I. Starting a Bailliage (Chapter) usually begins with one person who may or may not ultimately become the Bailli, or Chapter President. This person must:

Have a passion for food and wine and an interest in sharing it, in the Chaîne spirit, with like-minded people.
Believe that the community can support a Chaîne bailliage. This usually means a sufficient number of fine dining establishments and the ability to recruit 20-25 people as members, some of whom should be supportive food and wine professionals.
Understand the history and workings of the Chaîne by reading about it (the "Resources" section of this Website, with its "how-to" areas, should be particularly helpful) and discussing it with your Bailli Provincial (Regional Bailli), who should be contacted as soon as there is serious interest in starting a bailliage. To obtain the name of the Bailli Provincial and contact information, call the National Office in New Jersey (973-360-9200) or send an e-mail to chaine@chaineus.org. You will want to work closely with this person as you go about learning about the Chaîne and make your plans.

II. The first step is to gather together 5 to 10 people, including a good mix of gastronomes and professionals, who you anticipate will be the core group.

Serve wine, perhaps in a tasting format.
Explain the workings and history of the Chaîne. Include information about the Chaîne Foundation, the Jeunes Commis (Young Chef) program, Young Sommelier program, Societe Mondiale du Vin and Brillat-Savarin.
Brainstorm about the possibilities for a bailliage in your area, including possible events.
Explain the duties of each officer and discuss the possibilities for filling these positions. Hopefully some from the group will step forward and volunteer. If not, ask for their recommendations. If possible, set the slate of officers at this meeting.

III. Make arrangements for an informational meeting for a larger group.

Be sure to select a nice, friendly venue.
Try to schedule the meeting when your Bailli Provincial can attend.
Ask each of the core group to recruit 10 gastronomes and professionals to attend.
Include restaurateurs and chefs from local fine dining establishments, including country clubs, as well as people connected to the wine industry, and ask them to share the names of those they feel might also be interested in membership.
Along with invitations, mail a small amount of information about the Chaîne, perhaps the full-color brochure available from the National Office.
Order various Chaîne supplies from the National Office in preparation for your meeting (see suggestions listed below).

IV. Be sure the informational meeting is a great success.

Have the attending Bailli Provincial, or, in his or her absence, another regional officer talk to those assembled about the Chaîne. Besides speaking of the benefits of membership at the bailliage level, provide information about the Chaîne Foundation, the Jeunes Commis program, Societe Mondiale du Vin and Brillat-Savarin so that guests will realize the scope of the Chaîne's programs and activities.
Have a sign-in book for names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
Besides membership applications (provide addressed return envelopes) and dues schedules, have back issues of Gastronome magazine, additional copies of the full-color brochure, and copies of The Chaîne Experience available. Banners, flags, ribbons and plaques, some of which you may be able to borrow, will make a positive impact as well.
Make sure those attending understand the costs of joining and participating.
From the beginning, encourage spouse memberships, which are discounted.
Make sure each person goes home with a local contact phone number.

V. Follow-up and make plans for the new bailliage to be launched and thrive.

Follow-up efforts to obtain a good group of founding members should be intensive and might include personal visits as well as phone calls.
Plan the first Grand Induction Gala.
Set a calendar of events (4-6) for the first year.
Hold your Grand Induction Gala, with as many regional officers in attendance as possible, and be proud of your accomplishment. Be sure photos are taken and that the Gala is well publicized, both in your community and in Chaîne publications.

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