|
|
 |
|
|
|
These meeting photos courtesy of Xavier Baily Photography Click on this camera icon, over there to the left, to view the pics of the meeting. and thanks to these sponsors for their contribution to our meeting:
|
| Back to top |
|
by Chris Agrippe, CPCE
"Elegance and Fine Cuisine " at The Westgate Hotel San Diego
These meeting photos courtesy of Xavier Baily Photography
Timeless, classic and elegant, the lobby of the Westgate Hotel is a magnificent re-creation of one of the anterooms at the Palace of Versailles, and it was here that NACE members and guests mingled and met to the lilting strains of harpist Tasha Smith and enjoyed butler-passed Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta, Goat Cheese Crostini with Basil, and Babe Farms Artichoke Hearts with Parmesan Reggiano. Before dinner, we had the opportunity to explore some of the myriad of rooms and found to our delight that the entire hotel is graced with luxurious antiques and treasures such as paintings by Boucher, Fragonard and Gainsborough… the experience was like drifting into a Fabergé Egg adorned with golden cherubs and tapestries… all nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego.
The Versailles Ballroom was set for dinner with luxurious fabrics accented by warm lighting, and the room absolutely glowed with comfort and goodwill as hues of gold and silver twinkled from magnificent chandeliers of hand-cut Baccarat crystal. Patrick Higgins of Artistic Florals used Yellow and White Ranunculus Florals which blended perfectly with the room.
Our speaker for the evening was Anita Boen of "Slow Food Urban San Diego", and her message was as simple and organic as the movement she represents.
Food should be 1) Good for you, 2) Good for the people who grow it, 3) Good for the planet, and 4) Reconnect regional food traditions. "In short, Slow Food is an idea, a way of living, and a way of eating." The Slow Food Urban San Diego website is www.slowfoodurbansandiego.org, and their goal is to create a dramatic and lasting change in our local food system by educating our community about the plants, animals, fertile soils and waters that produce our food.
The banquet team, lead by Catering Manager Rachael Osgood, performed a ballet of synchronized service with perfectly-timed courses. Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel locally-sourced as much of his produce as possible and presented a delightful Red & Green Pear Salad with Belgian Endive from Frog Hollow Farms, with Maytag Blue Cheese and Balsamic Dressing. The Truffled Petite Filet Mignon was accompanied with Haricot Vert & Pancetta Fricassee and Wild Mushroom Bordelaise from Weiser Family Farms, and the Potato Gratin was simply flawless. Dessert was a presentation equal to it’s setting, and the Westgate's French Pastry Chef Sylvan made one of the creamiest Crème Fraiche Cheesecakes that we've ever tasted. It was drizzled with Passion Fruit Caramel and served with a Blood Orange Sorbet from Petaluma, California. Wines were donated by the Dana Hotel, and of course, the ever-present beers of Stone were represented by Arlan Arnsten of Stone Brewing.
The first quarter of this year's NACE meetings have each held their own special magic and have certainly set the standard for creativity, education, and networking. As we begin our second quarter, please plan on joining us in April at the picturesque Inn at Rancho Santa Fe for our special daytime seminar and lunch where speaker Jorge Lopez's topics will be "Generations: The World in Which We Sell", and "Communicating Sales Success". We hope to see you there!
|
| Back to top |
|
Raffle Kudos
by Spencer Bezy
 You can get all kinds of visibility AND give to a good cause. Your raffle donations raise money for both the needy and our chapter scholarships. We'll give you lots of special mention, and the membership can sample your product too. We appreciate that.
Brunch for 2 at the Westgate Hotel – Compliments of Rachel Osgood, Westgate Hotel
2 tickets to the Steven Birch Aquarium – Melissa Darisay Thorpe, Eurobar
A Girl Scout Cookie Gift Pack – Nancy Changnon Baron, The French Gourmet
Gift Basket and $50 Gift Certificate for The Grove Pastry Shop – Teresa Johnson, The Grove Pastry Shop
Hand Held Video Camera – Toby Russell, www.TobyRussell.com
If you would like to make a raffle donation, and receive special mention and recognition at the dinner as well as here on the web site, contact email Spencer Bezy . 858-538-5740 |
| Back to top |
|
Membership News
by Melissa Darisay Thorpe
Greetings fellow San Diego NACE members! We are 169 members strong this month. Thank you very much for your continued support of our chapter.
