by: Chris Agrippe, CPCE:

The “June Bowerman Spirit of NACE” award recognizes a NACE member whose commitment and compassion towards humanitarianism makes a profound and recognizable impact. June Bowerman who passed away in 2004 and to the end was a supporter of NACE and “was one heck of a gal”.

This year we are honoring one of our chapter’s founding fathers, Bernie Kaye of Entertainment Solutions West. His commitment to our chapter and passion for the industry is legendary. Bernie served as a NACE board member for 13 years; and like Michel Malecot, is a man who always says yes. Bernie’s business has grown exponentially over the years, as acquaintances made in NACE become friends, and in his own words, “we do business best with friends”. After 25 years of membership and sponsoring a whole lot of entertainment in between, Bernie has figured out what it takes to make a NACE membership succeed.

The NACE “Caterer of the Year” award recognizes the outstanding planning and hosting of our Chapter’s events.

Michel Malecot, Founder and President of the French Gourmet, graduated from culinary school in France in 1970 and worked as a chef throughout Europe before coming to the U.S. in 1972. He moved to San Diego and in 1979 opened the French Gourmet. Over the past 26 years, Michel has been one of the most influential members our chapter has ever know, hosting and catering NACE events, serving on the boarding numerous capacities, and providing more appetizers, cakes, cookies and desserts, champagne and opinions that we can keep track of. Not only does he say “yes” when we ask, he wines and dines us pretty darned well too!

He has built his business into a Culinary Empire and is known throughout Southern California as one of the most successful caterers in the region. and has produced catered events for some of San Diego’s finest corporations and citizens . He is dearly loved and respected for his unparalleled generosity to every worthy cause that comes his way. Michel and wife Lesa are the proud parents of two sons and a daughter.

Among many National and International awards, Michel holds the NACE designation of Certified Professional Catering Executive and is a recipient of the very prestigious Gold Key Award for Food & Beverage Person of the Year.

Michel Malecot

The “Affiliate Member of the Year” award recognizes Affiliate or Corporate members whose local and national association participation, contributions, and involvement have made a significant impact on the San Diego chapter of NACE. Dennis Way has been actively involved with NACE for over 12 years and has worked at almost every property represented here today. Dennis and his company, ABI Photography, have provided us with a history of our chapter’s events on a significant and consistent level, from candid behind-the-scenes shots to elegant and sophisticated moments. Dennis always captures our smiles and makes sure that we don’t blink and we are grateful for his help!

Dennis came to San Diego in 1976 with the Navy and traveled to Europe and Africa with this Photoreconnaissance Squadron, while earning an Associates Degree in Electronics. He was one of San Diego’s first digital photographers and has shot close to 1300 weddings and social events.

He is married to his lovely wife, Karen, for 12 years. They met when Dennis was a dancing instructor and Karen was one of his students.In his spare time, he enjoys riding BMW motorcycles with the BMW Club. When he’s not out riding with them or his son, he’s on the dance floor with Karen or working his expertise in photography.

Dennis Way

The "Congeniality" award goes to husband and wife team Frankie and Wally Hartwell, Hartworks Floral , who are the epitome of graciousness and have supported our chapter through the donation of product, time and beautiful flowers. An old axiom says it best, “When you need something done, ask a busy person”.

This is the perfect reference to Frankie and Wally, married for 43 years. Wally, a general contractor, designed and built their lovely Spanish colonial revival home in Mission Hills. The colors, décor and gardens are distinctly Frankie, but Wally is allowed to be Frankie’s grunt at times when a wedding has to be picked up.

They’re actively involved in the lives of five children and fifteen grandchildren. In her husband’s words, "Frankie is a gourmet cook, everyone’s best friend and a great wife and companion who just happens to look terrific all the time”.

Frankie Hartwell and Husband Wally

The "NACE Angel" award recognizes another sponsor who has contributed huge donations to NACE on a local as well as a national level. Over the years, Ditmar Balco has always been there for us, never said no and indeed has worked side by side with caterers, sometimes even rolling up his sleeves and helping in our kitchens during dish up.

In college, he would have definitely been voted "most popular man on campus". When he comes to a NACE party, he doesn’t just bring a polite bottle of wine for his host, Ditmar makes sure that we all have wine. And his company, Young’s Market, delivers literally truckloads of award-winning wines, champagnes and spirits showcasing Young’s Markets, where he has been a Key Account Executive for ten years. Because of his generosity, we’ve always been able to include wine with the meal at no cost to our guests, which has become an integral part of every dinner meeting.

Through Ditmar’s participation, contributions and involvement, Young’s Markets has made a significant impact on NACE and indeed our industry. We are all the richer for having him right here in San Diego. We are pleased to present the “NACE Angel Award” to someone who was truly sent from heaven, our Guardian Angel of the Vineyards,

Ditmar Balco.

They met at a snowboarding trip in Big Bear. A long distance
relationship ensued and lasted for a year with Ed, living in San
Diego and Karen, in Los Angeles. Seven days was all it took for
them to get engaged before getting married! They have been married for 6 years and have a beautiful one year old baby girl, Amelie Grace

With the photography business and a child, it’s all work and
no time left to play but if they had the time, Ed and Karen would love to go out, hang out, travel more and dance the Argentine Tango.

At weddings, they operate in the shadows with a stealthy shooting technique. After the wedding they practice the black arts of photoshop on your images (which they spent years training at a secluded mountain top temple to master). For more information, please visit their internet dojo at www.atrero.com.

Showcasing is easy…interested? Email me: artistic-productions@cox.net or call me at 619-593-7367 to get you on the schedule for 2008. It’s up to you to take advantage of this opportunity…I hope you do!