Intel announces new factory, Under Armour faces backlash and Portland developers want to close Right 2 Dream Too.
Intel uses Trump meeting to announce new $7 billion factory
While visiting the Oval Office Wednesday, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced the company will invest $7 billion into a computer chip factory Arizona, the Oregonian reports. The factory, called Fab 42, was finished three years ago. Construction on the Chandler plant originally began more than a decade ago. When Fab 42 opens in 2020 or 2021, it will employ about 3,000 workers. The factory was first announced in 2011 by then-CEO Paul Otellini when former President Obama visited Hillsboro. Trump — who has been pushing policies to boost domestic manufacturing — said he’s “very happy” about the announcement.
Trump praise triggers Under Armour backlash
CEO Kevin Plank said the President can be a “real asset for the country” during an interview Tuesday. Since then, activists are boycotting the brand — which is currently expanding its Portland base — Willamette Week reports. Nike and Adidas have both released statements against the Trump administration and the immigration ban. Under Armour issued a statement in response which says the company’s culture is about optimism, teamwork and unity.
Adidas contract with Arizona State is still unsigned
It’s been 18 months since ASU athletes began wearing Adidas gear, and more than two years since a $33 million deal was announced between the two entities. But a contract has yet to be signed, the Portland Business Journal reports. An ASU spokesperson says the deal is still in negotiations.
Portland developers sue to evict homeless camp
Grove Hotel Partners wants to close Right 2 Dream Too. The developers are renovating the Grove Hotel, which sits across from the tent camp. The suit alleges the camp interfered with renovation because it reduced nearby property values, thus lowering their project’s value by $900,000, the Oregonian reports. This wouldn’t be the first attempt to relocate the camp. The city of Portland voted to relocate the camp in Feb. 2016 but the land-use board blocked the decision.
Farmers square off on local GMO ordinances
Small and organic farmers are reviving lobbying efforts to regulate genetically modified GMO crops, the Register Guard reports. Local county and city governments are banned from adopting any local GMO controls by a 2013 state law. Farmers fear genetically modified plants could escape into their crops and hurt business, which is what happened with a modified grass developed by Scotts Miracle-Grow in Eastern Oregon. The Oregon Farm Bureau and pesticide manufacturers oppose any new restriction authority by local governments.
Colorado company will grow marijuana in Oregon
The Colorado-based Doctor’s Orders Group grows and sells marijuana in its home state, but will now expand to Oregon, the Corvallis Gazette-Times reports. The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a zoning code amendment Tuesday that allows Doctor’s Orders to grow, process and sell marijuana at the Airport Industrial Park.
OB Original Blog: Congressional offices on the frontlines
The election of Donald Trump boosts workload for Oregon congressional staffers.
