Triangle NACE Awards Ceremony

Raleigh, NC, April 01, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Triangle Chapter of NACE met Tuesday, February 7, 2012 for the annual NACE Awards gala at the Brier Creek Country Club. The theme for the night was NACE Superheros; “Saving the world one event at a time!” Members celebrated their accomplishments both as a chapter and as individual professionals.

Brier Creek Country club provided a delicious menu for the evening that was kicked off with passed Hors d'oeuvres of Shrimp Katafi, local prawns wrapped in shredded Greek Phyllo, baked, and served with a sweet chili dip. In addition to the shrimp were caramelized apples and goat cheese mousse Crostini, consisting of caramelized granny smith apple and onion chutney, served on a baked goat cheese mousse crostini. The final passed hors d’oeuvres were country ham sliders made with baked country ham with a brown sugar batter served on soft yeast rolls.

Dinner began with a Grilled Romaine Heart Salad with shaved gruyere cheese, marinated kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, sourdough croutons, and a creamy cracked black pepper dressing. This was followed by an entrée of French Colloute Steak and Crab cake, Roasted shallot and Boursin croquette, White and green asparagus bundle, and a Green peppercorn mustard sauce finished with Courvoisier.

Dessert for the evening was a Superman ice cream served in a chocolate dipped waffle “cup” with raspberry coulis, cardamom sugar, and dry ice smoke. In addition to the ice cream the club also offered chocolate truffles for each table.

Lighting and A/V for the night were provided by The Scott Brown Media Group. The chairs, linens, glass and china was all provided by CE Rentals. Entertainment was provided by the Joe Bunn Dj Company. The English Garden designed the lovely floral arrangements on the tables and Amanda Olson Photography captured the evening’s event.

Awards were presented for Best of Nace Catered Events with categories covering every aspect of the event; food, décor, photography, videography, entertainment, lighting, florals, and more. Following these awards were the 2011 Triangle NACE meeting awards. These awards were voted on by members in areas such as favorite educational program for a meeting, favorite food, favorite host, etc.

The night’s program concluded with the 2011 NACE individual awards given to four individuals nominated by their fellow Nace members. These awards included; Catering Professional of the Year, Event Professional of the Year, Spirit of Nace Award, and Outstanding New Member. The night was a true success in highlighting the chapter’s Event Superpowers.

Membership awards:

Best New Member
Winner: Erin Mclean with Erin McLean Events
Other Nominees:
Shelly Keeter, Brier Creek Country Club
Tracy Neilson, The Carolina Inn
Neal Zipser, Shutterbooth

Event Professional of the Year:
Winner: Joe Bunn with Joe Bunn DJ Company
Other Nominees:
Jesse Jenkins, AFR Event Furnishings
Mary Moore Larick, CE Rental
Jenna Olender, Southern Bride & Groom
Ryan Pflumm, SPIN
Valerie Ward, American Tobacco/Capitol Broadcasting

Caterer of the Year:
Winner: Rocky Top Catering
Other Nominees:
Laura Petersen, The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Devon Schwartz, The Carolina Inn
Jaclyn Parks, TPC at Wakefield Plantation
JW Walton, The Catering Company

Spirit of Nace:
Winner: Valerie Ward, American Tobacco/Capitol Broadcasting
Other Nominees:
Neil Boyd, Neil Boyd Photography
Cara Galati, F8 Photo Studios
Amy Greene, Going Greene Events
Jaclyn Parks, TPC at Wakefield Plantation
Laura Petersen, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Sharon Riley, RSVP Events
Diane Tighe, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Valerie Ward, American Tobacco/Capitol Broadcasting
Angie Wright, Chic Details Weddings & Events