Upcoming Meeting
NACE September Meeting
Community Service & Fundraiser Information
The Community Service Committee is always on the lookout for new initiatives for the association to get involved in. Please forward any suggestions you may have to Annie Kang-Drachen, CPCE akdrachen@bouchonbistro.com.
Similarly for fundraising, Shauna Lederman and/or Nicole Melhaff would love to hear any ideas you may have to help the Chapter raise funds. You can reach Shauna or Nicole at FUNdraising@lasvegasnace.net.
The Las Vegas NACE Chapter is now on Facebook! You can access the group page by clicking here. It is a great place to post pics, ideas, have discussions, get information about the chapter or just to catch up with your friends from NACE.
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Las Vegas NACE Awards- Your Votes will Honor Best & Brightest at November Gala
What a fantastic year this has been and it is hard to believe we are already headed into September and planning holiday parties! September is also the time when we begin the Las Vegas Chapter Awards selection and voting process.
Ballots for the following award categories will issued to members and will be voted on at our September 24th meeting.
• Caterer of the Year
• Event Professional of the Year
• Inspirational Member of the Year
• Best Chapter Meeting of the Year
• Best Meeting Venue of the Year
In addition to the September vote a follow up e-mail will be sent to members after the September Meeting . This will address those members that were absent or those members who needed additional time to vote.
Nominees are considered and voted on by your Board of Directors for the following catergories.
Supporting Organization of the Year
Criteria
• Support local chapter member success
• Donation of product/ services
• Willingness to make a difference in the community by partnering with the NACE Las Vegas Chapter
• Allows their emloyees to engage themselves fully in participating in local and national events
• Board of Directors are not eligible
Supporting Member of the Year
Criteria
• Donation of time and services to the chapter
• Committee participation
• Commitment to chapters philanthropy projects
• Board of Directors are not eligible
New Member of the Year
Criteria
• Has had an immediate impact on the chapter
• Gone over and beyond expectations and has made the chapter better for their efforts
• This member supports others in the chapter
• Has volunteere to help with committees and projects
• Involves themselves in the chapter programs and meetings
• Attends chapter meetings regularly
• Board of Directors are not eligible
Rising Star of the Year
Criteria
• Devotion of time and energy
• Giving their all to make our chapter successful
• Feel this person could be a great future chapter leader
• Board of Directors are not eligible
The awards will be presented at our Board Installation and Awards Dinner on November 19th at Cili Restaurant.
♦♦♦♦♦♦
by Andy Ebon, Communications Chair
August 2007
One of the carryover honors from last year was the privilege of having Lisa Lynn Backus, CPCE, present awards in her role as President of the reigning Chapter of the Year.
It wouldn't be long before she was presenting the Chapter Community Service Award to one of her own board members,Annie Kang-Drachen CPCE.
Next, would be Michele Polci, CPCE, who earned the award for Best On-Premise Event (budget over $35,000), in a second consecutive year.
Things were really getting intensely interesting as Michele heard her name called again, for Best Themed Food & Beverage Event.
Now it was time for the 'George Zell Spirit of NACE Award.' The chapter had submitted Andy Ebon. He was one of seven nominees for a possible three awardees. Also nominated was Andy's close friend, Elena Lipkins (San Francisco Past President and Past National Board Member).
The first Spirit Winner called was Elena Lipkins. Andy jumped out of his chair to greet her on the way to the stage. Settling back into his chair, Andy tried to contain his anticipation. That would not last long.
His name was called second, he jumped to his feet and the chapter roared with approval. Finally, last year's Caterer of the Year winner, Billy Singleton, CPCE (Orlando) was called as third winner.
In his acceptance remarks, Andy thanked 'the president of my fan club, Jodi Harris, for putting my name into nomination.' He thanked the members that wrote such kind letters in support of the nomination (Lisa Lynn Backus, Elena Lipkins (San Francisco), Tim Sudall (Las Vegas) and Cindy Marshall (Anchorage).
He acknowledged the Boards of Directors in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Nationally for 'accepting me, appreciating me, and sometimes tolerating me.
Andy paid tribute to the his friend, the late George Zell, for his dedication to NACE and being a personal inspiration, as well. With a flourish, Andy referenced many of the NACE cities and experiences that are so memorable to him over the many years of his involvement.
Finally, with tongue, firmly implant in cheek, he quoted Mark Twain, who once said: "When they are getting ready to run you out of town, it's always good to get out in front, and make it look like a parade." After getting the audience laugh, he closed with "Thank you for your love and appreciation.... and thank you for my parade."
The Caterer of the Year had five nominees and some of the toughest competition of the evening. Yet, it was Michele Polci, CPCE who complete the trifecta, as her name was called for the biggest individual honor NACE gives.
With warmth, grace, and humility, Michele traced her path to NACE back to her first National Conference in Miami. Michele and Cheryl Sgovio, CPCE, attended that conference and knew practically no one. There was not yet a Las Vegas chapter.
She would credit many of the individuals and chapters for providing the inspiration that fueled her excellence. Michele would thank her team at the Rio, the Board of Directors and members of the Las Vegas chapter, and in particular, her close friend and mentor, Cheryl Sgovio, CPCE, for providing the support and encouragement in her professional development.
It was a magical moment for Michele, and all that were there to soak it in.
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Chapter members gather at the Awards Gala, Houston, TX, July 2007
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