Is this economy going to bring us down?

[Michael Schneider]

Each day seems to be filled with one bit of bad economic news after the other. No sooner do the banks declare good profits then analysts tear them down for shady although legal accounting practices. Unemployment is up and we have a hard time feeling as if this will ever end. BUT - it will end! And when it does we will need to assess the damage and hopefully not have too deep a hole to crawl out of.

For the past 10 years we have been presenting the National and World Pastry Team Championships. For the past 7 years we have presented the World Pastry Forum. Based on our questionaires and good old word of mouth, this multiple event show has been one of the highlights of the year in the pastry field.

In order to make this so, it takes everyone to do their part. My team and I do ours by working all year to get the teams, teachers, judges, venue, etc. Sponsors do their part by putting up their dollars, time and general support which is essential. You folks out there do yours by attending the Forum or attending the competition.

This year, we are in jeopardy of failing in this regard. To date we do not have the student enrolment or the room bookings to make this the success it has always been. I need to call on you out there to help us in any way possible.

It would be great for you to attend the Forum. If it is a dollar issue, then contact me at 646-372-9306 and we'll work something out. But, if you can't do that, come to the event. Let's be united in keeping this an annual extravaganza that helps everyone deveop contacts and recognition.

Those of you out there who know me, know I don't do this for the money. In fact, making money is a rarity for me where this event is concerned. I do it for the love of it and don't want to see it die as so many other things have done in the past. Some people will say that it isn't smart to write about this. They may be right but I have never been smart. I need to bring this to you as we all share in the benefits or the loss.

Spread the word. Attend the Forum. By next year this economic malaise will be over. Let's hope we don't say the same thing about the World Pastry Forum and the Championships.

[Jennine]

Hi this is Jennine, the crazy little old lady who drove all by herself at the age of 71 from Sacramento CA to Nashville to volunteer for 8 days helping to set up the kitchens and do anything else at the forum and competition because I believe in what you are doing for the pastry world. I have seen lives changed by the networking. I have seen people being able to talk about their passion with people who understand. I have never blogged before, but I feel compelled to write my experiences with the competition and forum in the hope it will spark someone to attend. Read my blog and don't forget there are people who really believe in you Michael

[Mary T Sydor]

You can count on me and my crew. I already have 9 deposits. I feel every teacher of every Pastry and or Culinary School should attend and bring students to this wonderful event. My students who attened last year loved this event and have learned so much. I have 3 that are returning again this year. My class this simester is very small but we have 90% of the class signed up! As a teacher you can not remain stagnet. You must keep updating your skills and knowledge. Continuing Ed is major. How can one teach if they are not up to date. Come on teacher get those students signed up!