Pamplin Media Group – BUSINESS Briefs

The Business Briefs are short news items abouit what’s new in the Southeast Portland business community

March “in-person” AHB meeting – “How to lower your Schedule C Taxes”: In February’s monthly meeting of Southeast Portland’s Association of Home Businesses, on February 17, which starts at 6 p.m., noted local CPA Kevin Minkoff presents a seminar for small businesses and freelancers, “Top 10 Proven Strategies to Lower Your Schedule C taxes.” This will include a discussion of health reimbursement accounts, employing spouses and under-age-18 children, renting from your spouse, home office deductions, business vehicle deductions, de minimis fringe benefits, business travel, and the smartphone rule. Networking time, too. The meetings are on the third Thursday each month at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino (a block south of Tacoma) in Sellwood; the $10 door fee includes supper; open to everyone. However, to attend, you’ll need to RSVP to – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – or, call 503/232-2326. Further information online – www.AHBoregon.org

Local bank branch announces permanent closure: The Westmoreland Bank of America branch, across from QFC Market on Milwaukie Avenue, has been “closed temporarily” for some time, due to the pandemic. Recently, trash barrels appeared at the building and a note was posted on the door indicating that the branch was now closed permanently, and that the ATM customers have still been able to use would be removed. The note refers local customers to other branches in Southeast Portland. The building in which the bank operated was originally the home of Benjamin Franklin Savings and Loan, a prosperous local financial institution seized by the federal government on a technicality, and sold to Bank of America, many years ago during the “Savings and Loan Crisis”.