News

President’s Corner January 2017

Greetings fellow Skalleagues!

2017 – Off and Running!

I would like to thank all members for their continuedsupport of our chapter and I am honored to be the President this year. My maingoal is to keep the momentum going, to visit and experience new venues andpossibly reacquaint ourselves with past venues that have served us well throughthe decades.

As George Hoch shared with me last year, our meetings aresort of a “reward” for our years in the hospitality/travel business and thatshould be the message when recruiting potential new members.  Funny enough, with the growth of our YoungSkal participants, I see that as another recruiting opportunity as many of usare looking for “the right stuff” for our respective businesses and these youngskalleagues have it….so feel free to add that to the list of reasons toparticipate monthly!

Special thanks to Hoyt Hamilton for his service as Presidentin 2016 and hosting our over the top successful December meeting…great way toend the year! I look forward to working with our board members (new andexisting) to create new memories in 2017. Please check the website often forupdates and announcements of our next meeting location in February and thespecial event/fundraiser in the works for Young Skal on Sun. 2/26/17.

Best Skal regards!

George Bentley

Collecting items for our Monthly Raffle

The extra raffle items graciously donated by many of you have been great incentives for our members to participate. We have had some fantastic "extra opportunity drawing" items. THANK YOU!!

We are collecting more items for upcoming meetings. We will be mindful of any time sensitive or restricted items but please try to put an expiration date of at least December 31, 2017 on any certificate.

This entire year we are adding additional prizes to our monthly drawings to garner more excitement and showcase our members. If you would like to donate items for the upcoming dinners or annual holiday auction, please email me and let me know what you will be donating and then mail the certificate, gift card, etc. to the following address:

SKAL Tampa Bay c/o Steven Rodriguez

14280 Passage Way, Seminole FL 33776

This is a great way of advertising your business while increasing odds of winning at our events and supporting our club. Thanks so much to all that have and continue to furnish prizes and auction items.

President’s Corner September 2016

Fall is almost upon us. At least that’s what the calendar says! I truly hope everyone is able to put a strong finish on 2016 as we enter the last quarter.

A giant thank you goes out to our friends at the Tampa Airport Marriott for hosting us this month. Everything was outstanding!  From the cocktail hour and appetizers, to the dinner presentation and dessert.  Our market is truly fortunate to have so many outstanding options that serve our number 1 industry!

Congratulations go out to our raffle winners: Kathy Fischer won the 50/50 draw while John and Karin Donadeo won a $50 gift certificate to The Sail Restaurant and golf for 2 at Tampa Bay TPC.  (Probably should have shaken the tickets up better!)  And Tessa Hubbard took home a one night stay at the Airport Marriott.

I strongly encourage everyone to get their reservations in for our October meeting at the Opal Sands on Clearwater Beach.  It promises to be an evening to remember and if you have yet to see this property, prepare to be WOWed!  Please note that this meeting is on TUESDAY October 4.  Not our normal Monday.  Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Opal Sands!

Yours in SKAL,

Hoyt

Collecting items for our Monthly Raffle

The extra raffle items graciously donated by many of you have been great incentives for our members to participate. We have had some fantastic "extra opportunity drawing" items. THANK YOU!!

We are collecting more items for upcoming meetings. We will be mindful of any time sensitive or restricted items but please try to put an expiration date of at least December 31, 2017 on any certificate.

This entire year we are adding additional prizes to our monthly drawings to garner more excitement and showcase our members. If you would like to donate items for the upcoming dinners or annual holiday auction, please email me and let me know what you will be donating and then mail the certificate, gift card, etc. to the following address:

SKAL Tampa Bay c/o Steven Rodriguez

14280 Passage Way, Seminole FL 33776

This is a great way of advertising your business while increasing odds of winning at our events and supporting our club. Thanks so much to all that have and continue to furnish prizes and auction items.

President’s Corner June 2016

Hello fellow Skalleagues!

   Thanks go out to everyone who attended our June meeting at the historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City! While our monthly meetings are always fun and memorable, being at this venue was truly an experience. The Gonzmart Family and their staff did an excellent job of providing us with plenty of drinks, and a dinner that can only be had at the Columbia. Thanks again to all!

   A VERY special thank you goes out to our Membership Committee. Roberta Blum, Rick Hamilton and Tom Haines were able to invite over 20 new guests for the evening and it is now everyone’s job to work towards making them welcomed members in the near future.

   Congratulations go out to our Raffle winners: Chris Heye /Dolphin Watch Cruise, Dominic Provesano /Brunch for 2 at Belleair Country Club, Julie Cortina /South African Wine and SKAL Bag and Dylan Hubbard was our $150 50/50 winner!

   Well, the humidity of summer has officially arrived.  And that can only mean one thing, it’s time to play some golf! Everyone please mark your calendars for July 22, 2016  at the beautiful Belleair Country Club for the Annual Don Smith Golf Tournament. Tee time is 8:00 AM and lunch will be served shortly after 12 Noon. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s picture perfect swing on the 22^nd. Everyone should have received an email informing you of Ed Shaunessy’s charity project and I urge everyone to bring something for Ed to the Golf Tournament.

