January Raffle Results ~

A big thank you goes out to all those who attended the January meeting at Baltimore Country Club and bought raffle tickets. We raised over $400! Thank you to the following members who donated items: Dulany Noble, Ann Sachs, and Janet Caslow. If you have an item to donate, please contact the Raffle Queen - Dulany Noble 410-526-4252 or Dulany@galacloths.com We especially like gift certificates to restaurants!

House of Ruth January Community Service ~

Another big thanks goes out to all those members and guests who brought items for the House of Ruth. There were donations of food, formula, much needed diapers of all sizes, and women's items. Several members also sent along cash donations. The House of Ruth Maryland is one of the leading domestic Violence centers, helping thousands of battered women and their children find safety and security that so many of us take for granted. Many local charities get little in the way of donations in January because it is just after the holidays. I am looking forward to driving a big trunk full of goodies to them next week!

Suited to Succeed February Community Service ~

Suited to Succeed is a non-profit organization that improves the marketability and status of women experiencing economic hardship by assisting them in the transition from unemployment or welfare to work. The business attire is distributed to women who are participating in training programs and preparing to interview for employment. We are collecting ready to wear business attire including suits, jackets, dresses, skirts, blouses, (all sizes, particularly large sizes). Clothing must be in excellent condition, pressed and on hangers. Also needed are women's accessories: shoes, bags, scarves, belts and new pantyhose. In addition we are collecting men's business suits that will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Dulany Noble Community Service Chair

Ron Poust with Flowers By Chris

Ron has been in the floral industry for over 30 years. He started in a shop in Pennsylvania and moved to Baltimore in 1983. Ron has been with Flowers by Chris since 1985, and in 1993 he became a certified member of AIFD (American Institute Of Floral Designs). He enjoys all aspects of the floral industry, especially bridal and party work, and he is very happy to be involved with the Baltimore Chapter of NACE.

In today's world of modern technology, we all know the personal touch is still the best way to grow your business! 

The Baltimore Chapter of NACE offers a great opportunity to meet many people in our industy that will help you grow your business in many facets.  The next time you need a DJ, or the next time you need a venue, you will find a wealth of resources in the pages of your NACE member directory!

What better way to meet new people, learn something new from our educational programs, and sample some amazing fare, then to join NACE!!

Please contact me directly if I can answer any questions or if you would like assistance in signing up to be a part of the National Association of Catering Executives!

Tammy Stone

Director of Membership

443-827-2084 

You LOVE Round Table Discussion – Let’s Get to the HEART of it!

Due to the popular requests to continue the successful round table discussions we had in November, we did it again this month. We had great turnout for this event at Linwood’s, including Linwood himself! The service staff and culinary team at Linwood’s did a phenomenal job. During the networking & cocktail hour we were treated to delicious appetizers including Lobster Tempura, Crab Imperial and Caesar Salad Croustades.

Then it was time to get down to business. Everyone found their assigned seat for the round table discussions by the heart-shaped table numbers provided by Write Style. Each table showcased Table Topper’s black and white pattern cloths in a variety of ways, along with beautiful flowers from Crimson & Clover Floral Design. The randomly selected groups at each table were given a list of suggested discussion topics, or they could make up their own. They made their own choice of how many topics they wanted to cover in the time allowed. Many thanks to DJ Doug from Washington Talent Photo and Video for music and fun sound effects during the program and for keeping everyone on track time-wise. At the end of the discussions, each table was asked to present just one topic due to the time constraints.

Here are some of the highlights - • Who Controls the timeline? It was decided that the hired coordinator would have first rights, followed by caterer and client if neither of the other two have done so. Of course, the client always has the last word! • Savvy Clients: Are they changing how you sell? Today’s brides know more and also use more online services. A website is a must in today’s world. Lastly, service must be up to par because there is a lot of good competition out there. • Should the caterer have a liquor license? Caterers must have a liquor license or agree to get one for the day. • New Trends: Colors that Pop! – Primary colors are in and so is Chocolate Brown; Be adventurous, exciting and different; Small plates are still hot; Fish as a main course; Post wedding parties after the reception; Winter white. • Advertising to Brides: Brides like to search online but still like visual of print ads. Faster working brides want quick answers and honesty.

