DESCRIPTION:MFHA Roundtable - Dallas\, TX\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/mfha-roundtable-washington-dc/ LOCATION:National Restaurant Association\, 2055 L Street NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20036\, United States CATEGORIES:MFHA Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MFHA_Roundtables2023_Aventri_v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240722 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240727 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240123T164303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T164307Z UID:254903-1721606400-1722038399@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - July 2024 DESCRIPTION:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - July 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/advanced-culinary-training-program-actp-july-2024/ LOCATION:Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio\, 312 Pearl Parkway\, San Antonio\, 78215 CATEGORIES:Military,Program Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240707 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240713 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240122T220103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240122T220107Z UID:254850-1720310400-1720828799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:ProStart® Professional Development 2024 DESCRIPTION:ProStart Professional Development 2024\n New Orleans\, Louisiana\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/prostart-professional-development-2024/ LOCATION:The Roosevelt New Orleans\, 130 Roosevelt Way\, New Orleans\, LA\, 70112 CATEGORIES:Program Events,ProStart ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_ProStart-MKTO-banner.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240518 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240522 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240123T160550Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T160553Z UID:254840-1715990400-1716335999@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:National Restaurant Association Show 2024 DESCRIPTION:National Restaurant Association Show\n McCormick Place\, Chicago\, IL\n May 18-21\, 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/national-restaurant-association-show-2024/ LOCATION:McCormick Place\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:HOPES,Military,Program Events,ProStart,Restaurant Ready,RHLC,Scholarships ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NRAS23-0046_LG_2024_4C.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240517T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240517T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240122T215153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T171517Z UID:254847-1715968800-1715979600@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Military Foodservice Awards & Training 2024 DESCRIPTION:Military Foodservice Awards\n May 17\, 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/military-foodservice-awards-training-2024/ LOCATION:Palmer House Hilton\, Palmer House Hilton\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:Military,Program Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240426 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240429 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230725T174724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T171218Z UID:252935-1714089600-1714348799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:National ProStart Invitational 2024 DESCRIPTION:National ProStart Invitational\n April 26–28\, 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/national-prostart-invitational-2024/ LOCATION:Marriott Baltimore Waterfront\, 700 Aliceanna Street\, Baltimore\, MD\, 21202\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Events,ProStart ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_ProStart-MKTO-banner.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240311 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240316 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240123T163815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T163820Z UID:254895-1710115200-1710547199@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - March 2024 DESCRIPTION:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - March 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/advanced-culinary-training-program-actp-march-2024/ LOCATION:Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio\, 312 Pearl Parkway\, San Antonio\, 78215 CATEGORIES:Military,Program Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240306 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240310 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230725T180717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T170522Z UID:252942-1709683200-1710028799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic 2024 DESCRIPTION:PEBBLE BEACH\, CALIFORNIA\n March 6-9\, 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/ted-j-balestreri-leadership-classic-2024/ LOCATION:The Inn at Spanish Bay\, 2700 17-Mile Drive\, Pebble Beach\, CA\, 93953\, United States CATEGORIES:Fundraisers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/nraef-TJB-banner-logo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240206 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240208 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20240122T212157Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T165853Z UID:254829-1707177600-1707350399@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:MFHA Roundtable - Atlanta\, GA DESCRIPTION:MFHA Roundtable - Atlanta\, GA\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/mfha-roundtable-atlanta-02-06-2024/ LOCATION:Inspire Brands\, Atlanta\, GA\, United States CATEGORIES:MFHA Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MFHA_Roundtables2023_Aventri_v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231109T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231109T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230724T204703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230724T204707Z UID:252898-1699516800-1699538400@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:MFHA Roundtable - Chicago\, IL DESCRIPTION:MFHA Roundtable - Chicago\, IL\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/mfha-roundtable-chicago-il/ LOCATION:McDonald’s Corporation\, Chicago\, IL\, United States CATEGORIES:MFHA Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MFHA_Roundtables2023_Aventri_v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231106 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231111 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230120T202221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230120T202225Z UID:250081-1699228800-1699660799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2023 DESCRIPTION:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/advanced-culinary-training-program-actp-november-2023/ LOCATION:Wyndham Garden San Antonio\, 103 9th Street\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78215\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231003 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231007 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230725T172224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T172508Z UID:252927-1696291200-1696636799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:ProStart Fall Forum 2023 DESCRIPTION:ProStart Fall Forum 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/prostart-fall-forum-2023/ LOCATION:Bourbon Orleans Hotel\, 717 Orleans St.\, New Orleans\, LA\, 70116\, United States CATEGORIES:ProStart ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_ProStart-MKTO-banner.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230808 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230811 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230725T160206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T160210Z UID:252921-1691452800-1691711999@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Hospitality Pathways Conference 2023 DESCRIPTION:Hospitality Pathways Conference 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/hospitality-pathways-conference-2023/ LOCATION:Grand Hyatt\, Grand Hyatt\, Washington\, WA\, United States CATEGORIES:Apprenticeship,HOPES,Restaurant Ready ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hospitality-Pasthways-Conference_nodate.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230801T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230801T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230724T204027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230724T204756Z UID:252889-1690876800-1690898400@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:MFHA Roundtable - Boston\, MA DESCRIPTION:MFHA Roundtable - Boston\, MA\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/mfha-roundtable-boston/ LOCATION:Inspire Brands\, Atlanta\, GA\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MFHA_Roundtables2023_Aventri_v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230724 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230729 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230120T201914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230120T201936Z UID:250077-1690156800-1690588799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - July 2023 DESCRIPTION:Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - July 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/advanced-culinary-training-program-actp-july-2023/ LOCATION:Wyndham Garden San Antonio\, 103 9th Street\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78215\, United States CATEGORIES:Military,Program Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_Military_650.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230709 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230714 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230120T203150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230206T172812Z UID:250086-1688860800-1689292799@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:ProStart® Professional Development 2023 DESCRIPTION:ProStart Professional Development 2023\n Dallas\, Texas\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/prostart-professional-development-2023/ LOCATION:The Fairmont Dallas\, 1717 N. Akard Street\, Dallas\, TX\, 75201\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Events,ProStart ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NRAEF_ProStart-MKTO-banner.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230620 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230621 DTSTAMP:20260404T051956 CREATED:20230120T181615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T191944Z UID:250062-1687219200-1687305599@chooserestaurants.org SUMMARY:Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards Dinner 2023 DESCRIPTION:Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards Dinner - June 20\, 2023\n At the National Restaurant Association's Public Affairs Conference\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ? URL:https://chooserestaurants.org/event/restaurants-advance-leadership-awards-dinner-2023/ LOCATION:JW Marriott Washington\, DC\, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\, Washington\, 20004\, United States CATEGORIES:Fundraisers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chooserestaurants.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Awards_3logos.png ORGANIZER;CN="NRAEF":MAILTO:partnerships@nraef.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR