ACF dues have been rising steadily over the last 3 years with two more increases expected. But that's not news, is it? During the North East Regional Conference I requested a meeting with the National ACF Treasurer, Chef Mark Wright because there are many issues I found with the 2002-03 ACF budget, ane being the escalating dues structure. Four years ago the general session of the National Convention voted to increase the membership dues for all levels of ACF membership by $10 per year for the following 5 years, leveling off at $200 annual dues. The Board of Governors, who consist of every chapter president in the ACF, that were at convention were convinced that there was a need for a dues increase. Our chapter opted to vote NO on the increase....but as you know, it passed. We have been complying with the requested increase every year making it more and more difficult for many of us to keep up for various reasons. There was, at the time of the increase, no "slack" or consideration for those who earn a living ordering on "not-enough-to-live-on." NOTE: $180 dues/yr divided by 365 days=.49 cents a day! Since that time, however there has been a steady decrease in ACF membership and much of the lost membership has been due to the dues increase because some folks just couldn't afford the luxury of belonging. I can understand that....... contrary to what many of you believe, I pay my own dues...Palmer does not kick in a cent for my ACF activities...........and like you, it hurts my pocket book too. But I love the organization and I give up other stuff and have, so far, been able to pay my dues and a lot of extra money to continue membership (as have many hundred other members all across the nation.) Mike Vasile, at the NE Conference, also looked into the dues structure with Bev Stewart and Mike Baskette and learned the new story .....that the ACF national administration HAS re-thought the dues matter and has come up with some solutions. One being to accept payment in 3 installments over 90 days. This information was brught up the our board and discussion ensued. After debate it was motioned (Vasile) and voted upon. Our local dues would be lowered by a nearly unanimous vote with one abstention. I am informing you that as of September 1st, 2002, our local chapter dues will be reduced to $165 per year and in September 2003, it will increase to $175, period! I am happy with the decrease for the sake of everyone paying dues. It makes it easier to continue....participation is another story, but I'll save that complaint for another letter. I, personally would like to have seen a dues structure that lowered the dues by $10 on September 1 and not increase the dues in 2003 which would have been a savings of $20 over 2 years. The national ACF requires that each dues paid be at $140 and any amount over that be rebated to the chapter for operating funds. There are some chapters that charge just the base, $140, and operate on what ever they can earn on fund raisers.....that's all well and good, if they make a buck on the functions. If hey do not make money, they struggle or just shut down! Now the alternative option is: if no money is made to supplement the treasury, close the door. That was part of the discussion at the May Board meeting as well. It seems that some believe we would be short just $750 a year with the dues decrease and the short fall could be made up by a fund raiser. True. But, ladies and gentlemen, I'm a realist...what if we don't make it up? Will there be options for us? One appointed member of the board suggested that the president's budget be cut on technical appliances, such a FAX, E-MAIL, CELL PHONE all of which, in this day and age of instant communication and the burden placed on a "non-paid" local, regional and national presidents is ludicrous, to say the least. To keep up and informed they're necessary. It was suggested that, with the dues being lower, we might (?) be more attractive for people to want to join the ACF...local or other wise. Ha! Is my answer! If they haven't joined up now, a $20 savings will not ncourage them to be a member ...or at least not a good member willing to work and contribute. We could be headed for trouble...and pray that it won't be the case. I see a band aid fix for a broken bone! Sure, sure, the optimists among us see money falling from the sky. They somehow believe it's easily made and almost free if we hold a successful event. But want if? Ever heard of the guy who dove into shallow water, broke his neck in the unsuccessful attempt, and died of his foolishness? Will that happen? Is it a possibility? Is there a contingency plan in place should it go wrong? Possible..It just makes it feel good for now, money remaining in our pockets and (maybe) to hell with running an ACF Chapter, ours. Just a little food for thought. I know in my heart that it won't happen. Fall short, that is, of operating funds. But what if we do? I know there's a whole lot of money in the stock market account, we could "tap" that for a year. Ever been in business and "tapped" your reserve? Time comes when there isno reserve left to "tap!" This chapter, as are all ACF Chapters, a viable business over seen by a board of directors who are elected to pay attention to every detail of the business. They are expected to make wise decisions that take into account the future as well and today in their deliberations and actions. Many of our fund raising events have been successful....bravo for our good fortune, but there have been many that have bombed earning us nothing, rather coasting us a lot. We feast in the good times but have to put some sense into the "bank" for the bad. By lowering our rebate via lower dues, we might have cut off our nose to spite our chapter's face. Time will tell.....a very short time, at that. We'll try to survive with less, for now. But, please, don't panic if this goes wrong...remember, I told you it could. Now I have shared the "good news"............Yes, it benefits (?) Me as well as those of you who could not pay the suggested adjustment. I pondered over this