Hold on tight...your organization is about to sky-rocket to the next level!

On Sunday, July 15th, 2007, I had the awesome privilege of representing our chapter at the NACE National Conference Joint Chapter Presidents Council Meeting with the National Board of Directors.  This is the long winded way of saying I sat in on the update from the big-wigs at NACE National.  And I have pages and pages of wonderful items to report...but here are the highlights:-

*     Membership is UP, UP and AWAY!
NACE is growing at rapid speeds all over the country.  As of June 5, 2007 our membership count is 3,579.  For the last twelve months we have experienced a net GAIN was 259 members, reversing a trend of the last couple of years.  We, the Greater Detroit Chapter, are one of only six chapters that have shown positive growth every year for the last THREE YEARS with a net gain of 6 members in the last 12 months.  Not bad at all considering how transient our industry can be!  GO DETROIT NACE!!

*     A New Logo for NACE
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, the marketing committee has designed a new logo to build on the new marketing pieces they are developing for a more cohesive and professional appearance for our organization...and

*     A New National Website for NACE!
The best news yet is the launch of a new National Website - this is a much needed improvement!  Members will be able to access their membership information online to make updates and changes and non-members will be able to search for services by type or region - it is a real win-win for everyone!  Look for more information on this in the next few months.

*     CPCE Certification
The certification program has undergone a major overhaul with the assistance of the University of Central Florida .  The new material will include a broader spectrum of questions relating to the entire catering industry to ensure that we will be able to address the needs of the majority of the market - and not just on the onsite hotel caterer.  The test exam will be released in the fall and people can begin sitting for the certification early next year.

*     NACE National Educational Conference - Winter / Spring 2008
There are going to be some very exciting and monumental changes made to our National Educational Conference in this our 50th year of NACE.  Firstly, NACE is building a relationship with the CaterSource Conference held annually in Las Vegas - the hope is to have this partnership finalized and ready to roll for the 2009.  However until the agreement is finalized, NACE will be represented at CaterSource with a hospitality lounge, an over-the-top trade show booth and sponsorship of several educational classes.

*     NACE National Leadership Summits - Spring / Summer 2008
Traditionally our organization has grouped chapters by region and held several leadership conferences in the spring for chapter leaders.  Each one had its own agenda and covered different topics.  For 2008, National would like to design each of these leadership summits to cover the same information - to ensure all chapter leaders are on the same page and receive the same training!  Great idea!!

*     NACE National Catering Trends Conference - Summer / Fall 2008
To replace the former NACE Educational Conference in the summer, NACE National will be hosting a "trends" conference focusing on the catering and event design trends with a goal positioning NACE as a leader in this area of our industry.  The objective is to take attendees to many off premise venues to showcase catering and event trends such as an event designers warehouse or off premise caterers kitchen.  The conference location has not been released yet - nor the location - but I will let you know as soon as I have more information.

Financially, NACE National is stronger than ever with a positive equity of approximately $30,000.  Compare this to a negative equity of $90,000 only twelve months earlier - this is amazing news!  Much of this success can be attributed to a strong National office and board making smart decisions.  The conference was sold out for the first time in years and by going "green" and following other cost saving initiatives this conference was expected to make a profit of $50,000 - again not bad considering we budgeted a loss of $30,000!

And the conference itself was amazing - the events as always are inspiring and first class all the way.  My camera is over-loaded with photos.  I’ll let one of the other board members rave in their report about the conference…but be sure to go to the NACE National website at www.NACE.net and see some of the highlights - and make sure you budget to go next year.  I hear 2008 is going to top them all!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, I'd be happy to assist.  Just call or email.

Best regards,

Natasha Aiken
Greater Detroit Chapter of NACE Chapter President

The Greater Detroit Chapter of
The National Association of Catering Executives
Invites you to join us for our

August Chapter Program
Wednesday, August 15
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Display Group
1700 W. Fort Street
Detroit, MI 48216

Guest Speaker
Linda Angér – The Write Concept

Meeting Sponsors
Amaryllis Catering
American Photographers
BBJ Linen
Blumz...by JRDesigns
Favors a la Carte
And host site – The Display Group

RSVP ONLINE
www.DetroitNACE.net

$30.00 NACE / SEANO MEMBERS
$40.00 GUESTS
($5.00 late fee added after August 13)

Do You Have the Write Stuff?

Is your cover letter helping or harming your sales?  Having trouble making that great first impression?  Then join us Wednesday, August 15 at The Display Group to see how you can improve your sales letters.  Linda Angér of the The Write Concept will show us best practices on grammar, word choice, and content structure that can increase your sales.

