Biz Buzz

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY THE UNITED WAY OF DENTON COUNTY
Front row (L to R): Teresa Mercado, Katrina McPherson, Cara Leising, Mary Kay Walker, Judy Reid, April Cain; Back row (L to R): Carrell Ann Simmons, co-chair, John Streinman, Marisol Espinal, David Horton, Kelly Phillips, Hillary Talatzko, Deb Conte, Tim Chambers, Grace Weatherly, Katie Klein, Justin Newland, Alyson Gregory Richter, Michael Foster, Debby Grigsby, co-chair. Not Pictured: Carol Christian, Tamara Cuthrell

On Tuesday, United Way of Denton County launched its board training and certification program and announced the participants of its inaugural class.

Called Project Blueprint, the program will help train seasoned volunteers to become knowledgeable board members of the United Way of Denton County, its partner agencies including other not-for-profit human services organizations.

Through several weeks of training, the class will cover five modules related to board membership - governance, board operations, board agency relations, finance and marketing and fundraising provided by experts in those respective fields.

Classes will begin next Tuesday, September 29 concluding December 10 with graduation.

For more information, visit: http://www.unitedwaydenton.org/volunteer-projectBlueprint.html

Habitat for Humanity of Denton County will be training volunteers for its Women Build's program. The training will take place next Saturday, April 25, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church located at 300 W. Oak in Denton beginning at 9:00 a.m. The training will last close to two and half-hours.

"It is a the same weekend as the Jazz Festival, so you can get your training and then go party," Christine E. Thomason, vice president of Metro Environmental Services Co. and a board member with Habitat for Humanity of Denton County and Women Build.

Since 1998, the International Women's Build program has constructed more than 1,000 homes around the world. In Denton County, Habitat for Humanity began in 2003 and since then built close to 80 homes for families in need. In a national partnership with Lowes, the program provides women with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in a traditionally male dominated field.

"I've seen women, who previously never picked up a hammer, become empowered and more confident after learning how to use a saw or other construction skills. The Women Build will provide opportunities for women to learn about building a home and to learn about themselves in the process," Thomason said.

To attend the volunteer training, please RSVP to christine@metroenv.com.

Just a reminder...

Friday, June 6 at 5 p.m. is the deadline for returning applications for the 2008-09 Leadership Denton class.

Leadership Denton is a nine-month series of comprehensive training sessions designed to help make interested individuals better aware of opportunities for community service, as well as all types of public office.

You may contact Cathy Tedrick, cathyt@unt.edu or by calling (940.565.4909) for more information.

Keeping you informed,
Karina Ramírez
940-566-6878
kramirez@dentonrc.com

The Greater Denton/Wise County Association of REALTORS® will be holding several education courses in April.

Brandie Kitchens from the realtor's association informed us via e-mail that GD/WCAR will have two designation courses, one being the Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR) Designation and the other is the third program for the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI-3) Designation. They will also be offering a 9-hour Short Sales class along with a Salesperson Annual Education (SAE) class.

You must register in advance for all of these courses.

Please contact Brandie at 940-387-8212 or e-mail her at brandie@denton-wiserealtors.com for more information.

You may visit the GD/WCAR website at www.denton-wiserealtors.com.

Keeping you informed,

Karina Ramírez
940-566-6878
kramirez@dentonrc.com