In this issue

Quote of the Month
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Newsletter

Print
August 2008

Meeting Recap

Over 80 members and guests joined together on Monday, July 21 at the Pikesville Hilton for the first ever NACE Baltimore luncheon meeting!  “Riding the Economic Wave” was the topic of the day, and we experienced an excellent presentation from our guest speaker Anirban Basu from the Sage Policy Group. 

His comedic anecdotes during the presentation certainly helped to lighten up some excellent, albeit not good news and information about the overall economic state our region and country are currently experiencing.  Anirban’s presentation style is to throw in some light humor about some totally unrelated event happening (such as Beyonce’s wedding) when there was a big spike up or down in the economic indicators, and he certainly kept the audience engaged. Our members and guests were engaged as evidenced by the amount of question and answer time we had.  In fact, we went slightly over our allotted time for the program!

The Pikesville Hilton outdid themselves with the food and beverage selection and presentation.  During the networking reception the beach theme of “Riding the Wave” was carried out with a Sushi Display riding a surfboard atop an ice carving of a wave.  Clams Casino, Crab Claws, Conch Fritters and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail were waiting on the beach as the sushi display rode the wave in.  Beach attired wait staff served Island Chicken Satay with Coconut Glaze and Crab and Mango Bites on Plantain Chips.  Frozen pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris, beers and sodas were available to quench the thirst.

After the presentation we experienced a great beach luncheon of Hearts of Palm Citrus Salad, Ceviche, Banana Leaf Wrapped Mahi Mahi, Jerk Spiced Chicken with Fruit Salsa, Seafood Paella, Island Rice Pilaf with Red Beans, Artichoke Whipped Potatoes, Corn with Roasted Pepper and Cilantro.  Sweet tooth’s were satisfied with refreshing mango, lemon and raspberry sorbet and a tropical fruit pineapple tree with chocolate fondue. 

The décor for the reception and lunch was beach themed with life preservers, flip flops, shells, umbrella tables, and flowing beach inspired linens.  The beach luncheon was complete with the air plane flying over the beach pulling a banner welcoming NACE.

NACE extends it deepest thanks and appreciation to the following members and their businesses for their contribution to the success of this meeting.

Hilton Pikesville
Jamila Iskander
www.hilton.com

Baltimore’s Best Party Entertainment
Gia Magliano
www.baltimoresbest.net

Gala Cloths by Dulany
Dulany Noble and Guili Cox
www.galacloths.com

Millennium Marketing Solutions
Debra May
www.mm4solutions.com

Music Masters, LLC
Dan Hawkins
www.musicmastersonline.com

Photography by Alexander
Alexander Morozov
www.alexandermorozov.com

We look forward to seeing you on September 15 at the Belmont Conference Center!
Back to top

Affiliate Corner

A native of Nebraska who made her way to Baltimore via NYC, Anne Sachs has always had a love of photography starting at a young age at her father’s newspaper.  Moving to NYC in 1987, Anne enrolled at Hunter College where she completed a degree in Russian Area Studies and Art History. After meeting her husband-photographer Joe, she continued to develop her love of photography, working with him in his studio and free-lancing as a still-life photo stylist.  “My years in NY gave me the opportunity to see so many different artistic styles and become excited about what is possible in the arts.” 

Since moving to Baltimore in 1995, Anne has continued to work with Joe and photographing her own weddings.  “I take my work with clients very seriously, spending time learning what their needs are, while also making sure that the event day will allow us to meet those client’s expectations.  We are also there to capture those unguarded moments, in the way of a photojournalist and record each moment of the day. Strictly speaking, the result is not photojournalism. Many brides come to us and say they want photojournalism, however, if there is not one beautiful picture of the bride, the client won’t be happy.  Joe and I strive to create images that people will look back on and say “what a beautiful image”. 

In addition to photographing weddings, Anne loves to photograph families.  “Many of my favorite clients return year after year, to photograph their children and it’s such a joy to see how much they change in just that year.”  Last summer Anne and Joe launched Artful Portraits, a company that is provides portrait services to clients – many of who are former wedding clients.  That means really getting to know your clients and being a part of their wedding, their first child, and family celebrations. “It means a lot to me that they trust us to document these important life moments.”
Back to top

President's Report

UPDATE: We just got back from Experience! 2008 in Philadelphia!!!  What an amazing experience it was - your Baltimore Chapter took home 3 - count them 3 - chapter awards: Chapter Community Service of the year, Chapter Fundraiser of the Year (for 2007 UNCORKED!), and the biggest award of the night - Chapter of the Year!!!

Not only did the Chapter win, but so did a couple of our fabulous members - Linnyette Richardson-Hall & Sherri Griffis took home the prize for Best Catered Wedding Event of the Year!!! We didn't win everything we entered for but we certainly won the big ones and we were definitely the star of the show!

