No expense account needed to attend this convention

Want to attend a real estate convention in your pajamas? The sixth annual National Real Estate On-Line Convention and Exposition expects to attract tens of thousands of "attendees" next week. The free event, which is open to real estate industry professionals and the public, will run from Sunday, Feb. 18, through Saturday, Feb. 24. More than 36,000 real estate professionals from 19 countries have pre-registered, according to Massachusetts-based Real Estate CyberSpace Society, which is sponsoring the event. The society envisions its convention and exposition as the real thing -- but in virtual form. Attendees can sign on to their computers to hear speakers discuss real estate topics; learn about new products and services; and network with other professionals online. "The on-line convention will bring real estate professionals all of the excitement, training and features of an old-time convention,” said John M. Peckham III, the society's executive director. Event sponsors include several online real estate services, as well as real estate industry businesses and organizations. More information and to register: www.REcyber.com/preconvention

It's all about your image in business.

The Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce is hosting a luncheon seminar 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs, 4 S. Cascade Ave. Guest speaker Tia Warren, certified and professional image consultant, will talk about why image is critical to your career, how to define "business casual," how to dress slimmer and taller, avoid fashion "don'ts" and the magic of color.
Cost, which includes lunch, is $20 for members, and $25 for nonmember and at the door tickets. Underground parking will be validated. For more information or reservation, call 442-2007 or visit www.scwcc.com.

Hanson Spa opens second location

Hanson Spa & Home Center, countering an industry-wide downturn, has just opened a second location, taking over the 4,500 square foot space at the intersection of Dublin and Academy boulevards formerly occupied by Carefree Spas to go with its 7,000 square foot flagship store at 1824 Dominion Way. Carefree closed its Colorado Springs operation on Jan. 15. Hanson Spa has already started hiring and anticipates doubling its number of employees from seven to 14, according to media director John Polk. In business since 1978, Hanson Spa is best known for the hot tub it installed and maintains at Security Services Field, home of the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Ford Motor Company director coming to the Springs

The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Phil Long Dealerships is hosting a luncheon on The Future of Automotive Manufacturing 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs Colorado- World Arena, 1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.

Keynote speaker Bill Russo, director of advanced and manufacturing engineering of Ford Vehicle Operations, will talk about the future direction of Ford Motor Company, new manufacturing techniques, cleaner burning fuels and hybrid technology. For more information and registration, click here or call Jenifer Furda, the Chamber's vice president of events, at 575-4313.

Advice for fliers delayed by snow storms

Winter storms in Colorado and other parts of the country this week may cause flights to be delayed or canceled. United Airlines customers can check their flight's status at www.united.com or calling 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). United customers affected by the winter storms can make one change to their trip and rules and restrictions regarding standard change fees, advance purchases, day or time applications, blackouts and minimum or maximum stay requirements have been waived. Customers with already canceled flights are eligible to apply for a full refund. All changes must be made by midnight of the customer's original travel date. Customers may make these changes by calling United or a travel agency.

New laser leak detector for gas pipelines intended to improve safety

Englewood-based Aviation Technology Services-Denver, a privately held software company, is betting its new aerial laser leak detection system for gas pipelines will be a success.

During blind tests at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center near Casper, Wyo., the system found 25 percent more leaks than any other system tested and detected 90 percent of all gas released in the test.

The helicopter-based laser system combines a methane-sensitive laser with a digital video record of the pipeline and should improve public safety and decrease environmental pollution, the company said.

Colorado Interstate Gas Co. in Colorado Springs is among the clients being targeted.

Miracle Method added 23 franchises in 2006

Colorado Springs-based Miracle Method, already the nation's largest bathtub, tile and countertop refinishing franchiser, added 23 locations in 2006 and increased gross sales by more than 20 percent to $22 million. "Individual franchises' double digit sales growth," said Miracle Method president Chuck Pistor, "is due to the growing number of homeowners, hotel operators and property managers using surface refinishing as a more cost-effective alternative to the removal and replacement of bathtubs, tile surrounds and countertops." The cost of resurfacing a tub is $400 to $500 compared to $2,000 to $4,000 to tear out a tub and replace it.

eWomenNetwork networking lunch Friday

eWomen Network, a group that helps women in business promote themselves, develop new contacts and learn strategies for business promotion, will host an "acclerated networking" luncheon Friday, Feb. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Colorado Springs Sheraton Hotel, 2886 S. Circle Drive. The cost is $50 for members, $55 for non-members.

KKTV news anchor and investigative reporter Betty Sexton will offer tips for relating to the media and how to generate stories.

For more information and to register, call 596-1771.

Cowgirls Subs moving to Colorado Springs

Cowgirls Subs, an independent sandwich shop, is moving from Sheridan, Wyio. into a 1,400-square-foot space in the art deco Padgett Building at 301 E. Platte Ave. Building co-owner Pat Mika said the restaurant has a five-year lease and is expected to open around April 1. Pat Blair of the Sheridan Press newspaper said Cowgirls had been in Sheridan, a city of about 16,000, for more than two years and was widely praised for its soups, sandwiches and deserts. "Colorado Springs is getting a small gem," Blair said. Also, Mercury LDO, which specializes in large-document scanning and printing, signed a seven-year lease with a five-year option to occupy a 6,000-square-foot space in the recently remodeled Padgett building last August. One 3,000-square-foot space remains.

Teens, employers disagree on work readiness

Nearly 90 percent of the nation's teens believe they are either adequately or very well prepared to enter the work force, according to an annual poll conducted by Colorado Springs-based JA Worldwide's (Junior Achievement).
The group's 8th annual "Kids and Careers" Interprise Poll, sponsored by Verizon Communications Inc., found more than one-third of the nearly 1,500 students surveyed believe they are "very well prepared"and have the necessary skills to compete in today's work force, while more than half believe they are "adequately prepared." The survey was conducted online in October and November with students ages 13-19 from 125 JA offices nationwide.

Employers had a different view -- 42.4 percent of employers surveyed last year rated new work force entrants with high-school diplomas as "dificient" in their overall preparation for entry-level jobs they typically fill. The sruvey of 400 U.S. employees was conducted by The Conference Board, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Corporate Voices for Working Familes and the Society for Human Resource Management.

For complete results, go to http://www.ja.org/files/polls/kids_careers_2007.pdf.

Canadian trade discussion at Chamber February 14

Canada's Senior Trade Commissioner Monica Heron and the international trade staff of the Canadian Consulate General-Denver will visit Colorado Springs Wednesday (Feb. 14) to talk about how local companies can share in the profits from Colorado's largest international trade relationship.
In 2005, Colorado exports to Canada were valued at $847 million and trade with Canada supported 93,000 Colorado jobs. Aerospace, bio-tech, information and communication technologies, and agriculture are among the principal trade relationships. The 7:30 a.m. meeting will be held at the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, 2 N. Cascade, Suite 110. For more information, or to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of the Canadian officials, call the Colorado Springs Office of International Affairs at 575-4314 or e-mail internationalaffairs@cscc.org.