President's Message by Angie Kemp, CPCE

NACE has so much in store for you this year; I encourage you to take full advantage of the educational and networking opportunities.

Many of the Board and chapter members are heading to Phillie in August, for the National Educational Conference, "Experience 2008", themed as the future of catering and event design. This can enable you to be ahead of your time and learn from the industry's most successful trend setter. It's key to your career, and it's not too late to register.

Be ready to be a team player as we visit The SD Zoo on July 8. You will have the opportunity to take part in making a child’s dream come true through an amazing community service project that promises to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

I look forward to our upcoming events and see another “Chapter of the Year” in our future! Your dedication and participation is an essential element to our success – as always, Thank You!

Membership News by Duffy Fainer

We have 203 members on the Roster and we'll soon find out if we've won the Spring Membership Drive. I'll bet we have. With all the fresh energy and input, we're going to have a fantastic year. Make sure to attend every possible meeting. All the contributions from our members creates a meeting unlike any other association. Don't miss it. Call or email me for more infomation, or visit Nace to join online!

Email me if you have any changes to your contact information, need a namebadge, changing properties, questions, or have issues of concern. See you often in 2008...right?

by: Chris Agrippe, CPCE:

The San Diego chapter of NACE celebrated the association’s 50th anniversary with a "No Program Just Party!" event on Tuesday June 3, 2008 at The Napa Valley Grille in Horton Plaza.

San Diego members old and new participated in the nationwide celebration as more than 40 chapters hosted simultaneous parties to celebrate the founding of NACE. The association was formed when a group of Banquet Managers met for dinner on June 3, 1958 in New York, and originally called themselves The Banquet Managers Guild. Since then, NACE has grown to 4,000 members strong, and is the oldest and largest professional catering association in America.

The Team from Napa Valley Grille hosted an evening that was truly one for the ages. Contributing members and guests included Artistic Florals, San Francisco & LA Specialty, Authentic Flavors Catering, R&R Wines, BBJ Linen, Raphael's Party Rentals, Kris Bentz Entertainment, Mobile Music Plus, Advantage Audio Visual, Photoboof!, DRY Soda, Pearl Vodka, PD Seafood, St Tropez Speciality Cakes & Desserts and Premier Meat Company.

NACE President Angie Kemp, CPCE of the Dana congratulates Liz Odle of The Napa Valley Grille on a job well done. With generous assistance from her sponsors, Liz set festive tables elegantly draped in soft champagne fabrics, and her Service Team moved effortlessly through the crowd tray-passing tempting hors' d'Oeuvres, champagne, and specialty cocktails… the Blueberry Lemongrass Martinis where especially yummy!

Region 5 Vice President Tracey Amernick, CPCE, and Public Relations Chair Chris Agrippe, CPCE, prepare to read the Mayor's announcement Proclaiming Tuesday June 3, 2008 Official San Diego NACE Day. We were particularly honored that Mayor Sanders took time from his campaign to sign our document. Ironically Mayor Sanders won the election on, what other day but… could it be anything other than… NACE Day… of course!

Photoboof! had everyone "say cheese" and share a laugh in their high-tech version of a 1950's staple… a four picture automatic photo booth complete with the infamous "privacy curtain".