The City of Richmond’s Office of Minority Business Development is seeking small business owners interested in participating in a new Business Development Mentorship program. The Business Development Mentorship Program will be introduced during an informational session at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, at the Carillon at Byrd Park, 1300 Blanton Avenue. The program is designed to help develop the capacity of minority and emerging small businesses. A participating business can expect the following from the mentorship program: A 12 to 18 month relationship commitment with an associate who takes active interest in their business success Consultation in a specific, needed area of expertise Business development suggestions A sounding board O ne-on-one interaction (by phone or in person) for at least one hour per month A meaningful business relationship with a qualified mentor A match based on an initial assessment of mentee needs and mentor skills Support and monitoring from the Supplier Divers

City residents are encouraged to attend the Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail - Phase II project presentation on Thursday, March 1, 2012. The presentation and Dove Street Redevelopment Master Plan Update will he held at Overby Sheppard Elementary School auditorium (2300 1st Avenue) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Presenters include: Whitman, Requardt and Associates (Cannon Creek Trail Project Consultants) City of Richmond Department of Public Works Engineering Division City of Richmond Department of Economic and Community Development Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority Richmond Raiders representative The project presentation will review the conceptual design of the Phase II Cannon Creek Trail that will extend from Dove Street north along the east side of the Richmond - Henrico Turnpike to the intersection of East Brookland Park Boulevard. Presenters will also discuss the increase in low income rental units during Dove Street Redevelopment Phase I and the City lease agr

The City of Richmond Workforce Development Pipeline in partnership with the RESOURCE Workforce Board will be hosting a public hiring event this Saturday, February 25 on the ground floor of the Richmond Public Safety Building, 501 North Ninth Street. Hospitality Staffing Solutions is currently seeking highly motivated, service minded individuals to fill up to 70 positions in downtown Richmond. The company is now hiring for the positions of housekeepers, housemen, stewards, banquet servers, banquet set-up, laundry, cooks, lobby porters, maintenance floor supervisors, and more. Jobseekers should arrive early and sign-up for one of the following times: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. Those not interviewed during one of these times will be asked to complete a job application for consideration at a later time. Interview attire is suggested as same day job offers may occur. All positions require flexible scheduling and availability on weekends and holidays. For more information about

Mayor Dwight C. Jones recognizes that community gardens provide economic benefits, increase social equity, strengthen our community, and promote environmental stewardship. As part of the city's Green Richmond Initiative, t he city of Richmond has partnered with Richmond Noir Market, Richmond Grows Gardens, and the Richmond Public Library to hold free urban agriculture classes to the public. The classes are being held on Saturdays until March 24, 2012, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the North Avenue Branch Library (2901 North Avenue). The classes do not require prior registration. For more information, please contact (804) 646-6675.