Boosted by new state incentives and betting on the future, Oregon’s solar industry is soaring.

THEY’RE THE DEMOGRAPHIC that makes advertisers drool: the 13- to 29-year-old online audience. Right now they’re spending most of their online time on social networking websites like MySpace or Facebook — not on traditional websites.

From tiny shrimp shells mighty companies grow. HemCon Medical Technologies, maker of the blood-stopping bandage used on battlefields that was developed with the Oregon Medical Laser Center and Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital, has made its first acquisition.

Employee survey

Company participation in the 100 Best survey is voluntary and free of charge. Participating companies must employ at least 15 Oregon workers. Companies are categorized as small if they employ less than 250 people; large companies are those with 250 or more employees. This year, more than 25,000 employees in Oregon rated their satisfaction with 312 employers in 50 workplace qualities — 10 in each of the following categories.

Problem for the day: $2.9 million + X = Y.

Our annual ranking of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon celebrates its 15th birthday this year with a remarkable 25,000 employees taking part.