President's Message by Angie Kemp, CPCE

Wow, what a year! As fall approaches, I wonder where the summer went and start to think about all the holiday parties just around the corner. You gotta love it. It has been my goal this year to introduce and highlight several opportunities available to you in order to get more from NACE than what you put into it. My hope is that you have participated in at lest a few of these opportunities, but if not, there is no need to worry. We still have several ways you can get involved before the year is over.

Ever think about joining the NACE board? Elections take place in November and we have a few open positions just waiting for you. Although being on the board is a great way to get to know the members and guests of NACE – it is a commitment so I encourage you to ask me or another board member what it’s all about before taking the plunge. We all love serving the San Diego Chapter of NACE and we know you will too.

The Special Event conference is coming to San Diego and NACE is a co sponsor for the Welcome Party taking place on January 28, 2009 at On Broadway. This is an amazing opportunity not only for San Diego to host such a great conference but for the San Diego Chapter of NACE to really show off. We are looking for committee members, sponsors and volunteers for this event so contact me soon. Plans are moving forward quickly and you won’t want to miss this one.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the rest of the year and what we have in store for you. In October we will be celebrating the Chapter Member Awards and raising funds through our annual silent Auction. This will be at The Abbey on October 14th. In November we will be at the new Crowne Plaza in Mission Valley for our second event professional showcase of the year and of course, in December we will be at the Hilton Torrey Pines. This is always the party of the year so save the date now!

Membership News by Duffy Fainer

We have 196 members on the September Roster, and many fresh faces. How are you going to distinguish yourself amonst all these freindly faces. Join a commitee...volunteer. Ask the members of the Board that you know, how you can get "inside". We're looking for proactive planner-types to help us with the October Gala . 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:

If you've ever visited Seattle where the craft-brewing industry was born, you'll know what I mean… A person gets used to the aromas of breweries drifting through the neighborhoods. When I pulled up to the monolithic stronghold that Stone has built, I breathed the fragrance deep and knew in an instant that this was no ordinary craft brewery and our September meeting hosted by Stone World Bistro and Gardens would be no ordinary event.

NACE members and guests walked down a winding path hewn from solid rock brimming with rosemary and hops plants and entered through massive oak doors which revealed an interior that celebrates all things natural and local

Our reception was held outside in the multi-leveled Sunken Gardens which feature fountains and streams leading down to the final garden which is a beautiful setting for a Wedding Ceremony, and the perfect spot for our program.

San Diego's own Celebrity Chef Sam the Cooking Guy who hosts a twice-weekly cooking segment on TV was our speaker, and assisted by Ken Wright from Stone. Sam kept us laughing and learning as he shared the secrets of cooking with beer in his trademark style that only complimented the in-your-face attitude that has made Stone Brewing Company (and Sam) famous.

Throughout the evening we were treated to tours of the brewery and a selection of over 30 beers and ales, and we mixed and mingled in the upper section of the Patio for dinner.

Our meal was perfectly prepared by the Culinary Team at Stone and featured Bruschetta w/ Crostini, Hummus, Mushroom Pillows for appetizers followed by a Dinner Buffet of Bistro Salad, Chicken Schnitzel with lemon-caper cream sauce, New York Strip Steak, Mac ‘n Beer Cheese, Seasonal Veggies, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Contributing to the success of the evening were San Diego NACE Sponsors Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, Sam the Cooking Guy, ABI Photography, Raphael's Party Rentals, Amore Cheesecakes, and K&K Productions. Once again, a big NACE thanks to Stone and our generous donors… as always and it is so true, we couldn't have done it without you!