China's "retail tourists" ripe with potential for Portland
An executive from Beaverton-based Pacific Education & Cultural Exchange Center helped bring a film crew to Portland hoping that after the episode airs this fall, Chinese from a handful of wealthier provinces recently approved to tour the United States will add a Portland stop to their itineraries for a day of sales-tax-free shopping. more >
Cuts wound rural air service
Turbulence hit the state’s rural airline service this summer, as flight service was reduced or canceled in several communities, leaving in its wake concern that businesses and economic development will be harmed. more >
Munich on the Willamette
Gunther Hoffmann knows at least one reason why German tourists are expected to flock to Oregon this summer: “Germans are entranced with the West and Indians,” says Hoffmann, head of the German Consulate in Portland. more >
Sales decline prompts Mt. Bachelor shakeup
As the final days of last winter’s ski season wound to a close, Powdr Corp. — which runs the Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort — took the dramatic step of firing the majority of the resort’s top management. more >
Lithia cuts jobs, millions
Lithia Motors, the eighth-largest U.S. auto group, announced in June that it would cut $18 million annually in costs because of falling consumer confidence, tight credit, high gas prices and sluggish domestic auto sales. more >
Bad economy spells good business for thrift stores
When money is tight, a shabby pair of pants from the thrift store might fit just right. As food and energy prices soar, some consumers are thinking twice before plunking down $200 for a new pair of jeans and heading instead to thrift stores. more >
Season fuels fire business It was tragic but not surprising that the nine people who died in a helicopter crash in Northern California Aug. 5 were working for a company based in Oregon.
Walker attacks ethanol law Just weeks before Eastern Oregon gas stations will be required to sell fuel blended with ethanol, one lawmaker is already reconsidering the state’s year-old renewable fuel mandate.
Buzzing with the latest jargon For University of Oregon professor and Economist’s View blog founder Mark Thoma the term “stagflation” is old news.
Nurses remain recession-proof While many employees throughout Oregon are losing their jobs or worried about keeping employed, nurses are proving to be immune to the sick economy.
Office policy: Keep politics in its place As the nation enters the boxing ring of presidential campaigning this fall, it’s not unusual for the jabs of political convictions to enter the workplace, too.
Tuition programs are good investments In the ups and downs of the economic cycle retaining skilled workers remains a constant concern for businesses.
Lions, tigers, bear markets It’s been a difficult spring and summer: The economy cyclone flattened the house; the yellow brick road expansion has run out of funds.
