IFMA Presents Silver Plate Winners

Nine industry professionals have been selected to receive the Int’l. Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s 2011 Silver Plate Awards. The annual awards honor winners for industry achievements, commitment to innovation and contributions to their segments and the foodservice industry as a whole.

The ’11 Silver Plate winners:

• Independents: Buzz Beler, owner, The Prime Rib, Washington, D.C.

• Full-Service Chain: Jerry Deitchle, chairman/president/CEO, BJ’s Restaurants, Huntington Beach, Calif.

• Fast-Service Chain: Joe Tortorice Jr., founder/CEO, Jason’s Deli Management, Beaumont, Texas.

• Elementary/Secondary Schools: Lora Gilbert, senior director, Food & Nutrition Services, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Fla.

• Colleges & Universities: Dee Hardy, associate v.p. for Campus Services, University of Richmond, Richmond, Va.

• Specialty Foodservice: George Miller, Chief, Air Force Food & Beverage Operations, U.S. Air Force, Lackland AFB, Texas

• Hotels & Lodging: C.W. Craig Reed, director of food & beverage, Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colo.

• Foodservice Management: Steve Sweeney, president/CEO, Chartwells, Rye Brook, N.Y.

• Healthcare: Bruce Thomas, associate v.p.-Guest Services, Geisinger Health Systems, Danville, Pa.

For the first time ever, this year a pre-screening jury of past winners provided peer review. The final winners were selected by a jury which included last year’s winners and trade press editors. The winner of the Gold Plate winner will be announced May 23 at the 57th Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration in Chicago.