Biz Beat 1-29-2015

Bloxi is a new Eugene-based web business startup that appears to be quickly growing an international audience. “Bloxi is a quiz site where anyone can create, take or share quizzes,” says Bailey Koharchick, director of marketing. Find it on bloxi.com or call the company at 505-8044.

The tax preparation season begins Feb. 1 and AARP tax aide volunteers in conjunction with the IRS will be helping people prepare basic tax returns for free around Eugene, Springfield, Junction City, Cottage Grove, Oakridge and Veneta. Hours vary and some sites such as Campbell Community Center and ShelterCare require appointments. Walk-in sign-ups are welcome at the Eugene Public Library, Goodwill Industries on Seneca and the LCC main campus Building 10.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters of Eugene has reopened at 1647 Coburg Road next to Walgreens. The travel agency franchise specializes in a wide range of travel services through Expedia. Owner is Matt Velure who can be reached at 653-9220 between 10 am and 4:30 pm.

The Lane County Children’s Photo Contest will happen in February and March as a benefit for Parenting Now!, a local nonprofit. Local professional photographers will take traditional or storytelling photos of a child or siblings up to age 12. The photographers are donating their time and discounting their sitting fees to $49. They include Amanda Reed, Bruce Berg, Tiffany & David Barfield and Sheri Hubbs. More information at parentingnow.org. 

We hear Café Yumm! opened more restaurants around the Northwest in 2014, including Salem, Lake Oswego, Vancouver, Washington and the PDX airport. A second Bend store is on the way.