| Speakers say Mini-Cassia economy looks bright
Speaker after speaker delivered glowing reviews and even brighter predictions about Mini-Cassia's economic future at a symposium held Thursday night at Morey's Steakhouse in North Burley, sponsored by Mini-Cassia Economic Development Commission (MCEDC).The only bad news of the evening was a discussion about how to find and train a workforce to take all the employment opportunities headed Mini-Cassia's way."You're hotter than a pistol and I don't think it's going to go away for awhile," said Jan Rogers, director for the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO).Rogers described SIEDO as the marketing arm for the region and told gathered elected officials and business leaders they are targeting green-oriented business as well as culinary schools and vineyards.Steve Hartgen, representing Business Plus, said Twin Falls and the Magic Valley will see a lot of an estimated influx of 750,000 new residents in Idaho over the next 20 years.
Williston native cooking up success
David Hinderer, 28, is one of the lucky few who has been able to carve out a career from doing what he loves. After working as a machine technician and troubleshooter, he decided to switch paths and attend culinary school."The decision to explore my passion came while attending my younger sister's college graduation in Grand Forks," Hinderer says. "I questioned myself as to what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life, and there was only one solid answer."After touring the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute (PCI) with a friend, he says it was evident it was the place for him."Everyone can appreciate good food, and I don't know many people who don't watch the Food Network from time to time," he says. "This was my real calling, and having one of the top three culinary schools in the country nearby made it a little easier to make the transition."He says he has been cooking for as long as he can remember, and has pictures of himself making pies with his mother soon after he could stand.
Middle School Students Served Gourmet Lunch
More the 50 kids enjoyed a gourmet meal Thursday courtesy of some top chefs. William E. Orr Middle School is considered one of Clark County School District's at risk schools, but Thursday its students enjoyed a hot, healthy lunch prepared by chefs at the Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. The meal was served at the school's fine dining restaurant Cafe Bleu. Stay tuned to Action News as we monitor developing news around the Valley. .
BHS students qualify for national FCCLA contest
RENO -- Twenty-four Beatty High School students participated in the Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competition in Reno March 4-7. The group fared very well against students from schools of all sizes from all over the state. Gold medalists included Mayra Gonzalez and Karli Jarvis (fiber arts); Amanda Revert (creative catering); Nicole VanAlstine (apparel construction); and Heather Dunsterville (job interview). Silver medalists were Emma Frias (interior design); Emma Frias, Jammie Quirk, Kali Carroll, Karli Jarvis, Mayra Gonzalez, Markie Cohan, Denise Rafferty, and Brandon Taylor (culinary arts); and Lenzy Williams (creative catering). Bronze medals went to Kyle Shubert, Junior Dare, Tony Dare (culinary arts); and Heather Caskey, Crystal Williams, and Diana Maldonado (creative catering).
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