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January 11, 2022 - Some flatness in Oregon economy

By Tim Duy Oregon Economic Forum, University of Oregon On net, in November the Oregon economy continued to make up for ground lost during the pandemic. Details include: – The Oregon Measure of Economic Activity rose to 0.38 while the moving average measure, which smooths out the monthly volatility, remained […]


January 10, 2022 - Businesses have to deal with mask mandate backlash, protest

Photo: Mask debate at Eugene store results in fight By Oregon Small Business Association Foundation, Throughout 2021, Oregon kept up restrictions when most states went back to normal.  As state agencies make the rules, it is small businesses that are forced to implement it and take the backlash from upset […]


January 7, 2022 - NFIB study: Labor quality, costs rated as top problems

By NFIB, Small business owners continue to struggle to increase their workforce, with 25% of owners saying labor quality was their top business problem in December, according to NFIB’s monthly jobs report. Thirteen percent of owners cited labor costs as their top business problem, up three points from November and […]


January 6, 2022 - Courts affirm Portland’s Rent Control law

By Oregon Realtor Association News Release, The Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the City of Portland Ordinance 188829, known as “Mandatory Renter Relocation Assistance,” is not in violation of ORS 91.225 which prohibits cities and counties from “[enacting] any ordinance or resolution which controls the rent that may be charged […]


January 5, 2022 - Menu prices hit 40 year high

By National Restaurant Association Growth in menu prices continued to rise sharply in November, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average menu prices increased 5.8% between November 2020 and November 2021, which represented the strongest 12-month gain since 1982. Grocery store prices also accelerated in recent months, […]


January 4, 2022 - Wyden: Concerns over latest problems facing small brewers

Wyden Raises Concerns About Changes That Will Hurt Small Brewers in Oregon and Nationwide Oregon US Senator Ron Wyden Press Release, Senate Finance Committee Chair: “At a time when small businesses are already struggling under the weight of ongoing economic upheaval due to COVID-19 and related supply chain challenges, I […]


January 3, 2022 - Major fire strikes 25 businesses in Hillsboro

By Oregon Small business Association Foundation, A four-alarm fire broke out early Sunday morning, ripping through an estimated 25 businesses on Hillsboro’s beloved Main Street. At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown. The call came in at approximately 3 AM alerting Hillsboro Fire and Rescue of a […]


December 31, 2021 - IRS bank monitoring threatens privacy, trust

Will Gardner Director, Center for Capital Market Competitiveness US Chamber of Commerce, Underlining the successful relationship between banks and their customers is a simple yet essential element: trust. Bank customers expect their transactions to be both secure and confidential, and banks honor that trust to garner consumer confidence and grow. […]


December 30, 2021 - 10 things NW employers should know for 2022

By Heather J. Van Meter Bullard law, 1. Omicron Variant Continues to Spread, and Employers Must Continue Compliance with Facemasks, Sanitation, HVAC, Other Precautions The Omicron variant of the SARS-COV-2 virus is quickly becoming the dominant variant around the nation and globally. Oregon Health Authority does not officially report any […]


December 29, 2021 - Distillery’s potato chip vodka sells out first day

By Oregon Small Business Association Foundation, People who love Lay’s potato chips can find that salty flavor in a special potato vodka available through Portland’s Eastside Distilling. It sold out within three hours. The distillery is working with Lays this holiday season to concoct a way for people to sip […]