George selected for Culinary Enrichment Innovation Program
Lloyd George
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The owner of 1st Prep, Lloyd George, was selected to be a member of The Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program (CEIP) developed by the Culinary Institute of America and Hormel Foods.
According to the CEIP website, CEIP is a rigorous program of study designed for proven culinary professionals. CEIP is the only professional development program to offer advanced culinary leadership training specifically created for commercial and non-commercial chefs. The program is only offered to 18 of the industry’s skilled chefs.
In George’s acceptance email it read, “As one of the participants of this elite, 12-month program, we anticipate that you will enjoy a unique, challenging and highly inspiring experience. You will work alongside some of the country’s most talented leaders at The Culinary Institute of America’s three campuses around the country.”
George explains there will be three different modules at each campus taught in Napa Valley, California; San Antonio, Texas; and New York for a 12-month period.
During that time his 1st Prep business will be able to run without him. The start of the first module is in April.
George said, “I’m hoping with this experience it will allow me to be an even greater chef and leader in the culinary world. My dream is to own my own hospitality company one day but finding investors has been the challenge. Overall, 1st Prep will grow into something great as my flagship business. This will bring more people to enjoy the food as it’ll be made by a educated chef with CIA training which is the best in the world.”
He said this opportunity is amazing and to be a Native chef representing this opportunity opens doors for other Natives who want to chase a culinary career.
