Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

As many of our chapters are returning to regularly scheduled meetings and events, whether virtual or in person, it presents a great opportunity to focus some of our recruitment and engagement efforts on prospective members as well as students. One of the opportunities for recruitment is through our schools, colleges, and universities within our own state. Prospective members can include those currently enrolled in a program or those considering a career in foodservice. When speaking with prospective members, specifically students, we want to be sure we are using various strategies and the right information to help guide them in the right direction.

• ANFP Approved Programs – Take a look at the ANFP Approved Programs webpage and learn more about the programs offered in your state. Be sure to mention this to prospective members so they can make an informed decision on the program best for them. Additionally, reaching out to the program directors at the schools with ANFP approved programs is a direct connection to students, and someone that can help increase awareness of ANFP and the CDM, CFPP. Forming this relationship is mutually beneficial to your chapter as well as to the school.

• Engaging Students – For students currently enrolled in the ANFP approved programs, consider ways to get them engaged. Many of our chapters invite students to meetings, typically free of charge. Ask them to follow the chapter’s Facebook page or invite them to your next chapter social event. You may even consider asking them to help volunteer with micro-volunteering jobs such as handing out agendas at meetings or stuffing welcome bags.

• Career Fairs – Inquire with schools about upcoming career fairs that your chapter can participate in. This will help to increase the awareness of the CDM, CFPP and the understanding of career paths that are possible as well as expose students to the foodservice industry.

• Keeping Websites Updated – Another method that is simple, yet important part of increasing awareness and engaging prospective members, is keeping your chapter website updated. Any chapter related information can, and should be, sent to National which can then be posted on the chapter website.

• Brand Ambassador Team – Recruiting members and increasing awareness is the perfect opportunity to put your brand ambassador team to work. Your brand ambassador team can help students understand the benefits of being a CDM, CFPP as all as an ANFP member. They can assist them through program enrollment to applying for the exam to becoming a member.

This month we are honoring Dannielle Kozlik, CDM, CFPP, of the South Dakota (SD) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month.

Dannielle joined ANFP in 2010 and began volunteering with the chapter in 2016 as the chapter treasurer and continues to serve is this role as of today. While she has enjoyed her time volunteering with the chapter, she is looking forward to bringing a new volunteer into the fold and handing over the reins.

During her time as treasurer, Dannielle helped lead the chapter into modern times when she implemented the Square payment system. This helped to streamline registration payments and made the process easier for members as well as chapter leaders. 

As for the future of the SD ANFP chapter, Dannielle would like to see the chapter membership continue to grow and thrive. Additionally, she is looking forward to holding meetings in person again and reconnecting with other members and industry peers as many of us are.  

Although Dannielle was hesitant to volunteer with the chapter at first, she stated “I think that it has not only helped me grown with-in the chapter but also within my career.”

Thank you, Dannielle! We truly appreciate and value your time and dedication to ANFP and helping to keep the SD ANFP chapter sustainable.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

If you have not submitted the required rebate documents, please do so by Friday, November 12 to receive the first rebate installment. If you do not know which documents the chapter is missing, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

At one point or another, we have struggled with disengaged volunteers. Or perhaps we have been disengaged or burnt out ourselves. It can be hard to stay motivated with our volunteer work when so many other demands fall on us daily. Yet, as chapter leaders, it's important we stay engaged and help our volunteers to stay motivated and engaged as well. We held a Chapter Best Practices webinar on Wednesday, October 6, that covered tactics to better understand our volunteers’ motives and to keep them engaged. Below are the highlights of the session which will be available for viewing on ANFPtv later this week.

• What is Your ‘Why’? – We as volunteers need to understand our ‘why.' What motivates us to volunteer? What is our purpose and drive to become a volunteer? These are the questions each volunteer leader should be asking themselves on a regular basis. Understanding our why is the motivation to continue to engage and fulfill our roles as volunteers.

• Different Motivators – Working with individuals, we will see that we are each motivated by different factors. Some may be motivated to give back, while others may be motivated to learn or enhance a skill. Whatever the reasons, it's important that we understand what motivates our volunteers.

• Connecting the Motivator to the Volunteer – Once we know more about our volunteers’ motivators, we want to connect them with the roles that help fulfill their needs and meet their goals. Help them identify any goals or skills they wish to obtain and look for volunteer opportunities to match the volunteer’s motivation to achieve these goals.

