Big Rock Chop House & Reserve
2007 NACE Chapter Program Host Site of the Year
Nomination 

January 18, 2006 the Greater Detroit NACE Chapter gathered nearly 90 members and guests to be witness to a dynamic speaker, fondly known as “GVG.” To set the stage for the event, and the hour mixer prior, The Big Rock Chophouse, Reserve provided a second experience all it’s own. Attendees were exposed to an array of passed hors d’ oeuvres including tender chicken satays, accompanied by a sweet and spicy oriental glaze, house made Swedish tenderloin meatballs and stuffed mushroom caps with duxelle and Boursin cheese. To add to the finger foods, chef attended stations were available with an Asian Wok station and a chef’s pasta station. To finish off the evening, a mini dessert and coffee station awaited guests at the closing of the inspirational and motivational speaker. 
The Big Rock Chophouse & Reserve provided an outstanding experience from the well attentive staff to the room layout for the hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails as well as the classroom set up for the presentation. And by no means, can we forget to mention the selection of house brewed beer and house wines! This monthly membership meeting is definitely one of the “not to forget” programs and the Big Rock Chophouse & Reserve added to the overall positive experience. For their dedication, professionalism and showmanship I nominate them for the “Host Site of the Year.” 

Debbie Heuchert
2007 NACE Affiliate Member of the Year Nomination

Since my first meeting as a NACE member, I can’t remember a meeting that Debbie was not sitting at the registration table helping with the meeting.  Debbie’s responsibilities require a tremendous amount of dedication and time to our organization. I have never heard her say ‘it’s time for someone else to step up to the plate’.  What does she do when her duties are too much for her? She recruits her daughter, Amanda who isn’t even a member, to help. 

In spite of her own personal health this past year, she is always there for NACE.  It doesn’t end at the registration table with Debbie. Whenever anyone needs a donation to help our cause, we can always count on Debbie to provide her product. 

In short, Debbie should receive the award for Affiliate Member of the Year because she exemplifies the personal character that all NACE members aspire to.

Natasha Aiken
2007 NACE Catering Member of the Year Nomination

Natasha Aiken exudes the qualities described to be considered Caterer of the Year.

I can think of no other person who has given so much of their time to our organization this past year. She has been able to juggle leading our chapter while maintaining her leadership responsibilities at her employer with flawless execution.

With great verve, she leads an organization of over 125 diversified people…always with a smile. She sets the direction and she is infectious. In an organization like ours, it is not enough to just give of your time – you have to have true leadership skills to be effective. This is where Natasha shines. As a leader, you often have to deal with some not so fun issues. I have witnessed Natasha over this past year handle such ‘opportunities’ with the grace of a true professional.

She is not a selfish leader who leads for her own betterment. She spends a significant amount of time grooming future leaders thereby insuring our organizations success.

Natasha Aiken has earned in my humble opinion the title of ‘Caterer of the Year’.

Sam Sarkis
2007 NACE Affiliate Member of the Year Nomination

It is with great pleasure that I nominate Sam Sarkis as Affiliate Member of the Year.  

Sam has been a very active member of NACE sine 2001.  It is rare that you don’t see Sam’s smiling face at each and every meeting.    He always has a kind word and is full of positive energy.

The Affiliate Member of the Year award was designed for Sam.  He devoted to providing our Chapter with his time, energy and support.  When he donates his talents and time to photograph an event, he will present us with a disk at the end of the event.  Now that’s service!!!

You could not ask for a better promoter of NACE than Sam Sarkis.  His honesty and integrity is what Sam is known for and his relationship with our Chapter makes us better.

Please consider my nomination for Sam Sarkis as a worthy candidate for this award.

Steve Stawicki
2007 NACE Michael Havens Award Nomination

Steve Stawicki is the type of member that any organization longs for. He is very dedicated to NACE and is always there to support his fellow members at all events.

You can always count on him to represent us dressed in a suit and tie. It’s easy to attend a few meetings and then not show up for a few months. This is not Steve’s style. For many years he has supported our organization by simply being there and writing a check when donations are needed.

In short, Steve is the kind of member I am proud to have represent NACE. He should be recognized for the many years of support of this group.