Thirty Baltimore NACE members attended conference and represented Charm City - more than any other Chapter! It truly was a memorable and incredible "Experience" this year. Don't miss the next meeting to see all the highlights!

Sincerely,

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

Marketing Tips

No single marketing effort works all the time for every business, so rotate several marketing tactics and vary your approach.  Your customers tune out after a while if you only use one form of marketing. Plan carefully. Get feedback from customers and adapt your efforts accordingly. Enclose your brochure, ad, flyer, etc. in all your outgoing mail. It doesn't cost any additional postage and you'll be surprised at who could use what you're offering.
 
Back to top

Member News

Baltimore NACE wants to help our members who are doing GOOD things in the community...
 
If you are a member of the Baltimore Chapter of NACE and you are sponsoring an upcoming event for the community (i.e. - non-profit fundraiser for local charity, etc.), please send us information we will list the event on Baltimore NACE website calendar.

Send all details to Janet Caslow, jlcaslow@hotmail.com. Thanks for giving back to the community!
Back to top

Community Service

July Community Service - Back to School!
Thank you to everyone who brought in journals and colored pencils from my friend Michel, who teaches at the Doris M. Johnson School, formerly Lake Clifton High School.  She is a very dedicated teacher working with students who cannot even afford to buy the most modest supplies.  She is trying to equip these kids with talents that may lead to a career in art. I can assure you that these items will be faithfully used and most appreciated.  
Thanks again!
Dulany Noble
Community Service Chair

Upcoming Project - September Community Service - Success in Style  (SIS)
Clean out your Closet and Re-cycle those clothes!


Success in Style serves women on the road away from crisis and toward self-sufficiency.  SIS provides women with appropriate business attire, practical fashion advice, interview counseling and other essentials for success. By helping these women, you benefit their families, their employers and ultimately, our whole community.

Please bring in your gently used professional, business attire, handbags, briefcases, jewelry and accessories. Make sure everything is like new and clean.  They can also use new, unopened cosmetics.  For more information, please check out their web-site: www.successinstyle.org

Dulany Noble
Community Service Chair
Back to top

Classified Ads

2010-07-25:

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

2010-03-09:

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

2010-01-08:

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.

2009-10-21:
Katie Llewellyn-Rachanow formally the Director of Events at the Hippodrome theatre is seeking employment in the Special Events Industry.  She has experience in facility management, planning, catering sales, event design, facilitating multi-disciplinary teams and creating positive work environments.  Proven track record in meeting and exceeding business targets.
2009-05-28:
Baltimore’s Tremonts – The Tremont Grand and Tremont Plaza All Suite Hotel is looking for a Catering Sales Team Player for Baltimore’s most unique venue. The vacancy is due to an internal promotion. Experienced FUN individuals please submit your resume to Julie Brown-Edwards jbrown-edwards@tremonts.com
Make it a Grand week!
2008-09-11: GROUP SALES ASSOCIATE

The Maryland Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic individual to fill the position of Group Sales Associate.  This person will be responsible for all aspects of administrating Group Sales including but not limited to fulfillment of requests for information, distribution of information through mailings, email & phone contact, liaising with clients, collecting payments, management of database, preparing sales reports and assisting the Group Sales Manager in achieving sales goals.  The qualified individual will also prepare invoices and purchase orders, collect payments, and manifest all group sales including group permits, consignment tickets & facility rentals.  In addition, this person will provide sales recap of sales activity, activity report, and group visit schedule & facility rentals on a weekly basis.  The Group Sales Associate will insure appropriate inter-department communication for all groups/events as directed, communicate clearly with clients regarding deliverable product before, during and after visit/event, and send evaluation letters to clients following visits/events. 

Minimum Qualifications:

College degree or minimum of 3 years experience in related field preferred; Minimum of two years of customer service experience necessary; Knowledge of computer programs including MS Outlook e-mail and MS Office; Up to two years of  Sales experience an advantage but not necessary; Valid MD Drivers License; Standing and/or walking up to 100% of working time; Walking, bending, climbing, reaching, lifting, moving and carrying packages weighing up to 75 lbs; and, Working outdoors in any weather conditions.

Contact: Amy Morrill

Email: humanresources@marylandzoo.org

Email Subject Line: Zoo Employment-Group Sales Associate
2008-08-01: Opportunity available for a floral designer at Bellisimo Flowers in upscale Maple Lawn.  Looking for someone with creativity and a spark for contemporary flare. Flexible hours and beautiful location.

Please call Malika 410-905-9378 or Tatiana 571-237-2662. Check out www.maplelawnmd.com for more information about the area and www.bellisimoflowers.com for our website. 
2008-09-08:

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

ScheduleFull-time

ShiftVariable

 

 

Back to top
Online Meeting Registration - Membership Management - Event Management for Associations with local chapters.