Clark County business calendar

Tuesday

Workforce planning: Strategic Workforce Planning links business strategy to human resource practices, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 12 at Royal Oaks Country Club, 8917 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Rick Howell, human resource director at New Seasons Market, will speak. Members $25, others $35. Registration includes lunch. Sponsored by Southwest Washington Society for Human Resource Management. * http://www.swshrm.org

Tuesday, Wednesday

Career fair: Washington State University sponsors a 2013 Career & Internship Fair, 3 to 5:30 p.m. on campus, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. Event is free to employers. * Christine Lundeen, career services, 360-546-9224.

Wednesday

Professional development: The Resource Network introduces a business expert with advice and professional tips, 7 a.m., Educational Service District 112, 2500 N.E. 65th Ave. Cost is $5. * 360-694-2588.

Thursday

Focus group: The Thursday Member Focus Group for business professionals, 8-9 a.m., with light continental breakfast, at Banner Bank, 3100 S.E. 164th Ave. Presenter: Crystal Lewis of Marsh, Higgins, Beaty & Hatch PC, will talk about when to visit a lawyer. * 360-314-6463.

Ongoing classes/workshops

Business planning course for farmers: Washington State University Vancouver Clark County Extension’s 10-week course, “Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Business Planning,” 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through March 20, at the school. Local farmers looking to expand or start their business will benefit from the program. Registration is $75 per farm or family and class size is limited to the first 30 participants. * Call Eric Lambert, small acreage program coordinator, 360-397-6060.

Free tax help for low income: Free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low and moderate income of all ages, with special attention to those age 60 and older, is available from AARP Tax-Aide through April 15. Photo ID is required for the taxpayer present and must bring acceptable proof of Social Security number or ITIN for every person on the tax return. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, will offer assistance with personal income tax returns at the following sites:

• First Baptist Church, 108 W. 27th St., noon to 4 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays (except Wednesdays in March).

• Marshall Community Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., noon to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Upcoming

Clark County Pub Talk: Call for Startups, 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19 at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Artillery Barracks, 600 E. Hatheway Road. Light refreshments. Fee is $20 members, $30 for others. * Contact: Courtney Givens, 360-909-5632 or courtney@simplepleasuresevents.com.

Free tax workshop: The Vancouver office of the Washington State Department of Revenue is hosting a free workshop for new and small-business owners, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at 8008 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite 340, Vancouver. Participants will learn about Washington excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection and record-keeping requirements. All receive a workbook and a reference guide to Department of Revenue rules. Visit website for a complete schedule of workshops statewide and short video version of the workshop in English and Spanish. * Register http://www.dor.wa.gov or 360-256-2060.

Focus group: The Thursday Member Focus Group for business professionals, 8-9 a.m. Feb. 21, with light continental breakfast, at Glenwood Place, 5414 N.E. 81st Ave. Presenter: Jon Turino, local marketing expert, speaking about developing a market plan. The focus group will meet, 8-9 a.m. Feb. 28, with light continental breakfast, at Courtyard Village, 4555 N.E. 66th Ave. Amanda Martinez will review the book, “Getting Naked: A business fable about shedding the three fears that sabotage client loyalty,” by Patrick Lencioni. * 360-314-6463.

East Vancouver Business Association: NetBreakfast, 8-9 a.m. Feb. 21, The Quarry Senior Living, 415 S.E. 177th Ave. Topic: “What’s new with the Vancouver Police Department,” with Chris Sutton, interim chief. Fee: $5 members, $10 others.* Kathy Mensinger, 360-980-2624.

Women in agriculture: Workshop for women farmers in Washington offering inspirational speakers, practical advice on how to improve management skills and networking opportunities, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 1919 N.E. 78th St. Registration fee of $25 includes a copy of the book, “Farmer Jane — Women Changing the Way we Eat.” * http://www.womeninag.wsu.edu, 509-745-8531.

The Columbian welcomes submissions about Clark County residents or businesses as well as regional business events. Information must be received by noon Tuesday preceding the intended Monday publication date. Send to mary.ricks@columbian.com or fax 360-735-4491.