Fax your cover letter to 586-779-3048 and Linda may choose yours for a makeover for the presentation.

Linda Angér is the president and principal writer/designer of The Write Concept, Inc. in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Linda holds primary responsibility for business development and management, and oversees all copywriting, graphic design and PR support projects. Typical projects include content and layout for advertising, annual reports and magazines, press releases, brochures and marketing letters, web site content, and book composition. Her client list has included DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Golson Books, Ltd. (New York), Hanek Book Design (New York & Santa Fe), Valeo Corporation, The Bavarian Inn Lodge, Great Oaks Country Club, and Crittenton Hospital Medical Center.

Linda founded The Write Concept, Inc. in 2000, after several decades in the corporate sector. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce named Linda Small Business Owner of the Year for 2004. She was profiled in The Big Idea Magazine in June 2005, and was a 2007 Athena Award nominee.

Linda is an active member of the Greater Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners; Co-Chair of the NAWBO North Satellite; member of the Association for Women in Communications; Board Member and President-Elect of the Metro Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Career Women; Marketing Committee Co-Chair for the Rochester Area Neighborhood House; a founding member of the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester Women¹s Fund, and a member of the Fund¹s Grant Committee.

For more information on this or any of our upcoming meetings, please call Natasha Aiken, Chapter President, 419-392-1800
naiken1973@bex.net  

Welcome New Members:

On behalf of the Executive Board and Membership, we are delighted to welcome the following new members to the Greater Detroit Chapter of NACE! 

NEW MEMBERS FOR MAY 2008
Gina Barnett
Director of Catering and Conference Services
MGM Grand Detroit

Cheridy Mukherjee
Arising Images Photography

Scott Lopez
Assistant General Manager
Great Oaks Country Club

Starr Durocher
Catering Sales Manager
Omni Detroit Hotel at River Plaza

NEW MEMEBRS FOR JUNE 2008
Megan Roschek
Director of Events
Southwest Michigan First

Laura Mitchell
Catering Sales Manager
Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti

Jennifer O'Byrne
Catering Sales
Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club

NEW MEMBER FOR JULY 2008
Angela North
Events Manager
Greenleaf Hospitality Group

We are excited that you have decided to further your professional education and commitment to the hospitality industry by being a part of our dynamic family. We are always happy to answer questions, help you find what you need and contribute to your continued success. 

The current membership roster is available to you via our members only section of our website each month at www.detroitnace.net.  Our online meeting registration allows you to make reservations for each chapter meeting at your convenience and allows you to pay by credit card. I would be happy to talk you through the website if you have any questions and I truly look forward to meeting you at our next chapter meeting. 

Please do not hesitate to contact any board member if we can provide further support to you in your hospitality career or NACE membership. You are among the top professionals in the industry, and we are honored to have you as part of our NACE family.

The Greater Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives is proud to present the annual awards program designed to honor your highest achievements. 

Together we will recognize the hard work and talents of NACE Detroit’s Members. 

2007 Excellence Awards Categories 

Membership Awards
Awarded to individual chapter members in good standing at time of award ceremony.

Submit a written statement/essay, 1 page maximum, single space, on why the member should be considered for this award

All nominations MUST be received by Friday, September 21, 2007 to be considered. 

NACE Caterer of the Year: To recognize the Catering member who has most provided NACE-Detroit Chapter their time, energy, leadership and mentorship from January 2006 through June 2007.  This member has gone above and beyond expectations and has made the chapter better for their efforts.  This award will based on member’s level of support, leadership, involvement in chapter programs and meetings, and overall commitment to promoting NACE and the Greater Detroit Chapter. 

NACE Affiliate of the Year: To recognize the affiliate member or company who has most provided NACE-Detroit Chapter their time, energy, leadership and mentorship mentorship from January 2006 through June 2007.  This member has gone above and beyond expectations and has made the chapter better for their efforts.  This award will based on member’s level of support, leadership, involvement in chapter programs and meetings, and overall commitment to promoting NACE and the Greater Detroit Chapter. 

NEW CATEGORY  Chapter Program Host Site of the Year: To recognize the outstanding effort chapter member sites make to host their colleagues in the event industry.  This host site has gone above and beyond in menu design and presentation, beverage selections, and service to best showcase their site’s capabilities.  Any host site from January 2006 through June 2007 can be nominated. 

Michael Havens Award: To recognize an individual or company for their support of NACE Detroit throughout their entire membership, to include monthly chapter meetings and programs, commitment and dedication to promoting NACE, and their leadership within the organization.  Must be a member in good standing for at least 3 consecutive years. 

