Briefcase

State Chamber meets in Talkeetna

Annual State Chamber of Commerce Conference and Trade Show is in Talkeetna Sept. 19-21.

Wells Fargo increases commitment to credit counseling nonprofits

Wells Fargo & Company will increase its commitment to credit counseling nonprofits by $5.4 million to a total of $12.4 million in 2011 – a 35 percent increase over the $9.2 million in 2010 – for national and local credit counseling agencies. The company has taken this extra measure in an effort to sustain vital services provided by non-profit agencies that work with customers with financial challenges that extend beyond their home payments.

On April 14, federal government officials agreed to discontinue $88 million of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants to housing counselors. This money enabled counseling agencies to offer their services free of charge or for a small fee. In 2010, HUD-approved counseling agencies provided individual counseling services to more than 2.1 million clients, and achieved approximately $29 billion in measurable economic benefits on an investment of $75 million, according to HUD data cited by the National Council of La Raza.

Toastmasters groups meet Tuesdays in Wasilla, Palmer

There are weekly Toastmasters meetings in the Valley, one in Palmer in the evening and one in the morning in Wasilla. Mat-Su Toastmasters meets Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Wasilla Area Senior Center. And the Palmer Toastmasters meet Tuesdays from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. downstairs at the MTA Building in Palmer. Toastmasters groups offer an educational and supportive learning environment where you can improve and hone all of your communication skills. Learn to prepare and deliver a speech, provide effective evaluations, and think on your feet with impromptu speeches. For more information, contact Melissa Vega at 841-0077 or email melissa@greatlander.com.

Alaska Speakers Bureau recruiting members

Alaska Speakers Bureau is looking for presenters and trainers who are interested in expanding their speaking career to join their new organization.

The Alaska Speakers Bureau facilitates speakers for large and small corporations, professional and trade associations, meeting planners, educational or public institutions requiring keynote, motivational, after-dinner speakers, trainers, and conference facilitators.

For more information, contact the Alaska Speakers Bureau at 339-0178.

Houston Farmers Market continues

Houston Farmers Market continues Fridays from 3 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays in the Spenard Builders Supply parking lot. For more information, contact Peggy Bjornton at 892-4727.

Willow Farmers Market is Fridays

The Willow Farmers Market opens from 2 to 7 p.m., Fridays through Sept. 23 at Mile 68.8, Parks Hwy., across from Newman’s Tesoro. Check out the fresh local produce, crafts and the new food vendor. See what’s new each week on Facebook. For more information, contact Nina Davidson at ninamarie.willow@gmail.com.