Archive for June 2021
SOU expands online master’s degree programs in education
Southern Oregon University has expanded its selection of online advanced degrees in education by adding seven new concentrations or certificates to the three master of science in education options that were launched two years ago. The education programs, designed primarily for working adult learners, provide pathways for career advancement and leadership roles in schools, corporations…
Read MoreOregon’s Growing Hispanic Workforce
SOBJ June 2021 BY ERIK KNODERREGIONAL ECONOMISTCLATSOP, COLUMBIA, LINCOLN, AND TILLAMOOK COUNTIES Oregon’s Hispanic population continues to increase and so do the number of Hispanics in Oregon’s labor force. The Hispanic population has a higher labor force participation rate and Hispanics are employed at higher rates than whites who are not Hispanic. In fact, their…
Read MoreCentral Oregon’s Housing Woes
By Damon Runberg Regional Economist Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath, and Lake counties damon.m.runberg@oregon.gov It has been well documented that in Central Oregon, particularly Bend, housing is in short supply. According to data from the Multiple Listing Service analyzed by the Beacon Appraisal Group we see that available inventory of residential real estate has remained below…
Read MoreWhere Leadership Fails
Have we given any serious consideration to the possibility (probability?) that a good number of our economic problems are more about poor supply chain management – and planning – than about a pandemic? Assistant Dean for Outreach and Engagement, David Frayer at Michigan State University says about supply chain management, “The ultimate focus of the…
Read MoreMeasuring the Pulse of Oregon Households amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
BY DAMON RUNBERG REGIONAL ECONOMIST CROOK, DESCHUTES, JEFFERSON, KLAMATH, AND LAKE COUNTIES DAMON.M.RUNBERG@OREGON.GOV (541) 706-0779 The U.S. Census Bureau developed the Household Pulse Survey in order to measure the experiences of households during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experimental data series is a valuable tool for us in understanding how the pandemic is impacting Oregonians at…
Read MoreEmployment in Jackson County: April 2021 Gains in Leisure and Hospitality Boost Payroll Employment
by Guy Tauer, Regional Economist Guy.R.Tauer@oregon.gov (541) 816-8396 Total payroll employment in Jackson County rose by 140 jobs in April with most industries showing small changes over the month. Leisure and hospitality added 110 jobs, 50 of those in the accommodation and food services sector. Professional and business services gained 40 jobs and other services…
Read MoreWillamette Community Bank now offering home loans in the Willamette Valley
Willamette Community Bank’s recent merger with People’s Bank of Commerce is set to have a big impact on homebuyers in the Willamette Valley. Willamette Community Bank customers will now be able to secure a home loan through the bank thanks to the combined financial resources of the two organizations and People’s Bank’s extensive experience in…
Read MorePeople’s Bank Reports Results of Annual Shareholder’s Meeting
People’s Bank of Commerce (OTCPK: PBCO) is pleased to announce the results of its annual shareholder’s meeting held on May 19, 2021. Several items of business were approved at the meeting, reinforcing shareholder support of the bank’s ongoing strategy. All directors nominated to serve were elected as proposed in the 2021 proxy statement, including: Bryan…
Read MoreLane County Depends on Migration for Population Growth
The newest estimates from Portland State University’s Population Research Center confirm what Oregonians have known for some time: Oregon continued its long population growth streak in the last decade. While population growth can bring negative impacts, like greater competition when purchasing a home or increased traffic congestion, sustained population growth has been an asset for…
Read MoreCentral Oregon’s Latest Unemployment Levels Lower than Long-Term Average
As local and statewide economic conditions continue to improve, Oregon’s employers are having a difficult time hiring labor in today’s economy when unemployment levels are markedly higher than they were leading up to the pandemic. Typically after an economic downturn, there’s a greater supply of labor to employ as job openings begin to materialize again.…
Read MoreCould your personal data be kept hostage for ransom?
Just shortly after clearing up the issues caused by ransomware in the national gas pipeline system, ransomware caused stoppages in meatpacking facilities across the country. While major corporations are hustling to ensure tighter security protocols are in place to prevent ransomware, you may be wondering if your computer or home network could be susceptible to…
Read MoreRevisiting “Who Can Afford Housing in Bend?”
by Damon Runberg Regional Economist Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath, and Lake counties damon.m.runberg@oregon.gov (541) 706-0779 Several years ago I produced some analysis that calculated who can afford housing in Bend. The relatively high cost of living even back in 2016 was leading many within the community to worry that meaningful contributors to our local workforce were…
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