By Oregon Small Business Association, As the Bureau of Labor chart shows, Oregon and California Metro-area cities are suffering with higher than average unemployment rates. These two states are rare compared to other states which either are improving better than the national average or at least have a few city […]

Bloomberg reports, “Orders for U.S. durable goods rose in September for the fourth time in the past six months, a sign factories are helping ring in an economic recovery.The 1 percent increase in bookings for goods meant to last several years matched the median estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg […]

GINA Requires Employers to Post Notice, Review Policies Stoel Rives LLP, Attorneys at Law Dennis Westlind, Portland, The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) takes effect November 21, 2009.  Is your workplace ready?  Employers will soon be required to post a notice stating that they do not discriminate on the basis […]

From an NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll: – 81% say we are a part of a longer-term economic decline – 27% think the country is headed in the right direction – 65% say they feel less confident that life for their children’s generation – 60% doubt the Iraq war will come […]

By Oregon Tax News, Often overlooked, smaller tax increases will be facing thousands of Oregon homeowners, in addition to possible new taxes in Multnomah County, Hood River and Ashland. Recent local proposals include an extension of the Ashland meals tax, along with increased driver registration fees and higher property taxes […]

By Bill Conerly, Conerly Consulting LLC, Businonmics I try not rant in this blog.  I really try.  But here’s the Wall Street Journal headline:  “Housing Starts Rise, but Remain Subdued.”  On the other hand, CNBC says, ” Producer Prices, Housing Starts Post Surprise Drops.” Huh?  Did housing starts rise, or […]

By Oregon Employment Department, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 11.5 percent in September from the revised August figure of 12.0 percent. September’s rate was the lowest since the 10.7 percent rate in February, and was down from the high of 12.2 percent in May. Nonetheless, the rate is […]

State Treasurer Ben Westlund receiving treatment for recurrence of cancer, is confident of recovery.  The flare-up was detected early and Westlund remains at work while undergoing therapy BY State Treasurer Office, SALEM – Oregon Treasurer Ben Westlund is receiving treatment to combat a recurrence of cancer, he disclosed today in […]

By Oregon Better Business Bureau, See full top 20 list here, Top 10 Complaints 1. Auto Dealers – New Cars 2. Television – Cable, CATV & Satellite 3. Auto Dealers – Used Cars 4. Auto Repair & Service 5*. Property Management 5*. Furniture – Retail 7. Video Tapes & Discs […]

By Oregon Business Report, A simple apology saved a business millions and satisfied customer complaints.  New studies show businesses can improve customer relations without dropping a rebate check in the mail.  Researchers at Britain’s Nottingham School of Economics tracked 632 customer complaints posted on a German eBay site.  In an […]