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NACE MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS - OCTOBER 2011
JOIN NACE IN OCTOBER 2011 & RECEIVE:
August Event It has been an action packed summer for all of us with wedding season in full swing. I am thrilled to have had conversations with many of you with the same theme; business is picking up in a big way! We are so proud to announce we received our official Charter as a NACE Chapter in July - and that our local organization continues to grow!
With our crazy work schedules July's meeting provided us with an excellent opportunity to relax, learn and blow off some steam. The Voice Box Lounge, located at 2112 NW Hoyt @ NW 21st, is Portland's only private Japanese Style Karaoke Lounge with private rooms for rent. Scott, Voice Box owner kicked us off with a history of the Japanese phenomenon, literally translating to "empty orchestra" that was invented by Daisuke Inoue in 1971. An incredible 12 flight sake tasting followed where many of us were pleasantly surprised to learn there are many sakes on the market with flavor palates incredibly different from the typical "house hot sake" we have all become accustomed to at our favorite sushi spots. Colombia Distributor's sake specialist, Marcus Pakiser began with light and effervescent varieties much like champagne, moved through fruit flavored bottles and then into the earthier labels. We satiated our hunger with delicious treats of spring rolls and dumplings. And of course, the evening hit a high note when we all had the opportunity to grab the mic and become rock stars ourselves! Even the shy among us ended up belting out tune or two. What a fabulous night and much needed respite from the busy summer - not to mention an incredible idea to recommend to our brides, grooms and VIPs!
Please join us next month as the Hotel Monaco and Red Star host us for an evening of networking, cocktails and musical entertainment followed by a lovely dinner and educational review of the NACE Experience! conference held in Austin Texas this past July. Our very own director of programs Amy Ipina will present on the conference leaving time for discussion of industry trends at the end. We hope to see you all there!
Sincerely,
Kristina Lazos Chapter President NACE National News...
June Meeting~ Thank you to everyone who attended the June 16th Portland NACE Chapter Meeting and Event. Our chapter put together an experience to help attendees relax before getting into hectic wedding and event season this year. The event was both sponsored by, and held at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront http://www.marriott.com/pdxor , featuring unique and modern floral centerpieces by Michelle Clark, co-owner of Goose Hollow Gardens http://www.goosehollowgardens.com/ . The Marriott event and banquet staff outdid themselves, as did Banquet Chef Patrick Dunn, in creating the most fabulous customized spa menu! These spa delights were elegantly presented, and were lit by Marriott Audio Visual which added the perfect ambiance and touch. The signature drink of the evening was a delicious and refreshing green tea margarita. Courtney, owner of Posh Sweets, http://www.sweetlyposhsweets.com/ put together a heavenly feast to pamper our sweet tooth's! Some of the groups favorites were her salted caramel truffles, French Macaroons, German Chocolate mini cupcakes with chocolate coconut cream icing, sugar cookies with fondant frosting, and a number of delicious dessert shots! Jeff with Chariot Limousines http://www.chariotlimousines.com/ graciously donated our luxury transportation to and from Portland Spa and Boutique, transporting groups of 8 in one of Portland's only white stretch Excalibur's. The owner of the fabulous Portland Spa and Boutique http://www.portlandspa.net/ offered us tours of her 3 different venues located on the Southwest Waterfront, overlooking the Willamette River - and which we found to be the perfect 3 destinations for pampering, relaxation, and fun! We began our tour with a stop at Pink & White Nail Salon http://www.pinkandwhitenails.com/ , which specializes in nail and toenail services for both females and males, as well as wedding day makeup and hair services. This salon is the ultimate in girly experiences - and a must see for any bride wishing to provide the ultimate in wedding day beauty services for herself and her wedding party! Our second stop was at the Organic Bronze Bar http://www.organicbronzebar.com/ , and where each of the NACE attendees received a gift certificate to receive a complimentary Airbrush tan! The organic bronze bar offers an organic airbrush tanning system that won't harm your skin due to harmful UV rays. It takes less than 15 minutes to apply, it is odorless, non-streaking, non-orange, dries instantly, all natural, and lasts 5-7 days! Our last stop was at the Portland Spa and Boutique, and where we found it to be the ULTIMATE health resource and relaxation destination - offering a variety of massages, body treatments, firming/toning treatments, medi-spa, waxing, tinting, facials, foot therapies, nails and spa packages! The icing on the cake for the evening was receiving a complimentary chair massage, also generously provided by Portland Spa and Boutique! Thanks to all of our participating sponsors and attendees! Cheers, Your local NACE Board May Event The May chapter meeting was a spectacular evening to all who attended! It was held at the grand Historic Treasury Ballroom. Everyone commented on the rich elegance of this unique space, and the possibilities of the many different kinds of events that could be held there. The Treasury Ballroom’s management company, Vibrant Table Catering & Events, created a lovely event space for us - embellishing the tables with opulent, luscious platinum shimmery Jomar floor-length table linens. Each table was adorned with lots of candlelight, and a lovely - yet simple floral centerpiece, incorporating shades of white and lavender flowers, and whimsical, wispy like greenery - designed by Vibrant Table’s talented in-house florist, Page Winograd. Rich mahogany chivari chairs were the perfect compliment at each of the tables, and contributed towards the overall elegance and richness of the space.
Once cocktail hour came to a conclusion, and everyone took their seats - Vibrant Table Catering & Events prepared a delightful meal which kept in step with our theme for the night – sustainability! The meal started with an Arugula Salad with Rogue Bleu Cheese and Oregon pears, served with freshly baked breads and butter. The second course consisted of a French Breast of Chicken drizzled with the most delicious gorgonzola sauce, which laid atop a mound of garlic mashed potatoes, accompanied by a lovely assortment of fresh, in-season, roasted vegetables. The last course was a delectable Vanilla-Bean Panna Cotta, served with fresh brewed hot coffee.
Once dinner was coming to a conclusion, we had the pleasure of learning more about sustainability (most recognized in the industry by Green Seal Silver Certified Hotel), and what it really means from our featured guest speakers - Mark Lopez, owner of Crave Catering and Steve DeAngelo, owner of DeAngelo’s Catering – both founding members of the Sustainable Catering Association. We learned that sustainability revolves around three key components, which consist of what is often referred to as “Triple Bottom Line:” - People - Planet - Profit
Both Mark and Steve elaborated on the components within each of these three key areas, and ways in which we all can take steps towards becoming more sustainable. They distributed a handout that offered tips on how to find a sustainable caterer, and twelve easy things you can do. The main take away from the meeting was to make a sustainable promise of doing 10% more each year over last year, and making responsible decisions today that will affect future generations to come. We also learned the value of aligning ourselves with others who share this very same philosophy, and how business relationships can become more solid with this shared culture. And lastly, that by consistently incorporating sustainable practices into everyday business, that we will have more stories in our sales toolbox, and to share with our customers – as they all love hearing stories about the pig farmer who utilizes our leftovers, to the exhaust from Hot Lips Pizza ovens heating their water…
Cheers! Your Greater Portland NACE Chapter Board  |
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After months of anticipation, this year's NACE awards winners were announced during the Closing Gala Awards Dinner on July 27. You could cut the tension in the air! Who took home the coveted Chapter of the Year Award? 