Our evening concluded with a delicious dinner of Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Barbecued Duck, Grilled Tenderloin of Beef and a Chocolate Espresso Tart for dessert. We also had a sweet valentine cake from Creative Cakes. Our member host, Taliya Adelstein of Linwood’s and her staff provided wonderful service to all the members and guests of NACE.

As always, these evenings would not be possible without the generous donations of our members!!! Thank you to all the sponsors listed above and to Millennium Marketing Solutions for the cute invitations.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday, March 19, 2007 Tremont Grand The “Popcork” Experience™: Exploring Food and Wine Pairing Presented by Sharon Charny, CBP, CTC, Regional Director, National Accounts Charmer Sunbelt Group

More Info at: http://www.baltimorenace.net/meetinginfo.php?date=2007-03-19

Monday, April 16, 2007 More Details to Follow

Monday, May 21, 2007 Big Steaks: Havana Club and Blue Sea Mixology Presented by Aaron Horton, Ketel One

Monday, June 18, 2007 Elkridge Furnace Inn Program Details to Follow

July 15-18, 2007 NACE Educational Conference Houston, Texas

Job Opening – FACILITY RENTAL COORDINATOR

The American Visionary Art Museum is in search of a full-time Facility Rental Coordinator.

Primary responsibilities include –

• Market facility for rentals through advertising, networking and special events
• Provide all rental information to potential clients, schedule site visits, keep master calendar and handle all contracting of rental events
• Maintain updated database of clients and vendors; maintain working relationship with area catering and event professionals
• Schedule AVAM event and security staff for all rental events
• Responsible to coordinate Museum events; handles all BEOs & RFPs, catering, menu selection, staffing, coordinates all rentals, including linen, china/glassware/flatware, etc.

Job Requirements include -

• College degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or related field.
• 3+ years experience in Marketing and Event Planning; knowledge of Hospitality/Food & Beverage Industry
  Computer skills – Microsoft Office/Word/Excel, FileMaker Pro, iCal, etc.
  Knowledge of spreadsheets and budgeting
• Detail-oriented, organized, ability to multi-task
• Customer service skills

Salary – based on experience
Benefits – health/dental insurance, vacation/sick leave, 403B retirement

Please send cover letter and resume to:            

Donna Katrinic
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD  21230
443-874-7252 fax
donna@avam.org

We are seeking a highly motivated wedding and event sales professional to help grow our very reputable retail floral boutique and get ready for our big move from Canton to Roland Park. This individual must be knowledgeable in all aspects of floral design and customer consultation as well as possess a proven sales-closing track record. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, energetic, and driven to make sales while routinely exceeding our customers’ expectations. Duties will also include design and daily orders. Knowledge of Excel and Mac Mail a plus!

Please have applicant send resume - amy@crimsonandcloverdesigns.com

Chair Covers & Linens Territory Sales Manager
Responsibilities:
The Baltimore Territory Sales Manager engages in sales strategies to meet and exceed assigned goals.  This person aggressively identifies, pursues, and maintains new accounts, while maintaining the existing client base.  This individual represents the organization in industry related events and within the event industry.

Requirements:
• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must have proven sales and performance experience.
• 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 possess above-average computer skills.

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

A World of Opportunities
In today's increasingly cluttered and complex hotel industry, the winners - those companies who can deliver for their guests, customers, employees, shareholders and owners - will be those with the best brands…the best locations…size and scale…the best people…attractive marketing programs…and financial strength. Few fit the bill. Hilton Hotels Corporation stands above the rest.

Not only are the brands in the Hilton family well-known and well-respected, they represent market leadership in their respective segments of the industry…whether in upscale, mid-priced, extended-stay or vacation ownership.

The Hilton Family has more than 2,800 hotels and 480,000 rooms in 76 countries, including 100,000 team members worldwide. Come explore a world of opportunities to join our team and help us achieve our mission to be hospitable and, in the words of our founder Conrad N. Hilton, “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality”.

Part of the Hilton Family Travel Should Take You Places™
Hilton is the proud flagship brand of Hilton Hotels Corporation and the most recognized name in the global lodging industry. Conrad Hilton purchased his first hotel in Cisco, Texas back in 1919. Since that time we have grown to over 500 hotels in cities all over the world. “Be My Guest” is still the gracious and warm way we want for our guests to feel at Hilton hotels and resorts whether it’s at the Cavalieri Hilton in Rome, the Hilton Waikoloa Village or our brand new Hilton Omaha. With new products and services, business and leisure travelers alike now have even more reason to say, "Travel should take you places."

