7th annual on-line real estate convention starts Feb. 11

What to be in the same room with Microsoft's Bill Gates, Re/Max International co-founder Dave Liniger and other top business leaders? It's easy; just sign onto your computer. The seventh annual National Real Estate Cyber Convention and Exposition takes place Feb. 11 through Feb. 17. The free event, which attracted nearly 38,000 on-line participants last year from around the world, will feature several nationally known business leaders and experts as speakers and presenters, including Gates, Liniger, real estate author Dirk Zeller and eNeighborhoods chief executive officer Stu Siegel, among others. In addition, attendees can see the latest ideas at hundreds of booths and even visit the convention's "virtual lounge." To register, and for more information, go to www.cyberconventions.com/realestate

Local Fashion Bug's fate unclear

Charming Shoppes Inc. on Tuesday announced plans to close 150 “underperforming” stores nationwide, including 100 in the Fashion Bug chain. So what does that mean for the Fashion Bug at First & Main Town Center on the east side of Colorado Springs?The store closings will be throughout the year and the list of those closing hasn’t been finalized, said Brooke Perry, spokeswoman for Charming Shoppes. But the majority of closings, she said, will be in markets “supported by a number of other stores” - which could bode well for the Springs' only Fashion Bug. There are nearly 1,000 Fashion Bugs in 44 states, according to Charming Shoppe’s Web site.

Costco about to open in "Colorado Springs East"

You've heard of Pueblo West? Welcome to Colorado Springs East. The Springs' first Costco Wholesale Club is poised to open at 8 a.m., Feb. 20 southeast of Powers Boulevard and Barnes Road on the city's east side. In coupon mailers going out to Costco faithful, the company exclaims, "we're opening in Colorado Springs East!" Well, while Pueblo West is a real community of about 10,000 households west of Pueblo, Colorado Springs East exists only in the geographically challenged mind of somebody putting together a coupon book for Costco. No matter. Many Colorado Springs-area residents are so anxious for a local Costco store that they'll travel just about anywhere to shop.

Chamber conducts military job fair

The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce will conduct a Military Family Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Sheraton), 2886 S Circle Dr. on Colorado Springs' south side. The event attempts to match employer needs with the training and skills of military, reserves and guard personnel and their families. For more information, contact Brian Binn at 575-4325 or brian@cscc.org.

Cheyenne Mountain Resort recognized for catering to meetings

The Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs recently received a 2008 Paragon Award from Corporate Meetings & Incentives Magazine, marking the 17th time the property has received the honor. The magazine asks its readers annually to vote for the properties that best handled their meetings and incentive programs during the previous year. Hotels, resorts and conference centers are evaluated on a variety of criteria, from the quality of their meeting services to their atmosphere, facilities and recreational amenities. For 2008, 50 properties nationwide earned a Paragon Award. The Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs also was named a winner. More information: http://meetingsnet.com/corporatemeetingsincentives/mag/meetings_paragon_awards_17/

Final months of winter take toll on vehicles

More motorists need roadside assistance in February than any other month of the winter season, according to AAA Colorado, the state's largest roadside assistance provider.

The top four reasons for roadside assistance requests to AAA Colorado are:

• Tow truck service



• Locksmith for motorists locked out of their vehicles



• Battery jump starts



• Tire changes

To avoid trouble on the road, AAA Colorado recommends motorists check the car battery, tire inflation and windshield wipers and fluid. Motorists also should prepare for an emergency with a cell phone, jumper cables, phone numbers for assistance, tire chains, a blanket, non-clumping kitty litter for traction, flares or reflective triangles, a flashlight with extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, ice scraper, shovel and window washer fluid.

AAA has more than 500,000 members in Colorado and 51 million members nationwide.

Century offers nonstop poker

Can't get enough poker? Then hit the road going north for about 1,300 miles and you'll find what you're looking for at the Century Casino & Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta.
The 14-month-old gambling hall owned by Colorado Springs-based Century Casinos Inc. began offering 24-hour poker in October and will add three more tables during the first quarter to add to the six already in operation. Century said the around-the-clock play "is continuing to contribute positively to the increased revenue and visitation" at its Canadian property, which includes 26 hotel rooms, 25 roulette, baccarat, black jack and craps tables as well as 650 slot machines.
Don't look for 24-hour poker at Century's Womack's in Cripple Creek -- Colorado gaming law restricts operating hours to between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m.
For more information, go to http://www.centurycasinos.com/.