JAN. 30—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host its Business Series from 12:15-1:15 p.m. at the Downtown & Business location, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic is “Getting Started in Real Estate Investing.” With its steady price escalations, shortage of rental properties and booming gas industry, now is the time to look into investing in real estate in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Jane Schoeneberger will examine the opportunities and processes that will enable one to jump into the market. The event is free. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or email downtown@carnegielibrary.org.
Diversity Networking Reception
FEB. 4—The Pittsburgh Pirates will host its Pirates Diversity Networking Reception from 6-9 p.m. at PNC Park, Rivertowne Brewing Hall of Fame Club, 115 Federal St., North Shore. This event will bring business and community professionals together to share resources, information and develop partnerships that will continue to foster growth throughout the region. Registration is requested by Jan. 24. For more information, call Chaz Kellem at 412-325-4731 or email chaz.kellem@pirates.com.
First Step
FEB. 7—The University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center will host The First Step: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business from 7:30-10 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, Mervis Hall, Roberto Clemente Dr., Oakland. Experts will help attendees explore the size of their interested market and what marketing tools will be needed to attract customers, while also teaching them about business structures, access helpful resource, available funding options and more. There will also be a Second Step workshop. There is a discount when you register for both. For more information, call Tara Gerek at 412-648-1389 or email tmgerek@katz.pitt.edu.
Classic Events!
FEB. 8—Classic Events! will host its 2014 Black History Month Celebration at 6 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 11524 Frankstown Rd., Penn Hills. The theme is “Saluting Social Service Providers.” In celebration of BHM, several social service providers will be recognized for their profound and positive effect on the communities of Allegheny County. The honorees will be Melvin Hubbard El, Grace Dixon-Kizzie, Jesse McLean and Jacqueline Wilson. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-723-2414 or email yourclassicevent@gmail.com.
Building and Marketing Your Brand
FEB. 12—The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will host “The Key to Building and Marketing Your Brand” from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at the Regional Learning Alliance, 850 Cranberry Woods Dr., Cranberry. Evelyn Starr, founder of E. Starr Associates and a marketing consultant, will show attendees not only how to build and market one’s brand, but also how to keep it fresh. They will also learn how to define and evolve one’s brand, find new business opportunities and understand what Brand Adolescence is. Registration is requested. For more information, call 412-648-1544 or email ieeinfo@katz.pitt.edu.
Women Breakfast Series
FEB. 14—The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University will host the Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series from 7:30-9 a.m. at Chatham University, Woodland Dr., Shadyside. The monthly series will feature guest speaker Kadee Lewis, owner of Bodytech Health & Fitness and co-founder of Bella Christie & Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique, will speak on the topic “From Sweat to Sweets: How to Grow Two Boutique Businesses.” She will discuss how she made two boutique businesses thrive. Registration is required and will include a continental breakfast. For more information, call 412-365-1253 or visit www.chatham.edu/cwe.
(To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
