Movie special effects expert Dean Lyon will teach a seminar 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Employ Florida Banner Center for Creative Industries in the University of North Florida Division of Continuing Education. Lyon’s work includes the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and other movies. His topic will be “Visual Effects and Computer Generated Imagery for the Independent Film Maker.” Information: www.creativeflorida.org or call 620-4808.
• Gov. Rick Scott appointed Susan Grandin to the Environmental Regulation Commission. Grandin is the Florida area director for The Trust for Public Land. Her term began Monday and ends July 1, 2015. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
• The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville Inc., a chapter of the 100 Black Men of America Inc., plans the 13th Annual Bernard V. Gregory Scholarship and Student of the Year Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hyatt Downtown. Scholarships will be awarded to 14 local students attending various colleges and universities. The group also will name “students of the year” at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Gregory was a J100 founding member and community leader. For information, visit www.100blackmenjax.org.
• The “Bring the Noise - Support Our Port” campaign gathered a little more than 4,000 letters Thursday at a rally at the Landing. The letters will be sent to legislators. The grassroots effort has collected about 14,000 letters since June, reported “Bring the Noise” organizer Jen Yoder.
• Dan Singleton of Jacksonville-based Suddath Relocation Systems was one of three sales representatives honored by United Van Lines for July. Singleton was named salesperson of the month for special products.
• Harbinger, a national sign and lighting firm specializing in fabrication design engineering and project management, has expanded. Formerly Quality Sign, the Jacksonville-based and family owned company opened at 5300 Shad Road in 51,500 square feet of space, including 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space, more than doubling the company’s production space. The building formerly housed Noland Plumbing. Roger Williams is CEO.