* March 23 is the date for our forum with the Suffolk County Office of Consumer Affairs.  More details are available at the General meeting and in this newsletter.

* April 14 is the date for our annual Vendors’ Night Trade Show, at Sports Plus.

* April 19, Leviton will conduct Seminar classes on topics ranging from Bose audio theatre to Growing Your Business.  For further information and details, contact Leviton rep Jon Werner at 631-382-7707.  The event will be held at Leonard’s of Great Neck, and will include a great buffet.

* Board member Kevin MacLeod is starting to organize a SCECA family outing to Splish Splash, probably in July, 2005.

Lester Gochman (631) 643-2063

We’re happy to report that Board member George Alevas is on the mend.

As always, we request that appropriate information be provided to Lester and/or Joe, so we may celebrate your joys and share your sorrow.

by Joe Mikulas

A couple of years ago, a SCECA member phoned to say he saw my ad in the Yellow Pages.  (I knew he didn’t need an electrician.)  As the tale unfolded, he explained that he had the same ad, and asked what I was paying for it.  To our surprise, my fee was less per month for the same ad.

When last year’s book came out, I checked for my ad, then realized that I had never been contacted for renewal, by phone or by mail.  Sure enough though, my bill had increased.  Recalling the above experience, I followed up and “did my homework.”  It seems that a new advertiser might pay about $30.00 less per month than me.  I asked the Y.P.rep and her supervisor how I might avail myself of similar pricing.  (I can’t.)  However, as a loyal advertiser for over twenty years, if I increase my ad size or upgrade, I can receive a discount which will almost offset next year’s increase.  If this doesn’t seem fair to you, why not do your homework and check the cost of your Yellow Page ad.

Remember, there are other folks who will gladly accept your advertising dollars. And by the way, some of these agencies may be present at our Vendors Night.  If we stick together on this issue, we might be able to influence a change in Yellow Page policy.  Otherwise, let the buyer beware.

Stuart A. Sinclair, CPA
(516) 935-2086

The business standard mileage rate (for business use of an auto) was 37.5 cents for 2004.  The standard mileage allowance is only available if elected in the first year versus the actual expense method.  A taxpayer who has elected the standard rate method in the first year a vehicle is placed in service has the option in each succeeding year to use either the standard mileage rate method, or the expenses actually incurred, to determine the amount of his deduction.  If you use the actual expense method, save all your bills regarding car purchase, gas and oil, repairs, tolls, parking and insurance.

As always, we recommend that any questions regarding accounting and taxes be directed to Stuart.

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SCECA JACKETS:  :  :

We have begun to receive our first order of SCECA “three-season” jackets.  General members will soon be able to place their orders.  We expect the price to be in the $50 range, depending on size and personalized lettering.