> American College's "Essentials of Life Insurance Products -- FA257." Wed., June 4, 10 a.m.-noon. For insurance professionals working to obtain LUTCF or Financial Services Specialist designation. Those who currently hold a LUTCF designation may be eligible for special credit toward the new FSS designation. To register by Sun., June 1, call Harvey Tegeler, 410-876-0500.

> The BWCC and Network Referral Group meetings. Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. 312 Marshall Ave., Suite 104, Laurel. 301-725-4000, 410-792-9714 or www.baltwashchamber.org.

> Columbia Business Network International. Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. La Madeleine restaurant, 6211 Columbia Crossing, Columbia. 410-480-3920 or www.bnicolumbia.com.

> Federal Government Contracting: Beginning and Advanced. June 17, 8:30 a.m.-noon. An introduction to Federal Government Contracting. Designed for the novice. An overview of how and what the government buys, registrations, certifications, purchase vehicles, the capability statement, marketing processes and more will be provided.; 1-4:30 p.m. Advanced Government Contracting: Winning the Contract. Designed for those already in the procurement arena. Discussion will include the federal purchase process, evaluating the various bid offers, analyzing opportunities for the best match and more. $129 for each session or $229 for both. The Center for Business and Technology Development, 9250 Bendix Road, North, Columbia. To register, call 410-313-6550 or go to www.hceda.org/cbtd/busEvents.aspx.

> Free Career Advancement and Computer Training for Adults. Find a job or move up in your current position. Free for low to moderate income residents of Howard County. Registration: Mondays, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. or by appointment. Chartwell Professional Park, 8180 Lark Brown Road, Suite 301, Elkridge. Cindy at Pinnacle Career Resources, 410-799-1097.

> Free Workshops for Job Seekers. To reserve a space at a workshop, call the Columbia Workforce Center, 410-290-2601. For more information, go to www.mwejobs.com or stop in the Workforce Center, 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia.

> How to be Green. June 7, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Introductory seminar on healthy and efficient buildings, solar power and rainwater collection. Green Building Institute, 7761 Waterloo Road, Jessup. For more information, call 443-733-1234.

> Medicare and Medicare Part B -- 2008. June 13, 9:30 a.m. Diane Mahony of Velco Insurance will present this two-hour continuing education meeting. Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City. $35 for non-members. Donuts and coffee will be provided. To register by June 9, call Harvey Tegeler, 410-876-0500.

> Open House. Wed., June 4, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Networking opportunity with other small businesses, Maryland legislators and state agency representatives, to celebrate 20 years of the Central Region Maryland Small Business Development Center. Short program 10:30-11 a.m. The Small Business Development Center will recognize Dick Story for his commitment and leadership to the Maryland Small Business Development Center, as well as Craig Englehaupt, Carol Morrison, Cynetta Cardwell, Howard County Executive Kenneth S. Ulman and Linda Burger for their individual commitment to the Howard County Small Business Development Center. Center for Business and Technology Development, 9250 Bendix Road, North, Columbia. To R.S.V.P., e-mail sstockton@towson.edu. Light refreshments to be provided. For more information, go to www.towson.edu/sbdc or call 410-704-5001.

> Smart Start to Business Success. June 11, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Essential how-to's for first-time entrepreneurs. $45. Center for Business & Technology Development, 9250 Bendix Road, North, Columbia. To register, call 410-313-6550 or go to www.hceda.org/CBTD/busEvents.aspx.

> Soroptimist International of Howard County. Sat., May 31, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Soroptimist members will meet to decorate and assemble canvas bags for the New Baby Layette program, sponsored by Healthy Families of Howard County, who receives about 95 new clients a year. These bags are given to new mothers with the greatest financial need, and filled with basic necessities that all new babies require. Contents consists of sleepers, onesies, bibs, disposable diapers, a hand crocheted hat, hand crocheted blanket, wipes, baby shampoo, baby soap and more. Soroptimist is seeking donations and support from businesses and residents of Howard County in order to expand the program. East Columbia Branch Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. For more information about the project, call Ginny Smith, 443-864-9481 or e-mail ginnysmith100@yahoo.com.

> Variable Annuity Suitability. June 12, 8:30 a.m. Chip Saltz of John Hancock will present this two-hour continuing education meeting. Best Western Catering & Conference Center, 451 WMC Drive, Westminster. $35 for non-members includes breakfast. To register by June 9, call Steve Aquino, 410-857-3331.

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