Chef Jeff Igel, Department Chair of Fox River Valley Technical College's Culinary Arts Program and Operations, will be honored as the Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year (OROY) at a Big Four Chapter meeting on January 20 at Eddie's Sky Club East in Neenah.

Igel was named the OROY winner by fellow members of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Big Four Chapter. The award is given based on success in business, community service and dedication and service to the restaurant industry. The Big Four Chapter is made up of Calumet, Green Lake, Outgamie, Winnebago, and Waupaca counties.

A 17-year veteran of the foodservice industry, Igel has held his educational role at Fox Valley Technical College for the past seven years. The Culinary Arts Operation includes six faculty, 15 employees and 175 students.

Igel is closely involved in the Big Four Chapter, currently serving as Chapter President and serving on the Board of Directors since 1998. He has been a presenter at chapter meeting seminars and also founded the chapter's Cultural Cuisine event. At the state level, he is a member of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Outings Committee, is former Senior Director of the WRA Education Foundation, and has served on the Education Committee. He is also a member of the American Culinary Federation and serves on that Board of Directors.

As an educator, Igel is in a position to strongly promote the foodservice industry. He says that his passion is scholarships, and he enjoys finding a place for his students in the hospitality industry.

Active in the local community, Igel is a member of the Fox Cities Lodging & Hospitality Association. His is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenville, and also serves as a WIAA football official and kids flag football league coach.

Igel has been the recipient of Moraine Park Outstanding Alumni Award, the Wisconsin Pork Producers Industry Award, and several Great Performance Awards at Fox Valley Technical College. He holds many certifications, including Culinary Educator, Dietary Manager, Executive Chef, Food Executive, Food Protection Professional, and Foodservice Management Professional.

Igel and his wife, Paula, live in Greenville and have two children.

- END -