UAPB professor chosen for board
W. Jinnings Burruss, assistant professor of food service and restaurant management for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Human Sciences, was recently appointed to the Arkansas Restaurant Association (ARA) Board of Directors by the Arkansas Hospitality Association.
In addition to his work at UAPB, Burruss also is manager of restaurant service operations at Saracen Casino and Resort. There, he serves as chef de cuisine for five food outlets and works closely with the Red Oak Steakhouse, according to a news release.
Burruss was hired at UAPB in the fall of 2022. He teaches courses in food service and restaurant management including quantity food production, food principles, elementary nutrition and social/cultural aspects of food. He is currently working on revising the food service and restaurant management curriculum, updating the campus teaching kitchens, writing grants for funding for hospitality and culinary projects and developing partnerships to assist UAPB graduates in finding employment while in school and after graduation.
“With his extensive culinary expertise and passion for elevating food service standards, Dr. Burruss brings invaluable insights and leadership to the organization,” according to a press release by the Arkansas Hospitality Association. “As a certified executive chef and master chef, he possesses a wealth of experience in managing food operations at the highest level. He believes that being a chef is more than just a title – it is about sharing the joy of culinary craftsmanship and creating memorable experiences for diners. His dedication to culinary excellence and commitment to quality align perfectly with the mission of the Arkansas Restaurant Association.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Manufacturing council sets job fair
The Jefferson County Manufacturing Council will host “Manufacturing Made Easy Career Fair” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 7 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road.
Admission is free for job seekers, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Participating companies include Central Moloney Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Kiswire Pine Bluff, Mondi Bags, Pactiv Evergreen and U.S. Steel Wheeling Machine Products. Details: Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, (870) 535-0110.
DAV announces virtual career fair
Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Central Region Virtual Veterans Career Fair, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve, according to a news release.
More than 50 employers will be on-site. Participants can also utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all free. To register for the virtual career fair or for other details, visit jobs.dav.org.
Arsenal needs your vote in contest
The Pine Bluff Arsenal has advanced to the “Exceptional 8” round of the “Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas” competition for its M18 smoke grenades.
The contest is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce to promote the most interesting and unique things manufactured in the state, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
To cast a vote to help the Arsenal reach the next level of the competition, visit https://www.coolestthinginarkansas.com/.
Voices for Children golf tourney set
Voices for Children will host its 20th annual golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Registration starts at 11 a.m., according to a flier.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds will help Voices for Children continue to provide court appointed special advocates (CASA) for all foster children in Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Details: Voices for Children, (870) 850-7105, (870) 536-5922 or vfc@vfcadvocates.org.
PBSD stakeholders set fundraiser
The Pine Bluff School District Unified Stakeholders will sponsor a fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 220 S. Poplar St. Proceeds will assist student organizations, especially those members qualifying for national competition, according to a news release.
The yard sale will include school supplies, furniture, dishes, educational resources, appliances, and shelves. Wilma Kindle is president of the PBSD stakeholders.