Briefs: New head of Elk Grove GOP

Mike Sweeney of Arlington Heights has been appointed the new committeeman of the Elk Grove Township Republican organization. Sweeney, the current Elk Grove Township clerk, was named committeeman by Lee Roupas, the chairman of the Cook County republican Organization. Sweeney is presently the Republican candidate for the 33rd state Senate seat in Springfield, challenging incumbent state Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge. Sweeney was elected Elk Grove Township collector in April 2005, but was appointed clerk in September of that year to fill the vacancy.

Global warming discussion

"Global Warming: Illinois Solutions, Global Consequences" will be the topic of the League of Women Voters' program 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Buechner Community Room at the new Arlington Heights village hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road. It will emphasize what individuals can do to promote local ways to reduce carbon pollution. The speaker is Meleah Geertsma from the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago. Oxfam in America will talk about how climate change is affecting women in poor countries. A proposal to form a loose communication network of interested community groups will follow.

Forum on trade coming

A free business forum on international trade featuring Congressman Peter Roskam and various experts will be held Monday, April 21, at the Meadows Club, 2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows. Companies interested in expanding export sales into new markets are invited. Topics will include identifying target markets and business partners, trade finance, export credit insurance, working capital loans, transportation and logistics services and manufacturing for better business results. Sponsors include the U.S. Commercial Service's Libertyville Export Assistance Center, DePaul University's Rolling Meadows Campus, the International Business Center, UPS, the Chicago Manufacturing Center and the Illinois District Export Council. While the event is free, people should pre-register at buyusa.gov/midwest/220.html. Call (847) 327-9082 for more information.

Library celebrates 10 years

Magic shows and a celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday will kick off National Library Week at Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle, Schaumburg. The library is celebrating its 10th year at the Town Square location and will offer cake in the lobby and free magic shows at 12:30 and 1:45 p.m. in the Rasmussen Room; seats limited, get a ticket 20 minutes before the show at the youth services information desk. Throughout the week, programs, contests, drawings and fundraiser will be ongoing.