July Member Spotlights!

Each month NACE New England showcases individuals from our chapter in order for fellow members and followers to get to know how amazing our diversity in membership really is along with the qualities and characteristics of those members.  Please meet the members highlighted this past July!

Meet Claudia Tauro, Owner of Claudia Tauro Events

-  What did you study in school?
Education has and still is a very important part of my career. I first pursued a career as a surgical assistant but soon after realized that I wanted to work with people in a more joyful scenario. I became a travel agent and opened my own agency, where my focus was helping engaged couples plan their honeymoons. I would create customized honeymoon experiences for them. I then decided to study Event Planning and began my career as a Wedding Planner.

-  What would people be surprised to know about you?
People might not know that I like simple things because weddings are often associated with extravagance. The most beautiful weddings don't have to be over the top to be just that: beautiful. However, what is "too much" for one bride might no be so for another. Wedding planning is complex because there are many moving parts even if the bride and groom agree on what they want that day to look like. I'm all about simplifying things. I enjoy taking the complexity out of wedding planning for the couple to have a stress-free experience leading up to and on the day of the wedding. My goal is for them to have an unforgettable day and to make sure everything is seamless.

-  What one word would your best friends use to describe you?
Organized. My family and friends tell me that all the time.

-  What qualities make your business/company distinctive?
Our competitive advantage resides in doing things very professionally and with love. I am very conscientious during the planning process, making sure every step taken has a specific purpose in mind, considering alternatives that can create efficiencies, and be planning ahead for contingencies. I like to build something that reflects who the bride and groom are and think about the wedding as the construction of the most important day of their lives.

-  What qualities do you most admire in your colleagues?
I admire their different styles and their enthusiasm and dedication to their work.

-  What kind of projects would you love to work on?
I am already working on a project for an Expo that is very focused on the Latino community to provide a service that is tailored to their needs.

Meet Chef Edward Cloonan III, Executive Chef at Plainridge Park Casino

-  What did you study in school?
I trained Classical French at Le Cordon Bleu and graduated with High Honors. I enjoyed learning where the foundation of what  today’s cuisine is built on.

-  What would people be surprised to know about you?
That I once had a goatee down to the middle of my chest and dyed like the Irish flag. Ahhh the good ole days…crazy kids.

-  What one word would your best friends use to describe you?
Creative.

-  What qualities make your business/company distinctive?
Our dedication to Customer Service in a fun relaxed atmosphere.

-  What qualities do you most admire in your colleagues?
The dedication to the pursuit of perfection. Always willing to jump in and help one another whether at work or outside of work.

-  What kind of projects would you love to work on?
The current project that I’m working on is a Garden to Guest initiative here at the casino. We planted some cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and various herbs. This will provide a fresh hyper local offering for our customers and the education of our culinary team on how vegetables grow.

Meet Kristin O’Connor, Catering Sales Manager at Capers Catering

-  What did you study in school?
I studied Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and a minor in political science from the University of New Hampshire.

-  What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been skydiving, bungee jumping and scuba diving.

-  What one word would your best friends use to describe you?
They’d probably say I’m a planner…ha! I guess that’s fitting.

-  What qualities make your business/company distinctive?
Capers Catering really focuses on customizing menus based on their clients specific and unique tastes. We are quick to respond and are a full service provider, helping plan events from start to finish.

-  What qualities do you most admire in your colleagues?
I love the dedication my colleagues have to this industry. It’s hard work and long hours and seeing the passion that drives them is inspiring.

-  What kind of projects would you love to work on?
I love anything related to food and beverage trends and projects. We recently volunteered our time and services at a Mother’s Day Brunch and that was the perfect way to make a small difference in people’s lives with food!

We at NACE would love to hear from you.  In the comments below, let us know if you have any thoughts on highlighted members from July.   Thank you for sharing!