WOW!!! What an amazing year it’s been so far for the Baltimore Chapter of NACE!

We kicked off 2007 with an awesome meeting at the beautiful Baltimore Country Club, and our programs just keep getting better and better! We have welcomed 100+ members and guests to every meeting this 1st quarter of the year. I am so proud to be your President!!!

The roundtable discussions during the February meeting at Linwoods were extremely informative for not only all attendees, but also for me and the rest of your Baltimore NACE Board members. We have taken all of the feedback – everything from new trends and event timelines to liquor licensing and liability – and formulated timely and important programs for the rest of the year.

I would love to hear even more feedback from members about what we can do to help you make the most of your NACE membership. Please do not hesitate to call or email me anytime with questions, and I look forward to seeing everyone at our April meeting – let’s keep that attendance streak going people and increase our membership!!!

Sincerely,

Alicia Karoll

President, National Association of Catering Executives, Baltimore Chapter

Facility Rental Coordinator & Director of Administration, American Visionary Art Museum

rentals@avam.org

March Community Service Report

For the past few years we have collected teddy bears for State Troopers. These bears are carried in the Troopers cars to give to children that are experiencing some sort of trauma - a car accident, a fire, family turmoil, etc. The bears bring much comfort to these children. They may be able to focus on the bear rather than chaos going on around them. One of my own staff has benefited from this program and still has the bear that she was given during a family crisis.

Thank you to everyone who brought in all the bears.

Raffle for March

Due to the large crowds and wonderful raffle prizes, the Raffle Queen has been able to break past records of selling tickets.

Please remember, you, too may be seen here in the newsletter. Just donate a raffle item for next month’s meeting!

Thank you to the following members who donated raffle items: 2 sets polka dot cocktail napkins Gala Cloths by Dulany, $50 Gift Certificate Matsuri, Academy Cuisine Cook Book, Crab from McCormick Spice, AVAM Tote and 4 passes American Visionary Art Museum, Sylvia Weinstock Cake Book, East Coast Video Bottle of Parrot Bay Mango Flavored Rum, Alicia Karoll Free Meeting The NACE Board.

 April Community Service

NACE member Cate Buscher of Plan It Perfect, requested our community service help. Her father is stationed in Iraq at the Combat Support Hospital (CSH—pronounced cash). The hospital deals with wounded soldiers coming directly from the battlefield. These soldiers have no toiletries, extra clothing, etc. The Combat Support Hospital could really use some simple items. Any small items would be most appreciated. Clean out your bathroom closets, or maybe your hotel may have some of these items that we could send on. Items should be travel size. Here is a list of ideas: Toothbrushes,Toothpaste, Gum, Candy Magazines, Shower Flip Flops, Deodorant, Soaps, Lotions, Shampoo, Socks & Slippers .

The “Popcork” Experience ™: Exploring Food and Wine Pairing

On March 19th we had another record breaking attendance program at the Tremont Grand. The Tremont staff gave us a very warm welcome, starting with delicious appetizers during the cocktail hour on the beautifully renovated 5th floor of the Grand. Many thanks to American Furniture Rentals for the cozy lounge areas set up so we could relax and enjoy each other’s company. Live entertainment from Entertainment Exchange and beautiful flowers from A Garden of Earthly Delights made the ambiance perfect. The guests must have known how good the program was going to be because for the first time we only had to ask once for everyone to adjourn to the Mirror Room for the presentation…. or were they excited to see more gorgeous linens from Select Event Rentals?

Sharon Charny, CBP, CTC, Regional Director of National Accounts, Charmer Sunbelt Group, was our entertaining presenter. We were very privileged to have Sharon revise this normally daylong class into our limited program time of 45 minutes. Sharon’s Popcork Experience™ taught the basics of food and wine pairing by using four flavored popcorns: salt, lemon, sugar and old bay spiced. Although it was not all caterers in the room, I think everyone was able to gain knowledge of which wine to order for different menus. It was amazing how different some of the wines tasted with the different flavors of popcorn. The wine for the program was donated by Diageo, William Grant & Sons and E&J Gallo Winery.