• Share the Success – We want to show our volunteers how they have impacted the organization. Each task and job completed helps to serve the chapter and impact the organization. It also helps ANFP strive to meet their mission and strategic goals. Remind them that their success is our success as well. We can also share our own success stories and how volunteering has made a positive impact on our own lives.

• Ask – There are many questions we can ask our volunteers to gain a better understanding of their needs. Start by asking what is their ‘why’? Why did they choose to volunteer? We can also ask for their feedback/input/advice about their volunteer role. What is going well? What is not? What can we do better? Asking these questions, and more importantly, receiving the response will help us better understand and engage with our volunteers.

This month we are honoring Felix Jones, CDM, CFPP, of the Georgia (GA) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month.

Felix joined ANFP in 2017 when his employer, Ethica Health and Retirement Communities, gave him the opportunity to learn and grow with his responsibilities. After earning the CDM, CFPP credential in 2018, he started volunteering with ANFP by recruiting members to attend state chapter meetings. He also helped secure event sponsorships by asking local vendors and employers to participate in GA ANFP’s chapter meetings.

During a chapter meeting in Atlanta, Felix was approached by Regina St. Clair, GA ANFP’s president, and she asked him if he would be interested in running for president-elect, which he was nominated for in June 2020. In addition to Felix’s ANFP volunteer work, he has also served as a preceptor for CDM, CFPP students since 2018.

One of the biggest impacts Felix has made was  building a relationship with a Georgia House Representative. This gave the chapter a direct link in the state of Georgia to listen to their needs, find out what ANFP stands for, and all that it represents, including the importance of recognizing CDM, CFPPs throughout the state and country. In addition, Felix has been an integral part in increasing awareness of ANFP and how we support continued education, skills, and expertise of every CDM, CFPP in the foodservice industry. Felix knows that being recognized will help the association grow in credibility and reputation.

Moving forward, Felix would like to see more participation during chapter events. As president-elect, he wants to continue to pass the torch and help the organization move in a strategic direction for the upcoming term and foreseeable future. He would also like to help build a very diverse and cohesive board. Felix believes diversity is vital to our success, bringing together a board that is a mixture of different cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and opinions will help the chapter foster progressive change and introduce collaborative teamwork. He believes strength lies in differences, not in similarities.

Felix’s advice for those that are hesitant about becoming a volunteer is “not to let fear hold them back from moving forward and advancing in their professional careers. Speak to inspiring co-workers, former members, especially those with longevity. Take a leap of faith and step out into something new. I did and I’ve never regretted it. Volunteering gives you a chance to make a difference!”

Thank you, Felix! Your continued advocacy for the credential, and your hard work and dedication to ANFP are greatly appreciated! Volunteers like you keep our chapters strong and growing.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

• End of the Year Financial Statement (template available on ANFPConnect in Volunteer Resources)
• Officers entered in chapter portal. If you no longer have access to the chapter portal, please contact national (chapters@ANPFonline.org) to regain access.
• Chapter meeting date and location submitted in chapter portal
• Code of Conduct - Signed by Chapter President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary
• Affiliate Agreement - Reviewed, signed, and submitted in chapter portal
• First part of Bi-Annual Chapter Report (upload to chapter portal)
• IRS Form 990 e-receipt (upload as image, PDF, or Word doc to chapter portal)

If you have questions or need assistance with the above requirements, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org. 

This month we are honoring Rejean Sheehy, CDM, CFPP of the Southern New England (SNE) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month. Rejean first joined ANFP in 2013 after studying to earn his CDM, CFPP certification at the University of North Dakota. He attended several meetings and seminars and discovered a great interest in learning and professional development. For Rejean, volunteering was the first step to becoming more involved and networking with others who had a similar goal. About a year after learning different areas of chapter management and having gained a number of skills, he decided to take on the role of chapter secretary. He found out that he truly enjoyed listening to others in different areas of kitchens and the ideas they brought to the table. He currently serves as the chapter treasurer.

Being a volunteer for the SNE ANFP Chapter, Rejean was shown how to be a team player which gave him opportunities to listen and interact with other chapters as well as give and receive feedback. From these interactions, he has taught his fellow teammates what he’s learned and made an impact on others.

