New OHA director appointed, Knight sends Brown challenger $500k and shell corporation law now in effect.
A quick detour before we get to the morning news: American Idol kicked off its West Coast auditions in Portland this a.m.
American Idol auditions take over Pioneer Place this morning. #TheNextIdol pic.twitter.com/emrDRlldHS
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) August 17, 2017
Brown appoints new OHA director. Patrick Allen, director of Department of Consumer & Business services, will take over the Oregon Health Authority helm in the wake of Lynne Saxton’s resignation. Saxton resigned amid a communications scandal to publicly smear FamilyCare Health. FamilyCare CEO Jeff Heatherington says he supports Allen’s appointment. The Portland Business Journal has more.
Metro leaders speak out against white supremacists.
Portland Metro leaders released a join statement on combatting racism.
“We stand here again, on the cusp of history, facing a choice.” pic.twitter.com/S3WqBv3qkc— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) August 16, 2017
Knight returns to GOP fold with $500k check. Nike’s Phil Knight donated $500,000 to GOP Gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler’s campaign this week. This isn’t the first time Knight has funded Buehler’s fight against Kate Brown. Knight donated $50,000 in 2012 when Buehler unsuccessfully challenged Brown for the Secretary of State position. The Bend Bulletin has the story.
DOJ settles with Aequitas. Oregon AG Ellen Rosenblum announced a $192 million settlement with Aequitas Capital today. The firm financed more than $400 million private student loans to the now-bankrupt Corinthian College. The settlement will provide $2.1 million in student loan relief to 683 Oregonians.
Shell corporation bill now law. Gov. Kate Brown signed House Bill 2191 Wednesday, solidifying the state’s efforts to curb abusive shell companies. The law requires companies to list shareholder names, provide a physical address and makes directors of shell companies liable for damage claims. The Portland Business Journal has more.
Arcimoto goes public. The Eugene-based EV manufacturer is now selling company shares. Arcimoto hopes to raise $6 million in the next few weeks in order to be listed on the Nasdaq exchange. The automaker has yet to sell any vehicles, however, as the Register Guard reports.
Portland Commissioner Nick Fish announces cancer diagnosis. Fish says he is being treated at OHSU for stomach cancer. He intends to continue serving on the council, according to the Portland Business Journal.
Pendleton looks to extend UGB. The city’s urban renewal district is set to expire in 2023. Commissioners think the original plan was too optimistic. An extension would likely see boundary revisions. The East Oregonian has more.
25 years of the 100 Best. OB Research Editor Kim Moore announces an anniversary. Our 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon survey is celebrating 25 years!
