San Diego Chapter National Association of Catering Executives SDNACE.ORG San Diego

October 2005

President's Message
Fall 2005
by Tracey Amernick, CPCE

Greetings Members,
It's hard to believe the summer is gone and we are in the final quarter of 2005.

It's been a wonderful year so far for our Chapter and we have accomplished many of our Goals. We have streamlined the registration process with our new CVENT reservation system and introduced a new Web site with a brand new look! We've gone "paperless" with our newsletter, saving chapter $$$, which we now use toward funding scholarships for members to attend our National Leadership, Educational and Regional Conferences, or apply towards the cost of attaining your CPCE Certifications. We have addressed concerns about the timelines of our meetings, and continue to end at 8:30pm or sooner. Our recent "Industry Sail Night" was a joint effort with our fellow partners, CONVIS, MPI, HSMAI, ISES, the ABC and the NSA. It was a first time event and a huge success; we will be planning more programs together in the future. Our membership base continues to grow. San Diego is ranked nationally as one of the top Chapters in the Country. <more...>

Fall Membership Drive

We like membership drives for several reasons:

It refreshes our local networking and referral base
We can keeps our chapter energized with new member participation and enthusiasm
New members help us to maintain financial health of our local chapter and National Association

Please help your Chapter grow, by recommending San Diego NACE to your vendors and clients. New members who sign up by November 18th, will have their initiation fee of $50. waived, and can have their first year of membership at only $295.

Previous years members, who have been gone for more than one year, may also re-join at this low price. Follow this link and make sure you ask for the $295 rate before November 18, 2005.

If you are a first year member, you're happy with NACE, and intend to rejoin, you can really do your chapter a favor, by renewing your membership before December 31. We can receive a cash reward from NATIONAL for maintaining a high level of first year renewals, which we will ultimately apply toward scholarships and other member benefits.

Read the TOP 10 REASONS THAT NACE BENEFITS YOU AS A MEMBER

If you have any questions, please call or email your Membership Chairpeople.
Duffy Fainer or Sandy Maurin.

Our October Meeting
by Chris Agrippe, CPCE

Click for pictures

This month, the great tradition of Oktoberfest was celebrated at our October meeting held at the Red Lion Hanalei in Mission Valley. When we entered the parking area we immediately saw the huge white tent, and were greeted by the sights, sounds, and smells of the German holiday. Swiss-born Executive Chef Peter Erni and his staff were grilling up sausages, the Ommpah Band provided by Bernie Kay was playing, and hay bales completed the scene. Inside, the pavilion was set with long beer hall-style tables in blue and white checked cloths, seating 20 people each. Fall accented centerpieces were courtesy of Michael's Flowergirl. Banquet Manager Jim Beck said "We really had a lot of fun getting ready for this event, and with a Swiss Chef, you know the food is going to be awesome!" The team at the Hanalei is to be complimented. From Leberwurst to Sauer Braten, Schnitzel to Spatzli, and Lindzer Torte to Princess Cake, it was a feast for the senses. Thank you to: Chef Erni and his staff, Banquet Manager Jim Beck, Banquet Captain Joel Reis and the banquet team, and Sales Manager Laure Mc Keown!

Our meeting began with a brief tribute to the outgoing Chapter Board of Directors who were honored with plaques. Special recognition was given to Geneene Thornton who, after 7 years as Community Service Chair, is stepping down. Geneene and her committees touched many lives in our city throughout the years by insuring that our chapter remained involved in the community, as each month they helped us all to make a difference in the world. It was also announced that beginning next month, our dinner meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month, in order to avoid competing with the several three-week holidays which occur throughout the year.

And of course, when the time finally came and our program began, the topic was on; you guessed it, that's right, could-it-be-anything-else but BEEEER! Arlan Arnsten of Stone Brewing Company treated us to eight different styles of beer as he gave us insights into techniques for brewing, serving, marketing, and enjoying craft brewed beers and ales. Tasting comments included robust intense aromas, hint of fruits and florals, banana and clove, roasted spice, notes of coffee, rich in malts, and with scotch-like qualities of smokiness. Arlan also flavored his presentation with some interesting facts as well: Originating in ancient Egypt, beer is the oldest known alcohol beverage. Belgium has the most styles of beer in the world. Bitterness is betterness; San Diego-grown Stone Brewing Company is the fastest-growing facility in the country, and in Arlan's own words "Don't be afraid of the dark!"

In closing, Arlan posed an interesting scenario to caterers and restaurateurs alike. Assuming that the most expensive wine on a list can cost well over hundreds of dollars, and the greatest beer in the world can be had for fewer than twenty, why not add some incredible beers to your lists and promote them for the great value that they are?

Affiliate's Corner
by Mike Ryan

Affiliate Showcase-October 2005

Our October Beer Garden affiliate showcaser at the Red Lion Hanalei was Photographer Dennis Way with A.B.I. Photo (A Better Image)! As a 13-year member of San Diego NACE many of our members are familiar with Dennis’ great photo work, but did you know he got his start in the Navy in Photo. Recon.. He was also a Navy Intelligence Specialist.

DENNIS WAY

Dennis has a double degree in Micro Biology and Physical Chemistry with a minor in photography. I don’t know about you but I’m impressed. Dennis has been photographing weddings, corporate and special events since 1978. For more information please call Dennis at 858-279-3337 and/or check out his classy Web site at www.ABIPHOTO.COM

On a personal note I’ll be moving on to NACE PR and want to welcome DJ Merrylin Brichmann who will be taking over as your new Affiliate Chair. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO SHOWCASE YOUR BUISNESS please contact Merrylin ASAP at 619-593-7367.

Additionally, IF YOU HAVE NEWS-WORTHY stories or events regarding your venue, business or personal please e-mail me at Mikeonthemike@cox.net and I’ll share that information with the rest of the members in this newsletter!

With a warm wave – Mike Ryan

Community Service Update 2005
by Geneene Thornton

San Diego has over 2000 people that been placed in our beautiful city from both Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Food supplies at our San Diego Food Bank are running very slim since we have been able to help our friends to the south.
Along with the San Diego Food Bank we are asking all SDNACE members to bring a sack of groceries with you to the November meeting Holiday Food Drive. Be sure all items are non-perishable and have current labels.

NOVEMBER
Holiday Food Drive
Bring a $10.00 bag of non-perishable food items to the November SDNACE dinner meeting. Food will be distributed to the San Diego Food Bank in time for the holidays. Don't have time to shop? Bring $10.00. We'll be happy to do it for you!

DECEMBER
Holiday Party-Toy Drive
December 6, 2005
Joint holiday party with ISES
Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Bring an unwrapped gift for a needy child - all aged gifts are welcomed (don't forget the teenagers)

For more details contact Geneene
(619) 287-6133

Raffle Kudos
by MaryAnn Quinto

A special thank you to all those of you who donated to the October meeting: