President's Report

Fellow Chefs, Culinary Professionals, and Friends,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your kitchens, classrooms, and communities. As we reach the midpoint of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible energy and momentum our chapter has built—and to look forward to all that’s ahead.

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has attended our recent events, participated in competitions, volunteered, or simply reached out to offer support. Your involvement is what makes the ACF Cleveland Chapter such a dynamic and inspiring part of our regional and national culinary network.

Chapter Highlights

Memorial Day at the Ballpark: We had a fantastic time celebrating together at the Cleveland Guardians game on Memorial Day! It was great to see so many familiar faces (and some new ones) enjoying sunshine, food, and fellowship. While the Guardians didn’t pull off the win, the camaraderie in our section made it a victory in every other way. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’ll definitely look to do more events like this in the future.

Student Involvement on the Rise: We’re proud to welcome more student members from local culinary schools. Mentorship and development remain at the core of our mission. If you're interested in mentoring a young culinarian, reach out—we need you!

Chef of the Year Nominations Now Open: Let’s celebrate excellence. Nominations are now being accepted for our annual awards, to be presented at our Chapter Gala on November 16, 2025. Look out for the official form and guidelines, or visit our website.

We are working hard to plan more opportunities for professional development, community outreach, and culinary camaraderie. Be on the lookout for:

• Upcoming CEH Opportunities
• Hands-on Workshops
• Holiday Charity Drives

We invite you to bring ideas, volunteer your space, or suggest speakers. This is your chapter—let’s shape it together.

Want to host an event? Have feedback or ideas? Interested in joining a committee or running for a board position? Email me directly at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you.

Together, we are building more than just a network—we’re cultivating a vibrant, supportive, and forward-thinking culinary community.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence.

Regards,

Derek Ivancic, CEC, CCA
President, ACF Cleveland Chapter
[email protected]

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Welcome New Members

Welcome to our newest members!

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