Peyton Craig

Peyton Craig became a member of Baltimore NACE in September of 1999.  With his wife Karin, they are the owners of Encounters Inc., a Maryland and Washington D.C. based event planning company. Established in 1999, Encounters specializes in planning, consulting and coordination of weddings, corporate and other special events.

Prior to the formation of Encounters, Peyton and Karin spent nearly 20 years of employment within the hotel industry. During this time, they acquired a wealth of knowledge and expertise relating to hospitality, catering, vendor relations and group management. They are also steeped in family traditions, operating as second and third generation trade professionals, with North American and European influences.

Understanding the unique differences amongst their clientele such as culture, environment and social-economic stature, Peyton and Karin saw the need for a fresh approach. Instead of relying on common traditions and practices of others, weddings and corporate events could also reflect the characteristics of their hosts. Regardless of opportunity, all events should showcase a level of quality and style.

Encounters has serviced hundreds of weddings and special events for fortune 500 companies, major healthcare institutions and government contractors. Their industry knowledge has been featured by media publications such as Style, Brides, theknot, Baltimore Sun and Washington Post. Recognized for their expertise and client advocacy, Encounters has gained a reputation as a leader in the event planning industry.

Peyton and Karin love what they do! They enjoy meeting new people, take pleasure in the happiness of others, are devoted to the success of their efforts and thrive on new ideas and changing needs.

September Community Service

Children’s books, new or used for The Book Thing

Every child needs love, food, clothes, toys and BOOKS! Read to a child and the child will learn to love books and reading.  They will have a head start in life and in school

Books can calm a child, charm a child and take that child to places they can only see in their imaginations.  There are many children in Baltimore who have no access to books. They are the poor, the homeless, the children whose parents have lost their jobs.  The Book Thing of Baltimore provides free books to everyone, children and adults.  It is the place to go to get rid of your old books, textbooks, novels, cookbooks, etc.) and to pick up any book for free. Yes, FREE, really free. They are sadly in need of children’s books and only have a few to offer their youngest patrons. If you are a parent, clear out some of those books your children have outgrown. If you are not a parent, there are lots of very inexpensive children’s books.  Check out Border’s Express, Books A million in Arundel Mills or even the Dollar stores. For more information and directions check out: www.bookthing.org.

Dulany Noble

Director of Community Service

Upcoming Program

September Program:
Monday, September 21^st
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards

State of the Economy by Anirban Basu

Is your company affected by the economy?  Please join us for a presentation by Anirban Basu and learn why we are in this state and what you can expect in the future.   His presentation will help you understand the consumers change in spending as well as trends in the world, country and local economies.

Anirban Basu is Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economic and policy consulting firm in Baltimore.  Mr. Basu is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most recognizable economists, in part because of his consulting work on behalf of numerous clients, including prominent developers, bankers, brokerage houses, energy suppliers and law firms.  On behalf of government agencies and non-profit organizations, Mr. Basu has written several high-profile economic development strategies, including co-authoring Baltimore City’s economic growth strategy.  He currently lectures at Johns Hopkins University in micro-, macro- and international economics.

To register or for more information, go to http://www.baltimorenace.net/meetinginfo.php?date=2009-09-21

NACE – Baltimore Chapter

“Secrets of Super-Productivity, “How to Achieve Amazing Things

In Your Work Life”

Meeting Recap

Monday, August 17, 2009

The stately Intercontinental Harbor Court Baltimore was the backdrop for our August lunch meeting.  With over 100 members and guests in attendance, our group spilled over into the Explorers Lounge for networking and cocktails. In high spirits and in eager anticipation of guest speaker, Neen James, folks eagerly found their way into the

pre-function ballroom for a presentation on how to be a “Super-Productive Master Networker.”

Joining our local chapter just weeks after speaking at the NACE National Conference in Charlotte, N.C., Baltimore welcomed James with open arms. Programs Co-Chairs Debra May and Casey Riley introduced James by saying, “Neen is an international productively expert known for her ability to deliver information with credibility, personality and a genuine sense of fun.  She is a high energy speaker who educates, entertains, and engages audiences across the globe.” 

In a voice reminiscent of a Minnie Mouse meets Australian news anchor, Neen energetically addressed our group with a “You look quite fabulous!”  James was quite interactive with her audience and asked each of us to “identify our own personal style.”  “Are you a planner or a cramer…or maybe a slammer?”  Knowing if you are a “morning bird or a night owl” helps each of us determine what time of day we are most productive. Having that knowledge and implementing it into our daily life helps us all focus our attention, manage our energy and simply “Get More Done!”

A few sound bites from Neen’s “super-productively” talk were:

·        Write a “To Do” list.  This is a very positive exercise and helps us see what is on our plate and process how we are going to accomplish those tasks.

·        Now that you have things written down, think about your tasks in 15 minute increments. Managing your time in this way will help you check off the items on your list more quickly. 

·        “Speak time.”  When you are meeting with others or working with colleagues, be clear about the objectives of your time together and work in harmony to get more done in a shorter amount of time.

·        Don’t make excuses for the fact that there isn’t enough time in the day.  List your priorities and MAKE time for the things that make you happy.

After the inspiring presentation, lunch was served in the sunny Whitehall Ballroom.  Guests enjoyed a stations menu of Gaucho Beef Tips, Mini Crab Cakes, and Rockfish Ceviche just to name a few.  The afternoon ended with sweet treats of apple tarts, peaches and cream and freshly squeezed lemonade.

Each month we have a long list of event professionals that help us put on fabulous programs.  Thank you to the following loyal partners:

Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel

Flowers by Chris

Gala Cloths

Millennium Marketing Solutions

Washington Talent, Photo & Video

Our September meeting will be held at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards.  Don’t miss our program as guest speaker Anirban Basu returns to speak about the “State of the Economy.” To register online, check out our chapter website for more information at: www.baltimorenace.net!

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.