Event Awards 

Please see next page for award rules of entry

Best Catered Event: To recognize outstanding event execution for a special event, on- or off-premise.  Entries will be judged based on creativity of presentation, level of difficulty, innovative menu and/or service style, and overall execution of theme or concept of event.  Nominated event must be paid for by a third-party client. 

NEW CATEGORY  Best Wedding: To recognize outstanding event execution for a wedding, on- or off-premise, to include ceremony and reception.  Entries will be judged based on creativity of presentation, level of difficulty, innovative menu and/or service style, and overall reflection on the bride and groom’s lives and tastes.  Nominated event must be paid for by a third-party client. 

Best Theme Event: To recognize innovative interpretation of theme in coordinating event menu, food and beverage service, décor, and entertainment.  Entries will be judged based on: how well they conveyed the theme and spirit of the event, creative expression efforts, and level of professionalism and uniqueness.  Nominated event must be paid for by a third-party client. 

NEW CATEGORY Best Table Design: To recognize creative presentation of food station, buffet table, or guest seating table through décor.  Entries will be judged based on: how well they complimented the spirit of the event, creative expression efforts, and level of professionalism. Nominated design must be paid for by a third-party client.  Entries from Detroit NACE’s Tabletop <WOW!> are not eligible. 

Best Event Support: To recognize the best use of non-food and beverage services to promote and/or support a special event, which may include photography, videography, invitations, lighting, and event rentals.  Entries will be judged based on: how well they complimented the spirit of the event, creative expression efforts, and level of professionalism. Nominated event must be paid for by a third-party client. 

Best Team Event: (involving 3 or more NACE members*) To distinguish the overall production team of any special event.  This may include a caterer, florist and photographer for example.  This award recognizes the power of teamwork within the Detroit NACE chapter.  Entries will judged based on how well they represent teamwork within NACE, creativity of presentation, level of difficulty, and overall execution of theme or concept of event. Nominated event must be paid for by a third-party client. 

*If NACE team member is no longer a member at time of awards ceremony, they will be recognized as part of the team, but no trophy will be awarded to them.   

NEW CATEGORY Best Industry Event: To recognize excellence and innovation for client/ member appreciation, open house, product launch, new venue/ business grand opening.  Event must be free to attend and completely sponsored by the entering NACE member company. 

EVENT AWARDS RULES OF ENTRY 

1.      All entries must be made by a NACE member in good standing by the time the award is submitted.  Submitting member must also be in good standing at the awards ceremony on October 26, 2007. 

2.      All entries must be based on special events taking place between January 2006 and June 2007. 

3.      All entries MUST be received BY September 21, 2007 to be considered.  

Each Entry Must: 
*        Be presented in a 8.5” x 11” black 3-ring binder; binder covers should be unadorned and unornamented. All collateral material must fit within an 8.5” by 11” page and be attached to same (one piece per page and labeled); larger collateral can be folded to fit (i.e., larger collateral material must not extend beyond the edges of the binder). Multiple photographs may appear on a single page as long as the page meets these collateral requirements.
*        Include a completed “Event Awards Nomination Form” along with the entry material for each entry 
*        Not have any reference in your entry to a person or company executing this event.  Entries containing samples of invitations, press releases, or other collateral material that includes references to persons or companies executing the event should blacken or White-Out™ these references.  This will help keep all entries blind for judging purposes. 
*        Include event photos in digital form in order to have your work displayed at the event ceremony 

One event may be entered in several categories with a separate binder and “Event Awards Nomination Form” for each category. 

DO NOT INCLUDE as collateral material any one-of-a-kind material (pictures, invitations, programs, etc.) that is your only copy and that you do not want damaged or may want returned.  If you need to retain your only originals, you may submit a copy or picture of them with your entry

4.      Awards entries should be submitted to Natasha Aiken, NACE Detroit Chapter President at: 2324 Dunham Street, Toledo, OH 43609.  Questions on the awards can be directed to Natasha: naiken1973@bex.net. 

NACE Detroit Excellence Event Awards Nomination Form 

Please complete this form and include in the front of your entry binder. 

One event may be entered in several categories with a separate binder and “Event Awards Nomination Form” for each category. 

EVENT AWARD (Circle One)

Best Catered Event            Outstanding Wedding   Best Theme Event     Best Table Design

Best Event Support            Best Team Event            Best Industry Event

Member:                                                                               

Title:                                                                                      

Company:                                                                              

Address                                                                                             

City:                                  State:              Zip:                 

Email:                                                                        

Phone:                                                             Fax:                                                    

If submitting entry as a team, please list also team member names and company names.  Use additional sheets if necessary.

