Learn about mall leasing openings

CHAPEL HILL -- Join representatives from Madison Marquette's leasing team Thursday for an overview of opportunities available at University Mall in Chapel Hill.

Three sessions are available: 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Call 919 967 694 to reserve your space.

Leadership program on tap

CHAPEL HILL -- Leadership Chapel Hill-Carrboro, in its 25th year, will kick off its 10-week, intensive program in September.

The program challenges participants to increase their leadership potential by better understanding themselves, the Chapel Hill- Carrboro community, and the skills necessary to lead. Twenty-five participants will learn from today's leaders about the social, cultural, political and economic facets of our community, as well as participate in team-building exercises and skills curriculum taught by local experts.

Leadership 2009 begins Sept. 28 with an opening reception at the Siena Hotel from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Classes begin Sept. 30 and will be held weekly from 8 a.m. to noon through Dec. 9.

Register online at www.carolinachamber.org/leadership.

Touch Downtown program set

CHAPEL HILL -- Rick Steinbacher, the associate athletic director of marketing and promotions at UNC, will discuss the Touch Downtown program Thursday, sponsored by the Friends of Downtown.

His presentation begins at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the Franklin Hotel. Parking is available in the lot behind the hotel.

The Friends of the Downtown meets the last Thursday of each month.

Meetings of the Friends of the Downtown are free and open to the public.

Development briefing's Sept. 22

CHAPEL HILL -- The Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Chapel Hill Association of Realtors and the Home Builders Association of Orange, Durham, and Chatham Counties will present a development briefing Sept 22.

The event will be 8-10 a.m. at the Friday Center and will focus on the latest trends in the regional and local markets, new local economic development initiatives and the status of projects in Orange County.

Registration is required. The cost is $30 for members, $40 for nonmembers, which includes breakfast.

Questions? Contact Whitney Woodyard | 357-9980 | wwoodyard@carolinachamber.org.

Parade of Homes coming

CHAPEL HILL -- The Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties will present the 2009 Parade of Homes Oct. 3, 4, 9, 11, 16, 17 and 18 from noon to 5 p.m.

In its 26th year of inviting the public to view some of the finest homes in the area, this event showcases 59 homes with innovative designs, products, and technology in new home construction. Builder members of the HBA have entered a wide array of homes for this year's parade, meeting the needs of home buyers in all price ranges, from the budget-conscious shoppers to those looking for a million dollar-plus estate.

The event is free of charge and offers prospective buyers the opportunity to see fresh products and designs in the new home industry in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

For more information, call the HBA at (919) 493-8899 or visit www.hbadoc.com.