Well, well, well - 2008 is off to a great start already! Our first membership meeting on January 28th at the 1840's Ballroom was our highest attended program in years. There were 113 catering and event professionals - both NACE members and guests - who joined the Baltimore Chapter Board in honoring the history of NACE, recognizing valuable members - past & present - discussing the amazing benefits of NACE membership, and looking toward the bright and exciting future of this outstanding association.

We have an amazing year of programming, education, networking opportunities, and member benefits in store for all of you. I look forward to seeing the familiar faces at each monthly meeting, as well as getting to know all new and perspective members this year. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly - or any of your Baltimore Chapter Board members - with questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can make 2008 the best year yet for our fabulous members!
Sincerely,
Alicia Karoll
President, National Association of Catering Executives, Baltimore Chapter
Facility Rental Coordinator & Director of Administration, American Visionary Art Museum

Please welcome our New Members
Meredith Kennedy, ARAMARK
Butch Lagenfelder, Maryland Food Bank
Cynthia Lavery, GEP Baltimore
Freddie Stevens, Freddie Stevens Entertainment Ltd.

For more information about joining NACE, please contact Director of Membership, Vickie Preston at 410-828-0305 or vickie@entertainment-exchange.com.

January Community Service Report

Thank you to all those people who brought diapers to the January meeting. The House of Ruth Maryland, www.hruth.org, organization 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. The diapers will go a long way to restock their supplies.

February Community Service

Calling all Teddy Bears! This month, the Baltimore Chapter of NACE is collecting Teddy Bears for the Maryland State Police. The Maryland State Police give these bears to children found in traumatic situations, such as automobile accidents or abuse situations. A hug from a fuzzy teddy bear can help comfort a scared child. Please bring a new huggable, lovable bear to the next meeting at the Westin BWI.

Marketing Hint for February 2008.......

You belong to NACE BALTIMORE....Yes, it is one of the most active organizations in Baltimore....but did you also know you are one of 167 members who have knowledge that would help others members? .......Find a way to share your expertise. Learn to call on other MEMBERS FOR ADVICE....strike up a conversation outside of the regularly scheduled monthly meetings. Develop your business knowledge one person at a time. Knowledge is POWER! That is networking at it's finest!

Upcoming Programs

FEBRUARY
Image + Attitude = Success
Please join us for our February program on February 18th at the Westin Baltimore Washington Airport
Develop a positive self-image using a unique set of tools that enables you to evolve beyond the workshop. This workshop is fun, engaging and involves a collaborative effort with the group. Lynn Cohen, from Project You, is a professional image consultant whom people instantly connect with and trust. She provides the professional experience, sound advice, total acceptance and warmth that enable her participants to be inspiring, effective, fun and positive in every respect.
To register or for more information, go to http://www.baltimorenace.net/meetinginfo.php?date=2008-02-18

MARCH
Sweet Celebrations by Slyvia Weinstock
Please join us for our March program on March 24th at Baltimore Country Club’s Five Farms.
The famed Cake Lady of Soho will share her secrets to executing the most memorable celebrations. Whether you are planning a wedding, party or other special event the key is to connect with your client and emphasize the purpose of the event – love and celebration! Gain wise advice from this seasoned professional and get a sneak peak at some of her most beautiful culinary creations. Sylvia’s signature cakes are by no means ordinary. Weinstock creates cakes as part of the overall event “statement” – coordinated with the theme and mood and ranging from whimsical to magical.

Our January Meeting was a great tribute to our incredible members! 1840’s Ballroom hosted the first 2008 Membership meeting! A beautiful venue, fabulously detailed interior and the bar was exceptionally interesting. Absolutely Perfect Catering did a fabulous job with appetizers abound and four stations for dinner from salad with pork tenderloin, Crepe Station and Seafood Martinis. Lastly, everyone was treated to a create-your-own Cupcake Station.

The program was all about the members. We were honored to have six Past Presidents of the Baltimore Chapter join us for this special evening. The 2007 Board of Directors was recognized and the 2008 Board was installed by NACE National President, Daniel Briones, who traveld down from Philadelphia for the festivities. After recognizing attendees for their years of membership, Jerry Edwards, CPCE, shared some history about the chapter and how proud he is too see the chapter at one of it’s most successful times. We hope to see everyone attend our many events this year as we continue to grow in 2008.

The evening’s music and audio was provided by Washington Talent, Photo and Video. Many thanks to Daniel & Evelyn Watson-Bey of East Hill Video for providing the highlights of UNCORKED! Carole from Garden of Earthly Delights provided beautiful centerpieces. As always, Select Event Rentals provided the rental needs including the lovely linens, and Millennium Marketing Solutions designed and printed the invitations.

The evening's memories were captured by Photography by Alexander and will be posted on the website for all to enjoy.

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