It’s time for another Rabbit Rabbit. If you are not familiar with Rabbit Rabbit, here’s what it is:

Rabbit Rabbit is a habit that our blogger, Raychel George, has burned into our monthly routine. The way it works: On the first day of the month if the first words out of your mouth are “Rabbit Rabbit” then you shall be blessed with good luck. 

If you have an event you would like to add, comment on this post with the event information for everybody to see. You may also email us at info@WhatsUpJacksonville.com to suggest events.

August 4   UNF Small Business Development Center is hosting Upside of the Downturn Forum.  This forum is designed to help business owners determine the strengths and weaknesses of their business and to spot new opportunities for growth.  Venue: University Park Branch Library (3435 University Blvd. North)  Time: 6-7:30 p.m.  Cost: Free.  Pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register contact UNF’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at (904) 620-2476. 

August 5   Ponte Vedra Chamber invites you to the grand opening of Surface Care Systems (10033 Sawgrass Dr. W., #119, Ponte Vedra).  Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Food and drinks will be served.  For more information contact the Ponte Vedra Chamber at (904) 285-2004. 

August 6   AIA Jacksonville’s Air and Water for Today’s Environment – continuing education.  Venue: UNF University Center (12000 Alumni Dr.)  Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Cost: free.  For more information contact Lane Manis (904) 389-8421 or via email Lane.Manis@AIAJacksonville.org.

August 7   Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Awards.  Excellence in Construction Awards Dinner 2009.  Presented by Associated Builders and Contractors First Coast Chapter and the Jacksonville Business Journal Venue: Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village.  Cost: $110/person.  Sponsorship information available by calling Judd Schwartz (904) 731-1506.  www.abcjax.com

August 13   Diversity Awards Luncheon Jacksonville Business Journal’s 5^th Annual Diversity Awards Luncheon.  Recognizing Northeast Florida’s largest minority-owned businesses and the companies and individuals who have been instrumental in their success. Venue: Jacksonville Hyatt Regency Riverfront (downtown Jacksonville).  Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Cost: $40/person.  For more information or to register and purchase tickets please call Andy Brennan at 904-265-2207.  Online registration is available here: http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/event/5910

August 14   August Northeast Florida Builders Association Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) Breakfast.  Speaker: Tim Connolly, Jacksonville Jaguars.  Venue: UNF University Center.  Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.  Cost: Before Aug. 12: $15 for members, $25 for non-members; after Aug. 12 $20 for members, $30 for non-members.  Contact Amanda Randolph for more information (904) 421-0298 or arandolph@nefba.com. 

August 19   Advantage Magazine is presenting a Small Business Workshop: Interpreting Financial Statements to Manage Your Small Business.  Venue: American Enterprise Bank (10611 Deerwood Park Blvd., Jacksonville).  Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.  Cost: $10  RSVP required as space is limited.  Light breakfast to be provided.  Speaker: Roger Birong.  Birong is Principal of Birong Associates and has provided business valuation and management consulting services to more than 300 companies since 1993.  For more information contact Dina DeMarco at dina@advantagebizmag.com. 

August 19   An evening with IMPACT at Mavericks.  Join IMPACTjax – the Chamber’s young professional group - from 5:30-8 p.m. upstairs at The Jacksonville Landing for An Evening with IMPACT at Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk.  Mavericks is North Florida’s newest country western/cross-over/rock venue, and has been bringing new excitement to Downtown Jacksonville.  You can enjoy complimentary appetizers and two free cocktails courtesy of Mavericks while networking with more than 100 IMPACTjax members.  Don’t forget your business cards! This event is free for IMPACTjax members and $10 for non-members. 

August 20   NEFBA Remodelers Council Lunch Meeting at NEFBA from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Guest Speaker: Juli Catlin to speak on “Working in Partnership with an Interior Designer.”  Sponsor: Durham Building Materials.  For more information contact Scott Merritt at (904) 725-4355 or smerritt@nefba.com. 

August 20   NEFBA Remodelers Council Evening Social – appetizers and networking.  Venue: Traditions in Tile & Stone (7660 Philips Hwy., Ste. 8).  Time: 5:30-7 p.m.  RSVP deadline: Aug. 18. For more information or to register contact Scott Merritt at (904) 725-4355 or smerritt@nefba.com. 

August 20   Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Council hosts an All Council Mixer.  Venue: University Club.  Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Cost: $5/person.  This networking event is open to all council members.  For more information or to register contact Jonathan Smith at (904) 366-2703. 

August 22   WJCT’s Speaking of Women’s Health 2009 Conference.  This one-day conference is designed to help educate women to make informed decisions about their health, well-being and personal safety for themselves and their families.  Venue: Jacksonville Hyatt Regency Riverfront.  Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Tickets: $35/person.  Hosted by WJCT and Baptist Health.  For more information visit www.wjct.org or call (904) 549-2938. 

August 29    daniel Kids Benefit Rock ‘n Ride.  The Premier Bike Ride on the First Coast Moves Downtown.  Launch and return at the Jacksonville Landing.  After-party at Mavericks.  Registration through August 1, $25 per driver, $20 per passenger.  Sponsorship opportunities available.  For more information contact Jimmy Kelly at (904) 296-1055 ext 1026 or visit www.danielkids.org. 

August 29-Sept. 13   St. Johns County Parade of Homes 2009.  For more information contact Leona Brown at the St. Johns Builders Council at (904) 824-8121 or sjbcouncil@bellsouth.net.