Hello Denver NACE!  Brrrrr, it's a bit chilly outside and Halloween is just around the corner. I hope everyone is staying busy, busy, busy and warm this fall season. Your Chapter leadership is certainly busy juggling all kinds of fun activities - details for our November and December monthly programs are wrapping up; and, we are planning our board retreat and looking ahead (already) to 2010. We are very excited to present the incoming 2010 Board at our November 11th Breakfast meeting.  Don't forget to save the date!

Check out the Fall Membership Campaign details in this months newsletter.  For only an annual membership fee of $295, become a member of NACE and reap the benefits.  If you are renewing, you may be eligible for the special Fall pricing.  There is no better time then NOW to join!

Want to get more involved in NACE? You should join one of our outstanding committees! Ask any of our board officers and directors about opportunities.

I look forward to seeing everyone for a mysterious evening at the JW Marriott Cherry Creek on Tuesday, October 13th!
Until next time,

Monica Cheeks
President, National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), Denver Chapter
Director of Catering & Convention Services, Hyatt Regency Denver

Never knew what the Catering Olympics would be all about, but a CRAZY FUN time was had by all who participated. The theme of this event provided a truly unique opportunity to network and build new relationships while working together in a quirky competitive atmosphere. The Curtis Hotel was the perfect setting for FUN AND GAMES. The menu was outstanding and highlighted some "Olympic" creativity by their culinary team with Mini Hot Dogs: Baja Dog with Pico de Gallo & Guamole; BBQ Dog topped with BBQ Sauce & Crispy Onions and the famous Hong Kong Phooey Dog adorned with Pinapple, Bacon, Teriyaki and Chives. The Slider station was over the top with Mini Monte Cristo, Mini Cheese Steak and Mini Pulled Pork Sliders.  That is just a sampling of what was offered at our September event. If you haven't seen the video that was cleverly created and edited by All Digital Photography and Video, check it out and click here.

Much thanks to Brinton Studios for capturing all of our crazy candid shots through out the event.  There were many sponsors and partners that helped to create our Olympic games and we thank them all:  Timothy Brown, DJ, Ian Brown, Elite DJ as our MC, Happy Cakes, A Full House Casino-Todd Taylor, Pam Behm with Fun Productions and Christy Chenell & Frances Marron.

Martin Willson                        T’DA Design

Pam Rusch                     Original Basket Boutique Denver

Marge VanWoerkom             Baskets by Rita

Fall in Love with NACE!

To celebrate the season, NACE is beginning its fall membership campaign, Fall in Love with NACE, on Tuesday, September 22, 2009. To show our appreciation not only to potential members, renewing members will have the opportunity to renew on time or before their expiration date to take advantage of a special renewal 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 members who have lapsed on their membership for more than a year. Use the Fall Campaign Discount Code for online use: FC09.

Renewing Member Offer
Do you love NACE and all that it has to offer? Do you wish there was a way to save on your renewal fee? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then we have a special offer just for you. Renew your membership on time or before your expiration date and pay only $295 (that’s right, a $50 savings!). Use the Fall Campaign Discount Code for online use: FC09.

Student Membership Drive
Got students? As we say farewell to summer, students are saying hello to books, homework and NACE! Now is the perfect time to recruit student members to your chapter. All across the country, colleges and universities hold organizational fairs in the fall to introduce students to organizations on and off campus. The National office has materials available to help make your student recruitment efforts go smoothly. Please contact me to receive the latest student membership brochure and application. The chapters who recruit the most student members (new and renewals) will receive a prize for one lucky student member.

Offers are valid September 22- November 20, 2009.  Use the Fall Campaign Discount Code for online use: FC09.

Promote your business -  exclusive to NACE Members only

Our Membership Committee is working on a Welcome Bag for our existing members and as a welcome hand out for our future members.  We will be including Members Only information in the bag, but we need YOU.  We would like to formally invite you to promote your business by including a logo item for these bags.  Some examples of items we are in search of: logo pens (business name & contact information); logo mint tins, bridal magazines, business card holder, 2010 calendars, useful items...basically anything that will make your business stand out and help benefit your membership. 

For assistance and ideas of items to include, please contact Tom or Pam Rusch with Original Baskets Boutique.  They would be happy to help design or provide a solution to market your business. Pam is a new NACE member and is located in our website directory.

Voting process for the NACE Board Elections is happening this month. All NACE members should have received their voting ballots via mail.  We need a minimum of 51% of our members to cast their votes. Please return your ballot before October 20 in the self stamped envelope provided. Meet your candidates at our next event on October 13.

Just a reminder to RSVP for our next upcoming event on Tuesday, October 13 at the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek.  It is sure to be Mystery?? Go to our website for more information and to RSVP online.

Other industry events taking place this month:

ISES - Tuesday October 20 - Luncheon

MPI - Monster Mash - Thursday October 29 - Dinner & Auction