Going forward, Rejean will continue to encourage individuals in learning more about how the chapter functions and what it entails. He would also like to mentor and inspire future kitchen workers to advance as foodservice managers and develop an enhanced career in the field.  

For those interested in volunteering or becoming engaged with the chapter, he states, “First step is to volunteer in your area and get a positive experience that will spark an interest to join your state ANFP chapter. Some people may hesitate in participating in chapter roles, but you will only know how rewarding it is when you encounter others in a similar role creating a team building network.”

Thank you, Rejean! Our chapters remain strong and successful because of volunteer like yourself. Your hard work and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated!

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org. 

Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

During one of the last months of summer, most of us are making plans for the fall. Many of our chapters have scheduled their fall meetings and are looking forward to reconnecting with members they may have not seen in well over a year. Additionally, as many new members have joined during the year, this will be their first opportunity to meet other members. It may also be the first in-person meeting for many of our members since the pandemic began. However, there are some that may still not be able to attend live meetings.

As we are moving towards regularly scheduled in-person events, chapters may want to consider continuing with offering virtual options for a portion of their live meetings as well as other educational opportunities that can be planned throughout the year. This allows for flexibility with the program should unexpected situations arise (i.e., COVID-19, extreme weather, labor strikes, etc.) as well as allow those members that are not able to travel to participate in a chapter meeting/event. Below are some ideas for educational meetings and events throughout the year.

Hybrid Meetings & Events – The first option being the most obvious is to hold chapter meetings/events as a hybrid event, with virtual and in-person options. It allows for flexibility for your members to attend throughout the state regardless of their ability to travel or scheduling conflicts. Zoom has monthly plans as low as $14.99 that can be canceled at any time.

Alternate between in-person and virtual – Chapters can also plan to host one of their meetings as a virtual event (Spring or Fall) while the other can take place as an in-person event. Again, this allows flexibility for your members as well as helps to reduce some of the costs associated with a live, in-person meeting.

Lunch and Learns – This type of session can be done virtually and in person. It can also be done through a simple platform as such as FaceTime. For continuity purposes, you can choose to focus on one topic that is discussed at each virtual session as well as an in-person session at your next meeting. Or, various topics can be discussed at each one.

Board and Committee Meetings - Another opportunity to incorporate hybrid presentations/meetings is through your board and committee meetings. There are times that our chapter boards and committees delay meeting as they traditionally meet in person. However, by holding virtual meetings throughout the year when we are not able to meet in person, we can continue to move forward with our goals and conduct regular business.

This month we are honoring Marcia Borton, CDM, CFPP of the Wisconsin (WI) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month. Marcia has been at the same facility for over 41 years, starting as a night tray aide, eventually moving into the cook’s position. She then began assisting the manger with grocery orders as well as other tasks that needed to be completed. Then in 1997, she was promoted to manager which is also the time she took the CDM, CFPP exam to become certified.

Marcia joined ANFP in 1999 and began her volunteer career as a district volunteer in 2007, continuing through 2011 when the districts were dissolved. During her time as district volunteer, she served on the Program Planning Committee where she helped with every aspect of planning the meetings. In 2016 she attended a state meeting where it was announced the president-elect was stepping down, which is when Marcia decided to run for the position. According to Marcia, this was one of the best decisions she has made. She was sworn in as president-elect in the fall of 2016. In addition to serving as chapter president-elect, Marcia has also served as Education and Program Chair.

During her years as a volunteer, Marcia’s biggest impact has been connecting and engaging with the members. She sought out what their needs/wants were and worked with her fellow board members to meet those needs and achieve their goals. In the coming years, Marcia would like to see an increase in membership and see more members become involved with the chapter as volunteers.

To those future volunteers, Marcia shares some wise and encouraging words, “Just step up and volunteer at any level, you learn so much. I grew in the last four years and will continue to grow. You will never regret helping your state chapter. It’s the best experience I have had, and I’ve made so many friends. I never understood everything that went on at the Board level and am so happy I made that choice. And remember you are never alone; you have the rest of the board and Nationals to help you out.”

