CHAPTER NEWS
September 2020
President's Message:
Another month down means we are that much closer to 2020 being over. How is it already September? I have no idea, but i'll take it. This is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air, cozy sweaters and snuggling on my couch while my favorite candle burns.
Last month we had a great virtual meeting. We enjoyed some yummy bites from Mosaic, a delicious cocktail from Virago, and jammed out to tunes from Bunn DJ! The only thing missing? Being able to all be in the same room. I am looking forward to seeing you all in person later this month. I don't know about you, but I am 'zoomed out' and could use some in person interaction (while still maintaining 6' apart). I hope to see you all in a few short weeks! Stay safe, stay healthy and keep powering through. We are going to make it through 2020 together!
Your Chapter President,
Jamie Adams, CPCE
Member Spotlight
Tory Gilliam
Tory is the Senior Catering + Event Producer at Mosaic Catering & Events, a full service catering company with a focus on the overall event experience. From food and beverage to lighting and unique decor pieces, they can elevate any event to new heights.
Tory and his team at MOSAIC largely contributed to our last two NACE meetings. In July, Tory showed us how to make a delicious strawberry-basil margarita for our happy hour cocktail, and in August provided appetizers boxes to go for an at home dining experience. During our August meeting, Tory was also our guest speaker and talked with us about catering during the times of COVID-19.
Thank you for all you have done, Tory!
Upcoming Meetings
September 29, 2020
Join us on September 29th for an amazing Flower Workshop and Flower-Themed evening!
Pump up the fun with your floral-inspired outfit or mask - whatever you got!
We are having a socially distanced, mask required event at Maymont's Westover House. Catering is provided by our friends at A Sharper Palate, the floral design workshop (you'll be taking home your own arrangement!) will be lead by MaryAnn Blooms, and Hott Shotz will be introducing a new photo booth concept. Music & streaming provided by Seth from Rhythm of Love, and Rent-E- Quip will be providing the details of fine linens and glassware for your cocktails. All this Frolicking Flower Fun will be documented by Brittany Lowe of Brittany Lowe Photography. Special thanks to Lauren Purcell of Swoon Soiree for making this the great event it will be!
Cost: In-person or virtual (if you are not comfortable participating in person),
$50 for members and $65 for non-members. Details for virtual attendance to come later.
Time: 6-8 pm
Address: 1001 Spottswood Road, Richmond, VA 23220
Please note, that all sponsors will be adhering strictly to CDC guidelines and we will be taking extra steps to ensure a safe event for all attendees and sponsors:
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Tables will be set up 6' apart
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Masks are required
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Temperatures will be checked as you sign in
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Attendees will be able to wear a sticker to let people know their comfort level (Green, yellow, red)
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Sanitation stations will be set up
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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A Message From NACE National
Taking Action
The past month has been a pivotal turning point in the fight against racism and for an equitable and inclusive future. As an organization, NACE values diversity and condemns racism, and we acknowledge that we have some work to do to create an inclusive and anti-racist community.
As communicated on June 5, the NACE National Board is committed to beginning a diversity and inclusion initiative as an immediate priority. We have committed to doing this through an action plan that listens to NACE members and is fully transparent. We are pleased to share this plan with you today.
The plan is aligned with our strategic pillars as an organization and lays out actions we can take now and in the immediate future. This plan will evolve and grow to include additional strategies, steps, and phases as we listen to members, leaders, and consultants.
NACE cannot be exceptional as an organization if we ignore issues that affect our community, the clients of our members, and our nation. We ask all members to join us in support of this critical initiative.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the National office at info@nace.net, 410-290-5410, or via chat on nace.net.
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.
