Good news spreads fast for Chef Colasanti

By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

It’s safe to say that Ron Colasanti had one whirlwind week this past March.

First, Colasanti—who has been the executive chef at the Dearborn community of Henry Ford Village for the past six years—won the community’s Leadership Award for 2006, given to recognize outstanding leaders at all Erickson communities.

“I was thrilled. It was a tremendous honor,” Colasanti says. “It was a total team effort, though. I’m fortunate enough to work with some great people here.”

Colasanti was presented with a certificate of recognition and a bouquet of flowers at a special Town Hall meeting. As an added bonus, he is traveling to Erickson’s annual meeting in Baltimore, Md., as a part of the company’s national award ceremony.

Colasanti is instrumental in many areas of dining services on campus, such as leading the state-of-the-art renovation of the community’s Windows Café. He also served as creative consultant for Erickson’s From the Chef ’s Kitchen cookbook, which features chefs and recipes from all of the communities’ restaurants across the country.

Driving force behind Windows Café
“Ron was the driving force behind our new Windows Café,” says Larry Vidovic, executive director at Henry Ford Village. “He had the vision and oversaw the entire process. The end result is remarkable.”

Consideration for the award is given only to those who exemplify Erickson’s mission statement of sharing gifts to celebrate life. The recipient must also exemplify the Erickson Way values of caring, diversity, enthusiasm, excellence, friendliness, fun, honesty, initiative, respect, responsibility, teamwork, and trustworthiness.

“I am thrilled that Ron is this year’s recipient,” Vidovic says. “His dedication to the Erickson Way sets the bar very high for future nominees.”