Here’s a sampling of what is ahead in the next few weeks:

• The BBC is teaming up with our friends at The Community House this Thursday, Sept. 24, to host a candidate forum for the 13 candidates running for the Birmingham City Commission. This is an unprecedented election in both the number of candidates (13) and the fact that all four sitting commissioners have decided not to seek re-election. The forum is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. and includes a meet-and-greet session with the candidates as well as a facilitated question and answer session moderated by the Birmingham Eccentric. The forum is free to attend and open to the general public.
• On Sept. 30, the Chamber hosts its 12^th-annual Vine & Dine food and wine extravaganza benefitting Gleaner’s Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. We’ve put together an amazing collection of area restaurants and wine purveyors, have added Nuclassica to the entertainment lineup and have added many new items to the chance auction. Come sip, savor and explore from 6-9 p.m. at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Purchase tickets and find information including participating restaurants on the Chamber Web site at bbcc.com
• On Oct. 13, we are partnering with Fenner Melstrom & Dooling and Dickinson Wright to present An Evening with Andrew Fastow. Enron’s former CFO will discuss what questions corporate directors, managers, attorneys and accountants should ask in order to ensure that their companies not only follow the rules, but uphold the principles behind them. The evening, scheduled from 6-8 p.m. at the Townsend Hotel, includes cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres and will be moderated by Tom Henderson of Crain’s Detroit Business.
• Next up on Oct. 16, the Chamber is hosting an open house at our offices in South Adams Square in celebration of Chamber of Commerce month. Stop by our offices in the Adams Square Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about the benefits of Chamber membership, enjoy seasonal snacks and cider, and receive giveaways and raffle drawings donated by our members.
• Little ghosts and goblins will hit the streets surrounding Shain Park on Sunday, Oct. 18 for the 79^th-annual Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Patch. The fund gets under way at 1 p.m. with the Junior League of Birmingham-sponsored pumpkin patch on the terrace at The Community House, and culminates at 4 p.m. with the parade beginning at the corner of Bates and Martin. Chamber members will be on hand to offer giveaways and Halloween treats. There is no charge and kids are encouraged to come dressed in costume.
• Our busy October wraps up on Wednesday, Oct. 21 with the Community Leadership Breakfast and Nonprofit Showcase. This annual event, scheduled for 8-10 a.m. at The Village Club, provides an opportunity to network with the BBC’s nonprofit partners, become engaged in our six communities and make a difference where we live, work and play. The popular event begins with an opportunity to meet and greet with those leading the charitable organizations, followed by a full breakfast and keynote addresses from Paul Glantz, CEO of Emagine Theatres, and Rabbi Ellimelech Goldberg, founder of Kids Kicking Cancer. The Community Leadership Breakfast always is one of the BBC’s most popular events and sells out quickly so don’t wait to learn more and purchase tickets at bbcc.com

Fall is a great time to be involved in the Birmingham-Bloomfield Community. I hope to see you soon at a Chamber event!

Joe Bauman is president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber. He welcomes feedback at joeb@bbcc.com