Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

Sarasota/Manatee

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Downtown Architecture - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Downtown Partnership of Sarasota will discuss: Is there interest in preserving Main Street's character? Are we killing Duany's plan? Is the code too prescriptive on design? Should there be an architectural review board to ensure quality of architecture, rather than style? Cost is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. For more information or tickets, call (941) 951-2656.

Business Academy - 9 a.m. in the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce board room. The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will present a series of workshops to help small to medium-sized businesses increase revenues and profits. The subject for this workshop: "Marketing: Expanding Your Client Base via The Web." Hear about e-strategy development and search engine essentials to maximize your success. The event will include a presentation by Ray Villares of Gravity Free. Cost: $29 for members and $59 for non-members. For more information or to RSVP call Sue Ward at (941) 955-2508, ext. 231.

Manatee Chamber of Commerce's "The Three Dimensions of Success"

9 a.m. to noon at the chamber, 222 10th St. W., Bradenton. CraftSystems, founded in 1978 by Dr. Larry Craft, will present a three-hour seminar focusing on identifying skills, knowledge and abilities; personal characteristics and cognitive ability; and the work ethic and self-discipline of candidates that contribute to their success in any position. Cost is $50 for chamber members; $100 for non-members. RSVP by Oct. 21. Seating is limited.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 85th Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon - 11:30 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. This meeting recognizes the accomplishments of the chamber over the past year and identifies the goals for the upcoming year. Cost is $45 for members and $60 for non-members. For reservations, please call (941) 955-2508, ext. 517.

Friday, Oct. 28

2005 Technology Innovation Awards - 8 a.m. The Gulf Coast Business Review and 82 Degrees Tech present the fourth annual awards ceremony at Michael's on East. Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. For more information or for reservations, call Grace Carlson at (941) 228-9083.

Tuesday, Nov. 1

Business Academy - 9 a.m. in the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce board room. The subject for this workshop: "Management: Finding, Keeping & Motivating Top Talent." Examine employee recruitment and retention strategies to save time and money. Presenters are DeWanda Smith-Soeder of Smith-Soeder Enterprises and Peg Beck of Manatee Community College. Cost: $29 (members); $59 (non-members). For more information or to RSVP call Sue Ward at (941) 955-2508, ext. 231.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

"Good Morning, Greater Sarasota!" - 7:30 a.m. at AAA Auto Club, 258 Ringling Shopping Center. Meet business contacts get better business tips in a breakfast program sponsored by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Reservations are requested, but not mandatory. Call (941) 955-2508, ext. 525 or register online a www.sarasotachamber.org. It is free for chamber members and $5 for non-members.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Identity Theft Seminar - 9 a.m. to noon at the Manatee County Civic Center. The Manasota Chapter of the Financial Institution Security Officers Association, in conjunction with local banks and law enforcement, will educate the public in an effort to change the growing trend of identity-theft victims. The seminar is free. Speakers include representatives from the Florida Attorney General's Office; the Federal Trade Commission; the Secret Service; the U.S Postal Service; and the Florida Bankers Association. Topics will include: recognizing types of identity theft and scams and Internet deceptions, including pharming, phishing and spoofing. For more information, contact Melody Shimmell of Century Bank at (941) 316-6946 or Detective Jack Carter of the Sarasota Police Department at (941) 954-7088.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Business Academy - 9 a.m. in the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Board Room. The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will present a series of workshops to help small to medium-sized businesses increase revenues and profits. The subject for this workshop: "Management: Protecting Your Business." Presenters are George Jenkins of Gulf Coast Association of Health Underwriters and John Hament of Kunkel Miller and Hament. Cost: $29 for members and $59 for non-members. For more information or to RSVP call Sue Ward at (941) 955-2508, ext. 231.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Tri-Chamber Business Connections - 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center, 8005 15th St. E. The Sarasota, Manatee and Venice chambers are sponsoring the event, which is designed to provide exposure for your company's products and services. The event is open to members and non-members. The cost is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Complimentary light food will be provided by chamber member restaurants. It will also include a cash bar. Booth cost is $285, plus $30 for electric, if required. For more information, call Crystal Burkhart at (941) 955-2508, ext. 239.

Lee/Collier

Thursday, Nov. 3

Blue Chip Enterprise Awards - 7:30 a.m. breakfast at Hilton Towers in Naples and 11:30 a.m. luncheon at Holiday Inn Select in Fort Myers. The Chamber of Southwest Florida presents the awards to companies that have had success overcoming adversity. For more details, call the chamber at (239) 278-4001 or visit www.chamber-swflorida.com.

Regional Outlook - Barbara B. Mann Hall, Edison College, Fort Myers. The Chamber of Southwest Florida presents the 18th Annual Regional Economic Outlook Conference. Speakers will include Florida economist Hank Fishkind and West Palm Beach developer Syd Kitson. For information about times and cost, visit www.reo2005.com or call (239 )278-4001.