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Public relations seminar

BANGOR – John Diamond will speak on “Integrated Advocacy: The Art and Science of Advancing Your Cause Through Media and PR Strategies” at the Maine Public Relations Council’s professional development seminar on Friday, Oct. 24, at the University of Maine System office, 16 Central St. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the program is 8:30-10 a.m.

Diamond is the executive director of external affairs for the University of Maine System.

He was the University of Maine’s director of public affairs for 10 years and served eight years in the Maine Legislature, including four years as House majority leader.

In addition to his work as a teacher and public official, Diamond has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, and as a radio and television producer.

The Maine Public Relations Council is a professional association of Maine public relations practitioners. It is dedicated to the professional development of its members and to a greater awareness of the role of public relations in the world today. To learn more, visit www.meprcouncil.org.

The cost of the professional development seminar, which includes a continental breakfast, is $20 Maine Public Relations Council members, and $35 others. To make a reservation, e-mail info@meprc.org.

‘Incubator without Walls’

BANGOR – “Incubator without Walls,” a free small-business training course, will be offered 6-9 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Penquis, 262 Harlow St. The 10-session course is offered by MaineStream Finance, a nonprofit community development financial institution and wholly owned subsidiary of Penquis.

The Incubator without Walls program helps individuals start and expand businesses with five or fewer employees. Full- and part-time businesses also may benefit from the course, which emphasizes that good management, effective marketing and financial controls lead to increased profits, and that business planning leads to business growth, profits and personal satisfaction.

Topics to be discussed in detail are credit, business plans, business concepts, legal structures of business, marketing, record keeping, financials, cash flow, financing resources and more. Classes frequently have guest speakers from the local business community, which allows participants to network with bankers, accountants, insurance agents, Web and media designers and other experts.

There is no cost to participate. To receive an application, call toll free at 800-215-4942, ext. 210, or e-mail jmacomber@penquis.org.

Karate school

ORRINGTON – Maine Traditional Karate has announced its new and expanded location at 136 River Road.

“Every evening, from the large front windows of the red building you can see youth or adults training at one of the oldest forms of karate,” said Sensei Steve Apsega. “For over 400 years this martial art originating from Okinawa, Japan, is still one of the most effective, practical and traditional styles in the world.”

The school teaches beginner and advanced classes for youth, adults, families, kick boxing, kettle bell training and yoga, and specialty black belt classes, as well.

Apsega, as head instructor, said he believes karate develops a student’s mind, body and spirit “and shapes you and the way that you live your life inside and outside the dojo.” He welcomes anyone to come watch a class.

For information, call the school at 570-KICK or visit www.mainetraditionalkarate.com to hear current offerings.

Sessions on child care

BANGOR – The Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center will offer Curriculum Night for child care providers 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 29, and Nov. 19, at Penquis, 262 Harlow St.

Participants will learn activities to help create fun for children, and the Penquis RDC Library will be open for browsing and borrowing.

The theme for Oct. 29 is “Fun Fall Favorites,” and for Nov. 19, “Are you prepared for an emergency?” The cost to attend is $5 each. To obtain more information or to register, call 973-3533 or 888-917-1100.

Symposium on financial crisis

ORONO – A group of Maine Business School professors at the University of Maine, experts in finance, investments, management and marketing, are teaming up to present a symposium open to the public 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in Room 100 of the D.P. Corbett Business Building on campus.

They will explain the financial crisis currently hobbling economies throughout the nation. Their topic will be “The current financial crisis: What does it mean for us?”

Their talk will address highlights of the crisis, what caused it and what it means for consumers, investors, students and retirees, according to moderator Ivan Manev, associate professor of management.

“The idea is to present a few highlights of the crisis and turn it over to Q-and-A from the audience,” Manev said. “Possible questions may include how the crisis influences us or is likely to influence us. For example, the economic downturn is causing real estate price reductions, retirement savings losses and affecting credit.”

The panel also will explore effects of the crisis on retail and tourism industries.

“We want to emphasize interaction and respond to particular questions and concerns that people have, and provide the informed opinions of our faculty experts,” Manev said.

Panelists include Richard Borgman, professor of finance; Harold Daniel, professor of marketing and director of the UM-based Center for Tourism and Outreach; Paul Myer, professor of marketing; and Robert Strong, professor of finance and University of Maine Foundation Professor of Investment Education.

Panelists will make short presentations and open the floor for questions and answers from the audience. Students, staff, faculty and the community are invited to the symposium. There is no cost to attend.

The D.P. Corbett Business Building is located on the Orono campus, behind the Maine Center for the Arts.

Helping Manna Inc.

BANGOR – Carolyn and Denys Millar, owners of Carden’s Country Club For Pets, have been in business for 35 years this month.

The Cardens said they feel blessed that they have been fortunate in their lives, especially in these economic times. Noting that every day in the mail and on the news the plight of those less fortunate is reported, they said that a recent plea from Manna Inc. caught their attention.

“For just a couple of dollars you can provide a Thanksgiving dinner for someone less fortunate – just send the money to Manna if you didn’t receive the information in the mail,” the Cardens said.

The couple also has set up a table in their lobby to collect nonperishable goods for Manna. They will match all donations of canned goods that are brought in.

Donors do not have to have a pet to stop by with a donation – just bring the goods to 880 Ohio St., Bangor, during business hours, Monday through Friday.

“You can help someone less fortunate – then you have a better day,” the Cardens said.

Breakfast seminar on environmental due diligence

BANGOR – The Maine Real Estate and Development Association, or MEREDA, will host a breakfast seminar 7:30-9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Sea Dog Banquet and Conference Center, 26 Front St.

The focus will be on environmental due diligence for buyers and sellers.

Panelist Kenneth F. Gray of Pierce Atwood will discuss how to identify and limit environmental legal liabilities.

Registration is due by Friday, Nov. 7. The cost to attend is $25 to MEREDA members, $35 others. After Nov. 7, the cost is $35 to MEREDA members, $45 others.

To register or to obtain more information, call Shelly R. Clark at the MEREDA office at 874-0801, e-mail info@mereda.org or register online at www.mereda.org.

S.W. Cole Engineering is the sponsor of the event.