5 Things You Need To Know Today: December 27

1. On Jan. 13, the Renton Community Foundation's 11th Annual Circle of Giving (donors who give $1,000 or more) will award $34,000 of funding to local charities.  The Next Curve (a new organization of philanthropists) will also award its inaugural year of grants to local organizations. The Award Ceremony will take place January 26thfrom 5-7 p.m. at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North. Mark your calendars! This is a great, feel-good event!

2. Do you have a desire to help students in your community?  Do you have a business background? You might consider becoming a DECA (Distributive Education Club of America)  judge.  On Jan. 12  from 8:30a.m. - 1 p.m. there will be approximately 1,200 high school students from the Eastside, Seattle and Renton schools competing to go on to the state competition early in March.  Those that advance from the state competition will be competing at the international competition in Louisville, Ky. in late April. Judges will be listening to and evaluating business presentations made by the marketing students from over 20 high schools.  The scoring materials, judging outlines and support you will need to evaluate the students will be available to you.
 
This is a great opportunity to "give a little back," meet some really exceptional kids, even do a little networking.  If you are interested, contact Gene Kolczynski at , gene.kolczynski@rentonschools.us

3. We already know that you love the Renton Farmers Market, Patch does too! But now, you or someone you know has the opportunity to apply to be the Farmer's Market Coordinator.  The is taking applications for the position (pending Renton approval). The Renton Farmer's Market is a premiere market in Washington State. It runs June-Sept. from 3-7 p.m. See Rentonwa.gov.

4. Speaking of jobs, are you a travel-minded, retail-oriented individual? One of the coolest spots at The Landing — The Savvy Traveler— is also looking for part-time help (20-30 hours per week). Contact Alexandra at  425-282-4896 if you are interested in starting the new year with a great part-time job!

5.      The is starting a full-year of  "Learn at Lunch" programs. The first program for the year features speaker  Kristen Scheurlein, who will speak on the topic  "Is Your Brand Killing Your Cash Flow? 5 Ways to Remove Objections and Get More Business" As a vision translator, Kristen has been an expert at turning ideas into brands and businesses since 1996.

The learn at lunch program is at the Renton Chamber of Commerce office, 300 Rainier Ave, North, in Renton, Jan. 12, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. $10/members, or $20/non-members and includes a light lunch. Register at gorenton.com.