Research Chefs Association

“Since septmber 2016, the association has delegated the management of its daily operations to smithbucklin corporation in chicago, illinois. Prior to september 2016, the association delegated the management of its daily operations to kellen company of atlanta, georgia. Smithbucklin corporation and kellen companies are management companies which manage all aspects of the association in accordance with the association's bylaws and policies. Such operations may include, but are not limited to, administration, membership, finance and account, convention/tradeshow/meeting planning, education, marketing, information technology and government relations. Smithbucklin coproation and kellen company employees provided these services.”

“The association offers the following types of members: a) chef members who are individuals recognized professionally as chefs employed in any sector of the food industry; b) food science & technology members who are individuals recognized professionally as food scientists or food technologists in any sector of the food industry; c) affiliate members who are individuals recognized professionally in a field affiliated with culinology, culinary arts, or food science, and who otherwise do not qualify as a chef, food science & technology, culinology, associate or student members; d) culinology members who are individuals recognized professionally as culinologists in any sector of the food industry; e) associate members who are individuals recognized professionally as employed in supporting fields and f) student members who are individuals recognized as a full-time students in a related field.”

“Chef, food science & technology, affiliate, culinology, and associate members are entitled to vote in elections for board of director positions.”

“Chef, food science & technology, affiliate, culinology, and associate members are entitled to vote on changes to the associations bylaws. Such amendments may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of 1) such members present at the annual meeting or 2) voting members participating in a mail or electronic vote conducted in accordance with procedures set forth by the board of directors.”

“The form 990 is prepared by independent public accountants and submitted to the association's management company for initial review. The form is then presented to the president and treasurer of the board of directors for further review and discussion prior to filing.”

“The confilct of interest policy is reviewed on an annual basis and any potential conflicts of interest that might exist are to be brought before the board of directors.”

“The association's governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are made available to the public upon request.”

“The association's board of directors assumes responsibility for the oversight of the audit and selection of independent accountants.”