Happy Groundhog Day!

Can you believe it's already February? It was great seeing all of you last month at The University of Denver's HRTM School.  Our speaker, Amy Johnson, Corporate Director of Catering and Convention Services, was amazing! She reminded us all that we're in the business of creating memories and that we need to focus on the things we can control like service, attention to detail and designing innovative events.

Our Membership Committee created a fantastic flyer highlighting the benefits of becoming a NACE member. I would like to personally thank Terri Fisher with Five Star Talent & Entertainment, Inc. for designing the flyer. (Terri also was honored at the Metro North Chamber's Annual Gala event with "Small Business Person of the Year!")  If you would like a copy of the flyer, please email me at: sstoper@magnoliahotels.com

Mari Bradley, Vice President of Membership, and Benjamin Garcia, student member, were in Orlando for the first leadership summit of the year. The main focus of the summit was growing student memberships. This month, Monica Cheeks, Kevin Becker, Tamara Wilkinson and I will be in Portland for the last leadership summit.

I look forward to seeing you all at the joint NACE/ISES meeting on Tuesday, February 23^rd at the Ritz Carlton-Denver, from 11:00am - 1:30 pm.

If you are not a member already, please join our Facebook page: Greater Denver NACE Chapter. You can also follow us on Twitter: @NACEDenver

As always, please let me know if you ever have any questions or concerns.

Sidney M. Stoper, President

Our last meeting was held at The University of Denver's HRTM School on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.  A special thank you to all the students and staff at DU for the amazing meal and service, to Five Star Talent and Entertainment, Inc. for providing live music during the networking hour, and to Jason Grubb with Jason G Photography for photographing the event.

The chapter presented a check in the amount of $500 to Jessica Shoemaker with Project Angelheart.

The Membership Committee introduced our newly developed NACE bags for all new and existing members. They also spoke about the "NACE Buddy System" for all new members.

Amy Johnson, Corporate Director of Catering and Convention Services for Hyatt Hotels, was our guest speaker.  She addressed the age old question, "Is the glass half empty or half full?"

Jessica Ahmed, Celebration Nation Entertainment

Meet Brandi Aspinall              

Denver's Picnic Company

This month we are excited to give you a sneak peek into the life of Brandi Aspinall... 

• Company name: Denver's Picnic Company
• Position: Picnic Designer, "The Main Squeeze"
• Children or Pets: Two dogs that think they are children ( Kip Blue and Kona Lady)
• Where are you from? Fifth-generation Fort Collins Coloradoan
• Favorite vacation spot? Somewhere in the Mountains, anywhere in the mountains. I love the mountains!
• Red or white wine? MMMM Red wine (Australian Shiraz is usually my pick)
• What's in your fridge right now? Eggs, milk, chicken, cheese, salad stuff....the usual quick fix food for the busy event designer.
• How would you explain catering to an 8 year old? Food, fun and friends! I would ask him/her if there was a time when they had fantastic food served to them at a party or a family outing and describe what it took to make that happen. Of course, letting them ask questions so they get a clear picture of what we do in the catering industry.
• If you were a super hero what kind of powers would you have? If you know who Hawk Girl is that's all you need to know.
• What makes you happy? Life and all the adventures it has to offer!
• Why do you like NACE? I love the relationships that are built and the educational inspiration it gives to everyone in the industry.
• Can you describe yourself in three words or less? Passionate; Dedicated; Bubbly
• Hamburger or Filet Mignon? Hamburger!!!! With cheese of course, and all the fixins. After all, I did grow up as a country girl.
• Tom or Jerry? Tom (I always root for the underdog)
• What interested you most about Denver's Picnic Company? The opportunity to be a larger part of the world of events with a great company that prides itself on service, fantastic food and is passionate about the catering industry's success. It is an honor to be an element of this fantastic team.
• What can we look forward to at Denver's Picnic Company? Everything! We have a great team, amazing food and fun creative people to make your event shine. Our focus is service, service, service with a cherry on top and memories that last a lifetime!

The membership committee is placing the final touches on a Member Welcome & Goodie Bag. We are stuffing the bag full of NACE information, member only incentives and everyday useful items. 

This is the PERFECT opportunity for you, our NACE members to also promote your business for 2010! We are looking for items with your company logo and contact information, so members will think of you first when booking services. Some items for you to consider in contributing for the bag (minimum 100 of each):  

Pens

Highlighters

Note Pads

Sticky Notes

Pen Light

Small Calculator

Sweet Treats

Creative Inserts

Tissues

Coffee Mug

Plastic Cup

Hand Sanitizer

Magnet

Match Box

CD

Letter Opener

Ruler

Thumb Drive

Reusable shopping bag

Stress Ball

Please contact Lindsey Richardson at lindsey.richardson@centerplate.com or 303.228.8131 for more information. If we don't hear from you, please expect a call from the Membership "Stalking" Committee. Our mission is to help you get a return on your NACE investment! Need items no later than February 26, 2010.