IN THIS ISSUE

1. StarChefs.com's Second Annual Salary Survey: Win a Trip to Paris!
2. JobFinder Employee Tip: Cross-Training Employees
3. CEO's Dish: Training New Staff in the New Year
4. Behind-the-scenes: Chicago StarChefs Rising Stars Revue 2005
5. Promote Your Business! - Post Your Press Release on StarChefs.com
6. Nominate Rising Stars in New York and Washington DC

1. StarChefs.com's Second Annual Salary Survey: Win a Trip to Paris!
StarChefs.com is conducting our Second Annual Food Industry Salary Survey, and everyone who participates will automatically be entered to win an all-expense paid trip to Paris courtesy of Pernod, the international anise spirit. The survey will gather data on salaries for all types of jobs in the foodservice industry with breakdowns for age, gender and racial groups. Don't hesitate - it's completely anonymous, and the results will be available only to those who participate! Help us shed light on these important industry statistics which will empower you either when hiring your next employee or searching for a new position for yourself. This survey will just take a moment, and the results will be invaluable. And who knows - you may find yourself in the heart of Paris!
Bonne Chance! Click below to enter:
http://www.starchefs.com/salarysurvey

2. JobFinder Employee Tip: Cross-Training Employees
If an employee is a master of the grill station, should you train her to make salads? If your sauté cook shines on the line, should he spend some time at the pastry station? Could a server shake and stir cocktails if your bar chef is out sick? With the rush of the holidays finally over, now is the time to consider cross-training your employees. No company can be a success without the right mix of experienced and reliable staff. By keeping workers interested and motivated, cross-training cuts turnover and can be a life-saver if there's a scheduling glitch. It increases productivity and pares labor costs, and lays a foundation for careers. Cross-training creates loyal, multi-skilled employees that can be an invaluable resource when your business is ready to grow.

3. CEO's Dish: Training New Staff in the New Year
Do you remember how important training was to your first management position? Was it meticulous and painstaking or was it an overwhelming, whirlwind process? The New Year often brings new staff members to hotels, restaurants, and dining rooms as kitchens are reorganized, new positions are created, and employees reevaluate their careers. The training your new employees receive will determine the level of service and quality standards of your business. Thoroughly explain your expectations to new staff members and encourage them to ask questions. Be clear in describing duties that are specific to a new hire's position. Train them thoroughly from the start, and you\'ll get excellent employees that will set the highest standard of excellence for your business.

4. Behind-the-scenes: Chicago StarChefs Rising Stars Revue 2005
StarChefs.com's Rising Stars Revue was quite a success! On December 13th we were in Chicago to honor fourteen of the hottest chefs and culinary professionals in the windy city with a tasting gala featuring their signature drinks and dishes. Check out the behind-the-scenes action by clicking below:
http://www.starchefs.com/chefs/rising_stars/2005/chicago/html/photos.shtml

5. Promote Your Business! - Post Your Press Release on StarChefs.com
Are you a new restaurant? Have you appointed a new executive chef? Was your company recently recognized with an award? Share your news with us and other industry professionals by posting your press release on StarChefs.com's News page. When you post a current press release, it becomes available to everyone who visits our site. Posting updates about your restaurant is also the perfect way to promote your business with potential employees and it's free! Visit the page below and click on "Submit a New Press Release." It's that simple to keep your business in the spotlight on StarChefs.com.
http://www.starchefs.com/news/press_releases/html/index.phpttp://www.starches.com/news/press_releases/html/index.phpml/index

6. Nominate Rising Stars in New York and Washington DC
StarChefs.com is accepting nominations for Rising Stars in New York and Washington DC. These industry awards recognize the country's top up-and-coming chefs, pastry chefs, bar chefs and sommeliers who demonstrate exceptional ability, motivation, and the potential to have a positive impact on the culinary field. To nominate a Rising Star candidate, go to http://starchefs.com/cgi/re.cgi?http://www.starchefs.com/survey/takesurvey.php?id=141.