Thank you, Marcia! It is volunteers like you that help to keep our chapters strong, and our members engaged! We appreciate your dedication and hard work to ANFP and the WI chapter.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

• Chapter's April bank statement
• Officers entered in the portal for future volunteer year (June 1 - May 31). Officers must be entered each year regardless of length of term. For directions on how to add future electees, click here. If you no longer have access to the chapter portal, please contact chapers@ANFPonline.org to re-gain access
• Code of Conduct signed by President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary
• Affiliate agreement - reviewed, signed, and submitted to National
• Fall meeting date and location submitted in chapter portal
• First part of bi-annual chapter report uploaded to chapter portal
• IRS Form 990 e-receipt (upload as image, PDF, or Word Document to chapter portal)

Special ANFP Merchandise Offer

Save 20% on select CDM, CFPP branded merchandise through the end of August! Sale items include the cinch pack, key chain, padfolio, tumbler, and pen cup. Use code SUMMER at checkout through August 31, 2021. 

It was great to be back in Orlando at ACE last week for our first in-person meeting in quite some time. We reconnected with old friends, met some new friends, and learned a lot in between. We were able to celebrate our volunteers and our chapters’ achievements during the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. We also had the opportunity to hear from a panel of chapter leaders and corporate partners that discussed best practices related to building industry partnerships. Sherri Conde of Performance Foodservice, and Kelley Vande Lune of Fieldstone Bakery, were our guest corporate sponsor panelists. John Hickson, CDM, CFPP, president of the LA ANFP Chapter and Jessica Weisbrich, RDN, LD, CDM CFPP, secretary of the MN ANFP chapter were also on the panel. Below are some of the key takeaways from the session that we hope you will apply to your own industry partnerships.

Communication is Key – Some chapters may only reach out to partners and vendors on an as-needed basis. However, maintaining communication throughout the year helps to keep vendors and partners engaged and aware of what is going on with the chapter. Communication is also key to building mutual trust and respect that will end up benefitting both parties. Include vendors in newsletter mailings, meeting/event invites, and ask them to like the chapter’s social media page to get the most up-to-date information. Also, don’t hesitate to check in with them occasionally to remain on one another’s radar, not just during meeting/event seasons.

Inform and Educate – Chapters and their members should not hesitate to let their vendors and partners know what they need. While this includes financial assistance or in-kind donations for chapter events, this also includes what you may need within your facilities or in your role as a CDM, CFPP. They cannot provide the right equipment, supplies, or services without getting a better understanding of what their customers need. Also, vendors and partners should do the same - let chapters know what some of the trends they are seeing in the industry are, or fresh ideas used in other facilities that may prove to be a positive outcome for both groups involved.

Data, Data, Data - Prior to approaching any industry partner, chapters should be ready to share their data, including chapter/member demographics. This helps your prospective partners understand the chapters make-up and how they will best be able to support your members, initiatives, and meetings/events. A chapter resume template is available on ANFPConnect in the Chapter Sponsorship Toolkit. This may take some time to develop but is worthwhile to help ‘paint the picture’ of your chapter for any prospective industry partnerships in order to help them make informed decisions.

Think Outside the Box – In addition to maintaining communication with your industry partners throughout the year, explore and consider other ways they can engage with members or be involved with your chapter. Many chapters participate or host charitable events or provide services to their community members in need. Invite your industry partners to attend these events with your chapter members. Offer them an opportunity to speak at your next event or sit down and have lunch with your members. The idea is to engage your industry partners as part of your chapter, not just in times of need.

• Chapter's April bank statement due June 1
• Officers entered in chapter portal for future volunteer year (June 1 - May 31). Officers must be entered each year regardless of length of term. For directions on how to add future electees, click here. Due June 1. (If you no longer have access to the chapter portal, please contact National at chapters@ANFPonline.org to regain access). 
• Code of Conduct - Due June 1 (signed by Chapter President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary).
• Affiliate Agreement - Due June 15 (Reviewed, signed, and submitted to National)
• Fall meeting date and location submitted in chapter portal - Due July 15
• First part of Bi-Annual Chapter Report, uploaded to chapter portal - Due July 15
• IRS Form 990 e-receipt (uploaded as image, PDF, or Word doc to chapter portal( - Due July 15

NFEF Chapter Champions Form

ANFP PAC - ROOTS Campaign Donation Form

ANFP PAC - General Donation Form