Production Clinic 2024

February 1 & 2, 2024

Republic Master Chefs - Long Beach

WTSA’s 2024 Production Clinic

Republic Master Chefs - Long Beach, CA

Many thanks to all the members who ventured out to California’s epic storms to attend WTSA’s Production Clinic in Long Beach hosted by Republic Masters Chef. The two day event started out a little touch and go as both roads to the Maya hotel were flooded on Thursday morning. Luckily the rains subsided enough for the roads to clear enough to be passable.

Thursday evening all enjoyed a very successful President’s Reception cocktail gathering where vendors set up tabletop displays to show to the Operating members. This year, we had 3 new Operators attend the event, Lace House Linen, NuWest Linens, and Yee Yuen Linen attended for the first time. Welcome all of you!

Friday morning, Jack Flaherty of “The Decision Switch” gave a presentation on making effective, successful decisions with confidence and speed. https://thedecisionswitch.com/ It was a very well received presentation.

After the seminar, the group headed out of the hotel to board the bus. One problem… NO BUS. After a bit of a wait, and a lot of stress on Tim, the bus finally arrived, and the group headed to the Republic Master Chefs plant in Long Beach.

As the bus pulled into the lot, it was clear that board member Larry Pallan and his team had made great preparations for the tour. Along with Greg Shames, Brad Shames, Victor Villasenor, Larry welcomed the WTSA group to the plant tour. Members were also greeted by former WTSA board member Bob Brill from Republic Masters Chef. It was a great surprise and reunion to see Bob again.

There were 8 stations throughout the plant. Members of the Republic Master Chefs team each led one group, start the tour “shotgun style” keeping everyone all on time as well as answering specific questions about their own plant. Each group was led inside and outside of the plant. Alejandro Hernandez and Clare Bachman of XOS truck had two electric trucks on display on the lot. Other vendors presented where their own equipment is in the plant. Vendors presenting included: Michael Soussa, Vaugn Minissian, and Sarkis Kechichian for Norchem, Randal Dominquez and Chris Sellars for Ecolab, Josh Frankeberger for Automation Dynamics, Michael Macaro for MCC Mobile Computing Corporation, and Eric Orozco and Albert Valenzuela for Tingue. All vendors at each of the stations gave very educational presentations. Republic Master Chefs clearly was on their “A Game” for the tour. The tour was smooth, efficient, and educational.

At the end of the tour, (which some considered to be the 9th station) was the incredible taco feast catered by Tacos of The Lambs of Los Angeles. Members lined up for made to order tacos street and vampiro style, burritos and quesadillas along with a fresh salsa bar and drink station. On a personal note, after the stress of the bus not showing up, the warm goodness of fresh tacos nearly brought Tim to tears while I managed to put down about 6 tacos paired with the hibiscus jicama drink. Wonderful. Fantastic.

Overall, even with some water filled bumps in the road, the 2024 WTSA Production Clinic was a resounding success. All in thanks to Larry Pallan and the Republic Master Chefs team.

Thank you to everyone, and we hope to see you at the WTSA’s 109th Annual Convention at the Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona July 14, 15, 16, 2024.

-Submitted by WTSA reporter Tina Groff