San Diego NACE

See you in March 13th at The Embassy Suites, Downtown

Event Calendar

Our National Awards

"Spirit of NACE" 2004
awarded to:
Michel Malecot, The French Gourmet and the late June Bowerman

Host of the 2004 National Education Conference

San Diego NACE Newsletter
February 2007
by Duffy Fainer

President's Message
by Tracey Amernick, CPCE

I first want to wish you all a Happy New Year, with hopes that it is both healthy and prosperous for all.Thanks to the many chapter members for the wonderful contributions in 2006! Your participation helps to make us one of most productive and exciting chapters in the country.

The Board met for a half-day retreat in January, and charted a new course for 2007. We have a wonderful synergy on the board, innovative new programs in development and exciting personalities on our commitees. We're always interested in bringing new people aboard, so if you're ready to add more "spice" to your membership and join the board or a commitee, we'd love to talk with you.

Having just returned from the 2007 NACE Leadership Conference, attended by several of our Board members, I returned energized with my thoughts reinforced on why I am so proud to be a member of NACE and especially honored to be President. We enjoyed outstanding leadership training and learned exciting ideas to bring back to you. There were 165 attendees from around the country. We were well recognized for our outstanding leadership amongst the many chapters in the nation, and received two awards for our membership efforts.

2007 is a happening year. How about including NACE in your new year resolutions. Participate, join our dinners, donate to our raffles, join a committee, attend the National Educational Conference and get your CPCE designation. I look forward to welcoming you, and hope that you can join us at every dinner meeting in 2007.

Membership News
by Duffy Fainer

We want to keep you in the loop this year. Let me know if there's any changes to your contact information, or if you move to another property.

It's my job to ensure that you continue to receive your invitations, news, and communications from NATIONAL.Welcome to our new members. We have a total of 145 members as we start 2007. If you know anyone that would be a good fit for NACE, encourage them to come to a meeting, and have me contact them.

If you're changing jobs, you might be able to "take" your membership with you, and the person replacing you, might "get" your membership for up to 6 months...free! Read about this, under the "Provisional" definition. http://www.sdnace.org/membershipform.html

Email me if you have any changes to your contact information, questions, or have issues of concern.Read the TOP 10 REASONS THAT NACE BENEFITS YOU AS A MEMBER

Our February Meeting
by Chris Agrippe

"The Witherby makes it's NACE debut..with Dr. Mike "

It was fitting that our Valentine’s February meeting took place at the newly-opened historic-chic Witherby downtown on Market Street… a taste of “Victorian architecture meets Victoria’s Secret”… old world charm meets hot and sexy! Originally opened in 1892 and recently reopened as a private venue in December 2006 by the folks who brought us Stingaree, The Witherby promises to be another in a string of successes in the Gaslamp District.

Upon entering from street level and walking up past original art pieces one realizes that they’re looking through a silvery sheet of water at the top of the towering stairway. A silent waterfall clings to the wall as guests enter the dramatically lit reception area. Muted chocolates and turquoise wall coverings adorn above dark wood wainscoting and at once the feel is of a genteel and sophisticated gentleman’s club echoing the elegance of an era gone by. Our evening began with tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and classical guitar provided by Bernie Kaye of Entertainment Solutions West as our group kept the professional staff of bartenders busy mixing our favorite libations.


We were seated for dinner at oval shaped tables set with Villeory Bosch china and anchored by unique glass sculptures and candlelit centerpieces. Table linens complimented the Witherby’s decor as deep rich browns with whimsical Nile Blue accents draped each table to the floor, all provided by BBJ Linens. As the program began, house lights dimmed, and the stage came to life when emcee for the night Duffy Fainer introduced “Dr Mike Hogan” of Entertainment At Large. Mike invited our panelists consisting of recent brides up onto the set designed ala late night talk show by Lounge Appeal and Gravity Productions. His mission for the evening was to go “Inside the Mind of a Bride”, and his easy-going wit and charm made the evening an instant success. Dr. Mike’s well-crafted questions gave us insights into the choices the brides and their fiancés made when selecting vendors, venues, and caterers.

These were savvy consumers of our industry, and their resources were websites, chat rooms, bridal magazines, and personal referrals. The most consistent fact that each bride had in common was how she chose one vendor over another. The number one reason brides chose a provider of services (aside from cost and reputation) was the personal connection they felt with their sales manager… would they really “be there for me on the big day?” The factors that contributed to their positive experience were “prompt follow-up on questions and requests”; “easy to reach on the phone and via email”; “access to the manager’s personal cell number”; “they got my fiancé involved in the process”; and “the on-site event manager gave us options until the end”. Slick, clean, and visual websites attracted and personal connections closed the deals.

 

Chef Antonio Friscia former Chef of Alfiere has gone uptown and his culinary team produced one of the finest evenings in recent memory. The Porcini Crusted Prime Striploin & Pancetta Wrapped Jumbo Prawns were sided with Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Honshemeji Mushrooms. Euro Living Room provided dessert, which was a deliciously rich and decadent chocolate bomb, shaped in (of course) a heart. Gravity Productions did an outstanding job of lighting and setting the stage as well as providing video coverage on the big screen

To view the show in it's entirety just click on this link and you too can the get into the "Mind of a Bride!"

