The IBEW Seventh District Progress Meeting in June at the San Luis Resort in historic Galveston Island, Texas, was the first progress meeting to have the "A Taste of the IBEW" for sale.

Chef Bryan Shumaker (center), shown here with Bunny Gardner (left), wife of 7th Distrct IVP Jon Gardner, and Linda Crawford, wife of Intl. Rep. George Crawford, whipped up some dishes from "A Taste of IBEW’ to promote sales at the Seventh District Progress Meeting in June.

From a cheerfully decorated table set up near the meeting rooms, wives of Seventh District International Representatives were the enthusiastic sales staff for both the cookbooks and the distinctive denim aprons. To add to the display, delicious goodies made from selected recipes were offered each day. Impressed with the cookbook, Bryan Shumaker, San Luis Resort Chef, was delighted to whip up samples, including a cool dip, a sweet snack and a breakfast pastry. A Houston native, Shumaker has been at the San Luis Resort for four years and hopes someday to have his own restaurant.

The cookbook was developed as a fundraising effort by the Fourth District for the upcoming 37th IBEW International Convention in 2006 to be held in Cleveland, Ohio. Traditionally, the Vice Presidential district that hosts the convention raises money to help offset some of the costs associated with such a massive gathering. Sisters Candy Witte, wife of Fourth District IVP Paul Witte, and Arlene Chilia, wife of IEC Member Sam Chilia, led the committee that developed a book with more than 1,100 recipes submitted by IBEW members, officers, staff and friends and family members. And as an extra touch, the district is also offering a denim chef’s apron embossed with the IBEW logo and tools of the trade.

With the holidays coming, the cookbook and apron will make great gifts for the cooks in the family. Download and print the IBEW Apron & Cookbook Order Form here.