What a year it's been so far and only a few more months to go! We are going strong and getting stronger. We've had over 100 people attend our exciting programs each month! We have 150+ members and more are joining every day! We have several more exciting programs lined up for the fall, including our 4th annual, award-winning fundraiser, UNCORKED! on October 22nd (mark your calendars)!

I am so pleased to hear all the wonderful feedback at each meeting from members and guests. l love the energy we have this year - everyone is so involved and so positive! Let's keep that going just a few more months! I know the fall can be hectic and stressful, but don't forget your monthly NACE escape!!!

Sincerely,

Alicia Karoll
President, National Association of Catering Executives, Baltimore Chapter
Facility Rental Coordinator & Director of Administration, American Visionary Art Museum

“How to get the word out to millions about your company!”

We had our best ever summer attendance at the August program, and the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel provided gracious hospitality to all that attended.

The program began with a video presentation, created by East Hill Video, recapping the NACE Educational Conference in Houston in July. The highlights of the video was seeing Baltimore Chapter President, Alicia Karoll, accept the Chapter Fundraiser of the Year award and Jerry Edwards, CPCE being inducted into the NACE the Hall of Fame.

Then, the presentation began. The panel was comprised of a range of communication professionals, who answered questions from the moderator – our own Andrew Zill – as well as the audience regarding marketing and public relations. The panelist included Joanna Sullivan, Editor, Baltimore Business Journal; Nancy Hinds, Vice President of Public Affairs, BACVA; and Kirstie Durr, Senior Vice President of Nevins & Associates. Nancy’s suggestion was to make sure you send your press releases to the correct person and get to know the writers or producers that concentrate on your market. Nancy added that press releases can be emailed or faxed, but sometimes they get lost in the many emails received so be sure to follow up. Kirstie said that agencies are not only hired for year round services, but they can also assist with a one-time event.

After the presentation, we enjoyed many delicious food stations for dinner, including Beef Short Ribs, Tapas and a Sea Bass Station. The room was beautifully decorated with linens from Chair Covers & Linens and flowers from Crimson & Clover Floral Design. The specialty plates were provided by Select Event Rentals. The live music was provided by Washington Talent Photo & Video. Of course, we all enjoyed our signature cocktails from Stirrings.

Many thanks to our panelists and moderator, Andrew Zill, as well as Freed Photography for photographing the evening’s festivities, and Millennium Marketing Solutions for designing and printing the invitations.

“Unlock the Treasurers of NACE”
Monday, September 23, 2007 at the Ten Oaks Ballroom

Ahoy Mates! Come on an adventure of the Baltimore Chapter of NACE as we explore the hidden secrets of our members at this first ever voyage. Be one of the winners with a lucky key to open the treasurer chest and win some booty. We'll be serving our usual delicious grub and grog by our hosts Zeffert and Gold Caterers. Although members may only exhibit, all are welcome to attend. This is a great event to bring clients and buckos but no scallywags please!

Guests are welcome to attend at our usual member price of $40.00.

Code of Conduct: If you are interested in participating as a vendor on this voyage, you must have your commitment letter in by September 17th - No Exceptions!!!! For more information or to rsvp to go http://www.baltimorenace.net/meetinginfo.php?date=2007-09-24

Michael C. Thompson / ZBest Executive Global Transportation Services

I have been a life-long Baltimorean and love all things Maryland. Spending long summers at the beach and listening to Chuck Thompson talk about the Orioles and Cold Beer on the radio were part of my childhood and gave me a great appreciation of the life that we all love here in this part of the country. Mount Saint Josephs and BCCC are places I studied and graduated from. Spending four years away from Maryland in the Navy after school gave me a great opportunity to travel the world and visit many unique places. After the Navy I worked for MCI in Hunt Valley and had a great opportunity to develop my selling skills as a Sales Trainer for their Telemarketers and Customer Service representatives.

After the upheaval MCI experienced in the late '90's I came Downtown to the Baltimore Real Estate boom and Canton. I purchased a property in Canton and somehow found my way around to a Limousine Company where I ended up in the Sales Department selling services to the Corporate and Convention Market, as well as for Social Events and Weddings. This job introduced me to NACE, BACA, BACVA, HSMAI, PMPI and BTA for which I am a member of each. I have enjoyed selling Transportation services as everyday is a different challenge and the work is never boring. I love interacting with people and making their transportation experience as successful and seamless and possible.

I am currently the Director of Sales with ZBest Executive Global Transportation Services and enjoying the continuation of my career in Transportation Services. I also work for the Baltimore Raven's in Guest Services. It took me a while before I could embrace another team besides the Colts but I have come around.

I love gardening, going to movies, traveling, and local politics. I especially love the months of August, September and October for the Fall Harvest Season and pumpkins. I enjoy my busy schedule and all the great folks in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. Catch me around Downtown, in Mount Vernon or occasionally in Towson. 83 is my corridor.

August Community Service Report

We had a great response to our community service project this month. We gathered close to 50 boxes of colored pencils, a dozen journals and assorted other school supplies for the Doris M. Johnson School. Michel Pratka teaches art to over 75 seniors who have no art supplies for her classes. The school does not supply nor can her students afford to buy art supplies. She supplements her class by buying supplies out of her own pocket. The students are incredibly grateful to get these supplies. They can’t believe they can keep their own sets of colored pencils. Thank you so much to everyone who donated this month.

Dulany Noble
Community service Chair

August Raffle

I so want to thank everyone who has donated raffle prizes and everyone who has purchased tickets. We have raise over $300 at almost every meeting. The money goes towards educational speakers so we can have better and better meetings. If you have an item to donate, please contact Dulany Noble at Gala Cloths. Thanks again!

This month we thank the following members:
Classic Catering People
Millennium Marketing Solutions
Select Event Rentals
Ketel One Vodka
Gala Cloths by Dulany
American Visionary Art Museum

The Baltimore Chapter of NACE brings you this year’s theme for UNCORKED! - “An Enchanted Evening!”

This year’s 4th annual UNCORKED! will take place on Monday, October 22, 2007, 6pm at the American Visionary Art Museum. The fundraiser will benefit the NACE Foundation, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, and the Baltimore Chapter of NACE!

This Fundraising, Networking, Over the Top Extravaganza of exquisite cuisine partnered with fabulous wines and spirits in an atmosphere that only the best Catering, Designers and suppliers Baltimore can bring. We will pull out the CORKS on this one!

Don’t miss out on being part of the award-winning group of Catering Professionals! You can sign up to participate in many various ways. Every member should make an effort to be part of this Pinnacle of Soirées!

Tickets are limited so please check out www.baltimorenace.net for more details and contact any of our committee members for information.

Thank you for helping to make this the best year ever!

Janet Caslow
Fundraising Chair and Event Chair
Pride of Baltimore, Inc.

Please help us in welcoming the five new members that joined our chapter in August!

Kate Beck - Chef's Expressions

Eric Stocklin - Eric Stocklin Photography

Max Krupka - Washington Executive Photography

Debbie Brown - Meals on Wheels

Leslie Amick - Big Steaks Management

These new members bring our membership up to 159!  Let's hit an all time chapter record, be sure to tell all your friends about NACE and the amazing benefits of being a part of our fine chapter!

Welcome August new members, we look forward to meeting you soon!

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