Here we are in March, and what a First Quarter its been! 

We all know the economy is tough, but each and every one of us is working hard to book business.  Although corporate events are down, the wedding market seems to be down, but staying true around the country.  If you haven't joined the Reno-Tahoe NACE Chapter yet, then consider it.  With the membership campaign starting in a week, there is no better time to join.  A $295 a year membership is a lot less than purchasing a small advertisement in a wedding magazine, but it will put your business in front of our members here in the Northern Nevada Area (not to mention other chapters nationwide, most closely in Sacramento, San Francisco and Silicon Valley).  Networking with our members is far more valuable than any advertisment you can buy!  I wouldn't say it, if  I didn't truly mean it!!!

We have a great educational seminar planned for this month at Montreux Golf and Country Club.  If you OWN a business, HAVE employee's, may WANT to have employee's one day, or ARE an employee... then this is a meeting you won't want to miss.  Montreux will also be putting on a fabulous dinner for us (not to mention amazing networking opportunities).

A few members of our Reno Tahoe NACE Chapter Board just returned from a great NACE leadership conference in Las Vegas.  Robin Eissinger (Harrah's/Harvey's Lake Tahoe), Tiffany Zabaglo (Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe), and myself headed to the NACE National leadership conference, along with 75 other NACE Board members from around the country, to learn about whats new in NACE.  We will be sharing this information with you at our meeting this month.

Can't wait to see you all on Wednesday, March 18th at Montreux.  Have a great month.  Robin

Karen Nichols and Julie Nobis , Owners of Red Carpet Event & Design (the design portion of the company was formerly Props To Go, Inc.) are excited to share the new exciting things going on with Red Carpet Events.  Red Carpet Events is a DMC company, now offering in-house design expertise and rentals.  Please visit us on-line at www.redcarpetdmc.com or call us at 775-355-1501.

Dear Members of the Reno Tahoe NACE Chapter,

As you know, Nevada is more dependent on tourism dollars than any other state in the country.  Nearly one-third of Nevada's employment is tied to tourism.  As the global economy struggles, Nevada feels the effects.  Recent attacks on meetings, events and incentive travel have further hurt the state, as many organizations have cancelled conferences and gone elsewhere to avoid perception issues.  These perceptions are baseless, and the unintended victims of these actions are the tens of thousands of Nevadans who are employed by the tourism industry.

Currently, the Legislature is considering a proposal to significantly cut funding to the Nevada Commission on Tourism and to remove dedicated room tax funding.  If enacted, these cuts would further damage Nevada's tourism-driven economy, decreasing awareness of the state as a tourist destination and reducing our market share.  The Nevada Commission on Tourism is the only entity that promotes the entier state, and the harmful effects of cutting our promotions would be felt statewide.

If you and the members of your organizations are concerned about these issues, we would strongly encourage you and your associates to take action NOW by writing to your state legislators.  Think of the impact we could make if tourism professions, including taxi drivers, housekeepers, bell staff, wait staff, retail sales associates, and others all over teh state took a moment to write a short letter asking their state legislative representatives oppose any effort that would weaken tourism promotion in the state.

Please pass on this message to any interested parties and help get the word out.

Regarding the meetings, events and incentive travel, pleaes find more information and other actions to take at http://www.ustravel.org/resources/Public_Affairs/MEI/2-20-09.htm and www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com

Thank you!

Steve Woodbury, Chief Deputy

Government Affairs & Administration

Nevada Commission on Tourism

401 North Carson Street

Carson City, NV 89701

775-687-0634 / office

775-220-2281 / cell

775-687-5928 / fax

swoodbury@travelnevada.com

The NACE National Conference is scheduled for July 26-July 29 in Charlotte, NC at Experience! 2009.  Attendees registering at the Non-member rate will receive a FREE YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP! 

We will be awarding 1 scholarship to this event (valued at $900).  If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, please let someone from the Reno Tahoe NACE Board know as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.nace.net and to register for the event. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 18, 2009 @ Montreaux Golf and Country Club

For Employees and Employers.  If you've ever wondered about the mysterious world of HR (Human Resources), then this is a meeting you shouldn't miss.  What is a right to work state actually mean?  How do I keep my employees working in a down economy? What are my rights as an employee?  How do I make my resume stronger?

If you've ever had any of these questions, then don't miss this educational program at Montreux Golf and Country Club.  Presentation by Connie Johnson of Talent Framework, an HR Company.

April 15, 2009 @ Lavender Ridge

SPRING MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

This year, NACE will offer it's annual spring campaign between March 23 - May 25.  The incentive will be $100 off.  Beginning March 23, new members and members who have been lapsed for mroe than a year can renew online at www.nace.net, promo code SP08.  Prizes for chapters are to be determined.

2008 Fall Membership Campaign

A HUGE congratulations to the Reno Tahoe Chapter for having a great campaign in Fall.  We won 1st prize for a small chapter with 4 new members.  Our win brings a full 2010 Leadership Summit Registration ($850 value) which will be awarded to someone in our chapter. 

CATERING / CONVENTION SERVICES MANAGER NEEDED

The Silver Legacy Resort Casino is currently seeking adynamic and highly motivated Catering and Convention Services Manager.

Qualified candidates must have previous eperience in a high volume establishment, excellent communication skills and a solid sales background while presenting a professional image at all times.  A strong background in Food an dBeverage is preferable.

This position is responsible for all aspects of planning, oversight and post conference follow-up for convention sales groups and social catering functions

Please call for more information on where to send resumes to:

Christine Sexton, Training Manager

Silver Legacy 325-7401 Ext. 7206

Eldorado 775-954-4006