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Joan Brett, founder and director of Culinary School of the Rockies (CSR), was honored today as one of the six 2008 inductees into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame, which has recognized Boulder leaders in business and in the community since 1992.

Since CSR’s opening in 1991, Brett has created a world-class culinary school that pays special attention to high-quality student experience and overall business excellence.

“Brett’s good heart powers the need to give back to the community. Her creativity powers the innovations that bring a national reputation to the school,” said Clair Beckmann, former president of JP Morgan Chase Bank in Boulder, who nominated Brett. “As a Boulder business leader, Brett pursues excellence in everything she does.”

Brett supports many local organizations including Echo House, Naturally Boulder, Taste of the Nation, Project Angel Heart, Boulder Valley Women’s Health and Chocolate Lover’s Fling. She also has served on the boards of directors for a number of Boulder organizations including the School Food Project, Community Food Share and Boulder Safe House. Brett participated in the invitation-only 2008 Food Summit: Achieving Food Security in Boulder County conference, held March 9.

”I am incredibly honored to be in the company of so many amazing community business leaders in the Hall of Fame. After 17 years of hard work, perseverance, joy and even a few tears, I believe the best reward continues to be feedback from students and graduates whose lives have been transformed through their education and hands-on experiences at CSR.”

As an example of her ongoing commitment to innovation, Brett recently created CSR’s Farm to Table Externship for its Culinary Arts Program. Additionally, CSR keeps a “green commitment” by sourcing local, fresh products and ingredients when available for its programs and by recycling and composting its waste products year-round.

“I started CSR to share my passion for food and cooking with the community, and to express my belief that food is about love, family and communication," she said. "The Farm to Table Externship is a natural extension of the core philosophy of our school.”

The Boulder County Business Hall of Fame recognizes business men and women who exemplify business, cultural and philanthropic achievements that shape the future of the Boulder community. Brett is one of only 25 women among the 116 inductees who have received this prestigious honor throughout its 16-year history. She is the only woman inducted to the Business Hall of Fame in 2008.