Sue Keels
2007 NACE Caterer Member of the Year Nomination

Sue Keels is the ultimate Professional Caterer.  She has the knowledge and the creativity that comes with her title of Director and she shares her expertise with our Chapter.  She has fantastic ideas and unique perspectives on what catering should be.

Sue has donated quite a bit of time to our Chapter by sitting on numerous committees and stepping up to fill the position of Second Vice President of the Greater Detroit Chapter.  If you ask Sue to get something done.... she does it.  She is dependable and a wonderful addition to our Chapter.

It is with great pleasure that I nominate Sue Keels for Catering Member of the Year

Todd Hardiek
2007 NACE Affiliate Member of the Year
Nomination

Todd Hardiek from Colonial Rental is a true professional who has been a NACE member for many years.  Todd’s team won a “Table Top Wow” award in 2007 and contributes to many NACE chapter meetings.  Todd is very active with NACE and is a member of the planning committee for the 2007 NACE Award Dinner.  He gets his team involved with local chapter meetings and is an outstanding NACE networker.

I have worked with Todd on many projects throughout my career.  His level of professionalism is exceptional.  His commitment to customer service and attention to detail sets him apart from others.  Todd is on “top of his game” with his creative eye and “can do” attitude.  Todd’s company is growing strong as they introduce cutting edge products to the Michigan market.  Colonial Rental recently showcased an open house which offered a plethora of new ideas, unique products and creative presentations.  It is clear that Todd is a driving force which contributes to the success of his company.

Todd is an industry leader, his refreshing approach to business, strong sense of design and meticulous execution is well respected in our business.  Todd has a high level of integrity, a willingness to listen and make recommendations in the best interest of the event.  I am always confident with Todd on my team and trust his expertise.

I nominate Todd Hardiek, owner of Colonial Rental for the 2007 Affiliate of the Year Award!

Todd Lloyd
2007 NACE Michael Havens Founders Award
Nomination

Allow me to offer the name Todd Lloyd as a nominee for the Michael Havens Award. Although a vital component, I want to look beyond the company, their national presence, and the many countless members at large representing the company in NACE. Beyond the countless number of times Chair Covers & Linens has offered their product to our monthly chapter meetings, there is more to Todd Lloyd then fabrics. One of the great things about having Todd as a Detroit NACE member is his commitment to our chapter. Since I have been a member, Todd has always been an advocate of NACE and offered his wit and wisdom to our membership. He has spoken knowledgably regarding the “art of networking” and does practice what he preaches! I admire his leadership techniques within our chapter and his practices of development in his organization.

Todd leads by example and quite often is more than willing to offer advice and experience. He attends conferences with the goal to return with fresh thoughts and ideas to apply here in the Greater Detroit event market. I am very honored to have Todd Lloyd as a member of the Greater Detroit Chapter of NACE. Beyond the product; his laughter, jovial presence and his zest for life, it is easy to see that he exemplifies the nomination for the Michael Havens Award.

The National Association of Catering Executives 2007 Greater Detroit Chapter

Nominees for Best Wedding Event 2007
Winner: Mark Ephraim

Mark Ephraim         MPE Event Productions       An Auspicious Occasion

Janet Engelhardt       Royal Park Hotel                   Conservatory Wedding
Laura Davis               Laura Davis Weddings        Waterside Glamour

Team Members: 
Joseph Martinez         Christopher’s Personal Touch 
 Betsy Korovessis      Chair Covers & Linens 
 Jim Adams                Quest Productions 

Nominee for Best Theme Event 2007
Winner: Laura Davis

Laura Davis               Laura Davis Weddings        Baby Block Party

Team Members:  
Janet Engelhardt       Royal Park Hotel 
Joseph Martinez         Christopher’s Personal Touch 
Carol John-Walczy    Ambiance Catering by CEEJAYZ 

Nominees for Best Table Design 2007
Winner: Jerome Raska

Jerome Raska           Blumz…by JRDesigns         A Holiday Twist

Jerome Raska           Blumz…by JRDesigns        Kilpatrick Birthday Party
Jerome Raska           Blumz…by JRDesigns         Mad Hatter Wedding

Nominee for Best Event Support 2007
Winner: Ryan Koral

Ryan Koral                 Epic Motion           Instant Edit-Shoot, Edited & Play

