WHEREAS, the creative economy contributes to the unique, vibrant, economically successful development of a city; and

WHEREAS, creative capitol has been proven to be the 21st century's economic engine behind developing and sustaining globally competitive enterprises; and

WHEREAS, restaurateurs and chefs are recognized as one of the occupations defined as a creative occupation; and

WHEREAS, the products produced by restaurateurs/chefs exhibit a distinct mix of inherited and creative features which adds to the cities' economic development, cultural planning, urban design, cultural districts and cultural tourism; and

WHEREAS, established restaurateurs/chefs have given back to the profession through development of students and apprenticeship programs, and

WHEREAS, the USCM recognized the above contributions of culinary professionals to the vitality and wellbeing of a city; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Conference of Mayors with the National Restaurant Association and the Culinary Institute of America have established a National Culinary Award to distinguish an outstanding culinarian whose contributions have advanced the cuisine of their region, the distinctive vibrancy of a city and promotes the sustainability of the industry through apprenticeship and/or educational programs; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Conference of Mayors National Culinary Award will support the creativity industry and recognizes the creative capitol the culinary industry provides; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges mayors to participate in The United States Conference of Mayors National Culinary Award to recognize the unique contributions the culinary industry provides cities and to the creative industry in America.