President's Message

• Dear ACFROC Members, Associates and Friends, 

  As the month of September closes out our 2026 events with the C.U.R.E. Gala, we still have October and November general meetings ahead to close out the year. Details to follow. I have been an active ACF member since 2003 and am incredibly encouraged by what I have seen in the past couple of years. Even though our chapter remains rather stable as far as membership goes, I have been noticing how well our meeting attendance is and how many new faces I see at meetings and events. Even though we aren’t growing at a rapid rate, there is an interest in being part of what ACF Rochester has to offer. Along with an exciting year of new and annual events, we have also had two certification practical exams which is a great accomplishment and since MCC has been an approved testing site, we have held three total exams. Of the two exams, the candidates traveled here from great distances which proves how lucky we are to have this test site in our back yard and all the resources to become certified. I would encourage all members to seek certification to strengthen your culinary knowledge as well as your resume by showing you carry the standard of ACF Chefs.

  Over the past few months Chefs Lannak, Mattice and myself attended The ACF National Convention in Grand Rapids Michigan. The convention was another great time building on relationships we’ve had as well as forming new connections across the US. The big news of this trip was Chef Mattice getting inducted into the American Academy of Chefs which is a huge accomplishment so once again, congratulations Chef! I attended my first National Board of Governors meeting as President and can report that ACF National is in great shape. From Finances, changes to membership and plans for the upcoming convention. I was invited to attend a special cocktail hour at the National Presidents penthouse in downtown Grand Rapids before the welcoming reception with all the other chapter Presidents in attendance. It was a great time meeting and networking with Chapter Presidents you have never met in person. The whole convention  went by fast as usual and I am looking forward to next year in Orlando.

  Upon returning from Convention, we held our second annual ACFROC Golf tournament and for the first time, combined that event with our Awards Dinner. This was a trial combining the two events and I believe with a few tweaks to the day, we can make it a regular thing. The planning for 2027 has already begun and we will keep you all posted as things develop and we have our planning meeting in January. 

  To close out our events of 2026, we just had our CURE event which was changed to a Gala this year celebration 50 years of supporting children with cancer. The event was a fun time and the food was out of this world so thanks to ACFROC Chefs who made that possible. My focus in the coming months and into 2027 is really focusing on better communication to membership and overhauling our social media presence and improving our website which is long overdue. 

  Please feel free to reach out with any thoughts, critiques or suggestions to make ACFROC the best it can be. Its been a work in progress. Even with the great strides we have made over the years, there is always room for improvement. It all starts with you. Our membership!

   

  Sincerely, 

  Sean Flaherty CEC AAC

  ACF Rochester Chapter President

  [email protected]

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