Housing group gets federal grant

The National Center for Healthy Housing has been awarded grants totaling $1,657,999 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Columbia-based nonprofit organization has also received a national award for excellence from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The center will receive $999,374 under the HUD Healthy Homes Demonstration Program to identify the health benefits of a "green" building project in Southeast Washington. The organization will evaluate the effects of the environmentally friendly housing rehabilitation project on respiratory and mental health, injuries and overall health status.

Grant partners include the Community Preservation and Development Corp., Green Homes Inc., the National Capital Asthma Coalition, and Wiencek & Associates Architects and Planners.

The center will receive $658,625 under HUD's Lead Technical Studies Program to evaluate the long-term benefits of replacing rather than repairing lead-painted windows.

The center is dedicated to developing and promoting practical measures to protect children from environmental hazards while preserving affordable housing.

Marketing workshop to be held Nov. 15

The Howard County Economic Development Authority's Center for Business and Technology Development will offer a marketing workshop, "Keeping Your Focus," to help entrepreneurs and small-business owners develop a marketing plan that will allow them to stay focused on running the business while addressing the need for marketing.

The workshop, presented by Integrated Marketing Services, is to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 15 at the center, 9250 Bendix Road North, Columbia.

There is a fee. Registration is required.

Information: 410-313-6550.