Archives

November 30, 2009 - Prison Time for Environmental Noncompliance?

It Could Happen: Oregon’s Attorney General Announces Environmental Crimes Enforcement Unit By Christopher Rycewicz, Brian T. Sniffen Miller Nash LLP, Oregon and Washington Law Firm After less than one year on the job, Oregon Attorney General John Kroger appears close to fulfilling one of his campaign promises: increased prosecution of […]


November 29, 2009 - Study shows businesses scale back tech choices during recession

By Wells Fargo Bank, Faced with an uncertain economy, some business owners are re-evaluating their use of technology. The latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, surveyed October 5-9, shows over half of respondents (58 percent) reporting that they have delayed technology purchases due to the economy, including purchases of new […]


November 28, 2009 - State Treasurer presses climate transparency for investors

Treasurer Westlund seeks more transparency for investors about climate risks to companies By Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund, SALEM – In life and investing, there’s a truism that “What you don’t know can hurt you.” Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund is asking the Securities and Exchange Commission to reduce that […]


November 27, 2009 - Holiday Advertising Up Despite Down Economy

Holiday shoppers will get an early start this year whether they are ready or not.  Retail giants have embarked on an advertising spending spree in an attempt to lure bargain shoppers to their stores earlier this year, signaling the economy may be on the rebound. Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Gap […]


November 26, 2009 - Who Are the Working Poor?

by Jessica Nelson Oregon Employment Department The number of working poor in the United States increased slightly between 2006 and 2007. The working poor are individuals who were in the labor force for at least 27 weeks during the year, but still had incomes below the official poverty level. About […]


November 25, 2009 - Consumer Attitudes: The Future of Saving and Spending

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting, This recession has shaken people up, but what will be the lasting effects on consumer behavior?  That’s one of the key questions as we look forward at the nature of the recovery.  I’ve been arguing for a “return to normalcy,” in which people will […]


November 24, 2009 - Government targets Flat TVs, Rum and Oysters

The latest consumer products that are being caught up in the regulatory spotlight are flat screen TVs, rum, and raw oysters. Flat screen TVs In California, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is considering new efficiency standards for television screens smaller than 58 inches.  If adopted, TVs sold in the state […]


November 23, 2009 - Washington Domestic Partnership Law Having Legal Impact

Washington Domestic Partnership Law Impacts Employee Benefits and Family Leave by Dennis Westlind Stoel Rives LLP, Attorneys at Law Washington voters recently approved Referendum 71, giving registered domestic partners all of the rights and responsibilities of married couples under Washington state law. Prior domestic partnership laws gave registered domestic partners […]


November 22, 2009 - Local Entrepreneurs: A new niche in reaching women

By Kylene Fickenscher Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Stephanie Stano, founder of Recycle Your Mat, and Zenana Rose of Zenana Spa are developing successful businesses within a specific niche market. By delivering innovative ideas to an untapped market, and supplementing their products with strong connections to the community, these women have developed […]


November 21, 2009 - Senate Health Care Bill Explained

Barran Liebman LLP Oregon Law Firm, On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, the Senate released its take on health care reform through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. While in some ways similar to the recent House bill, the Senate bill reflects some key differences of significance to employers. A […]