From The President By Katie Perrin, NACE Charlotte Chapter
“I can no other answer make but thanks. And thanks.” –William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
There’s something about the phrase “thank you” that can’t help but bring a little joy to one’s day. Thank you, barista, for brewing my morning latte. So simple, yet the words express awareness and appreciation for someone’s efforts. Thank you, co-worker, for refilling the paper tray. It shows respect and gratitude. Thank you, client, for having lunch with me. It acknowledges the value of others’ time. Thank you, husband, for emptying the dishwasher. Perhaps, it might even influence future behavior.
This month, on behalf of the Charlotte chapter of NACE, I would like to say THANK YOU to our immediate past-president, Cortenay Matters. Our members recognize her as the bubbly blonde in pink who stood at the podium for two years, welcoming them to each monthly meeting. Brides remember her as the planner who made their wedding day a dream. I’ve come to know her as a co-chair, leader, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and friend.
Cortenay’s term yielded several milestone events for our chapter. We surpassed our long time goal of 100-plus registered members, we installed four members into the NACE National President’s Council, and we brought NACE’s 2009 Annual Experience Conference to the great city of Charlotte. As a president, Cortenay was very involved in the activities and decisions of our board of directors. She was quick to offer creative solutions and capitalized on any opportunity to educate our members. Cortenay’s unbounded dedication to her chapter and to her colleagues has made her one of our local industry’s greatest assets. For all of this—and much more—we say thank you, Cortenay.
I’d also like to extend a thank you to our February program host, Classic Party Rentals. Their program, “Are you in the Hot Seat?” sold out at last month’s meeting, where members were introduced to the latest trends in seating design. CPR showcased their new “chameleon” chair and guests partook in a chair design competition. Attendees were also treated to an intriguing menu by Chef Charles Catering, featuring Asparagus Soup Sips, Belgian Waffles with Salmon Pastrami and Lemon Dill Whipped Cream, and Shrimp and Grits Ravioli. The night proved that NACE Charlotte definitely knows what’s hot!
A final thank you is in order to the following vendors for their generous support and contribution to our February program and raffle:
Classic Party Rentals,
Chef Charles Catering,
Eye Dialogue,
Sunbelt Rentals,
EK Cake Designs,
Scott Brown Media,
SJB Weddings & Events,
La Tea Da’s Catering,
Hampton Inn & Suites,
Cheesecakes, Etc,
JDK Marketing Communications
We invite you to join us for our next program, Monday, March 15th at 6:00pm! We will be joined by Lisa Hopkins to “Dive” into Fierce Conversations on the pool at Hampton Inn & Suites SouthPark. Register online at www.CharlotteNACE.com!
Interested in becoming a member of NACE? There’s never been a better time to join! NACE’s Spring New Membership Campaign begins March 22 (through May 21). New members receive $100 off of their membership registration fee! Email Gail Buff (sbuff38735@aol.com) for more information.
National Association of Catering Executives Charlotte Chapter