* A. Blanton Godfrey, dean of the College of Textiles at N.C. State University, is the keynote speaker at the American Society for Quality-Raleigh's annual conference, which will focus on "Quality, Productivity and Innovation: Are these the keys to America's manufacturing comeback?" The conference will be held 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., North Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh. $115. To register: www.asqraleigh.org or Jim McGee at 777-2071 or McGee_James_W@cat.com.

* Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines, will discuss how successful companies put people first, how Southwest expanded with a unique culture and more. Presented by the Association for Corporate Growth and the Entrepreneur's Organization, Raleigh-Durham, 7:30 to 10 a.m., Sheraton Imperial, 4700 Emperor Blvd., Durham. $35. Contact: Debra Michie, 453-2997 or acgrtp@nc.rr.com.

21 Wednesday-

* David Diaz, chief executive officer of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, will discuss "Global Trends and Implications for Downtown Raleigh" at the Executive Summit Breakfast -- An Ongoing Community for Thought Leaders, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Cardinal Club, 150 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. Members $10.95, nonmembers $15. Reservations: 834-8829 or contact Becky Sansbury, 510-4522.

* Tom Stevens, mayor of Hillsborough, is the featured speaker at The Extraordinary Power of Questions: Elinvar 2008 Leadership Effectiveness Seminar, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Cardinal Club, Raleigh. Reservations: Patti Gillenwater, patti@elinvar.com.

* "Serious About Games:" N.C. State University Economic Development Forum, 8 to 10:30 a.m., The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, 1890 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh. Focuses on advanced learning technologies -- specifically, the serious-games industry. Reservations: www.raleighchamber.org, 664-7048 or send email to Tanya Blalock, tblalock@raleighchamber.org.

* Joblink Job Fair, hosted by Johnston County Joblink Managing Partners, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Johnston Community College, Tart Building, Paul A. Johnston Auditorium Lobby, 245 College Road, Smithfield. Workshops on "How to Deal With Negative Information" and "Making a Good First Impression." For information, visit www.joblinkcc.com.

* American Advertising Federation Raleigh-Durham chapter, Silver Medal Award Presentation, 5:30 to 8 p.m., The Matthews House, Cary. Speaker is Robert Lauterborn from UNC's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. For information, visit www.aaf-rdu.org.

22 Thursday-

* 2008 State of the Research Triangle Region, Economic Development Forum hosted by the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, 7 a.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Blvd., Durham. $50. To register: www.researchtriangle.org/SOR2008.

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

Economic calendar

MONDAY: The Conference Board releases its index of leading economic indicators for April; Lowe's Cos. releases first-quarter financial results.

TUESDAY: Labor Department reports on producer price index for April.

WEDNESDAY: Federal Reserve releases minutes from its April interest rate meeting.

FRIDAY: National Association of Realtors reports on existing home sales for April; N.C. Employment Security Commission reports on the Triangle's jobs market for April.