Looking to make some business connections?
If so, head to the Sacramento Convention Center on Thursday for an event being billed as the mother of all speed networking mixers.
Sponsored by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and other local business organizations, the Networking Nexus event - which runs from 5-7:30 p.m. - offers the business equivalent of speed dating.
"You sit across from someone and you have 45 seconds to give your elevator pitch," said Matt Sumida, the chamber's director of events. "Then the other person gets 45 seconds."
Then you move to the next person at the table.
So far, 600 people have signed up to attend the free event, putting the chamber on track for its goal of getting the Guinness World Records title for the largest business speed networking event ever. A Toronto event in May drew 328.
At 3:30 p.m., before the networking starts, Robert Scherer, owner of the local Dale Carnegie Training franchise, will hold a free, hourlong course on how to wow business contacts.
Register online at www.sacasiancc.org until Tuesday at 5 p.m. You can also register in person at the event itself.
- Mary Lynne Vellinga
In the news
Event spotlights Native American literature
The State Indian Museum at 26th and K streets in midtown Sacramento is hosting a "Native Literature Showcase" from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday featuring book signings and mini-lectures from various authors, including Beverly Ortiz ("After the First Full Moon in April"), Beverly Ogle ("Whisper of the Maidu"), and Albert Hurtado ("Indian Survival on the California Frontier").
Behind the news: November is Native American Heritage Month and the museum is celebrating with a number of events, including a traditional skills workshop on Nov. 17 and an Indian arts and holiday crafts fair on Nov. 23 and 24. Museum admission is $3 for adults and and $2 for youths 6-17.
Info: www.parks.ca.gov
UCD talk to focus on austerity, education
John Panaretos, Greece's former deputy minister of education, lifelong learning and religious affairs, will speak at 4 p.m. Wednesday at UC Davis' Mondavi Center on "Public Universities at a Time of Austerity and Crisis: Lessons from Greece."
Behind the news: Panaretos' appearance is part of Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi's Colloquium Distinguished Speakers Series. Following the talk, a question-and-answer session will be moderated by Ralph J. Hexter, UC Davis provost and executive vice chancellor. The free event is open to the public.
Info: chancellor.ucdavis.edu/initiatives/colloquium
Can California exports rebound?
After a 32-month streak of year-over-year gains in California's export trade was broken in July, in-state firms shipping overseas have seen business dragged down by economic problems in Europe and slowing economies in China and Mexico, both primary destinations for California-made goods. On Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department will report national export figures for September, and Beacon Economics will break down the California numbers.
Stay informed: Check www.sacbee.com for results.
State Christmas tree arrives Wednesday
On Wednesday, the state Christmas tree will be transported to the Capitol after being cut a day earlier from the Latour Demonstration State Forest near Redding. The 50-foot white fir is expected to be delivered to the Capitol's west lawn about 11 a.m. Afterward, state Department of General Services crews will spend several days trimming the tree with 500 hand-crafted ornaments donated from children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services from the state.
Civic affairs
County board reviews adult mental health
Sacramento County's Mental Health Board is to hold a meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday to update and hear from the community on the county's Adult Mental Health Service Delivery System, in accordance with the settlement of a federal lawsuit. The meeting will take place at the SETA Building, 925 Del Paso Blvd. in Sacramento.
Info: Call (916) 875-2008
For a good cause
Gala benefits Crisis Nursery Program
The Sacramento Children's Home is hosting a "Gala at the Gallery" fundraiser for its Crisis Nursery Program from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Macy's Roseville Furniture Gallery, 1152 Galleria Blvd. The $20 per person ticket includes entertainment by the Cat Steven's Tribute Band, four free design seminars and special offers on select merchandise. The Crisis Nursery Program offers emergency or overnight care for children 5 and under whose families face difficult or stressful situations.
Info and tickets: www.kidshome.org
Around town
Veterans Day parade on Capitol Mall
Sunday is Veterans Day and the city of Sacramento is celebrating with its annual parade starting at 10 a.m. on Capitol Mall between Third and Eighth streets. Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas A. Popaditch (a.k.a. "The Cigar Marine") is grand marshal.
Info: www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/veterans-parade.html
Crocker to debut Rockwell exhibit
The Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St. in Sacramento, is debuting a major exhibit of American artist Norman Rockwell's works on Friday. The collection - featuring more than 50 paintings and 323 covers of "The Saturday Evening Post" - includes some of Rockwell's most famous illustrations, drawings and war bond posters. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults; $5 for youths 7 to 17; and $8 for seniors over 65 and college students.
Info: www.crockerartmuseum.org
Black-tie event to benefit charities
The Active 20-30 Club of Greater Sacramento is hosting a Carnivale Grand Ball at the Elks Tower, 921 11th St., in Sacramento on Saturday from 7-11 p.m.
The black-tie event features live dancing, entertainment and Monte Carlo-style gaming such as blackjack, craps, roulette and poker. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Proceeds will go to A Touch of Understanding and the Assistance League of Sacramento.
Info: www.sacwomens2030.org
Effie Yeaw hike focuses on salmon
From 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, people of all ages can join a naturalist from the Effie Yeaw Nature Center for a free hike highlighting the annual migration of chinook salmon. The nature center is at 2850 San Lorenzo Way in Carmichael.
Info: www.sacnaturecenter.net
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