Name                                                               Company                                                        

Name                                                               Company                                                        

Name                                                               Company                                                        

Event Overview

Include a summary of the event, including theme, menu, goals and objectives, number of attendees, and unusual/unique challenges with the client’s requests or event venue guidelines.  Summary should not exceed 500 words.

Supporting Collateral Material

Include in your entry binder any collateral material relating to the event in support of the above statements (such as hard-copy photographs of the event, food displays and/or tables; samples of print materials, invitations, marketing materials; etc.).  (fifteen pieces maximum – one piece per page)

NACE Conference Reflections:

NACE Education Conference was held in Houston this year in case you didn’t hear it was not only hot temperature but also in event design! The tag line for this year was “Inspiring Catering and Special Event Professionals” and all I can say was it sure did deliver. From the products that were introduced at the vendor show to the design session, to the education sessions there were inspiring tid bits that I picked up and packed up to bring back to our chapter.

Products that caught my eye… There were some phenomenal items and ideas this year. Since we are making the turn to “green” events I loved a company called bambu. They have put out a great line of disposable or reusable bambu products that are really affordable and look very sleek. Check them out at www.bambuhome.com. Also, Windy City Novelties put out some great promotional items all geared around fun and really enhanced the evening events. I actually heard a gentleman from IceCaters attempting to figure out how to make the lighted maracas out of ice. Inspiring. Speaking of ice another cool detail that IceCaters brought to the conference was “Ice balls” for drinks. Picture a Cosmopolitan or Martini with a racquetball size ice ball in the glass. The effect was magnificent. Everyone was talking about them. Also, check out Court Event Furnishings at www.courtevent.com to see the latest trends in lounge furniture and then call our own Angela Chizmarik at Display group and see what she has to offer. Lounge seating is a lasting trend creating the intimacy that our clients want for their events.

 “Sweet on You: An Evening of Desserts” 

A Greater Detroit NACE Fundraiser with partial proceeds benefiting local organizations providing cancer patient care. 

7PM – 9 PM
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Ritz Carlton, Dearborn, MI

Please join us for a relaxing evening of Desserts, Coffee and Wine as local NACE members display their collection of desserts in captivating buffet presentations. Enjoy confections and company while listening to the sounds of artist Avy Schreiber on the piano.

Purchase a special bag of sweets from Favors A La Carte  for a chance to win from a collection of prizes. Prizes will be awarded on the half hour to include a men’s Kenneth Cole black dial bracelet watch, a Swarofski Pave crystal pendent necklace and other great prizes. 

RSVP by September 12 online at www.detroitnace.net or with Joseph Martinez by phone @ 248.668.9273

Price for the evening is $35 for members and non-members.

NACE Members - Are you ready! 

The 2007 NACE Excellence Award Dinner is right around the corner and as you know we have many exciting things planned!  We have moved the date to a Friday and plan to host the event at the Royal Park Hotel.  We are offering overnight guest rooms for those of you who want to take the elevator home and a lucky NACE member will win a fabulous suite!  The award committee is working on many unique elements to make it an unforgettable 2007 award dinner!

On Friday October 26, NACE will recognize Detroit ’s brightest and best event designs and celebrate with industry professionals. This is your time to shine!  Be recognized for all of your hard work and effort by entering your most favorite events.  We have several new categories this year including; Best Wedding, Best Table Design and Best Industry Event.

Please take time to recognize and nominate your fellow NACE members.  Recommend true professionals that you have built an alliance with and have contributed strongly to our NACE chapter.  These categories include NACE Caterer of the Year, NACE Affiliate of the Year, Chapter Program Host Site of the Year and the Michael Havens Award.

A few quotes from previous NACE Award Winners…

“Winning a NACE award encourages working relationships with fellow NACE vendors”. 

Carolyn Hefner

The Closet

Responsibilities:

The Finalizations and Logistics Technician is responsible for finalizing all orders and making arrangements for local services (deliveries, installs, etc).  This individual also assists the Detroit Sales Manager with sales and oversees the Local Install Team.  Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must have proven sales experience.
• Must possess above-average organizational skills and problem solving skills.
• Must have the ability to be flexible on shifts, including weekends.
• Must possess superior customer service skills.
• Experience within the event industry preferred.
• Must be a proven self-motivator, with self-guided disciplines.
• Must have the ability to work with little to no supervision, along with the ability to work within a team environment. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment.
• Must possess above-average computer skills.

All qualified applicants should e-mail a resume, along with salary requirements, to Kristen@linenhero.com.

MPE Event Productions, Inc. has a Great Career Opportunity for a Great Floral Designer.

Experienced Event Floral Designers can send their resume to mark@mpeevents.com