Portland offers $12.5 million to woo Vestas Wind Systems
Portland city leaders have offered wind-power giant Vestas Wind Systems $12.5 million in cash incentives to add 850 white-collar jobs in Portland and build a $250 million North American headquarters. more >
Pollution for sale
Ready or not, The carbon market is coming to Oregon. Expect big winners — and big losers. more >
State slams FERC’s LNG approval
In mid September, federal officials approved a controversial liquid natural gas project located on the Columbia River and in doing so set the stage for a potential legal battle between the state of Oregon and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. more >
State energy officials tilting at windmills
Concerned about a proliferation of wind farms just small enough to fall outside of its jurisdiction, the state Department of Energy has notified Harney County that it wants to examine several recently approved wind-generation projects. more >
State OK’s world’s largest wind farm
State energy officials have approved a plan that would make Gilliam and Morrow counties in northeastern Oregon home to the world’s largest wind farm. more >
Economy sinks wave energy momentum
The credit crunch — Oregon’s current fiscal bugbear — can now be blamed for one more thing: a downturn in wave-energy projects. more >
PacifiCorp loses solar battle
PORTLAND Oregon’s burgeoning solar industry is back in business after a regulatory scuffle with PacifiCorp that jeopardized the future of $40 million worth of new solar installations statewide. more >
Vote, then no vote for FERC’s decision on LNG
In a move that surprised both proponents and opponents of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal near Astoria, the federal agency charged with approving the facility decided in early July — months earlier than expected — to make a ruling on the project. more >
Powering down at the office
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS account for 40% of the energy used in the U.S., and with energy costs on the rise, that’s a huge burden for business. more >
Feds release LNG impact report
In a move that exemplifies the growing rift both within and without Oregon state government over liquefied natural gas terminals, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in June gave an environmental endorsement to a proposed project on the Columbia River. 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.
