The Greater Atlanta Chapter of the American Culinary Federation recently recognized many of its members, including a College Park business, for their contributions to the culinary profession and the community during 2000.

Conducted at Turner Field's 755 Club, the meeting also allowed the chapter to celebrate its most recent accolade, being named the 2001 Southeast Chapter of the Year by the national organization at its Southeast Region Conference in Amelia Island, Fla.

The chapter will be one of the nominees for National Chapter of the Year at the American Culinary Federation's annual meeting in Las Vegas in July.

Among the major awards presented at the ACF's awards dinner, Sysco Food Services in College Park was named Associate Member of the Year. Accepting on behalf of Sysco was John Osborne, CWC, corporate executive chef and center of the plate specialist for Sysco. He is a resident of Peachtree City.

The American Culinary Federation is the largest professional organization in North America for chefs, cooks, culinary educators and related professionals serving the food service industry. The organization's primary objective is to promote the culinary profession and assist in the professional advancement of its members through education. The Greater Atlanta Chapter has nearly 500 members representing Atlanta's leaders in the culinary field.