for weeks...so we might not face fscal decline. Instead we save $25 in each of two years ($50 total) where as we would have saved only ($40 in the same time frame with my plan.) That $10 savings could mean trouble ahead for the new administration...but this board delivered the goods, my friends, but at what cost? We'll see........but for now, have a cup of coffee @ 90 cents a day per cup = $328.50 per year, enjoy! The price of a cup of coffee per day exceeds the cost of yearly ACF dues under the old structure by (after 2003 dues kick in) $128.50...we somehow do not complain about that cup of coffee (or bottle of soda) or refuse to buy them with the excuse they're too much money. Cigarettes...I'll say no more about the cost involved there. I pointed out that ACF dues cost about 49 cents a day! I believe it's worth 50 cents a day to belong to a professional association...but all said and done, this being an election year for our chapter, the players of politics enter stage right...or wrong, but enter if they will to a potentially serious time or our chapter's fiscal health. Believe me or not, time will tell if this works, and I hope it's on our side when the smoke clears. We will not be having a July meeting I'll be at the National Convention working for you for this last time. There's more I want to say this month. I want to tell you that as the weeks of this presidency draw to a close, there must be some shared thoughts that might otherwise not be said.....either because I'll forget to say them or because there'll be too much to do not having time to say them. Over the thirty years as a member of the ACF, namely this Chapter, I have seen and done a great deal. My culinary career began as a mediocre cook at Monroe Golf Club in 1972 after many years of teaching. Starting on the bottom rung of the professional ladder, I struggled, studied, sweat and suffered my way up that ladder, rung by rung. Nothing was easy. Although I had several years of "kitchen" under my belt, I was not ever expecting this room to be surrounding me for the rest of my life,as it has turned out to be. I was encouraged to join the Rochester Professional Chefs...or maybe "forced" to be come part of this national federation of professionals so I could meet and net work with the finest over time. The enrollment proved to be a wise choice for me. In fact, so much a part of my life, I feel I have spent more time serving the members than I have with my family! During my years in the ACF I established myself and a position of critic. I so much believe in what we should stand for that I made it my business to challenge anything counter to the philosophy which I believed made for a good culinary citizen. So in watching out for our interests, I became the target of criticism myself. That has been all right for me. Many of you and many before you have found fault with the way I operated..........and took "shots" at me, my methods and intentions. Did it hurt occasionally, sure, but not enough to knock me off track. There was and is work to be done and I fully intend to continue, on your behlf to accomplish what I can for ACF, you, the local members and for the national organization. I have been the lucky guy in all this. Over the years I have loved what I was doing, the organization I joined and tried to represent each of you honestly, sometimes with outspoken and abandon means...but always with your interest in mind. The friends I have made and kept all this time have been far more precious than career, money and the time I spent establishing report with the men and women of ACF here, regionally and nationally. I never thought of myself as worthy of any "regional office or national office" and dismissed any attempt to nominate my for any such ego trip. I am happy right here in Rochester doing what I can for us. My certifications were enough and in 1987 when I was accepted into the Academy of Chefs...well my professional life seemed complete. Then came along other recognitions...not a one saught after, but bestowed upon me for what ever reason by various organizations. Of all of them, my Acadey medallion and my membership card in NY051 (that's our Chapter number) mean most to me. Counting you among the folks I have met and served stands equally with the AAC and Chapter membership card...whether likes or not respected or not, you're what ACF means to this elder member and soon to be outgoing president. Will I stop serving? Never, I guess. It's part of who I am anymore and to stop would mean to allow a some of me to die....and I ain't ready for that, yet. Each of you has a role yet to play in this Chapter of ACF. If you haven't recognized it yet, take a few serious minutes and examine you heart and soul. What exactly is your passion? Is cooking where you should be? Is membership alone enough for you, or should you be giving more to yourself and your colleagues here in Rochester? Where are your strengths? Shouldn't you be sharing them in some capacity other than attending an occasional meeting? I believe each of you has the potential of becoming a true leader in our Chapter. I believe, knowing the qality we currently have with in the membership, you included, the potential of being the outstanding Chapter in the Nation. No, we need not seek the hoop- la some chapters feel is necessary to feed their egos....just knowing we're the best, top of the heap will be enough, I assure you. Lastly let me brag for a moment about a friend of mine. Chef Norm Hart, CEC, AAC; Chef/Co-owner of the Niagara Club in Niagara Falls, NY has been admitted into the ORDER OF THE GOLDEN TOQUE! One of maybe 200 inductees, Norm stands out in Western new York as the first such appointment. This is not an organization one applies for. Admission is a matter is absolute excellence in the Culinary Arts, researched by a distinguished committee and the candidate is invited to become part of this exclusive fraternity of chefs........induction is for life! Congratulations, Norm, from the members of the Rochester Chapter, ACF and continued good luck in life and business!