Job Summary
To solicit and respond to companies and organizations to purchase food & beverage, rent meeting space and ancillary services from the hotel. Represents the hotel with customers by telephone or in-person to solicit and close group and local catering business. Manages customer relationship by responding to inquiries, meeting with and entertaining clients, conducting property tours, promoting facilities and services, drafting contracts. Provides direction and supervision of meeting and/or catering logistics to catering staff. EOE/AA

Contact Julie Woods at  julie.woods@hilton.com

SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER

2-4 years of relevant industry experience is a minimum requirement of this position.

OBJECTIVE: Execute contracted programs with seamless execution, problem solving and overall management. Produce professional services and optimal client satisfaction to drive future business opportunities.

SCOPE: Programs range in size from 15 - 3,000 attendees and services provided include, but are not limited to: Arrivals and departures, Tour programs, Dine-arounds, Hotel decor, Off-site event (venue, catering, lighting, floral decor, entertainment) and Shuttle systems.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The position of Senior Operations Manager is expected to perform all the duties of an Operations Manager including, but not limited to:
Ø Coordinate with client and supervise all events, tour programs, transportation systems, airport arrivals and departures, and/or other contractual programs as assigned to you
Ø Develop and execute account schedules, contracts, deposit invoices and final billing
Ø Utilize existing GEP Baltimore systems in producing contractual scopes of work, including timelines, staff notes, etc.
Ø Coordinate, negotiate and confirm arrangements and contracts with suppliers for program accounts. Conduct or participate in client site inspections as needed
Ø Operate account P&L statements according to company standards
Ø Responsible for collecting deposit funds and final billings from assigned accounts
Ø Ongoing development of client relationships for the purpose of acquiring future business
Ø Work evenings and weekends as required by individual accounts in addition to being available to clients on 24 hours basis
Ø Regularly update and maintain reference or resource tools as assigned to operations team members
Ø Travel one day a week to our headquarter office in Washington, DC

As a Senior Operations Manager you will also be expected to uphold the following duties and responsibilities:
Ø Operate more than $1.2 million in program revenue per year
Ø Require minimal supervision over day-to-day activities, work product and program operations
Ø Ability to attend site inspections, pre-cons and client meetings alone
Ø Expectation of acting as point for larger programs when run in conjunction with other Operations Managers
Ø Consistent utilization of GEP Baltimore business practices for all accounting, systems and program work
Ø Willingness to take on additional projects and programs throughout the year

If you are interested please contact our President, Marty MacKay, at the number or email provided.
Marty MacKay, President
GEP Washington | GEP Baltimore
1111 19th Street NW | Suite 680 | Washington DC 20036
Main Line: 202.777.7800 | Fax: 202.777.1222 | Direct Line: 202.419.3410
E-mail: mmackay@gepwashington.com
www.gepwashington.com | www.gepbaltimore.com

Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel - Catering Manager

Job Number:  60071460

To Apply Contact:  http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/careers/search/country.html?country=US

Description
The Corporate Catering Manager is a key sales position, responsible for maintaining existing catering accounts as well as actively soliciting new business.  In this role you will foster relationships with meeting planners, corporate contacts, as well as contact within the local social markets in order to meet or exceed revenue goals.  This individual also oversees client functions to ensure customer satisfaction.  The ideal candidate will be passionate about event planning and committed to educating themselves on current food & beverage trends.  Starwood Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to maintaining the highest reputation within our industry and the Catering Sales Manager must be able to sell and keep that promise for the property.  Candidates may be called upon to work extended workweeks, including weekends, to accommodate a client's needs as well as any functions they are overseeing.  Starwood prides itself as a "promote-from-within" organization and opportunities for advancement may present themselves for a successful Catering Sales Manager.  This position reports to the Director of Catering & Convention Services and is held accountable for quarterly sales goals.

Qualifications
High school or equivalent education required
Bachelor's Degree preferred.
Minimum of two years of Hotel Catering Sales experience. 

Primary Location:USA-MD-Baltimore-Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel

Schedule:  Full-time

Shift:  Variable