Chili Cook-Off, 2009

2009 Chili Cook-Off

The results of our third annual chili cook-off are in! When Message Systems was spun off as a separate company the contest continued with the added spice of brand honor at stake. The day arrived and our shared kitchen was full of firing crock pots and the aroma of gourmet chili.

In OmniTI’s corner we had our own Miguel Montanez, interface designer, with his “El Chupacabra” chili — a unique southwestern style chicken chili topped with queso fresco. Also representing OmniTI, was chief operating officer, Sherry Schlossnagle, with her own “More Meat Chili,” a spicy, beefy chili, perfect for any meat-lover. Sating appetites before the main event was the famous Mexican taco salad of our administrative assistant extraordinaire, DeAnna Mullen. In the Message Systems corner was Joal Barbehenn, Laurie Ann Mathison, Steve Morgan and Zhi Wang who provided some fierce competition for our own culinary heroes.

Finally, the cooking was done. Tasting began in earnest. Many went back for seconds. Some for thirds; all in the interest of a fair and balanced competition, of course. Votes were cast and counted. By popular acclaim, our own Sherry Schlossnagle was crowned “Chili Cook-Off Champion!”

Congratulations to Sherry and all the contestants for their hard work. The excitement was intense. The chili even more so. After we recover, we’ll start looking forward to next year.