From Mark Burles, Senior Vice President Ipsos Public Affairs As dramatic as recent events in financial markets have been, it’s worth taking a moment to look beyond the latest headlines to examine the implications our current crisis holds for the global economy. This crisis promises to finally force the unwinding […]

In response to Wells Fargo Business Survey showing a drop in business optimism, Oregon Biz Report decided to seek for solutions. Here is the question we asked; “Surveys show small business optimism is down in Oregon. What can be done to improve it?” “Optimism, or its archenemy pessimism, may be […]

Despite a great location along two highways, this Beaverton Burger King was suddenly closed in the past few weeks.  Next to it was an Azteca Restaurant which represents the largest Mexican chain in the Pacific Northwest.  The Azteca was sold and converted into a private family establishment.    Several blocks West […]

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting, Last night Mrs. Businomics and I were doing things we hardly ever do.  I was admitting that I had been wrong.  She was agreeing with me.  Then I went to read some blogs and I found Brad DeLong saying exactly what I had been […]

Test your knowledge on key business and foreign affairs news. 1. What is the first state in the U.S. that has officially entered into a recession? A) Calfironia B) New York C) Flordia D) Washington

By Jack Rubinger, Jack Rubinger Media Relations, 503-788-7325 Over the course of more than 20 years, I’ve participated in hundreds of new business meetings, conversations at trade shows and exchanges with editors and reporters from obscure trade magazines to the Wall Street Journal.   Still. misconceptions remain about the practice of […]

Business Community Update: Every year the Oregon Ethics in Business Awards goes to businesses and business members who have merited notable ethical values in the workforce.  It is determined by a coalition of organizations such as the Samaritan Counseling Center, Rotary Club of Portland, Willamette University MBA; and the Portland […]

Target             -.3% Saks                -3.7% Kohl’s              -4.6% Limited Brands -4.7% Nordstrom       -5.8% Dillard’s           -6.0% Gap                  -7.2% J.C. Penny         -8.3% Source: Thomson Reuters. September 08 sales compared to September 07 sales.

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Wachovia, Citigroup and Wells Fargo, in consultation with the Federal Reserve, announce the following agreement.  Wachovia, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo have agreed to: 1) a standstill of all formal litigation activity effective immediately; 2) cease any formal discovery activities, and 3) cooperate in good faith to agree among […]

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting, The critical issue is whether main street businesses that rely on credit to fund their operations will be cut off, suddenly, from credit.  A sudden cut-off of credit to otherwise healthy companies would trigger a severe recession, but I think we have the tools […]