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SHORTCUTS:  First, check out the details for our January 19 meeting.  Just beneath, you'll find exciting news (also in red) about our February 16 meeting.  Then, check out the links on the right side of this page.  Just below these links,
 
Our Inauguration Ball
  Tuesday, January 19,  6–9pm
 
Crowne Plaza San Jose
282 Almaden Blvd, San Jose

Please register early.
$40/member, $55/prospective member (per meeting for 3 visits), and $65/prospective member (after 3rd visit).
 
RSVP soon (it'll be easy -- just 5 clicks) or call 408-736-2141 by noon on Fri, January 15, and mail your check to our Treasurer:
Naomi Salowe, 1669-2 Hollenbeck Ave #236, Sunnyvale, CA 94087.
 
All reservations must be pre-paid by January 15 deadline.  We need to give the chef an accurate count, so if you cancel your reservation after this deadline, you will still be billed. Registration at the door will be "only if space is available".
 
  • Join us for a dynamic evening with your colleagues in Silicon Valley's hospitality industry.  You'll enjoy great networking, cocktails & appetizers, entertainment, a sensational dinner, a dynamite educational program, a member testimonial and an affiliate presentation, and valuable raffle prizes.  Each meeting is an opportunity for sharing ideas and advice about catering and managing special events.  Bring spouses, friends, and colleagues.  See "Recent Meetings" at right for details & photos of previous meetings, and check back soon.
  • Community Service Donation Drive:
    This year has been an unprecedented challenge for all. Thousands of families and single adults face job losses, foreclosure, or have become homeless.   Now, more than ever, the Community Services need our donations.  Our Chapter is supporting Sacred Heart Community Service of San Jose.  Greatest Agency Needs for September:
         • Socks and underwear of all sizes
         • Baby diapers, Baby Wipes
         • Baby formula (Enfamil with Iron)
    Please bring your donations to our meeting.
  • A fabulous dinner will be presented by Crowne Plaza San Jose.  See "Menu This Month" at right for details and previous menus.
  • Details for our Program:  The theme is "Our Inauguration Ball", and we will be installing our newly-elected Board of Directors for 2010.  The program will feature an informative presentation and demonstration of Ballroom Dancing, followed by a dance lesson, so bring your best dancing shoes.  This program is of special interest to everyone who serves wedding receptions, so invite your "wedding" colleagues.  More details will be announced soon, particularly who will dance the demonstration.  You'd NEVER guess!
  • Sponsors include facility, linens, and chair covers provided by Virginia SantaInes (San Jose Hilton), centerpieces and table decor provided by Amy Blach (AMB Designs), AV and entertainment provided by Joel Nelson (Joel Nelson Entertainment), and photography by Scott Vlha (Doorstep Photography).  More details will be announced soon. 
  • Raffle prizes will include a round of golf for 2 at Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club.  Would you like to contribute a prize?  Contact Rich Amooi (Hey Mr. DJ) at 408-223-1400.  Raffle sales by Mel Gilman (Mel's Catering by George)
  • Our August, September, and October meetings featured three spectacular highlights from the recent NACE national conference in Charlotte, NC.  Watch this 3-minute review of the conference.  August's meeting featured Global Showcase Tables (Indian, Greek, Jewish, and Mexican).  Display Designer: Amy Blach (AMB Designs); Contributors: Danny Thomas (Danny Thomas Party Rentals), Trish Johnson (The Stuart Rental Company), Amy Blach (AMB Designs), Ross Berggren (Catered Too), and Jennifer Dahlen (ARAMARK, SC Convention Center).  September's meeting featured Michele Panzica-Owen (MPO Events), Gus Lugo (San Jose Hilton), and George Spilios (GFJ Enterprises), who presented a fascinating program about planning ethnic celebrations—specifically, Jewish, Hispanic, and Greek parties.  Sujatha Suresh (Akaar Events) was scheduled to speak about Indian parties, but was unable to attend.  In a "talk-show" format, they took turns speaking about important questions to cover when meeting with a client, buzz words & terminology, best ways to break into their market, and tips on negotiations.  October's meeting featured Amy Blach's 12-minute iPhoto slideshow spotlighting hundreds of highlights from the entire conference.  Slide show will be posted soon.
  • Board Members who contributed time to coordinate last month's meeting:  Jennifer Dahlen, Dustin Eisenhauer, LT Beaton, Barbara Schroeder, Amy Blach, Naomi Salowe, Robbie Schlosser and Mel Gilman.

Next Meeting -
Tues, February 16:   Boulder Creek Ridge Pavilion Event Center, San Jose       
(Artesia Vineyards & Winery will host a wine tasting for us at the cocktail reception.  More details to be announced soon.)

 

 


 
 

 

Interested in NACE membership?  You don't want to miss this Special SAVINGS Offer.  Running September 22–November 20, new members, returning members, and present members can take advantage of a special rate.

 

     New Member Offer:
For $295 (that's right, a $100 savings!) potential members can enjoy the many benefits the National Association of Catering Executives has to offer! The offer is good for new members or for former members who have lapsed on their membership for more than a year.


     Renewing Member Offer:
Renew your membership on time or before your expiration date and pay only $295 (that's right, a $50 savings!).

 

Offers are valid September 22–November 20. Fall Campaign Discount Code for online use: FC09.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Blach, Membership Committee, 408-942-0852 or email: ambdsgn@pacbell.net


BREAKING NEWS:  Valuable space for rent, in an office of wedding & party vendors.  See Job Bank.

NEARBY NACE CHAPTERS:  Join San Francisco NACE on Tues, Dec 8, at 2:30-4:40pm, for "Christmas High Tea" at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, SF.  And save Tues, March 9, at 6pm, for their Gala at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria.

NACE Mission Statement:
To provide education, resources, and networking to catering and event professionals, to enhance their career success and deliver excellence to their clients.

Why attend our meetings? Read Testimonials from our active members, and please contribute your own testimonial to the list.  (click on "contribute", write just 3 or 4 sentences, email it, and we'll post it.)

Is This Your first visit to our website? Please join our email list, download our current newsletter, and forward it to a friend. 

Please check back here frequently, especially to see "Local Members" and "Job Bank".  We update this website regularly.  Bookmark us and return often for the latest information.  At this month's meeting, pick up our current Membership Directory (click here to download).  Print a copy, keep it handy, and recommend our NACE members to your clients.

Two Meeting Videos:  Click here to watch a terrific video of highlights from last November's Gala meeting, courtesy of Chris Hennessy (Custom Video Connection).  Hey --  you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cheer, you'll wonder "What's this guy doing?"  Click here to watch a beautiful video of highlights from May 2008's joint meeting with San Francisco NACE, courtesy of David Ethridge (A Video Reflection).

Are you involved in Online networking?  Join the Silicon Valley NACE groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.  For our members only, each is a private forum for holding group-wide discussions on professional issues of mutual interest.  Visit and see for yourself!

Silicon Valley NACE is supported by our members and the generosity of these sponsors:
AMB Design    .  ARAMARK-Santa Clara Convention Center     .  Catered Too   .  Claudia Akers Photography   .   Events of Excellence Catering   .  Magnolia Jazz Band   .  Mel's Events by George   .  Naomi's Chocolate Catering  .   Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club   .  


Website maintained by Robbie Schlosser