CHICAGO, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) sponsored the 57th annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Ceremony, the 'Academy Awards of Foodservice,' on May 23, 2011 at Chicago's Navy Pier. Hosted by Food Network's Chef Robert Irvine, the ceremony recognized and honored the most innovative and outstanding foodservice operators in the nine segments. Air Force Food and Beverage Operations Chief George Miller received the most prestigious award, the coveted Gold Plate, for his dedication and service to the U.S. Air Force foodservice operations. In addition to recognizing the nine outstanding nominees, IFMA donated $10,000, a portion of the event's proceeds, to Wounded Warrior Project™.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110525/CG08459LOGO)
The evening kicked off with a reception featuring appetizers from Chicago top chefs including: Rick Gresh of David Burke's Prime House, Nick Lacasse of The Drawing Room, Sara Nguyen of Sprout and Carol Wallack of sola. Following, guests adjourned to a seated dinner with tantalizing menu offerings as they eagerly awaited the Gold Plate Award announcement, and then celebrated with Chef Irvine and the nine recipients in a sizzling after-party in the IFMA Lounge at Navy Pier.
Foodservice represents nearly half of every dollar spent on food and is the second largest employer in the United States, behind the federal government. The nine nominees in the various categories included: Buzz Beler (Independent Restaurants), Jerry Deitchle (Chain Full Service), Lora Gilbert, MS, RD, FADA, SNS (Elementary & Secondary Schools), Dee Hardy (Colleges & Universities), George L. Miller (Specialty Foodservices), C.W. Craig Reed (Hotels & Lodging), Steve Sweeney (Foodservice Management), Bruce Thomas, MBA (Healthcare) and Joe Tortorice (Chain Fast Service).
For more details about IFMA or the Gold & Silver Plate Awards Ceremony please visit http://www.ifmaworld.com/docs/gp/gp11bro.pdf.
About International Foodservice Manufacturing Association (IFMA)
The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) is the leading trade association representing the world's most prestigious food, equipment and supply manufacturers in the $584 billion foodservice industry, as well as related marketing service organizations, trade publications, distributors and brokers. IFMA's mission is to serve as a business partner to its members by bringing them relevant, actionable services that are fundamental to their business assessment, planning and execution.
About Wounded Warrior Project™
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
SOURCE The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA)
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article