The second of three planned Whole Foods Market stores in Hawai'i is scheduled to open Wednesday on Maui.

Whole Foods, the nation's largest natural and organic grocery retailer, said its store at Maui Mall in Kahului will open at 9 a.m.

The 26,366-square-foot store follows the opening of the first Hawai'i Whole Foods at Kahala Mall on O'ahu in September 2008. A 40,000-square-foot store in Kailua is expected to open in fall 2011. A previously planned flagship at Ward Centers in Kaka'ako was canceled by the Texas-based chain after construction delays by Ward Centers.

The Maui store is expected to employ 140 people and stock items supplied by 140 local vendors, including 60 on Maui that produce items from beef to flowers to surf wax.

STATE'S VENTURE CAPITALISTS TO MEET

The state's venture capitalists will gather March 11 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for the Hawaii Venture Capital Summit.

Organizers say the event will focus on ways to generate "follow-on funding" to help the growth of startup companies.

Entrepreneurs, economic development specialists, professionals who advise businesses and local "angel" investors are encouraged to attend.

Registration is $129 and includes lunch. Late registration is $150. For more information, go to www.enterprisehonolulu.com/vcsummit/index.html.

AT&T TO ADD, UPGRADE ISLE CELL SITES

AT&T said it plans to add 10 new cell sites in Hawai'i this year and upgrade an additional 10 to make them compatible with its 3G network.

The spending is part of a companywide capital investment plan, which is expected to be in the $18 billion to $19 billion range, the company said in a news release.

"These investments in smart networks are enabling the innovation of today and tomorrow that will enhance economic growth and stimulate jobs," said Dan Youmans, president of AT&T Hawaii.

AT&T said it has already invested nearly $95 million in its Hawai'i networks.

PHILADELPHIA INSURER OFFERING TDI

Lincoln National Corp., a Philadelphia-based insurer, said it has begun offering temporary disability insurance in Hawai'i.

The company said its coverage kicks in when a customer is unable to work and meets conditions for benefits to partially replace lost wages.