Yours in SKAL,

Hoyt

    SKAL TAMPA BAY MEETING ETIQUETTE

   During a typical meeting, the reception time is a great opportunity to mingle and make new SKAL friends as well as welcome and get to know our guests who are potential members and share your great SKAL experiences.  As a member of SKAL you have the opportunity to spend time among like-minded professionals, to enjoy fabulous cuisine at some of Tampa Bay’s finest venues.  It is not the time or place to pass out business cards or hustle business.  You will of course make lifetime friendship and if at some time you decide you need one of the services a member provides, you will of course call on them for their expertise.

   When we do our SKAL Toast, only members should stand for the toast while their guests remain seated.

   We have two special events each year:  Our holiday party in December and our Installation Dinner in March.  Suggested attire is more formal with Black Tie optional.  While members are always welcomed to sign up their spouses to attend a meeting, the two special events are typically a big draw.

   Members are encouraged throughout the year to invite guests who are considered to be “qualified” potential members.  These are upper level, hospitality industry executives.  SKAL draws from hotel executives and owners, Travel and Cruises industries, Attractions and transportation to name a few.  If you are not sure if your guest qualifies you may contact your Membership Committee Chairperson, or our EST.  If the potential guest qualifies, please invite them to their first meeting as “your guest” rather than stating it is free.

President’s Corner May 2016

Greetings Fellow Skalleagues!

Our May dinner at the Sirata Beach Resort was a huge success for a number of reasons. The Sirata always delivers a memorable evening and this was no different.  From the Cocktail hour on the Breezeway with delicious appetizers, to a wonderful dinner that was only surpassed by the spectacular views of the sunset.  Somehow that never gets old!  I would also like to thank the Banfi Winery for supplying the wine selections.  They were a perfect complement to the meal. A big thank you goes out to Gregg Nicklaus and Tim Coultas for an outstanding evening. 

I want to thank Laura Lothridge and Ronda Sanborn for organizing and conducting the Stars of Tomorrow fundraiser for our Young SKALs.  Their efforts raised over $500 for our young SKAL program. This will go a long way towards providing these future hospitality professionals with the opportunity to be a part of, and learn from, our club members as they grow within our industry.  I urge all members to keep your eyes open for potential new Young SKAL candidates that may be in your company, or that you interact with in your daily routines. This is the future of our club, and industry, and your help makes everyone stronger.

All of us are encouraged to be aware of prospective new members and this month, George Hoch and  I were happy to pin Robert Czyszczon with Plaza Beach Resorts as our newest member.  I have no doubt that Robert will be a big asset to our Club!  Congratulations, and a big thank you goes out to Leslie Wright. She was the winner of our 50/50 drawing and selected a 2 night stay at the Barefoot Beach Resort as her prize which allowed us to donate the cash winnings to the Young SKAL program.

The June dinner will be on June 13^th at the historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. It is sure to be a night you won’t want to miss so get your reservations in early.  I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Yours in SKAL,

Hoyt

        YOUNG SKAL  -  A subject Dan remains committed to, is re-building Young SKAL at our club. He is confident none of us have to look too far to find a potential up and coming young hospitality person that would be a perfect candidate as a Young SKAL member!   As a reminder………..                                              

         Young SKAL Student – Is a student at an authorized, tourism, educational establishment which grants a degree or recognized diploma upon completion of studies.  Ages 18 – 27.

         Young SKAL Professional - Is a young professional training for or working in the industry.  Ages 20 – 29.

        Young SKAL Associate  -  Is a Young SKAL professional still training for or working in the industry after the age of 29 who does not yet qualify for Active membership may continue as Young SKAL Associate member until the age of 35.

President’s Corner April 2016

Greetings Fellow Skalleagues!

It feels great to have my first official meeting as President of our club behind me!  It istruly an honor to serve you in this capacity. I would like to thank my Board members for a productive and timely Board meeting prior to our dinner at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.  Discussions were productive and I am confident that the future of our Club is looking very bright.

I would also like to recognize and thank the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa and its staff for an outstanding and memorable event.  The meal was incredible with the Filet and Crab Cakes.  I must admit that I got in a little trouble when I got home and told my wife about the Bananas Foster dessert as it is her favorite! 

Congratulations go out to our raffle winners: Julie Cortina won a Spa Day at Safety Harbor Spa, Jeff Malogrides was the lucky winner of a stay at the Epicurean with brunch for 2 included, Rhonda Sanborn won a Dolphin Cruise for 2 from Dolphin Landings, and our 50-50 winner of $120 was Colette Florido. Just a reminder, we are always looking for additional prizes to add to our raffles.  If you or someone you conduct business with would like to donate, we will gladly accept.  Steven informed me that our stash of raffle prizes is almost empty, so please keep your eyes open.

