By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting The worst part of this forecast update is history.  The fourth quarter is still a forecast, because we won’t have official GDP data for another couple of weeks, but the monthly numbers we have are looking worse and worse.  As I mentioned recently, exports, […]

By Economist Dr. Eric Fruits, Econinternational Oregon’s personal exemption tax credit is the most widely claimed state income tax credit.  The most recent information from the state indicates that 93 percent of taxpayers claim the credit.  The average taxpayer has a $308 personal exemption tax credit.  Without the personal exemption […]

Ken Niezgoda, BIZ Reporter If you’re a small retail business owner looking for that hedge against the recession, you may not have to look any further than the screen that’s currently in front of your nose.  While retail sales have dropped off, ecommerce sales continue to show gains nationally. “E-commerce […]

By Alyssa Williams, Below are some of the notable and high profile job losses announced during the past six months. Hynix Semiconductor – 1,400 jobs Hewlett-Packard – 300 jobs Milwaukie Affiliated Computer Services – 285 jobs, Qwest – 101 jobs Tektronix – 150 jobs Con-Way Inc.– 88 jobs DHL Express […]

Barran Liebman LLP Electronic Alerts Attorneys practice labor and employment law Electronic AlertSM,Vol.12, Issue 1, 1/12/09 In November, a final rule was announced to enforce President Bush’s Executive Order requiring most federal contractors and subcontractors to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires and all existing employees […]

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting Following up on this post, I’ve posted a video explanation of the role that consumer spending will play in the recovery from the current recession.

1. What is the name of the Illinois Senator(?) who was picked by Gov. Blogojevich and halted from taking his seat in the Senate this week? 2. Despite the recession, What product saw sales rise 20% beyond expectations in 2008? A) Netbook computers B) Online music sales C) iPhones D) […]

By Dr. Eric Fruits, Econinternational In February 2008, the Oregonian’s website had a posting with the title: “Business energy tax credits going bonkers.” What was meant by “bonkers” was Oregon’s Legislative Revenue Office projections that tax breaks under the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) program would cost the state $80 […]

By Alyssa Williams, With an unsteady U.S. job market, the $250 million annual revenue in India from legal outsourcing as reported by The Wall Street Journal could concern many Americans. However, Sanjiv Kripalani, Manager of Client Services and Development at Stoel Rives LLP, believes the poor economy, which may have […]

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 […]