Business Breakfast Series

BANGOR – Husson University’s 2008-2009 Business Breakfast Series will commence with Husson President William H. Beardsley addressing the growing link between Husson and Maine’s business community.

The first breakfast in the series will be held 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Dickerman Dining Commons on campus. The fee of $10 includes breakfast. Make reservations at 941-7129, breakfast@husson.edu or www.husson.edu/businessbreakfast. Also scheduled:

. Maine’s Economic Forecast, with Maine Development Foundation president Laurie Lachance, Thursday, Nov. 13.

. “Maine’s Banking Future, with John Edwards, executive vice president and chief banking officer, Bangor Savings Bank; and William Lucy, president and CEO of Merrill Bank, Thursday, Jan. 22.

. Maine’s Energy Future, with John Kerry, director, Maine State Planning Office, Energy Independence and Security, Thursday, Feb. 19.

. Maine Transportation Future, speaker to be announced, Thursday, March 12.

. World View Series presentation, speaker to be announced, Thursday, April 23.

The mission of the Business Breakfast Series is to bring together people from the community, university, student body and alumni groups to hear speakers address issues of current interest and relevance for the community, state and nation.

Maine Development Foundation

More than 400 business leaders, legislators and emerging leaders will convene on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Augusta Civic Center for the Maine Development Foundation’s 30th annual meeting. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the program runs 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. To obtain information or to register, visit www.mdf.org.

The day will start with a speech by foundation president and CEO Laurie Lachance, then there will be awards to honor those who are truly making a difference in Maine:

. Ken Curtis Leadership Award, Shannon Haines, executive director, Waterville Main Street.

. Main Street Hero Award, The Speaker’s Coalition for the Historic Tax Credit.

. REALIZE!Maine Champion Award, Fusion:Bangor.

. REALIZE!Maine Yellow Light Breen Visionary Award, Sally DelGreco, president, DelGreco Strategic Partners, Brunswick.

. Champions for Economic Development, Unum, Poland Spring Bottling Co., Jackson Laboratory, Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center at the University of Maine.

First Lady Karen Baldacci will introduce Dr. Jack Shonkoff, the Julius B. Richmond FAMRI professor of child health and development at the Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Graduate School of Education and founding director of Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child.

Shonkoff’s speech, “Investing in our Most Precious Assets: Making the Economic Case for Investment in Early Childhood,” will focus on the importance of investing in early childhood and Maine’s future.

Chellie Pingree and Charles Summer will participate in a forum to answer questions on how they will best serve Maine’s economy while in Washington, D.C.

The day will conclude with a reception hosted by one of the foundation’s programs, REALIZE!Maine, the initiative to connect the 20 to 40 age cohort throughout the state.

To learn more about REALIZE!Maine visit www.realizemaine.org.

Business basics workshop

BANGOR – If you are thinking of starting a business, a three-session workshop, offered in partnership with the Women’s Business Center at CEI, will answer questions. It also will discuss pros and cons of being an entrepreneur and help you take the first steps.

The class covers the basics of a business plan, marketing and cash planning, and is suitable for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business.

Sessions will be held 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 21, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at Bangor Hall, University College of Bangor.

There is no fee, but registration is required as seating is limiting. Call Jane Searles at 262-7843, e-mail searles@maine.edu or call toll-free at 800-442-2092 to pre-register.

Pet Appreciation Day

BANGOR – Green Acres Kennel Shop’s 11th annual Pet Appreciation Day is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1653 Union St.

Special guests will be representatives of the Animal Orphanage, Bangor Humane Society and Save Our Strays.

The event features fun activities for kids and pets and educational events for all ages, including activities to benefit pets.

From Sept. 13 through 20, people are asked to donate bags of 5 pounds or more, or a dozen cans or more, of dog or cat food, for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank. In return, they will receive a free nail trim for one pet. Also, between those dates, Green Acres will donate 10 percent of the value of all pet food or merchandise purchases to the Furry Friends Food Bank.

Seminars on Saturday range from cutting your dog’s nails to dental health. Seminar space is limited, so admission will be first-come, first-served, and pets are not included.

Those attending can speak with groomers, training and behavior counselors and representatives of food companies, who will discuss animal nutrition.

For more information about this and other events and activities, call Hanson at 945-6841.