For the first time, all small businesses are invited to attend the state's annual retail conference, set for Wednesday at the Dover Sheraton. Sponsored by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the End-of-Session Legislative Brunch and Retail/Small Business Conference offers a chance to network and hear presentations. The conference begins at 8 a.m., when Attorney General Carl Danberg will roll out his plan to reduce check fraud by enhancing the Check Enforcement Program. Representatives from Delmarva Power will give an update on electricity deregulation and tools available to help small businesses conserve energy. The brunch, which begins at 11 a.m., features a legislative update by Speaker of the House Terry Spence and Senate Majority Whip Tony DeLuca. For more information or to register to attend or exhibit, visit the Delaware State Chamber Web site at www.dscc.com and click on the Events Calendar, or call the DSCC at 655-7221.

Delaware's newest craft brewery has hired an Ellicott City, Md., firm to handle its promotion and marketing. KFD Media will oversee the introduction of Twin Lakes Brewery's new Tweeds Tavern Stout and the Twin Lakes Grand Opening Party to be held Saturday. KFD's president is Kevin Donahue, a Wilmington native who has worked with other Delaware-based clients, including the Delaware Art Museum for its grand reopening last June. "Kevin got behind our efforts for the First Taste at the First State on April 13th at Buckley's Tavern and we had a tremendous response," said Samuel Hobbs, president of the Greenville-based brewery. Visit KFD Media at www.kfdmedia.com .

Delaware growers and licensed brokers of fresh fruits, vegetables and nursery products may be included in the 2006 issue of the Delaware Produce Buyers' Guide and the 2006 Marketing and Consumers' Guide by contacting the state Department of Agriculture. The guides include a list of Delaware commodity growers and brokers able to ship large quantities directly to out-of-state buyers. The Produce Buyers' Guide is mailed to large grocery chains, brokers and buyers prior to each harvest season. In addition, prospective buyers can also find the guides on the Department of Agriculture's Web site: www.state.de.us /deptagri under the marketing section. The 2004-2005 Produce Buyers' Guide is currently available on the Web site under "Hot Topics." The updated guides will be distributed to buyers at the Delaware State Fair and the Produce Marketing Association Trade Show in San Diego, Calif., in October.

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