FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2011

WRA Education Foundation Announces Salute to Excellence Awards

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA) Education Foundation is pleased to announce the following Salute to Excellence winners:

Chef
Chef Fred Griesbach
The Sky Club, Plover
Read more on Chef Griesbach

College Educator
Chef Gary Lyons
Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton
Read more on Chef Lyons

High School Educator
Barb Bruesewitz
Wauwatosa East High School, Wauwatosa
Read more on Barb Bruesewitz

Restaurateur
Susan Patterson
Al & Al’s Stein Haus, Sheboygan
Read more on Susie Patterson

Supplier
Badger Liquor
Fond du Lac
Read more on Badger Liquor

ProStart® Mentor of the Year
Executive Chef Jason Tofte
Eddie Martini’s, Wauwatosa
Read more on Chef Tofte

These individuals are honored for their dedication to foodservice education and commitment to moving the industry forward.  They have worked in a variety of roles, in different parts of the state, but they share an enthusiasm and optimism for the future of the restaurant industry.

The Salute to Excellence awards were presented at the 2011 Celebration of Excellence on Sunday, October 9 at the Heidel House Resort in Green Lake.  More information on the event is available at www.wirestaurant.org.

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The WRA Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1987 and is one of the nation’s largest state restaurant association foundations. The WRA EF vision is to advance professionalism through education, scholarships and community involvement to ensure the future success of the foodservice industry.

The ProStart® program, administered by National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC and state restaurant associations, is a college prep, two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.  Students also have the opportunity to participate in paid internships where industry managers mentor them.