CHAPTER NEWS
July 2021
President's Message:
Wow, was June crazy or what?! I was definitely ready to take this long weekend and relax by the pool with my family. I hope you all were able to do the same! I now get to look forward to all of the exciting things that our chapter has going on in July and the marathon that is 2021 (and 2022) for our industry. I keep reminding myself that- we are running a marathon, not a sprint. It is going to be a crazy and hectic year (that will definitely flow into 2022). So make sure that you are keeping a steady pace, taking breaks when needed and checking in with yourself and your friendors! We are all going to need the support and motivation to make it through!
I am so excited that we have our first NACE Member Meet Up on Friday, July 9th. We get to hang out, catch up and enjoy some delicious food & drinks from an amazing local spot, Soul Taco! I can already taste the tacos & margaritas!
We also have a chapter favorite, the Annual Summer Social, at the end of the month! A time for everyone in the industry to come together and take a deep breath & relax. It is always a fun time and this month at Bartizan will definitely not disappoint!
Lastly, I cannot wait to be in Las Vegas at the end of the month for NACE Experience Conference! It is long overdue and I am giddy with excitement to see & hug friends from other chapters! There is an amazing lineup of top industry education and I can't wait to share it all with you when I get back! I look forward to celebrating our chapter during the NACE Once Awards as the 2019 Chapter Program of The Year (51-100 Members) WINNER and 2020 Chapter Program of the Year (51-100 Members) Nominee! Fingers crossed that we can bring home another win to RVA!
Needless to say, there will be lots of fun times had while in Sin City. But remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
Jamie Adams, CPCE
Chapter President
Member Spotlight
Lona Crittenden
This month we are celebrating Lona Crittenden, owner of Cater 2 Events, along with her husband, Gill Crittenden!!
As a boutique caterer C2E creates menus and spaces that bring a client’s personal style and vision of hospitality to life. They make sure all events meet the highest standards of both food and fun, while collaborating with the area’s best event planners and venues. Their food is always elegantly presented and professionally served.
They offer full service catering from start to finish for both small and large events, from baby showers and brunches to corporate parties and weddings!!
Upcoming Meetings
When: Tuesday, July 27th | 6pm - 8pm
Where: Bartizan Restaurant & Bar
4035 Whittall Way, Glen Allen, VA 23060
It's time for our annual Summer Social! Join us at Bartizan, Dover Hall's first sister property. We've all endured a crazy couple of months and it's time to decompress and enjoy each other's company off the clock. Come spend time with your favorite local friendors while enjoying delicious food & drinks. Also - be sure to come dressed to impress, as Linda Spencer with Awesomesauce Photography will be offering headshots!
The board is excited to fill their baskets with all of their favorite things. Bring your card or cash to purchase your raffle tickets!
We can't wait to see you there and be sure to use your promo code when purchasing your tickets!
From NACE National
Expiring Members
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Extended grace period- Membership renewal grace period has been extended from 30 days to 120 days. This means your membership will continue for approximately 4 months after your renewal date without any dues payment
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Payment plans- Members may request a payment plan for dues renewal. This payment plan can be combined with the extended grace period.
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Membership transfer policy- Members who lose their employer-paid membership due to loss of employment will retain their NACE membership for the remainder of their membership term or 90 days, whichever is longer.
Diversity Initiative:
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Board Statement
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The board released a statement on June 11th regarding the ongoing injustice and racism in our country. We realize that our statement was late. We, as a board, wanted to take the time to educate ourselves, listen to webinars and podcasts, and become well informed before making a formal statement to our members. We recognize that there is a current issue and need for change within our local catering & event industry and our chapter. We WILL do better.
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Diversity Committee
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We have added a diversity committee which will be overseen by the Director of Membership. This group of racially diverse members will work to recruit new black members and retain the involvement of current members of color. This committee will curate black speakers to educate members on topics like racism and inequality within the event industry, promote black owned businesses and members through #unitythroughcommunity, and facilitate meaningful connections and conversations between our members.
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Re-allocating Funds
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Quarterly donations to organizations both locally and nationally to support BLM
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A donation has already been made in honor of Aleya Harris to the Equal Justice Initiative. Thank you Aleya for having a candid conversation with our members about racism and allyship within the wedding and events industry. You can watch the replay here.
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Sponsor a student member from a local HBCU, Virginia State University or Virginia Union University.
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Updating our current and future monthly programs to include Black speakers & education as well as partnering with local Black catering & event professionals to showcase their work
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We're Here For You!
When the first impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic hit the catering and events industry, NACE moved quickly to support members The National Board has enacted several resources and measures to maintain our strong, vibrant community. We have expanded the membership grace period to 120 days, introduced flexible installment plans, expanded online education, and more.
