Percent change in Real GDP by Metropolitan Area 2008 Bureau of Economic Analysis: New statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show that the slowdown in U.S. economic growth was widespread: 60 percent of metropolitan areas saw economic growth slow down or reverse. Real GDP growth slowed […]

By NorthWest Natural Gas, PORTLAND, Ore.- The Board of Directors of Northwest Natural Gas Company (NYSE:NWN), dba NW Natural, has increased the quarterly dividend on the company’s common stock to 41.5 cents from 39.5 cents per share, an increase of 5 percent. The dividends will be paid Nov. 13, 2009, […]

by by Dennis Westlind, World of Work Stoel Rives LLP, Attorneys at Law Last week the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) filed with the Secretary of State a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on new regulations pertaining to certain employee leave laws.  The proposed regulations are intended to reflect […]

Press Release from Gene Biggi and family. We have decided not to sell our family property to the City of Beaverton for the purpose of building a stadium for Merritt Paulson.  Sale of the property would displace hundreds of employees in dozens in businesses.  Mayor Doyle and city staff approached […]

Barran Liebman LLP A new decision from the Washington Court of Appeals, Roe v. Telletech Customer Care Management LLC, provides a victory for employers who resist employees’ requests to accommodate their medical marijuana use. The case involved an employee who, after only two weeks of work, was terminated once she […]

By Dr. Eric Fruits Econinternational Portland politicians love their streetcars. Earlier this month, the city council unanimously approved a streetcar concept plan (PDF) that calls for a massive expansion of the streetcar system throughout Portland. Streetcar systems have substantial construction costs. On top of that, Portland’s system has huge operating […]

Rasmussen reports that, “Just 41% of voters nationwide now favor the health care reform proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s down two points from a week ago and the lowest level of support yet measured. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% are opposed to […]

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting LLC For years I heard sellers of luxury goods say, “The rich will always have money.”  Then the recession came and we learned that the rich will not always spend their money.  As an example, I wrote a blog post using the mega-yacht business […]

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Names Winners at the 16th Annual OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards By Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Ray King of AboutUs wins the award for individual achievement. Jama Software, Monsoon, and Motorcycle Superstore are Selected as this year’s award winners in company categories Sept. 24, 2009, Portland, Ore. — […]

New ‘Buy Oregon Bonds’ sales will create jobs and finance vital energy, courtroom and state hospital projects By Oregon State Treasurer, SALEM – State Treasurer Ben Westlund today announced two upcoming “Buy Oregon Bonds” sales that will create jobs and finance important projects, while also allowing the public to earn […]