Business calendar

COMING UP

Today: National Association of Home Builders releases housing market index for September.

Tuesday: Commerce Department releases housing starts for August. Federal Reserve policymakers begin a two-day meeting to set interest rates. FedEx Corp. reports quarterly financial results.

Wednesday: Federal Reserve policymakers meet to set interest rates, statement scheduled for 8 a.m. Hawaii time

Thursday: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims. National Association of Realtors releases existing home sales for August. Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, releases weekly mortgage rates.

SEPT. 23

The Honolulu Firefighters Foundation — Seventh Annual Signature Chefs Food Festival: 5:30-9 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian. Cost: $175 per person. Call 386-3238 or email chefsfestival@gmail.com.

SEPT. 24

Graham Builders Seminar — “Building Your Home for Life”: Homeowners can learn how to select a builder and what to watch out for, and get tips on residential design, setting a budget, estimating, financing and scheduling. 9-11 a.m. at Honolulu Country Club, 1690 Ala Puumalu St. Free; RSVP required. Call 593-2808.

OCT. 14

14th Annual Bayanihan Gala Fundraiser: The Filipino Community Center will honor six individuals for their extraordinary acts of service, including Amefil “Amy” Agbayani, Jeffrey N. Watanabe, Maggie Domingo, Timothy E. Johns, Lynn Watanabe and Domingo Los Banos. Event starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Waikiki. Call Arceli at 680-0451. Visit filcom.org/center/bayanihan-gala-2016/.

OCT. 20

** Equipment Leasing for Your Office, Fleet or Facility: Featuring speaker Kiley Nakamura, a commercial equipment lease officer at First Hawaiian Leasing, and learn the essentials of equipment leasing for your business. 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Manoa Innovation Center, 2800 Woodlawn Drive, Presentation Room, Honolulu. Free. Register by visiting bit.ly/hisbdcworkshop.

OCT. 28 & 29

“Rise & Lead” Toastmasters Fall Conference: Humorous and evaluation speech contests, educational keynote speakers, awards, auction and more. Event will be at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia St. Early registration cost by Oct. 17 is $100 for the full conference. Call Rose at 276-5093.