Clark County business calendar

Tuesday

Clark County Pub Talk: Call for Startups, 5 to 8 p.m. 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.

Wednesday

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. 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 and short video version of the workshop in English and Spanish. Register http://www.dor.wa.gov or 360-256-2060.

Business Disaster Preparedness seminar: The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter will cover a range of Red Cross resources, products and services to help your workplace withstand a disaster. Presented by Steve Eberlein, Oregon Territory Health and Safety manager, American Red Cross; and Francisco Ianni, director of preparedness, Oregon Red Cross. Refreshments, light lunch provided. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave., Portland. Free. Information: 503-528-5629 or paula.negele@redcross.org.

Thursday

Focus group: The Thursday Member Focus Group for business professionals, 8-9 a.m. 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., 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.

Saturday

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, 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.

Ongoing classes/workshops

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:

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

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

o Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays; 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays (except Monday, Feb. 18).

o Cascade Park Community Library, 600 N.E. 136th Ave., noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

o Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 S.E. Eighth St., Battle Ground, 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays.

o Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C E. Tenney Road, 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays.

o 888-687-2277 or http://www.aarp-tax-aide-sw-washington.org/.

Upcoming

7 secrets you need to know: What you need to know to protect your home, your assets and your family from the costs of long-term care, presented by attorney Margaret Madison Phelan, 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 26. Free. * Location, necessary reservations: 360-696-2069.Networking workshop: Networking 4 Newbies, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 1 at DIY Marketing Center (inside Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce office), 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, presented by marketing coach Veronika Noize. Cost is $5-$10. Seating is limited. Register: http://www.diymarketingcenter.com/Public_Events or 360-882-1298.

Fundraising professionals: The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southwest Washington and Oregon chapters, will present “Local Philanthropy Trends, Opportunities and Lessons Learned: Results of the 4th Annual AFP Philanthropy Survey.” 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 1, Multnomah Athletic Club, 1849 S.W. Salmon St., Portland. Lunch included. Cost is $35/$50. Register http://www.afporegon.afpnet.org, 360-256-5590.

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.