Aug. 11

Business basics

Guidance on how to start your own business.

WHEN: 4 to 5:30 p.m., prepay and preregister by Friday

WHERE: Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce boardroom

COST: $10

CALL: Taryn, 983-0717, ext. 239, sbdc@roanokechamber.org, www.rrsbdc.org

Aug. 13

Driver Training

The New Century Venture Center is offering a 15-passenger van course, including classroom and hands-on training. Limited to 20 participants.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon, prepay and preregister by Friday

WHERE: Safety & Compliance Services, 2728 Colonial Ave., Roanoke

COST: $75

CALL: Karen, 719-2500

Aug. 21

State of the City address

Roanoke Mayor David Bowers will speak about the city's accomplishments and present plans for the future.

WHEN: 7:30 to 9 a.m.

WHERE: Roanoke Civic Center's Special Events Center, 710 Williamson Road

COST: for breakfast -- $16.50 members of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, $27 nonmembers, no cost for the address, preregistration required for both

CONTACT: Judy, 983-0700, ext. 221, business@roanokechamber.org

Aug. 25

Business After Hours

Roanoke Regional Chamber's Business After Hours, "Swing into Networking." Follows the first day of the Golf Tournament.

WHEN: Aug. 25, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hunting Hills Country Club

COST: Chamber members $5, $15 for nonmembers, includes one drink ticket, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment.

CALL: Courtney, 983-0700, ext. 231, chungate@roanokechamber.org, www.roanokechamber.org

Aug. 25-26

Roanoke Regional Chamber Cup

Team registration has begun for the chamber's 18th annual golf tournament. Two-day format. Gold, silver and hole sponsorships are available.

WHEN: Register now.

CALL: Courtney, 983-0700, ext. 231, chungate@roanokechamber.org, www.roanokechamber.org

Ongoing

Early childhood educator workshops

These free, quality-enhancement programs are open to home- and center-based child care providers and preschool teachers, who receive training credit for attending. Sessions are offered twice monthly, Saturday morning and Tuesday evening, at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. Dinner and child care are included. For more information, call Angela Goad at 777-4211.

Mortgage Assistance Program and Community Involvement Program Assistance with down payments and closing costs or loans to invest in older neighborhoods. For more information, call the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services at 853-1686.

Toastmasters International Area clubs meet at various times and places throughout the Roanoke Valley. For more information on meetings held at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, call 342-3161; 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays, 989-1310; noon on the first and third Fridays, 983-9260; noon Thursdays, 483-0261, ext. 3648.

The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke meets from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Metamorphosis on South Jefferson Street. For upcoming programs or other information, call Judy Clark at 344-1766.

The Cosmopolitan Club of Roanoke meets from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Taaza's. For upcoming programs and other information, call Mike Russell at 772-2778.

Real estate career seminars will be offered free at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 16399 Booker T. Washington Highway, Moneta. "How to Start and Grow a Profitable Real Estate Career" sessions are sponsored by Weichert, Realtors Bridges & Co. and are free to newcomers and experienced agents. For more information, call the agency at 721-2560.