See you on March 13, 2007 for our next dinner at the Embassy Suites, Downtown SD

Affiliate's Corner
by Merrylin Brichmann

Our affiliate showcasers get a 3-5 minute window to tell all the members about their special field of expertise. It is much more effective than handing out brochures or business cards and I hope that all affiliates will take advantage of this great opportunity! All you have to do is email or call me, your affiliate representative for NACE. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you promote your business to our NACE members

If you attended our February NACE meeting, you probably noticed that we didn’t have an affiliate showcase because of the scheduled program. But you were still surrounded by some very talented affiliates and they stood out!!!


Thanks to Bernie Kaye of Entertainment Solutions West for providing a wonderful guitarist to add a cool ambiance during the cocktail hour. Then affiliate Duffy Fainer, the man with the magic voice, emceed the meeting with grace, style and class.

Mike Hogan, disc jockey and auctioneer, emceed the evening’s program, Inside the Mind of a Bride with Dr. Mike. Once again, this was a truly interesting format to learn how brides do their selecting. Mike guided them through a variety of questions with poise, humor and good taste!

 

 

And, while Dennis Way may have changed his company name from Dennis Way Photography to ABI Photography, his comfortable, casual style remains!
He was moving around, capturing the feel of the evening and the smiling faces of the attendees. We all look forward to reliving the evening through his talented lens.

If you wonder what an affiliate can do in NACE, just look at February’s meeting. Four different personalities helped create a remarkable evening for our enjoyment. I’ll be sending out an email very soon to all the affiliates…you will have the opportunity to showcase at next month’s meeting….I look forward to helping you utilize your best sales feature…YOU!

Email me: artistic-productions@cox.net or call me at 619-593-7367

Raffle Kudos
by Cade Fulton

Thank you to all who donated to the February 2007 meeting. The funds raised are both donated to our chosen charity, as well as funding scholarships for our members:

  • Complimentary one night stay at Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort and one 50 minute spa treatment at The Spa at Harrah’s, donated by Elizabeth Morales
  • Bottle of 2003 Merlot from the South Coast Winery in the Temecula Valley, donated by William Crandel
    and The Clergy Referral Service
  • Two tickets to the World Famous San Diego Zoo and a special plush toy, donated by Darlene Mendoza from the San Diego Zoo and
    The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park
  • Home Spa Gift Basket, donated by
    Kathy Ziegler Art and Photography
  • Special Valentine’s Day Package: Bottle of Ponte Wine, a $50.00 gift certificate to Pacifica Del Mar and a Valentine’s Day Tin, donated by Dena Malasek
    and San Diego Style Weddings
  • Bottle of 2000 BV Cabernet from Sandy Maurin of Holiday Inn by the Bay and a fluffy bear toy.
  • Valentines gift basket courtesy of Kathleen Isherwood and The Party Staff Inc.

If you would like to make a raffle donation, and recieve special mention and recognition at the dinner as well as here on the website, contact Cade Fulton at Centerplate
619-525-5850
cade.fulton@sdccc.org

 

Community Service
by Nancy Changnon-Baron

Bunnies for Babes - 2007

Come one Bunny, Come all!
The San Diego Chapter of NACE
“Annual Bunny Gathering”

Bring your Bunnies big & small
to the March 13th Dinne
r and
we will deliver them to
the Polinsky Childrens Center.
No bunny will be left behind!

For more information,
or bunny pick-up services call:
Nancy Changnon-Baron, CPCE
858-488-1725, ext. 331

2007:Friends of Scott

This year, we've chosen Friends of Scott as the foundation to direct our community service and fundraising for. Friends of Scott is a non-profit organization that was founded in memory of Scott Delgadillo who lost his life to childhood cancer. The Friends of Scott Foundation (FSF) is committed to helping children with cancer and their families. San Diego NACE will help to contribute money and support, to ensure they receive the emotional and financial support needed to cope with this devastating disease. FSF strives to bring Childhood Cancer Awareness to the community.

Here's AnnaMaria Sanfilippo taking a limo full of kids to the Del Mar Races.


If you would like to participate on this commitee for this very worthy cause, members are always needed and welcome. Please contact: Nancy Changnon-Baron, CPCE
858-488-1725, ext. 331
nbaron@thefrenchgourmet.com

Welcome to our NEW MEMBERS for 2007

Reverend Deborah Young

Brianna Bennett-Island Palms

Karen Ray-Island Pams

Corina Van Der Meer-Carmel Mtn Ranch CC

Angela Petix-Stingaree

Erica Hinshaw-Estancia La Jolla

 

Judy Malings The Fabulous Ultratones

Melody Corvalan Holiday Inn

Kosta Houdalakis-Lisko Imports

Judy Simmons-Shelter Pointe Hotel

Michelle Edelman-Hilton Gaslamp

Jackie Campbell-Hornblower Cruises

Sharon Mintz-Organic Elements

Kristin Nigro Centerplate

Warren Potts-Maritime Museum

Richard Bier-Issacs Bakery

Debra Ayala-Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad

Daniel Hansberger-Special Event Prod.

Kris Valentien- Positive Energy Productions

Anthony Longa- Embassy Suites

Lisa Salgado-Holiday Inn Mission Valley

Liz Odle- Napa Valley Grille

Mark Johnson-SD Marriott

Crissandra Riddle-Holiday Inn Downtown

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 Chairs. duffy@voicebyduffy.com sandy.maurin@ichotelsgroup.com

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