It's finally May and everything's a buzzing - the birds, the bees, and the events!!! We all know May is one of the busiest months in the event industry - weddings, proms, graduation parties, fundraisers, you name it! NACE Baltimore is also busy as a bee planning a hot new Preakness program showcasing themed events (May 18th) and trying to boost membership with the NACE National spring campaign.

Your Board never stops working for you to make this the best and strongest chapter in the country!!! Please let us know what you want from Baltimore NACE - what program topics are you interested in? What membership benefits do you think should be offered that aren't currently? Who would you like to see speak at one of our monthly programs? What more can we do to help you???

Good luck surviving a busy May, and I look forward to seeing everyone at Grey Rock Mansion on May 18th!!!

Sincerely,
Alicia Karoll
Director of Administration & Facility Rental Coordinator, American Visionary Art Museum
President, National Association of Catering Executives, Baltimore Chapter
Secretary, Chapter President's Council, NACE National Board

Amy Epstein opened Crimson & Clover in 2003 and it has since gone from a small neighborhood flower shop to one of Baltimore's most sought after wedding florists. With her background in retail management, fine arts, interior design, and the hospitality industries, Amy has the experience needed to run a successful business in a competitive, specialized field.

In the past few years, Crimson & Clover has received much recognition for their unique and innovative design work. The industry has awarded them in 2007 with Best of Weddings by The Knot and the City Paper’s Best Florist in 2008.

Clients flock to the shop for their abundant displays of rare and extraordinary fresh cut flowers. At Crimson & Clover, Amy and her assistant Emma are constantly on top of what’s going on with modern floral design around the world. Together they bring a bit of European design to their clients by integrating high-end artistically spatial pieces into traditional wedding work.

A few weeks ago on a rainy night in Baltimore, we set the scene for an cinematic event of epic proportion.

Today the marquee is dark, the flashes have ceased and the cameras have stopped rolling.
In the words of William Shakespeare, "Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow"...

A great big thanks goes out to all of you who helped make UNCORKED! 2009, a Night At The Movies a block buster success.  We have heard so much great feedback from the designers, judges, and guests.

 The evening began as guests arrived on the red carpet and were greeted by Joan Rivers and Austin Powers (impersonators).  Guests mingled among the glitterati and enjoyed appetizers and drinks that were more than a mere sneak peek of the feature presentation.

 Creativity and hard work were obvious in the exceptionally decorated tables representing the following films and themes:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Betty Boop for President
The Bird Cage
Singin' in the Rain
Blue Velvet
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds"
Out of Africa
Sideways
Chocolat
The Color Purple
101 Dalmatians
Moulin Rouge
Wizard of OZ
Saturday Night Fever
Black & White on the Silver Screen
Hollywood Goes Green
Legally Blonde
Dark Night (Knight at the Movies)
Dr. Zhivago

And the winners are:

People's Choice:  "A Knight at the Movies,"  by Bradshaw Styling, Inc. (designer: Stephanie Bradshaw)
Most Creative:  "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," by Romance of Flowers (designer:  Victoria Clausen)
Best Green Design:  "Hollywood Goes Green," Chair Covers and Linens (Desiner:  Christine Burkins & Michael Anthony)
Best Overall: "Paper Moon," by IXIA (designer:  David Briskie)

 A representative of the California's Francis Ford Coppola Presents winery remarked about the evenings' wines pared with a five course dinner prepared by some of the finest chefs in Charm City.

Photographer Arthur Remanjon captured some great images for the event that can be viewed and purchased at: http://www.pictage.com/631169 and Linda Johnson provided her photography services and has pictures to view and purchase at lindajohnsonphotographer.lifepics.com/net/pro. 

Best of all, while all of those involved were having a great time, money was raised for the Maryland Food Bank, the Foundation of NACE and the Baltimore Chapter of NACE Education Fund!

So until next year, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

Again,  a sincere thanks to the press.

Get your first taste of Experience!

Coming Attractions!

If you haven't already registered for Experience! 2009 in Charlotte, get a taste of what's in store for this year.

With meals, professional training, high-powered networking and continuing education all included, Experience! is not only the largest and best professional conference dedicated to the catering and events world, it's also the greatest value.

Spread Payments Out and Save!

NACE is dedicated to serving our members even during difficult economic times. If you prefer, you can spread the Experience! registration fee over three payments by completing the Installment Plan Form. And, if you do choose this payment method, NACE will offer you the discounted rate of $950!

Now, more than ever, NACE's Experience! 2009 is a valuable tool for your career and your business.

Register today!

The Westin hotel rate of $159 expires July 7, 2009. Book your hotel room now! 

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!!!

A benefit of your membership with Baltimore NACE is the opportunity for scholarship money to help you attend this annual conference.  Last year we had over 20 Baltimore NACE members in attendance, who I am sure will tell you about what a great "Experience" it is.  Below, please find some information about the scholarship rules.  Please contact Carmen our Baltimore NACE Vice-President for a scholarship application at carmen@bcc1898.com .

SCHOLARSHIP RULES AND PROCEDURES

1. All active members are eligible to participate.

2. Points may only be accrued during active membership status.

3. The time period for the Experience! 2009 conference calculations will run from May 1st 2008 – April 30th  2009.  

4. All applications must be submitted to the Vice President by May 21, 2009.  Please fax, e-mail or mail application to Carmen Lennartsson.

5. The amount allocated to the total membership will be determined by the amount budgeted in the beginning of the year by the board.  The amount may be revised based on the financial situation of the chapter at the May meeting and the number of applicants.

6. Distribution of 100% of the scholarship money will be based on 4 nights of double occupancy, early registration fee and average cost of airline tickets (determined by board).

7. The amount to each applicant will be announced via email.  Each applicant’s scholarship amount is based on the individual points of each application and a percentage of the total points of all applicants.

8. It is the responsibility of the each member to make their own reservations for the conference, transportation and hotels.  The amount awarded to you will be paid once the proper verification of receipts is received.

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland helps homebound people eat well and remain in their own homes. Their dedicated staff and volunteers prepare and deliver over 800,000 nutritious meals a year. Meals on Wheels also provide grocery shopping and other support services.   Many of their clients have cats and dogs that need to be fed as well. As the economy tightens, some have had to give up their animals because they cannot afford to feed them, an agonizing and heartbreaking decision.  

The Maryland SPCA is one of the nation’s oldest animal welfare organizations, founded in 1869 by a group of Baltimore citizens who were concerned about the welfare of the City’s work horses. As the use of horses in commerce declined, the SPCA began to aid the City’s homeless dogs and later cats. Today, The Maryland SPCA is one of the busiest adoption centers in the area, placing more than 3,000 pets a year into new homes. As the economy tightens, many families have had to give up their family pets because they cannot afford to feed them, an agonizing and heartbreaking decision. We are asking our members to bring in small bags of unopened dry cat or dog food to help feed these pets.

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.