Dear Confrere:

An important goal of this administration has been to return the Chaîne’s national budget to fiscal responsibility. As of May 31, 2007, we were $31,750 under budget. By the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2007, we are projected to be $85,000 under budget. For the second consecutive year, this administration will have delivered on its pledge.

During St. Patrick’s Day weekend (March 15-17), the International Conseil d’Administration met on U.S. soil for the first time. We had hoped that our European confreres would leave their own chilly climates to enjoy early spring weather in Boston. Yet, spring was nowhere to be found that weekend; in fact, a freak snowstorm dumped eight inches of snow in less than twenty-four hours. I can assure you that the Conseil members from Europe were eager to return home to warmer weather. Nevertheless, the hospitality extended by Northeast Bailli Provincial Francois Nivaud, Boston Bailli John Vyhnanek, and their committee warmed the hearts of everyone in attendance.

I recently had the pleasure of officiating at a Tulsa Bailliage induction event. Tulsa is a great bailliage, and its members do like to party! What constitutes an outstanding bailliage? To start, a bailli and officers who plan unique, high-quality events. Congratulations to Bailli Sue Gerkin and Vice Chancelier Délégué Brillat-Savarin Steve Gerkin for setting the standard in bailliage leadership.

On May 19, the National Jeunes Commis competition took place at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia. Competitors from all ten regions demonstrated excellent culinary skills. The winners were:

Gold Medal
Adam Smith, South Central Region
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, NC

Silver Medal
Brandon Karow, Pacific Northwest Region
Rovers Restaurant, Seattle WA

Bronze Medal
Scott Godin, Northeast Region
Sterling National Country Club, Worcester, MA

The National Council Meeting and Grand Chapître in Chicago (June 30-July) lived up to its promise of being the “hottest ticket in town”. It was great to see so many of you there and to celebrate together the Fourth of July and the spirit of the Chaîne.

Vive la Chaine !

 Joe T. Caruso 

Joe Teague Caruso,
Bailli Délégué des Etats-Unis