Dear members and friends:
November turned out to be an exciting time for our GBCA members. We started the month off with The South End Business Alliance Fall Concierge Stroll, an exciting fun-filled night of exploring one of the most welcoming neighborhoods in Boston. Thank you to Amanda Accardi our host, who made the event so special. We began and ended our night at the lovely Cinquecento. We visited the South End Buttery, the Hidden Jewel of the South End, David's Tea, the Gifted and Marc Hall Object Design. The evening commenced with raffle prizes and gift bags donated by our generous hosts.
On November 6, 2015 Gennaro's 5 North Square Chef Marisa Iocco wowed us again as she treated our concierges to an award winning dinner showcasing her Fall/Winter Menu. Thank you to Robert Morrissette; GBCA Honorary Member and Host at Gennaro's 5 North Square for assistance in making these special occasions the success it was. Read more about our night in this newsletter.
Thank you to Joe Donlavey and our friends at the Citi Performing Arts Center for inviting all our GBCA members to the holiday performance of "Elf The Broadway Musical". What a great way to kick off the season with a joyful holiday family show. The music was superb and the cast and set designs were wonderful. Thank you again to Joe and all the team at the Citi Center for their support of the GBCA. How fortunate we are to be able to attend these thrilling shows. Be sure to share your positive experience with all your visitors and guests. To purchase seats please go to
www.citicenter.org.
International Concierge Associates invited all GBCA Concierges to experience Outlook the newest restaurant in the Seaport District. Outlook Kitchen and Bar is located on the ground floor of the Envoy Hotel. We met some new friends while rekindling relationships with some wonderful folks from the past. The menu is described as "delicious American cuisine drawn from the unique Boston landscape but tempered by seasonal variations, locally sourced food, all resulting in a "one of a kind" approach to our food and drink". The bar features micro brews, an award winning wine list, hand crafted cocktails, small batch bourbons, single malt scotches and more. Entertainment will be coming soon too! Dining while looking right into the kitchen or sitting at the chefs table will also be a treat for anyone wanting a very unique experience.
Our GBCA All Member Election meeting was packed full of excitement. Upon entering the beautiful Institute of Contemporary Art, our members were escorted to the 4th floor to enjoy the new Black Mountain College Exhibition in the west galleries exclusively available for our viewing pleasure! The cocktail reception was hosted by Wolfgang Puck Catering in the Water Café overlooking the café patio with a perfect view of Boston Harbor. Our members enjoyed delicious food and refreshing beverages from Wolfgang Puck's signature offerings. A special thank you to Jennifer Hayward, our host for without her assistance, the reception would not have been possible. Please be sure to invite all your visitors and guests to the ICA and remember that the ICA is FREE for all, every Thursday from 4 to 9 PM.
As we all settled into our seats, Colette Randall, Associate Director of Marketing, Media Relations and Digital Communications of The Institute of Contemporary Art welcomed all members. Other speakers included Brian Sanders; CEO and Founder LocalNav.com and Bites of Boston Food Tours, Managing Director, Alyssa Daigle.
A special thank you to our 2015 Vice President of Operations Debra Hager for the incredible year she has given representing us well in the tourism community. Debra has decided not to run for office this year; all will miss her. As a final volunteer project Debra is again spearheading the GBCA-Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping station at the Prudential Mall. Read more about this volunteer opportunity in this newsletter. And thank you again Debra for all of your hard work and dedication.
Also a big thank you to our secretary Bonnie O'Hare. Bonnie has held the position as secretary for the past two years. She has worked diligently to support our organization through her words and letters. Bonnie will be taking some much deserved time off this year to spend with family and friends. Thank you again Bonnie for being such a great representative of the GBCA board of directors.
Once our GBCA business was complete we turned the microphone over to our illustrious election committee of Guy Neil of Legal Harbor Side and Mark Miller and Elizabeth Moran of Where Boston Magazine. Thus began our election process for the 2016 board of directors. Thank you to all that participated in the process, whether you are running for a board position or you have met your membership obligations and are able to vote. We appreciate you for being part of this amazing association. Guy, Mark and Elizabeth thank you again for taking the time to organize and execute the election process. We all appreciate your commitment to the association.
Members please be sure to send in your completed ballots. We look forward to announcing the 2016 board of directors in our December newsletter.
With Pride in Service,
Your GBCA President
Betty Salemme