Nominees for Best Team Event 2007   
Winner: Joseph Martinez "Momma Cried With Joy"
           
Sue Keels                  Royal Park Hotel                70^th Birthday Celebration
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Team Members:  
Robin Bosma            The Crystal Balloon

Laura Davis               Laura Davis Weddings        House of Matrimony
********************
Team Members:      
Jason Peltier             Big Rock Chop House
Joseph Martinez         Christopher’s Personal Touch 
James Aslanian        Pavlina Cakes 

Joseph Martinez       Christopher’s Personal Touch         Momma Cried With Joy
*********************
Team Members: 
Todd Hardiek            Colonial Party Rental
Dana Forbes             BBJ Linen
Stephen Stawicki      The Wedding Connection
Sue Keels                  Royal Park Hotel 
Betsy Korovessis      Chair Covers & Linens    

 Nominees for Best Industry Event 2007
Winner: Todd Lloyd

Todd Hardiek        Colonial Party & Event Rental         Art, Décor & More

Todd Lloyd                 Chair Covers & Linens                     Club Sapphire

                                                 

 Sue Keels                  Royal Park Hotel                    Two Year Anniversary

Nominees for Catering Member of 2007
Winner:Natasha Baker 

Natasha Baker
Sue Keels      

Nominees for Affiliate Member of the Year 2007
Winner: Debbie Heuchert

Debbie Heuchert 
Todd Hardiek  
Sam Sarkis

Nominees for Chapter Program Host Site of the Year 2007 
Winner: Big Rock Chop House
         
Big Rock Chop House 

Nominees for Michael Havens Award 2007
Winner Stephen Stawicki
                           
Stephen Stawicki 
Todd Lloyd

Winner of the 2007 Tabletop WOW Best Tabletop Decor   
Betsy Korovessis      Chair Covers & Linen

Team Members:
Viviano Flower Shop
Pavlina Cakes
Display Group

Winner of the 2007 Tabletop WOW Best Tabletop Design             
Amaryllis Catering & Event Design                      

Winner of the 2007 Tabletop WOW Best Tabletop Trend
Colonial Party & Event Rent

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Please contact Kelly Brennan at kellymbrennan@yahoo.com to list your opportunities!
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The Best Western Sterling Inn is looking for an experienced banquet professional to join the team in managing the 15,000 sq. ft. banquet and conference center. The Assistant Banquet Manager position has great benefits, salary commensurate with Experience, health/401K. Please Fax your resume to 586-979-7962 or email Karenb@sterlinginn.com
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Welcome: Sam Zahr, Nolan Gottschalk, Tonya Panchula, Michael Guimond 

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

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. 

THANK YOU...

Thank you to all of the NACE family members who generously opened their hearts and helped me and my husband create a care basket filled with money and gift cards for Liz Bakunovich and Anne's kids.  We were so excited when we delivered the basket; you helped turn a small gesture into a really nice gift.  It is through simple acts of kindness that lives are touched, children smile, and burdens are lifted off of people, even if it is just for a little while. 

For all you are, for all you do, thank you!

Angela Butorac

Display Group

What Did You Miss........

We'd like to thank everyone who attended the November 29th event at Laurel Manor including our sponsors: Sam Sarkis Photography, Mike Staff Productions, BBJ Linen, and Laurel Manor!

It was announced that Joseph Martinez will make the change from 2007 Interim President to the 2008 Detroit NACE President...CONGRATULATIONS Joseph!

We also have some great 2008 Chair positions available so if you are interested in being a Board Member, please contact Joseph for more details on becoming a  1.) Hospitality Chair 2.) Fundraising Chair and/or  3.) Community Service Chair!

The Round Table Discussions included 4 tables of creative minds pulling, tossing and gathering ideas for our GREAT 2008! There of course were criteria and "must haves" for planning 12 months of programs including "Table Top WOW", Conference, NACE Awards and the 50th Anniversary of NACE. These ideas had to include: fundraising opportunities, it had to be inclusive of all members and it had to incorporated new members!

The "HOT TOPICS" included Trends, Networking, Marketing and Education....so stay tuned to what your amazing Programs Chair and Board pieces together to make your 2008, GREAT!

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