NACE: The Next Generation

The Greater Denver Chapter of NACE is proud to announce our brand new student chapter at Johnson and Wales University.  21 students signed up when the charter was sent to the national office. Vice President of Membership, Mari Bradley, has been instrumental with developing a student chapter since last fall. “I am really excited about our student chapter,” says Bradley.  “They are very enthusiastic and want to do great things with NACE.” 

Please help me welcome and congratulate our incoming student chapter board:

Taylor Niceforo – Student Chapter President

Kelsey Appel-McCullar – Student Chapter Vice President

Jessica Crawford – Student Vice President in Training

Kate Natoli – Student Chapter Secretary

Andy Buth – Student Treasurer

Kim Tranter - Faculty Advisor

NACE is also offering a $2,000 scholarship to a local undergraduate student in the hospitality industry. If you know of any students who are interested, please have them contact Mari Bradley at mbradley@ucar.edu. The deadline to submit the application is Oct. 15, 2010.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Second Annual Catering Olympics at the Warwick Denver Hotel on Thursday, Sept. 23^rd.

Have a safe holiday!

Sidney M. Stoper

Chapter President

It is that time of year again, for a little change in our NACE Board Officers and Directors.  The Board Officers serve for a 2-year term, and we are in search of only one position this coming term 2011-2013: Vice President  / Programs.  This is an elected officer position and we are looking for nominations from NACE members interested in getting more involved.  There will also be some Board Director positions opening up that will allow you to forge new business partners and relationships through committees and volunteering.  Please review the attachments that were sent out through the NACE e-mail.  Any questions, please contact Monica Cheeks at monica.cheeks@hyatt.com.

Welcome to our Newest Members
Lisa Ramirez          Hilton Garden Inn
John Tharpe           A Music Plus

Other Members in the News:
We would like to recognize the following members that renewed their membership with NACE this past month:
Marge VanWoerkom       Baskets By Rita
Jay Mills                        Jay's Valet

Meet Amanda K. Michalek
Catering Manager
JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO – I am a CO Native!

Pets(s): Ling Ling (Shih Tzu)

Catering Industry Experience: 6 years ago it began and is continuing at the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek. I opened the hotel in 2004, it seems like it was yesterday! It has been a amazing experience to grow here.

What favorite food puts you in a great mood? Mexican Food, any mealtime

Cold Stone or Frozen Yogurt: Frozen Yogurt for sure, I am on a kick this summer!

First thing you will save in a fire? Pictures and my dog

What’s your middle name?  Kay, I have the same middle name as my Mom

Which is a color that best describes you or stands for your personality?  Ocean Blue, I like that it is a color that is relaxing and chill.

3 things you cannot live without? Laughter, hugs and my Bible

What do you enjoy doing outside of the Catering world: I enjoy being outside in the beautiful state that we have, there is so much to do and see here in Colorado. Anything outdoors I enjoy, summer is my favorite time in Colorado.

What your customer’s love most about you: I have had several Brides’ comment that I keep their Mom’s calm during the planning process. As long as the Bride and family are in good spirits it makes it all the more enjoyable. It is a pleasure to see them enjoy their special day!

Why you are in this fun and crazy business of catering at JW Marriott: I cannot imagine being in any other industry! I have learned many facets during my time in Catering at the JW Marriott Denver. The most enjoyable time for me is when the event is taking place; everyone is enjoying themselves and taking all of their hard work in. Whether a corporate event, wedding or social event, when the event is in swing everyone is watching it all come to life.

What do you enjoy most about NACE: The people for sure! NACE has really rocket launched my event community in Denver, they are truly friends that you can go to if you need to ask any question when putting a new policy in place, setting up a last minute vendor for a event and last but not least a extension of family.