(NNPA)—Before Congress adjourned for its current recess, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform convened a hearing on the still-unfolding foreclosure crisis. Convened by chairman and veteran New York Congressman Edolphus Towns, the March 25 forum sought to examine current foreclosure prevention efforts and what needs to change in the government’s response.

Considering that this committee, the main investigative one for the House, is armed with authority to investigate any federal program and/or any issue with federal policy implications, Towns opened the door to a discussion that could not be timelier for the nation.

APRIL 8—Pittsburgh Professional Women will host “Am I Googleable? Workshop for Professionals” from 9-11 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Greentree, 101 Radisson Dr., Greentree. Beth Caldwell, a publicity expert and author, will discuss the seven publicity secrets to help a business get found online. Registration is required and the cost is $29 for members and $39 for non-members. For more information, call  412-202-6983.

Business with the commonwealth

APRIL 8—The Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center will host “Doing Business with the Commonwealth” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe. This workshop will provide information to individuals interested in doing business with the government. Topics that will be discussed include locating state contracting opportunities; how the state purchases goods and services; using state contracting to grow a business and more. There will also be information about certification of minority- and women-owned businesses. The workshop is free. For more information, call 724-537-4572.

Business series

APRIL 8—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series from 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St. The topic is “Looking for Health Care Benefits and Options?” Stephen Rzonca, of the Bureau of Education and Market Analysis for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, will lead the presentation and provide various health insurance options available to those who find themselves uninsured or underinsured. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Professional networking

APRIL 8—Jessica Lee and Pittsburgh Gateway Corp. will host “Entrepreneurial Thursdays” from 5:30-8 p.m. at Little E’s, 949 Liberty Ave., Downtown. This week’s theme is “The Business of Professional Speaking.” This is a professional networking event with live jazz/R&B music. There is a $5 fee. Business casual is the attire. No jeans or tennis shoes. For more information, call Sandy Marshall at 412-802-6780 or visit www.jessicaleesong.com.

Breakfast series

APRIL 9—The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University will host their Monthly Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the James Laughlin Music Hall, Woodland Rd., Shadyside. The speaker will be Magdeline Jensen, CEO of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. She will discuss “Innovative Entrepreneurship for a Non-Profit.” The cost is $25, which includes a continental breakfast, a networking session and the presentation. For more information, call 412-365-1253 or visit www.chatham.edu/cwe.

Writing a business plan

APRIL 14—Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center will host “Writing an Effective Business Plan” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the university’s Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Reservations are required and the cost is $45. For more information, call 412-396-1633 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Community conversation

APRIL 14—The Center for Inclusion in Health Care and the Supply Chain Management Department at UPMC will host their “Community Conversation: Supplier Diversity” from 3-5 p.m. at UPMC Herberman Conference Center, 5150 Centre Ave., Shadyside. The conversation will address the state of minority business in the Pittsburgh Region and the creation of a collaborative initiative to increase the utilization of these businesses. Special presentations include “The State of Minority Business” by Dr. Audrey Murrell and “Awakening the Region to Supplier Diversity and Inclusion.” Lynne Hayes-Freeland will be the event moderator. Registration is requested no later than April 9. For more information, call Matt Arch at 412-864-3582 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

(To have information listed in the  Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)

AUGUSTA, Ga.—When news struck that Tiger Woods was returning to golf at the Masters tourney in Augusta, golfers, marketers, media outlets, hoteliers and others brewed with delight.

Since Tiger’s Thanksgiving Day auto wreck and subsequent public meltdown, the No. 1 golfer’s return to the course has been anticipated by millions. In Augusta, a city of 400,000 and the second-largest city in the Peach State next to Atlanta, Tiger’s return means mega dollar signs.

FREAK STORM—Just weeks ago, the entrance to the Augusta National Golf Club was the scene of a freak snowstorm. Today, it’s the site of the nation’s hottest sports ticket, the Masters, featuring Tiger Woods.

Passionate about what he does and excited about receiving the award, McGuire said, “Not just anyone receives a nomination. But I was chosen because they say I elicit high standers as a chef in my establishment, uphold standards set by my colleagues and devote my time to the culinary field and the ACFPC.”

A HAPPY MOMENT —Kevin McGuire thanks the American Culinary Federation Pittsburgh Chapter for naming him 2009 Chef of the year.