An instructional class, "How To Start A Part Time Business," will be offered from 6-8 p.m. July 16 at SunTrust Bank in downtown Gainesville. The class will be put on by the University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center.

Among the class topics are time management, tax write-offs, permitting and licensing, financing and budgeting, marketing and insurance guidelines. The class will provide all necessary instruction materials, including the free "How To Start Your Own Business" book.

Class fee is $49, but free by using discount code hiwtbivy. The class is sponsored and paid for by banking partner SunTrust Bank. The SunTrust Bank building is located at 121 E.E. Butler Parkway, Gainesville.

For more information or to register visit www.gainesvillesbdc.org or call 770-531-5681.

Mansfield Oil golf event raises funds for MDA
Mansfield Oil Co. recently held the 22nd Annual MDA Golf Classic at the Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton.

A total of 239 golfers participated in the tournament, which raised $225,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Mansfield Oil delivers motor fuels nationwide to commercial, industrial, government and retail customers.

"The tournament grows every year because there is such high retention when it comes to sponsors - there's no need for scrambling at the beginning of each year, looking for new contributors," said Tim Mosier, manager at UPS, which also sponsored the event.

The next Mansfield Oil Annual Golf Classic is scheduled for mid-May 2009. For more information about participating in next year's event, contact Kristin Kimzey at Mansfield Oil at 678-450-2119.

Regions Bank opens new branch in Cartersville
A new branch of Regions Bank officially opened for business in Cartersville this week.

"Regions is committed to being a good neighbor in Cartersville," said Stevie Buckles, Regions branch manager. "I am looking forward to meeting all of our neighbors and welcoming the community to our new branch. We want everyone to know that quality service is our top priority and customers can count on us for hometown hospitality and rewarding banking relationships."

Regions serves customers in 16 states across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,900 banking offices and nearly 2,500 ATMs.

The new branch in Cartersville brings the total number of Regions branches in the North Georgia area to 107, which includes several in Hall County.