December 2009

As I reflect back on my first year as your NACE President, I'm happy to report our chapter is stronger on every level in spite of the economic struggles our state is experiencing:

1. Our membership has grown by 24% with over 103 members
2. Our monthly meeting attendance is up nearly 50% over last year
3. Our programs are current and relevant with national level speakers
4. Our financial health is the best it has ever been
5. Our new website was launched in November www.DetroitNACE.net
6. Our board is active setting goals and making them happen

Why is your NACE chapter so doing so well?  We are strong because each of you is filled with passion and commitment to our industry. 

The truth is this economy is brutal and has put some people into a state of "neutral."  Some people are simply "going through the motions."  Being stuck in neutral isn't very fun for you and the people around you.  It's much more fun to be in "overdrive" or at least moving forward.

What can you do now to help you rekindle the passion?  Start planning to rid yourself of the unproductive hassles.  Identify what you want to change and what steps you can take to reduce the worries.  If you find yourself with more time on your hands than before, work to find ways to set your business apart.  This is true whether you work for yourself or if you work for a company.  Time spent worrying about layoffs is detrimental to everyone.  Show everyone you have the motivation to try creative and new methods.  Even if it doesn't rev up the business immediately, it can help everyone to keep an optimistic spirit.

Remember the importance of positivism.  Try to fight off the temptation to fixate on the negative.  It's hard to be effective when you are depressed.    Start immediately to put systems into place that focus on "building business" rather than "having the business run you."

Lastly, the catering and event industry may be forever changed but there is still tremendous potential.  Restart your engine.  Regain your passion!

Please join us this Wednesday for lunch at our last meeting of the year.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Here are some of our newest members.  Please make sure you introduce yourself and welcome them into the NACE family.
Zoann Andress  - Mission Point Resort
Sara Armour  - Something Fabulous
Kathleen Burke-Brown  - FunWithFlipBooks,\ LLC
Kathy Byrum  - Dream Wedding and Event Planners
Michelle Chevatewa  - Mike Staff Productions
Karissa Fitzgerald  - Michigan State University
Mary Galvin  - Michigan State University
Kathy Krajewski  - Double Exposure, Inc.
Gloria Pagliarella  - Let's Connect
Sherri Perez  - Detroit Athletic Club
Rajul Pillai  - Blissful Weddings and Events
Christi Wilshaw  - Your Event Party Rental LLC
Sam Sarkis  - Sam Sarkis Photography

Your Linen Hero and Greater Detroit NACE Chapter President,

Todd Lloyd
Todd@LinenHero.com
Executive Team Member
Chair Covers & Linens
Phone: (800) 260-1030

If you missed today’s meeting, you truly missed out on a great holiday motivator!

Our guest speaker Marsha Gray, with the Christmas Tree Association, dazzled our eyes with photos and blessed our ears with the sounds of Michigan.

Marsha has been with the Christmas Tree Association for seven years and made us all feel like Christmas tree connoisseurs prior to our departure.

Michigan was the number one producer in the Nation in the 50’s. Nowadays Oregon comes in first and North Carolina in a close second. No worries though, Michigan is back on top by growing the most variety of any state!

Their slogan this year is Go Green, Get Real! Real Christmas trees release oxygen which overall helps the photosynthesis of our planet. Marsha did indicate that many children are raised with the thought process of not cutting down trees. She assured us that these trees are purposely grown for that reason.

Big trends right now include the Fraser Fir, which she highly recommends! Another big trend is the Concolor Fir. This Fir releases the fragrance or oranges! Lastly, table top trees for credenzas add life to any entry or to anyone’s life that may be too hectic for a 7 foot tree.

Marsha also touched on ways to make your tree last longer. She provided us with the following tips:

1.)   Get a Fraser Fir

2.)   Get the freshest possible

a.     If brown needles fall off when you rub your hand through it…that is fine

b.     If green needles fall of when you rub your hands through it…select another!

3.)   Cut ½ inch off the bottom and place immediately in water

4.)   Don’t let the water levels fall, if they do, the trunk will seal itself!

Lastly, Marsha also provided us with what to do after the holidays.

1.)   Her first choice is to get them chipped

2.)   Some people will send theirs to the landfill since they are biodegradable

3.)   Fishermen use them in ponds for habitats for the fish!

Thank you to the following vendors who helped make this possible:

1.)   Lindsey Simms and the Palazzo Grande Banquet and Event Center

2.)   Julie Proudfoot with Mike Staff Productions, Inc.

3.)   DeVonna Snowden & Joan Kacir with Chair Covers and Linens

4.)   Viviano’s for the centerpieces!

CONGRATULATIONS to Cheridy from Arising Images for Winning the 50/50!

Zoann Andress  - Mission Point Resort

Sara Armour  - Something Fabulous

Kathleen Burke-Brown  - FunWithFlipBooks, LLC

Kathy Byrum  - Dream Wedding and Event Planners

Michelle Chevatewa  - Mike Staff Productions

Karissa Fitzgerald  - Michigan State University

Mary Galvin  - Michigan State University

Kathy Krajewski  - Double Exposure, Inc.

Gloria Pagliarella  - Let's Connect

Sherri Perez  - Detroit Athletic Club

Rajul Pillai  - Blissful Weddings and Events

Christi Wilshaw  - Your Event Party Rental LLC

Sam Sarkis  - Sam Sarkis Photography

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.