By Ken Niezgoda, BIZ Reporter Hiring remains strong in several Portland area industries, even as recession grips the region. The health care industry continues to hire despite state unemployment rates that have exceeded eight percent. However, the industry is hiring more than just medical professionals. Administrative staff, IT, and other […]

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting LLC Income and spending are both down, and it seems obvious that the one would lead to the other.  But which one leads to the other?  It’s not so simple.  Let’s look at the data.  (I only show the latest months, after the effect […]

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA US Department of Labor — In the week ending Dec. 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 492,000, a decrease of 94,000 from the previous week’s unrevised figure of 586,000. The 4-week moving average was 552,250, a decrease of […]

By Oregon Health Science University, Four companies were formed in fiscal year 2008 dedicated to translating discoveries by Oregon Health & Science University researchers into commercially viable products and services, the university’s Office of Technology and Research Collaborations disclosed today. This brings to 37 the number of OHSU startups incorporated […]

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By Dr. Eric Fruits Econinternational The Oregonian recenty reported that Portland’s newest commuter rail project, known as WES, will be about $34 million (25 percent) over budget. The latest estimates put construction costs at $166 million. The newspaper also reports that the rail project is designed to carry 4,000 passengers […]

By Guest Opinion, A PERSONAL OBSERVATION: Three different local restaurants described their holiday losses as each totaling over $200,000 when including both the recession and the winter storm.  Owners complained of media sensationalism over winter storm warnings as unnecessarily driving away customers.  For instance, the pre-Christmas week had only one […]

BY Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting, The newspapers report that the chief banking regulators are urging banks to lend money.  But the front-line bank examiners, the men and women who work face to face with actual bankers, are giving different orders.  They are telling banks to build up capital and […]

1. Which company this week announced “best ever” sales for their holiday season? A) Amazon.com B) Anheuser-Busch C) Blockbuster video D) Dollar Video 2. Who won this year’s USA Today’s poll for the most admire man? A) Michael Phelps B) Barack Obama C) Pope Benedict D) Billy Graham

Good News:  The forecasted drop in consumer spending was less than anticipated due to the drop in gas prices. (US Commerce Department) Bad News: Unemployment claims at a 26 year high.