In closing, I can’t tell you how much I look forward to each of our meetings.  It is an opportunity to interact with like minded professionals in the Hospitality Industry in a relaxed non soliciting setting.  As most of you know, relaxed is how I operate in almost every situation and as I run our meetings I try to keep it light and enjoyable.  I hope that everyone enjoys my approach, but if I get a little too relaxed, feel free to let me know.  I look forward to seeing everyone next month at the Sirata Beach Resort in St Pete Beach.  They never fail to deliver a top shelf experience!

Also, if you know of any Owners, GMs, VPs, Directors and Young SKAL candidates that may qualify for membership, please contact Steven about inviting them as our guest to an upcoming event. Visit our website to find out what the requirements are to be a qualified member or contact Steven for help.

Hoyt

May raffle proceeds will go to the Young SKAL Fund

        YOUNG SKAL  -  A subject Dan remains committed to, is re-building Young SKAL at our club. He is confident none of us have to look too far to find a potential up and coming young hospitality person that would be a perfect candidate as a Young SKAL member!   As a reminder………..                                              

         Young SKAL Student – Is a student at an authorized, tourism, educational establishment which grants a degree or recognized diploma upon completion of studies.  Ages 18 – 27.

         Young SKAL Professional - Is a young professional training for or working in the industry.  Ages 20 – 29.

        Young SKAL Associate  -  Is a Young SKAL professional still training for or working in the industry after the age of 29 who does not yet qualify for Active membership may continue as Young SKAL Associate member until the age of 35.

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

President’s Corner February 2016

Dear Fellow Skalleagues,

Your Board of Directors and I are hoping for a grand turnout for our March 10^th (Thursday- 6:30pm)Installation Banquet at the Club at Treasure Island! We hope to welcome back many past-presidents and will have the honor of the SIUSA (SKAL International U.S.A.) VP of Administration, Holly Powers, participating in the ceremony. This is a formal/tux “optional” event but please do not let that intimidate, and please note it is a Thursday evening and one-half hour later to encourage spousal/date attendance.

If you are planning any Summer travel, you may want to include Boise, Idaho June 9-12 and the North American (NAASC) SKAL Congress. Dan Peretz will be representing our club.

Please be identifying a Young SKAL Candidate to invite to the May SKAL dinner at the Sirata Beach Resort. We encourage every member to bring a young guest to this special evening featuring Young Skal. Their first visit is complimentary. (Please reference our web site page on Young SKAL for possible categories and explanation)

February 8^th we met and dined at Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach thanks to our host George Bentley!  Hors de Oeuvres (creative watermelon cubes topped with crab salad, chicken marsala mushroom tarts and caramelized onion tartlet) and cocktails were served in the Atrium lobby. 

Guests were recognized and I introduced Carlos Banks, our special guest, who led the opening SKAL toast. Carlos is the Executive Secretary/Treasurer for Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beaches SKAL and a Past SIUSA President. Carlos presented the club his token SIUSA banner.

Dinner opened with a baby spinach salad with lots of “goodies”. Our double entrée was Sumac-Seared Jumbo Scallops and Key West Pink Shrimp with Stir-Fried Vegetables, Pad Thai Noodles, Tamarind-Chili Glaze, Mango-Papaya Salsa, and Fried Plantain. Our meal was capped with Flourless Chocolate Gateau with Apricot Coulis and RaspberrySauce.

With the help of Carlos Banks and Mark Hubbard, we pinned two new members:  LarryButterfield (owner of Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream in John’s Pass Village) and Bob Marcus (Editor/Owner of the InfoGuide). The nights 50/50 was won by Gregg Nicklaus who generously donated the funds back to SKAL, Tim and Karen Coultas won brunch for two at Tradewinds Palm Court, Dylan Hubbard won dinner for two at Sirata’s Compass Grill and Stephen Cummings won a sail for two from Dolphin Landings!

We had a pleasant surprise as two members offered to purchase the $1,500 event at T-Pepin’s for $300 "Buy Now" and Andy Brouillard stepped up and accepted both for the benefit of SKAL Tampa Bay! Thanks to all!  New member Larry Butterfield led our closingSkal toast.

Please do not miss the 57^th Anniversary Installation and Past Presidents Banquet, and support Hoyt Hamilton as I pass him the (huge) Sash of Past Presidents and he becomes your 2016/2017 SKAL Tampa Bay President! My year has been a great experience and I greatly appreciate the support of all members! My special thanks to our Executive Committee, our highly committed Board of Directors, and the exceptional efficiency of Steven Rodriguez, our EST! It has been an honor and a pleasure to get to know so many members and guests. I thank our members who stepped up with raffle prizes and especially those who recognize the value of our esteemed membership by hosting wonderful events these last few years!

George Hoch, President

 CHECK OUT OUR NEWEST MEMBER SPOTLIGHT !!

Member Spotlight - Rick Hamilton