Not only did the Tremont Grand staff provide a wonderful dinner, but their staff was also very helpful in setting up the place settings for the program. Another thank you goes to DePalo & Sons for the case of popcorn cups. East Hill Video was monumental in providing video production both for live presentations on two large screens and taping the program so we can enjoy it again later.

After tasting four delicious wines, we enjoyed a wonderful array of dinner stations, including Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Risotto with various fresh toppings including lobster and duck confit, Sundried Tomato Pesto Roast of Pork Loin and Bananas Foster. The live entertainment continued as everyone enjoyed dinner and more networking.

Many thanks to Alexander Morozov for taking pictures and Millennium Marketing Solutions for the invitations.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday, April 16, 2007  at Flowers & Fancies, Catered by Chef’s Expressions Going GREEN….Creating Sustainable Parties! More Info at: http://www.baltimorenace.net/meetinginfo.php?date=2007-04-16

Monday, May 21, 2007 at Big Steaks: Havana Club and Blue Sea Mixology – Presented by Aaron Horton, Ketel One More info at: http://www.baltimorenace.net/meetinginfo.php?date=2007-05-21

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

July 15-18, 2007 NACE Educational Conference Houston, Texas More into at: http://www.nace.net/

Who's new at NACE? 

2007 is off to a great start, with 18 new members as of March 31st! 

Please be sure to welcome the following new faces at the next NACE meeting!

Michael Thompson - ZBest Executive Limo

Petra Compel - P.W. Feats

Gail Scrivener - Sheraton

Russell Cosner - Freed Photography

Dawn Converse - Arbonne International

Patricia Boyle - Table Toppers

Daniel Watson-Bey - East Hill Video

Joseph Burke - Dave & Busters

Neal Freed - Freed Photography

Stasia Zajaczkowska - 1840's Ballroom

Karen Liston - Truffles Catering

Kelly Burns - Kelly Burns Photography

Christopher Sikora - Fishers Bakery

Danielle Baird

Gia Magiano - Baltimore's Best Party Entertainers

Bonnie Buell - Bonnie Buell's Best Bar-B-Q

Julie Engle - Bobby's Pottys

Sara Baeth - Baltimore Marriott

Word is getting out on the best organization to be a part of!  Be sure to bring a friend to the April event, there is always something for everyone at NACE!

How do you say “You’re invited …” in the “e-age”? Thank goodness, pretty much the same way as always

But, no one does it like Write Style

Savvy event planners know what the right invitation can do for a party. The right invitation can be an ambassador for its host, a sneak peek at the festivities to come, or a tease to get people to a fundraiser. No matter how hip or trendy the affair, it’s unlikely that an email could achieve the same results as an uniquely designed invitation by Write Style.

Ellene and David Pomerantz, a husband and wife team and owners of Write Style, Inc., have created a business providing invitations that are a contemporary art form, complete with concept meetings with their clients and the design of prototypes for client review. Write Style’s individually designed and handcrafted invitations for corporate and social events embody the highest design elements of a truly “custom product.” This couple's creativity has indeed raised the bar in customized printing and invitation design.

In 1997, Ellene, a graduate of MICA, a hand calligrapher and free lance invitation designer for over 20 years teamed with husband David, with 25 years experience in precision manufacturing and quality control. This took the art of creating invitations to an entirely new level. They incorporated their growing business and in 1999 Ellene became an avid member of NACE.

Ellene always donates the “UNCORKED” invitations for the Baltimore NACE annual fundraiser. Through NACE support of NAF, Write Style created and donated last years’ “Holiday Bash” invitations. This year Ellene has been asked to join a committee for the NAF 13th Annual Hospitality and Tourism Awards. When asked to become the NACE Hospitality Chair, Ellene said yes, because it is important to give back to the organization that his given her so much.

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