Marianne Abiaad to Receive Krystal La Reese-Gaule Membership Award
Marianne Abiaad
Abiaad recruited seven new members in 2018. By achieving this award, she continues to be an exemplary member of NAC. In addition to being a tireless advocate for the Association, Abiaad has served the Board of Directors as West Coast Regional Vice President since 2013. She has also served on the Education Committee. Her company, Royal Corporation, has been instrumental in getting the Regional Seminar Series off to a great start by hosting the biennial kick-off session and setting the bar high in terms of execution and attendance.
The new full members sponsored by Abiaad in 2018 include: Shelly Bridges of Landmark Theatres, Patrick LaCava of Syufy Corporation, Jeremy Hallows of Kerasotes Showplace Theatres, Eric Lee of Starlight Cinemas, Thanasi Papoulias of Metropolitan Theatres, Larry Porricelli of Maya Cinemas and Justin Pritchett of CJ CGV Cinemas.
Marianne Abiaad, is the Executive Vice President at Royal Corporation, a national single source supplier of paper, chemicals, sanitary, janitorial, food service and concession supplies and equipment, with market specific expertise and products. As a principal, she oversees the company overall strategy with specific focus on marketing, training, customer relations and business development. Abiaad is the key driver of Royal Illustrative Customized Training that utilizes her educational expertise in Graphic Design and her extensive experience in the industry.
“Having lived through the war in Lebanon,” Abiaad says, “I am a true believer in the American dream and grateful for the blessings God has given to me and my family.”
Her educational background includes a BFA and a Master in Graphic Design from Cal State University in Fullerton. She is also fluent in 4 languages. Abiaad, her husband George and their three children reside in sunny California.
An award and a free registration to the annual NAC Concession & Hospitality Expo will be presented to Abiaad at the Annual Membership Luncheon on Thursday, August 1, 2019. The presentation will be made by a representative of Kernel Seasons, who is sponsoring the award in memory of Krystal. The Expo is slated for in Chicago on July 30- August 2 at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel during our 75th Anniversary year!
About the Krystal La Reese-Gaule Membership Award: The award was established in memory of former NAC Board Member and industry friend Krystal La Reese-Gaule, who passed away due to illness in early 2013. As an active NAC member since 1996 and a great advocate for the Association, Krystal had sponsored numerous new members for which she received the Ruby, Sapphire and Four-Point Diamond pin designation. At the time of her passing, she was on the verge of reaching Double Diamond status. Following a career in concessions management with GKC Theatres, Krystal joined Kernel Season’s popcorn seasoning as its National Sales Manager in 2005. Known for her warmth, contagious smile and outgoing personality, she was a natural salesperson and quickly made a name for herself in the concession and movie theatre industries.
About NAC: The National Association of Concessionaires, in its 75th year, is the trade association for the recreation and leisure-time food and beverage concessions industry. Members are comprised of the owners and operators of facilities such as: Movie Theatres, Stadiums & Arenas, Zoos & Aquariums, Colleges & Universities, Foodservice Contractors, Park & Recreation Departments, Amusement Parks & Family Entertainment Centers, Ice and Roller Skating Rinks, Racetracks, Bowling Centers, Outdoor facilities, Convention centers and Performing Arts Centers. Our members also are the companies that provide products and services to these facilities, including: Suppliers, Equipment Manufacturers, Popcorn Processors, Jobber Distributors, Consultants and Brokers.
For more information:
Chris Dammann
Director of Communications
612-849-8418
cdammann@naconline.org
Category: News Releases
