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| Facing Economic Woes in the Event Industry
Ginia Lucas, President~Phoenix Chapter of NACE
With the economy tanking, and images of AIG doing a $400,000 event on the taxpayers dime, and then cancelling another, all of us in the Catering and Event Industries are worried about what the future holds. Large Corporations, whose events, retreats and training seminars are the bread and butter of many resorts and hotels, are trying to find ways of cutting their budgets, and those events may be one of the first cuts to their ever decreasing budgets.
We. as Catering Executives need to help them see how important retaining those events are to the growth of their companies. This may seem like a daunting task, but is not impossible. Reinforcing the need to train employees in a friendly environment, and bringing together employees in a neutral area for board retreats, educational meetings and seminars can actually increase their bottom lines in the long run. Stressing the importance of Employee retention by creating a relaxed and more natural atmosphere for them to learn and create in, is essential to the corporation's desires to keep their businesses on the right track.
Sometimes a smart move is to help them budget their events and create what may seem to be less expensive options so that the events can still happen. Every event counts and creates revenue. Obviously we would like to see the larger events continue as is, but by showing that we, too, care about their bottom line, the event, no matter how small ,will still generate dollars in a receding economy.
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| OCTOBER HOSPITALITY LEGALESE
Our October meeting was held at the unique and beautiful Boojum Tree in North Phoenix. Ian Brooks of The Boojum Tree was our host and let us roam the property. The lush gardens were a lovely setting for the delicious meal served by Kevin Walters of Pangea Catering. We had stuffed mushrooms, Shrimp with tequila lime dipping sauce And hearts of Palm Ceviche with our cocktails in the Bar area, then moved into the twinkle lit reception area for a dinner of Hoisin Ginger Chicken, Chinese Roasted Pork,Jamaican Rice & Peas and Eggplant & Mushrooms in Balsamic Vinegar, followed by Tiramasu Spongecake with Spiced Coffee.
Our Speakers from the Leavitt Group discussed Hospitality based, Benefits, HR problems and issues and liquor liability.
Michael Ryan of the Leavitt Group was our MC. Todd Anderson (1-801-933-2610) led us through HR issues including harassment in the workplace. He was followed by Thomas Murphy, (602-252-3190) who discussed benefits and the upcoming trends in benefits especially for small businesses as well as a short history on how insurance and benefits came about. They were followed by Pat Nichols of CNA (602-212-3229) who is a risk control Specialist and he discussed new liquor laws and liabilities. Feel free to contact any of the speakers for more info on these subjects.
For pictures of our October meeting , click on this link:
http://www.phoenixnace.com/gallery.php?date=102108&dispdate=October%2021,%202008
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| New Members!
Welcome Ken Miller from Munkeboe Linens! |
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Michael Ryan of Leavitt Group
Hosts October Legalese Speakers
602-264-0566 ext 120
Michael Ryan brought together a great panel at the October Hospitality Legalese Meeting. From his company, The Leavitt Group, we heard from Todd Anderson of Human Resources, Pat Nichols from Risk Control, and Thomas Murphy from Benefits. Their insights and knowledge will be beneficial to all who attended.
Michael offers event industry specific insurance to both large and small businesses. If you have any questions regarding their presentations, you can reach Michael at the above number and e-mail.
Originally from Chicago, and after graduating from Columbia College, Michael credentials include attended the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago and Dumas Pere School of French Cooking where he studied in the Bejoulais region of France. After working for 13 years as a Chef for multiple hotels, restaurants and country clubs, Michael decided it was time for a career change due to the requirements the professional kitchen put on his personal life.
With some direction from his financial planner/friend, he made the jump to property and casualty insurance specializing in insurance and risk management for the hospitality industry. Michael originally started with Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point, Wisconsin where his focus was on company niche market insurance programs and risk management solutions. Michael has been with The Leavitt Group for over five years and in the risk management and insurance business for over 10 years. He continues to utilize his past career expertise and disciplines to help both hospitality clients and the like to reach their risk management goals.
Michael offers his talents and services to the Phoenix NACE organization and has been a greater supporter and participant since he joined.
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| Upcoming NACE Meetings
Mark Your Calendar
November 18th
Food and Wine Pairing~ Scottsdale Hilton
You will not want to miss this amazing event it is a new an innovative way to do wine pairings. It was showcased at the NACE National Convention.
December 9th
Holiday Party~Talking Stick Golf Club
Bring your holiday spending money to this great industry wide event. We have many great vendors coming to this event so you can do all of your holiday shopping! Candles, Jewelry, Food, Doggie treats, just to name a few! |
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| 2010-08-31:
ARAMARK at ASU Tempe Campus (www.aramark.com) is looking for a Catering Sales Coordinator. The position is Full-time, Monday through Friday. Benefits are provided. Please contact Jim Emmons at emmons-jim@aramark.com if you are interested in learning more about the position.
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| 2010-08-31: Anthem Golf & Country Club (www.anthemclubaz.com) is seeking a Private Events Assistant. Accepting resumes only; please email resumes to anthemreservations@gmail.com. |
| 2010-08-31: Creations in Cuisine Catering (www.creationsincuisine.com) is seeking experienced Banquet Captains, Executive Sous Chef, Garde Manager Chef, Wait Staff, Bartenders, Cooks & Warehouse Assistants/Drivers. Please submit resume and experience to: accounting@creationsincuisine.com. |
| 2010-08-30: Y-Knot Party & Rentals is taking applications for this position through 9/15/10 in person only. They are currently searching for a Sales/Setup person. Preferred skills include basic computer skills, phone etiquette, banquet setup, and some design skills. 1127 W. Main ST, Mesa, AZ 85201 480-967-4495 talk to Ginia Lucas. |
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Skyline image licensed from Adam Nollmeyer Phoenix Photographer