Morning Roundup: Oregon might incentivize pot retailers; Measure 97 debate continues


In today’s news, Oregon might incentivize marijuana retailers, Measure 97 debate continues and OSU-Cascades plans its Innovation Center.

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1. Oregon considers temporary shift in cannabis policy

The state wants marijuana retailers to switch over to licensed retail stores. But the new system requires that goods sold originate from state-licensed producers. The Oregonian reports the Oregon Liquor Control Commission is considering a temporary rule allowing retailers to sell produce that would fail testing standards as long as it’s already on the shelves. The new system is scheduled to roll out Oct. 1, but many retailers are waiting to switch until their stock is depleted. Regulators are worried this delay could impact the rest of the market. 

2. More reports show Measure 97 is bad for the consumer

With the election just two months away, the debate about Measure 97 will likely speed up rather than slow down. In today’s report by the Statesman Journal, Oregon’s chief revenue officer says he stands by a report put out by his agency stating the corporate tax would be harmful to the state’s economy. The report has been criticized by supporters who say the tax effects were not analyzed on an individual basis. But Our Oregon — lead supporter of Measure 97 — had its own study conducted which came to the same conclusion as the report they spoke out against. 

3. University Innovation Center intended to foster business partnerships

Oregon State University-Cascades plans to open its Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship in January, where the school intends to foster symbiotic relationships. The Bend Bulletin reports that while companies consider Bend for future headquarters, there’s often a lack of skilled workers. In the future, OSU plans to foster business partnerships with its Innovation Center as the backbone.

4. In other higher education news, Klamath Community College is building a tech center of its own

The school’s board of directors awarded a $5.6 million contract last week, signaling the start of construction on its Work Skills Technology Center. Herald and News reports the center is part of a larger campus project to expand curriculum using the latest technology. 

5. Cleantech winners get dirty

Oregon BEST hosted its annual BEST FEST last week, where the Portland Business Journal reports two startups were awarded a total of $25,000 in cash prizes. The grand prize winner, Ento Foods, produces cricket flour. Ento was awarded $10,000 for the Cleantech Challenge and $5,000 for winning best pitch. TryEco, a startup producing an absorbent polymer soil additive to help hold water for crop growth, won the Cascadia Cleantech grand prize worth $10,000.

6. A BEST FEST speaker considered the business of plastic pollution

OB Research Editor Kim Moore attended the event last week, where Daniella Russo — founder of Think Beyond Plastic — considered how manufacturing plastic alternatives could be the next frontier in the cleantech sector.

7. Under Armour is delaying its Portland office opening

Nike’s athletic rival had intended to open its campus this fall, but the Portland Business Journal reports that opening is now scheduled for the spring or summer of 2017. Under Armour is adding a synthetic turf field and eight lane track to the campus.