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| 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. <more...> |
| Membership News
by Duffy Fainer
 Do you have any idea what a great value NACE is? You get to network with the movers and shakers in the business and experience a unique meal and actually learn something once every month. Plus, you get exposure at no additional charge, that other networking organizations would charge you hundreds for. We're 145 members strong.
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 March Meeting
by Chris Agrippe
Embassy Suites hosts: "The delights of Food and Beer Pairing" with our expert Arlen Arnsten
 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 April 10, 2007 for our next dinner at the Prado in Balboa Park |
| Affiliate's Corner
by Merrylin Brichmann
 I am inviting our Affiliate Members to participate in a joint showcase at our April meeting. We are having tables set up at the House of Blues...you sign up and showcase your business…it’s just that easy and it’s free!!!
Bring cards, pamphlets, whatever you use to explain what your business represents. Be clever, be creative but most important, be there!
You don’t have to talk in front of the group. No microphone….you just stand there…and smile……and promote yourself…to the primary members….to other affiliates…to guests…..even to your friends. Participate, be pro-active. If you want the members to know more about your business, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
The only way you can participate is to sign up in advance! Space is limited and only a handful of affiliates will be showcasing at this very popular, well-attended meeting.
So, please email or call me at 619-593-7367. Remember, life is short. When you sign up, you can check one more thing off of your must do list!
Both our March affiliate showcasers share a common philosophy. Life is short. Make a list of things you want to do while you are here. Start doing them and keep checking them off your list!
 Our second presenter, Miguel Aldrete, is an electrical engineer, V.P. of the International Power Assoc, and Sales & Marketing Consultant for eight Fortune 500 companies that do business in Mexico, Central and South Americas.
He was born in Mexico but has lived in San Diego for 30 of his 38 years. He has been married for 14 years and has three children, Miguel 7, Carlos almost 2 and Isabella 9 months. If it sounds like he has his hands full, he does. But his children are his biggest inspiration. Ten years ago doctors told them they would never have children. So they are his little miracles, which is also the name of his boat.
His hobbies are enjoying extreme sports, sky diving, scuba diving, rappelling in water falls, white water rafting and he races in the 8 hour Baja extreme race. His wife supports his adrenaline addiction and travels with him doing “not so dangerous” activities. When he indulges in his wilder hobbies, she cheers him on.
He ran a marathon to raise money for wheel chairs for kids. He organized and participated in a seven day bicycle ride from San Francisco to the Mexico border to raise money for a poor community in Tijuana. He dedicates a portion of his business proceeds for children cancer patients in TJ who cannot afford medication.
For the last 12 years he has been involved in the San Diego wedding industry and told us all about E-Vendors List, his latest venture.
 After being honored with the Angel Award from NACE last October, Cathy Carpenter wanted to continue to be an angel to everyone in the catering business. After selling Just Appetizers & Inc for 16 years, the past year changed considerably. Starting with the name, they are now Menu Inspirations. So, her goal is to inspire us, not only with hor’s doeurves but with kabobs, which were featured during the cocktail hour.
She also represents desserts under the labels of Dianne’s Cheesecakes and Alden Merrell Desserts. So hopefully before the end of 2007, Cathy will have a chance to inspire us with these sweets too.
On a personal note, Cathy is completing 18 months of breast cancer treatment. She is doing great, feeling strong again and just returned from snow skiing at Mammoth. This summer she’ll take two weeks and travel to Greece. Her goal in the next ten years is to travel extensively all over the world!
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
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 March 2007 meeting.
- Girl Scout Cookie and Coffee Basket, donated by the French Gourmet
- A $50.00 dining voucher, donated by Napa Valley Grille at Horton Plaza
- Wild Animal Park Tickets and Plush Toy
- A basket full of gourmet Italian goodies, donated by the Sheraton San Diego Mission Valley
- A 3-hour Sailing Adventure on the Californian tallship, donated by the Maritime Museum of San Diego
- 2 night stay in a deluxe room at Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino and a Ranch House Buffet for 2 (up to a $70.00 value)
- 2 boxes of delicious chocolates from CJ’s Confections
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The funds we raised this month went to our photographer friend, Larry Monet, who's heading to Russia for an experimental treatment for his physical challenge. If you feel that you would like to extend another donation, checks can be sent to: The Monet Family HelpFund, 1545 MissEllie Way, Alpine CA 91901 |
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
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Community Service
by Nancy Changnon-Baron
 Bunnies for Babes - 2007
Come one Bunny, Come all!
The San Diego Chapter of NACE
“Annual Bunny Gathering”
Bunnies big & small
came to the March 13th Dinner and
we will delived them to
the Polinsky Childrens Center.
No bunny was 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
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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
Zaphyr Dajani- Abbey Catering
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Judy Malings- The Fabulous Ultratones
Melody Corvalan- Holiday Inn
Kosta Houdalakis- Lisko Imports
Judy Simmons- Shelter Pointe Hotel
Michelle Edelman- Hilton Gaslamp
Ryan Hurd- Omni Hotel San Diego
Gabriel Hernandez- Classic Photography
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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 |
| Newsletter Archives from 2001 to present |
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