Spring is in the air, and in celebration starting Monday, March 22nd our annual Spring Membership Campaign begins. So make sure to get the word out to all your peers who have shown interest in joining our great group of catering and event professionals that they can do so and get $100.00 off their membership. Details are posted on the front page of our website. New member discount is valid only March 22 – May 21, 2010.
In tandem with the NACE National Spring Membership Campaign, San Diego NACE is pleased to announce our 2010 Membership Referral Program. When you refer someone and they join NACE, you receive one complimentary monthly dinner program. This is a win/win for all involved!
You get to enjoy one free monthly dinner program, your referral gets to enjoy $100.00 off their membership (as long as they sign up by May 21, and NACE gets another catering or event professional member added to the ranks of the association.
When you have referred someone for membership, please email me at melissa@eurobarespresso.com and let me know the name of the person you’ve referred. I will let you know as soon as they actually join NACE and you will get to enjoy the next month’s dinner program at no charge!
Also, please note that we have a new membership category: Young Professional Member. Annual dues are $195.00. This membership is limited to those individuals under 25 years of age who are employed or self-employed in or who supply the catering, event, or hospitality industries. This rate is not retroactive for current under 25 years of age members, but applies to new or renewing young professionals. This rate is not part of the $100.00 Spring membership discount.
Visit NACE to join online or Contact me at 619/295-2511 or via email at melissa@eurobarespresso.com if you have any changes to your contact information, need a name badge, changing properties, questions, or have issues of concern. See you often in 2010...right?
|
| Back to top |
|
Event Professionals Corner
by Merrylin Brichmann
 It was wonderful meeting, introducing and working with so many Event Professionals in 2009!
I'm the person who can enable you to showcase your unique style and business in front of NACE members ~ help me exceed expectations by your involvement and commitment! My goal is to create interest and business for you ~ all I need is your willingness to succeed and active participation in all opportunities presented to Event Professionals.
If you want to showcase your business such as the members showcased below, at a monthly meeting, please call 619-593-7367 or email me at Artistic-Productions@cox.net so I can get you on the upcoming schedule. Happy Networking! |
| Back to top |
|
Member Spotlight
Want to get your face and company product in front of the NACE attendees? It’s easy . Please call Merrylin at 619-593-7367 or email Artistic-Productions@cox.net to get yourself on the upcoming schedule. I’m lining up showcasers for 2010 ~ don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to shine, to sell, to succeed!
Xavier Bailey Photography
Xavier Bailey is a photographer, artist and storyteller. He lives in Escondido with his 14 year old daughter. He’s engaged to marry a beautiful artist, with whom they have a lovely 7 year old daughter . His life is beautiful, happy and fulfilling. He also enjoys creating abstract fine art photographs and has participated in several gallery shows. Although he’s no longer a bass guitartist in a band, he still plays whenever he can, just for fun. He’s been photographing for over 15 years, specializing in weddings as a full time business for the last four years. He’s been an active NACE member since August 2009. Xavier also took the pictures at the March NACE event so everyone please check out his unique style on the web site!
Grant Brickner: Complete Music Service
Grant Brickner has been a DJ for over 30 years and the owner of Complete Music Service since 1993. A native Californian, hailing from Huntington Beach, Grant grew up surfing the shores of California. He served in the U.S.A.F. for ten years. He has tried many avenues of work, including a short but unfulfilling career as a stand up comedian, using his 104 voice impressions.
He and his wife Nancy just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. They have three “boys”:a Siberian Husky, a Dashshund and a cat.
