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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, September 24, 2007

Coming events

Advertiser Staff

BEST BETS

  • A Big Island community gathering that's focused on building food self-sufficiency and food and farming knowledge toward self-reliance is scheduled Oct. 6, sponsored by The Kohala Center. The center is a not-for-profit academic institute for research and education in the environment sciences, in partnership with local, national and international institutions. In collaboration with a coalition of organizations, businesses and government agencies, the HAWAI'I ISLAND FOOD SUMMIT will bring together leading national technical and policy experts, local policymakers, private-sector stakeholders, farmers and citizens to develop a shared vision of a more ecologically sound, locally self-sustaining agricultural system for Hawai'i's future — as well as local food security issues. The summit is scheduled 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort in Kona. Open to the public. Registration by Sept. 25: www.kohalacenter.org/food. Information: 808-887-6411.

  • Nancy Wohlforth, co-president of Pride At Work, the national AFL-CIO constituency group representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers, and their supporters, in the workplace, will speak tomorrow at a barbecue dinner meeting of the organization's local chapter. Wohlforth is also a member of the AFL-CIO's Executive Council and co-convener of U.S. Labor Against the War. The dinner meeting is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. at Fairway House condominium, 2916 Date St., recreation center. Non-members welcome; sexual orientation or union membership not important. Reservations by today: Steve Dinion, 543-6054.

    MONDAY

  • The next meeting of the Hawai'i Society of Volunteers — a newly formed organization of community volunteers that has already helped such charity efforts as Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, Hawai'i Meals on Wheels and Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i, will meet today at the Mo'ili'ili Community Center, room 302, to hear about the center's programs. The meeting is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. networking, and 6 p.m. meeting. Small meeting fee; public welcome. RSVP by e-mail to: jmwedemeyer@msn.com or call 256-3014.

    WEDNESDAY

  • Public relations and marketing expert Piia Aarma, founder of Pineapple Tweed Public Relations and Marketing, will talk about her career at a "TEA TALK WITH PIIA AARMA" hosted Wednesday by the Hawai'i Women's Business Center. The discussion with the former decade-long head of corporate communications for Bank of Hawaii will be held at the Tea at 1024 tea salon, 1024 Nu'uanu Ave. Fee; nonmembers welcome. Registration required: 526-1001.

    THURSDAY

  • How strategically important it is to maintain an effective procedure to protect a business' intellectual property — any intangible asset that consists of human knowledge and ideas, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and software — will be the subject of a discussion sponsored by the Hawai'i Venture Capital Association. Discussing the importance the concept is to growing a successful business will be a panel of top IP experts, including Leighton Chong, an intellectual property and patent attorney with more than 30 years of experience; Martin Hsia, a patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, computer, licensing and entertainment attorney; and Dr. M. Sharon Webb, a registered patent attorney, focusing on business-related patent issues in the life sciences. The luncheon meeting is scheduled 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Plaza Club, Pioneer Plaza. Fee; nonmembers welcome. Aloha attire required. Registration: www.hvca.org or Gail, 262-7329.

  • "BREWING UP BETTER BUSINESS," a series of short, "coffee break" private informal consultations with Mary Dale, a Small Business Administration business development specialist, on what the SBA can do for the local small business, will be held 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Starbucks in Kunia, 94-673 Kupuohi St. Topics will include SBA working capital loans, long-term financing for renovations or major equipment purchase and government contracting certifications and assistance. Appointments suggested (walk-ins as time permits): 541-2990, No. 211, or www.sba.gov/hi.

  • The top five mistakes business owners make — and the three best "overlooked" opportunities hidden in most businesses — are among topics of a Strategic Mindset Workshop, offered at 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hawai'i Women's Business Center, 1041 Nu'uanu Ave., Suite A. Members free; fee for nonmembers. Registration: 526-1001.

    SUNDAY

  • The seventh annual "Flavors of Technology Awards Gala," Pacific Technology Foundation's annual recognition of local companies, professionals and leaders in the business and technology sphere, will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel's Hawai'i Ballroom. The event will feature a silent auction, entertainment and food from top Hawai'i chefs and restaurants, including Chai's Island Bistro, Ruth's Chris Steak House, 3660 on the Rise, Mariposa and The Colony. Awards will be given for categories including Technology Company of the Year, Technology Community Service Award, Technology Woman of the Year, Technology Educator of the Year and High-Tech Leaders. Fee. Information/tickets: Patty Low, 237-3673.

    UPCOMING

  • Making contaminated property "useable" again will be the focus of a forum Oct. 24, hosted by the state Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Hawai'i Brownfields Forum No. 3 is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel, Garden Lana'i. Morning and evening sessions — "Managing the Risks of Developing Contaminated Property" and "Everything You Need to Know About Environmental Site Investigations," respectively — may be attended singularly or both. The Brownfields movement encourages and facilitates cleanup and redevelopment of sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants or other contaminants. Free; reservations required, by Oct. 15: Krista Jack, 441-6655 or Krista.Jack@ttemi.com.

    Business meetings of general interest are listed in the "Coming Events" column throughout the week. Submit notices at least two weeks in advance: Business Events, Business Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax to 525-6763; or e-mail wshirkey@honoluluadvertiser.com. (For e-mailed releases, please include information in the body of the message, not in an attachment.)