No surprise: credit squeeze hits home
Small businesses throughout Oregon that rely on credit to keep operations going may find unwilling lenders as the economy worsens. more >
Oregon banks continue slide
In the March issue of Oregon Business we quoted the Beatles in regard to the recent fortunes of Oregon-headquartered banks: “It’s getting better all the time (can’t get much worse).” more >
Top-paid CEOs in Oregon
While many Oregon workers have resigned themselves to stagnant wages over the last few years in an uncertain economy, Oregon’s public company CEOs saw no income dip during the last fiscal year. more >
Deal Watch: Troubled TRM gets loan, buys company
IN LATE APRIL Portland-based ATM network operator TRM Corp. created one of the largest nonbank ATM networks in the nation when it purchased New Jersey-based LJR Consulting, which does business as Access To Money, for $15 million. more >
Repos rise as auto loans sink
Bobby Sylvester has a front-row seat to the repo show. Sylvester is the fleet manager for Brasher’s Cascade Auto Auction in Troutdale, one of Oregon’s largest auction lots. more >
Where did they go? What does it matter that Oregon hasn't seen an IPO for years?
Down the line The future of the seafood industry rests with leaders such as Pacific Seafood’s Frank Dulcich, and his ability to balance strong-willed business tactics with collaboration.
Economist Tim Duy tempers state's optimism How will Oregon weather the economic storm in comparison to the rest of the nation? This question is at the top of the list for local policymakers and firms.
Car dealers collapse as sales drive off a cliff At first glance, the car lot in outer Southeast Portland looks like all the others nearby, plentifully stocked with “Dealer’s Specials” and “Fresh Start Financing” deals.
Q&A with Jeff Merkley on business Shortly after he defeated Republican Gordon Smith in early November, U.S. Senator-elect Jeff Merkley caught his breath just long enough to talk briefly about how he would address the challenges facing Oregon businesses.
Telecom suffers and shrinks The loss of 100 Oregon jobs from Denver-based Qwest, part of 1,200 jobs the telecom company said it would cut nationwide by year’s end, is another blow to an already shrinking job sector in Oregon.
Goodies can’t hold Hynix or Freightliner The meticulously designed SolarWorld facility that has brought hundreds of new jobs to Hillsboro did not come for free.
Bottle bill changes uncork opposition When Oregon became the first state in the nation to pass a bottle bill in 1971, the program built swiftly into a success, with a recovery rate of more than 90%.
The boxer rebellion If ever there was a persuasive reason to start a men’s underwear shop in downtown Portland, Steven Lien thinks he has it. “Women,” he observes, “are tired of seeing guys in bad underwear.”
Next: A meth map When store employees ask for your zip code, they’re gathering data to map your travel and spending patterns so they can plan future store locations.
Trimming the office party without cutting the fun Company holiday celebrations are an expression of employee appreciation and just because business may be down for the year and cutbacks loom, that doesn’t mean you should ditch the party.
