1-8-08 RECESSION'S IMPACT: School staff are preparing for the arrival of Class 33 next week. The impact of the current downturn is already being seen.

Recent classes have numbered about 18. But Program Administrator Amy Jarmatcki reports that she has on file 54 finalized applications, 30 from men and 24 from women, and a bunch more people now on a waiting list.

Even more telling, Jarmatcki says that, more than in any recent applicant pool, there are a large number of applicants seeking to enter the culinary arts trade who have many years of work experience in other fields. These applicants have been laid off and are convinced that there are no jobs to be had in their old area of expertise, so they are seeking training to enter a new field.

If history is a guide, some of the applicants will not show up to become part of Class 33. But whatever the size of the final class, the outpouring of interest in the Community Culinary School of Charlotte has implications for supporters of this program.

It means that the School's reputation among prospective students is growing – a good thing indeed.

For employers, it means that a large group of trained culinarians will be ready for employment in April – another good thing.

For financial supporters, it means that the School needs your help to ensure that the School's proven training experience will continue to be available during this recession.

Support Charlotte. Make Charlotte Taste Better. Donate Now, or call Executive Director Ron Ahlert today at 704-375-4500 to tell Ron how you will support the Culinary School of Charlotte.