The Utah Housing Coalition, JP Morgan Chase Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco are inviting the public to attend a free foreclosure prevention training workshop, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the main Salt Lake City library, 400 South and 200 East.

The workshop is geared toward anyone in a position to provide counseling to the public, but is open to anyone with an interest in foreclosure prevention, including homeowners in financial distress. Information is available from the Utah Housing Coalition, 801-364-0077

- Lesley Mitchell

Scentsy Inc.: Convention may pump $4.5M into SLC economy

Up to 5,000 people are expected in Salt Lake City from Aug. 10 to Aug. 15 for the 2009 convention of Scentsy Inc., a Boise, Idaho-based company that sells wickless wax scent bars.

With conventioneers filling 4,500 room nights in area hotels, the meeting is projected to generate $4.5 million for Salt Lake County's economy, said Todd J. Ness, who booked the sale for the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Salt Lake City also has prospects for the company's 2010 and 2011 conventions.

- Mike Gorrell

Homebuyers: Watch out for fraudsters, state officials warn

State officials are warning consumers to be on the lookout for fraudulent offers in the face of economic uncertainty.

"While lower interest rates and the $7,500 tax credit spell opportunity for Utah homebuyers, these may also attract fraudsters," said Mark Steinagel, director of the Division of Real Estate. "Don't jump into a real estate deal or a foreclosure rescue offer without doing your homework."

Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, said the Utahns can query the agency about whether an investment or real estate offer is legitimate.

- Dawn House