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Dear Members of the Portland Leather Alliance:

We are writing to inform you of a recent problem that we think you should
know about.

For many years the Portland Leather Alliance has banked with Washington
Mutual. There has never been any problem with our organization's account or
credit.

Last year the Board of PLA made a decision to apply for a credit card
through Washington Mutual. After several months and a bank review of the PLA
bylaws the request for a credit card was denied because PLA is an
"unacceptable industry type." We made every attempt to challenge the denial,
explaining that we are a non-profit organization through the State of Oregon
with a 501©(3) tax exempt status through the Internal Revenue Service. They
were unwilling to reverse their decision. Our final discussion was with the
bank manager who said Washington Mutual can do business with whomever it
chooses. Apparently we do not meet their criteria. They were, however,
willing to continue holding our money. However, PLA has decided it does not
wish to do further business with Washington Mutual and has withdrawn its
accounts.

As a result of this decision, some members who bank at Washington Mutual
have taken their personal accounts to other banks. If you choose to do that,
please consider letting the bank know why you are changing.

In leather and solidarity,

The Board of Directors

Portland Leather Alliance