While some people mistake his long hair as a fashion statement, it is actually part of his practiced religious belief as a member of the Native American Church. Specifically, he follows the teachings of Lakota Sioux Tribe from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He is also a Northern Tradition Dancer at powwows and supports many Native American causes. Last year, he and Nancy adopted and pledged their support of a Lakota family of 14. Grant says, “it is unquestionably the most fulfilling an rewarding decision we’ve ever made”. He’s been a NACE member for two years and really enjoys every meeting.
|
| Back to top |
|
Community Service
by Deborah Young 
The NACE charter provides for us the inspiration to give back to our community. Each year, we create several events and opportunities for our members to participate in fundraising for worthy causes, and our chapter.
It is always rewarding to give and make a difference in someone’s life. NACE is proud to give back to the community with our time, donations and money to help our fellow neighbors. There will be several exciting ways we will do this in the coming year starting with springtime.
We have chosen an organization called Second Chance, which was founded 17 years ago to assist men, women and youth who need a second chance in life. Perhaps they were homeless, unemployed, coming out of incarceration or just needed a helping hand to start again. Second Chance provides a two year program that helps with job readiness and attitude training, job placement, affordable housing, counseling and support services.
They need clothing items for their job interview and to wear for their new employment. We always feel more confident when we know we are dressed well so help Second Chance give a helping hand to those who are brave enough to start again.
As you do your spring cleaning, go through your closets and donate any of your business attire to the Second Chance Program.
We will be collecting your items at the April 13th daytime meeting at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, so bring your items in a plastic bag. Thank you so much. Here is their website for more information http://www.secondchanceprogram.org/history.html
Items needed: this is just a guideline – any professional attire will be great.
• Women’s professional attire
• White, beige & light color blouses (all sizes)
• Black and navy blue women pumps (sizes 7 through 11)
• Women’s nylons sheer black/flesh (all sizes)
• Men's suites: black, navy blue, gray & brown
• Men's dress white shirts (medium, large, x large, 2x)
• Men's black and dark brown shoes (all sizes)
• Solid black, navy blue & brown men’s ties
• Men’s socks- black & brown
• Hair brushes & combs
• Tooth Paste/ tooth Brushes (medium & hard)
• Disposable Razors
If you have any questions or ideas for community service, please contact me at deborah@deborahyoung.com or 619-239-3306. Thank you.
Community Service is a great way to volunteer for the chapter. Take a look at some of the great things we've done over the years. Call or email me if you'd like to join my team. deborah@deborahyoung.com
|
| Back to top |
|
by Angie Kemp, CPCE
Welcome to 2010. Planning events that meet our industry’s high standards is especially challenging in this tough economy but I have enjoyed the process, and hope that you have been able to enrich your company and career through the education and contacts you've developed.
Looking forward to 2010, I am excited for the programs that have been planned thus far. We will focus heavily on education and networking with a goal to create strong and educated leaders in this industry. Your selected board is excited and committed to serve you in the coming year.
The San Diego Chapter of NACE is a team effort and I am looking forward to all of us working together, facing the economic challenges, and pulling through to have an incredibly successful year. |
| Back to top |
|
New Members
Welcome to Our Newest Members in 2010
Kate Glenn- Abbey Catering and Event Design
Diogo Andrade- www.weddingguitarssandiego.com
Laura Parsons-Connect
Francisco Chairez-Mobile Photo Booth
Kristen Peele-Kristen Peele Photography
Lauren Lisker -SDSU Catering
Mariana Ogando-The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Jean Iuculano-The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Toby Russell-Velocity Webcasting
Samantha Espland- SDSU
Amy Hutchins SDSU
Brittanie Martinez-SDSU
Laura Parsons-Connect
Natalie Soulard- SDSU
Erik Waage- Blue Skies Cinema
Sara Wolf- SDSU
Brianna Kebo- CQ Mixers
If you know a prospective member who could benefit from NACE, and through whom our chapter could benefit, please direct them to our website, and to the Membership Chair melissa@eurobarespresso.com |
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
