Week ahead

Highlights for May 22 to 27

22 Monday

* "Biotech 2006 -- Fusing Science, Technology and Industry Leadership," the Council for Entrepreneurial Development's annual conference on the biotechnology industry in North Carolina, 8 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem. Speakers include U.S. Sen. Richard Burr; Ira Flatow, National Public Radio science correspondent; and Stelios Papadopoulos, vice chairman of investment bank SG Cowen. On-site registration is $275 for CED members, $375 for nonmembers, $150 for university faculty and staff members, $150 for government and nonprofit employees, and $50 for students. To register and for more information: www.cednc.org/biotech.

23 Tuesday

* Business Leaders Breakfast, sponsored by Rockett Burkhead & Winslow and Business Leader magazine, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Capital City Club, Raleigh. Featured speaker Suzanne Burns, vice president and general manager of Eaton Corp., will discuss leadership. Tickets: members $12, nonmembers $20. Contact: www.businessleader.com/breakfast.html.

* Small Business Administration Day, hosted by the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Center, 10 a.m., Durham Technical Community College. Ivan Haskins, Small Business Administration marketing and outreach specialist, will consult with small business owners about the SBA loan programs and services. To schedule an appointment: Danielle Kaspar, 682-2133 or dkaspar@durhamchamber.org.

* Traction, a nonprofit group, will sponsor a discussion on economic issues facing young adults. The featured speakers will be Patrick Lyons, author of "Map Your Financial Future: Starting the Right Path in Your Teens and Twenties," and Tamara Draut, author of "Strapped: Why America's 20- and 30-somethings Can't Get Ahead." The event will be 7:30 p.m. at Joe & Jo's, 427 W. Main St., Durham. For information: scott@gettraction.org.

25 Thursday

* 2006 State of the Research Triangle Region, hosted by the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, 7:15 a.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Blvd., Durham. $40. Register: www.researchtriangle.org/SOR2006.

For complete calendar listings, see Friday's Business section.

Economic calendar

TUESDAY: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary John Snow testify on financial literacy at a Senate hearing.

WEDNESDAY: Commerce Department reports durable goods orders and new home sales for April.

THURSDAY: Commerce Department reports gross domestic product for the first quarter; National Association of Realtors reports on existing home sales for April.

FRIDAY: Commerce Department reports personal income and spending for April. N.C. Employment Security Commission releases April jobless figures for the Triangle.