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Geoff Blount, CEPC, an instructor at Central Piedmont Community College, Harris Campus, has been named 2009 Chef of the Year by the Charlotte Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Blount, who teaches Baking & Pastry Arts, received the award at the chapter’s 38th Annual President’s Ball in Charlotte.

“Chef Blount has excelled with developing the ACF Charlotte educational programs to help the membership with developing continuing education towards professional certification,” said Chris Donato, CEC, chapter president.
The chapter presented several additional awards to suppliers and members.

Yossi Shem-Avi of US Foodservice received the Associate of the Year Award. Shem Avi was recognized for his “tireless efforts with the Charlotte Salvation Army’s monthly Chef’s Monday events,” Donato said.

The Joseph P. Jarmatcki Jr. Presidential Award went to the chapter’s vice president, Chef Philip Lloyd, CEC, ACE, for his efforts in supporting the chapter and “the various community goodwill efforts we are involved in throughout the year,” Donato said.

The chapter also presented several Distinguished Service Awards to members for their work in the industry:
• Ashley McGee, CEC, Johnson & Wales University;
• Mike Heninger, Low Country Shellfish;
• Jean Pierre Marechal, Marriott Center City Hotel;
• Michael Rosen, CEC, Charlotte Motor Speedway;
• Lois Schmaren, retired member at large; and
• Chris Jones, Sysco Food Services of Charlotte.

In addition, the chapter presented a total of $6,500 in hospitality scholarships to local students through its inaugural Mary Margaret Traxler Hospitality Scholarship.