President’s Corner March 2015

Fellow Skalleagues,

 It is indeed a great honor for me to represent the ‘SKAL Club of Tampa Bay’ as your President!  Nineteen years ago I served as President and much has changed, but the focus of “amicale” remains the same and serving on the Board of Directors always strengthens these valuable friendships.  

We enjoyed a wonderful evening at our 56^th Installation and Recognition of Past Presidents Dinner, superbly hosted by the Sheraton Sand Key. Many thanks to Russ Kimball and Jack Guy for going all out (as they did at my first installation in 1996).  It was delightful to have the eloquent Mr. Guy (and of course Wanda) join us for the event!

It was a privilege to welcome our new Region IV VP from Atlanta, Burcin Turkkan, who led our opening Skal toast.  President Dan recognized outgoing board members (Dave Rossman, Andy Brouillard, Chuck Wray, Gregg Nicklaus, Laura Lothridge and Troy Manthey). Our thanks to all who contributed so much over the years.  Dan also saluted two long time members who we lost this year, Toby Dillas and Doug Nelson.

Dan recapped his year and our accomplishments which were significant in bringing back the “honor” and “pizzazz” of Skal Tampa Bay!  Well done President Dan!  Your leadership, inspiration and friendly manner truly deserve the appreciation of our membership!

Let me reminisce for a moment about the memorable culinary presentation by Executive Chef John Harris. The passed hors d’oeuvres were delicious veal croquettes, shrimp pipettes (fun presentation), seared duck breast on crostini and those amazing mini-lobster rolls. A special salad with homemade mozzarella, homegrown basil and local greens started the meal.  The entrée was a duet of truffle dusted roast tenderloin (Mmm) and crab crusted gulf snapper with parmesan herb risotto.  Dessert was homemade bread pudding with candied pecans, butter rum sauce and ice cream.  Wow!

Burcin Turkkan gave us her background and proceeded with the installation and pinning of officers. Returning Directors are Roberta Blum, Michele O’Hara, Sara Bertran and John Donadeo.  She welcomed incoming Directors George Bentley, Chuck Prather and Tim Coultas,  Executive Secretary/Treasurer- Steven Rodriguez, Past President- Dan Peretz, SIUSA Rep.- Carol Eaves, Treasurer- Colette Florido, Secretary- Ed Shaughnessy, Vice-President- Hoyt Hamilton and I proudly took the helm from Captain Dan!

I laid out a few goals for this year: To continue to grow our membership and focus on some key properties and organizations where we greatly hope for involvement, to develop a core membership of “Young Skal” with the assistance of USF, St. Pete College and St. Leo hospitality programs, to expand our November “Salute” from GM’s to Tourism in the Tampa Bay area and to make our group more vibrant and once again become “the” organization to make a commitment to!

My thanks to everyone for their confidence and support in the coming year and for the honor to lead such a distinguished group!  I look forward to seeing everyone on April 13^th at the Marriott St. Peterburg/Clearwater.

George Hoch                       

President             

                               *  50 / 50 & Raffle  *

The 50/50 drawing was $185, won by Phil Henderson who generously donated back to the club. Thank you Phil! 

The other great raffle items that night were ………..

 * Two night stay at Sheraton Sand Key Resort  

 * Dinner for Two at Maritana Grill

 * Gift Certificate for Lobster Pot Bistro

 * Fishing and Dolphin Watch from Hubbard's Marina