President's Message by Angie Kemp, CPCE

NACE has so much in store for you this year; I encourage you to take full advantage of the educational and networking opportunities.

NACE is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in June. Every NACE chapter in the Nation will be celebrating this event on June 3rd to create a nation wide celebration.

The Napa Valley Grille at Horton Plaza will be hosting our 50th Anniversary celebration on this very special day. There will be a lot of surprises in store for you, so mark your calendar as this will be on the FIRST Tuesday of June on the Third. You won’t want to miss out on this one!

Be ready to be a team player as we visit The SD Zoo in July. You will have the opportunity to take part in making a child’s dream come true through an amazing community service project that promises to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

I look forward to our upcoming events and see another “Chapter of the Year” in our future! Your dedication and participation is an essential element to our success – as always, Thank You!

Membership News by Duffy Fainer

We have 189 members on the Roster. and the Spring Membership Drive is in its final week. If you're interested in joining NACE or know somebody who is, hurry! Until May 23, you can save $100 on a new membership. It's for new members only. Call or email me for more infomation, or visit Nace to join online!

Email me if you have any changes to your contact information, need a namebadge, changing properties, questions, or have issues of concern. See you often in 2008...right?

by: Chris Agrippe, CPCE:

The May-Grey clouds parted, the sun shown, and Marcy Melley and the team from The Prado in Balboa Park treated our chapter to a little slice of heaven in the forest-like setting of the Casa de Rey Moro Gardens on May 13.

The day began with a half-day seminar by nationally-recognized speaker Lynne LaFond DeLuca, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Education for Beverly Clark Enterprises. The sold-out session was presented in conjunction with ABC, and Lynne put over 100 attendees on the "wedding market fast track" with cutting-edge strategies and up-to-the-minute trends in the 1.2 billion dollar segment of our industry.

Lynne's well-paced and interactive session helped identify Unique Selling Propositions that set us above the competition and provide a means for clients to connect through the core values of our products. Wedding Planners, Catering Managers, DJ's, Photographers, Wedding Cake Designers and more, all gained insight into the American Wedding Industry that has become "an expression of our culture".

The morning session was followed by a noon-time reception in the Prado's Courtyard. Bars were set around the picturesque fountain in the center of the piazza, and NACE members and guests relaxed with Sangria and Margaritas in the welcome sunshine. Hors d'Oeuvres were butler-passed, and included Black Bean & Corn Quesadilla with Cumin Cream, Savory Chicken Empanadas with Smoked Tomato Salsa, and Black Pepper Seared Beef with Horseradish Cream on Garlic Crostini. Flowers were arranged by Grace of Flower Girls.

We were chimed for lunch and drifted into the dreamy Garden Terrace to sumptuously refreshing Shantung Fabrics of Burnt Orange and Avocado accented with softly-hued earth tones by Concepts Party Rentals. Sharon Mintz of Organic Elements set the tables with lush florals consisting of orange dahlias, orange pin cushion proteas, cherry brandy roses and geranium leaves extending from chocolate dupioni wrapped cylinder vases with button tie enclosures.

Luncheon was served at a perfectly-chilled temperature and each course was presented by The Prado's Synchronized Team of Service Professionals. The menu began with Heirloom Tomato and Blue Crab Salad on Organic Frisee followed by impeccably Poached King Salmon with Rocket Greens, New Potatoes, Haricot Vert, and Tarragon Dijon Vinaigrette. Dessert was a light Steamed Lemon Cake with Blackberry Coulis and delicately-scented Lavender Phyllo Cookie.”

In appreciation to Lynne for her services and generous raffle prizes, The NACE Board asked her to recommend a charity to benefit from the proceeds. Without hesitation she said "The Military Order of the Purple Hearts", and so a portion of the afternoon's raffles went to "the only veteran's service organization composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients all of whom are combat veterans."

An event such as this is built upon the generosity of our members. Special thanks go to: Toby Russell of Velocity AV, Haydee of Concepts Party Rentals, Bob and Merrylin of Artistic Productions, Arlan with Stone Brewing, Sharon of Organic Elements, Grace with Flower Girls, Kyle of San Diego High Definition, Daniel White Espresso, Gerry from Southern Wines and Spirits, Beryl of Just Fabulous Pastries, Edible Arrangements, Jessica of Candy Couture, and Shannon of True Photography.