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Southern Oregon University recognized for doing well in conversion to remote coursework
SOU was recognized by the rankings website niche.com as one of “Eleven Schools That Did Online Learning Well This Spring.” Universities that made the list were from all parts of the U.S., but SOU was the only one mentioned from the West Coast. “We used the Moodle platform as well…
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State of Oregon Releases Economic and Revenue Forecast
(released on November 18, 2020) While the economic recovery continues, the virus remains in control. Expectations were already that growth would slow noticeably over the colder, wetter months ahead. The latest surge in COVID cases all but ensures it. Businesses and consumers are likely to pull back out of fear…
Read MoreLand Conservation and Development Commission Adopts
Housing Production Strategy Rules At their meeting on November 12, 2020, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) passed new rules to implement House Bill 2003 from the 2019 legislative session. The primary goal of the bill is to help satisfy unmet housing needs in Oregon through the development of…
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Governor Kate Brown Announces Launch of ‘Give the Gift of Oregon’ Campaign to Support Local Businesses
Oregon retailers are prepared for Oregonians to shop safe, shop local Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced the launch of the “Give the Gift of Oregon” campaign as part of a comprehensive effort to support local businesses statewide. Shopping local is more important than ever due to the significant economic…
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Working from Home on the Decline, and Outlook for Downtowns
Working from home has been a key economic response to the pandemic. As detailed before, about 1 in 3 workers are theoretically work remotely. We know that number was higher earlier this year as working from home wasn’t so much about optimal business operations as it was to stop the…
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Long-Term Projections Show Broad-Based Job Opportunities in Linn and Benton Counties
Linn and Benton counties will combine to add 6,670 jobs between 2019 and 2029, according to new projections from the Oregon Employment Department. This represents a 7 percent increase in employment over 10 years. The anticipated growth stems from private-sector gains of 5,650 jobs (8%) and growth of 790 jobs…
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Lane County Jobs Projected to Increase 8 Percent by 2029
Lane County’s total employment will grow by 14,400 jobs between 2019 and 2029, according to new projections from the Oregon Employment Department. The projections point to modest job growth between 2019 and 2029, although many job openings are expected due to the need to replace workers who leave their occupations.…
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People’s Bank of Commerce (Medford) and Willamette Community Bank (Albany) have announced a merger.
Note : I proudly serve on the board of People’s Bank and offered to include the shareholder mailing about the merger in this months journal. This is not a solicitation or recommendation to any shareholders. It’s just a story and insert (by a sponsor of the Southern Oregon Business Journal…
Read MoreArcimoto to Present Its Vision For Sustainable Transportation at Three Upcoming Investor Conferences
Press Release – 12/1/2020 EUGENE, Ore.–Arcimoto, Inc.® (NASDAQ: FUV), makers of affordable, practical, and joyful pure electric vehicles for everyday commuters and fleets, will present its vision for the future of sustainable transportation at three upcoming investor conferences. “2020 has been the most transformative year in Arcimoto’s history,” said Mark…
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Thank you Congressman Greg Walden for your service to our state and for being so nice.
I sat down, virtually via Zoom, with Congressman Greg Walden, a year to the day after he declared that he would not seek re-election to thank him for his service and ask him a few questions about what it has been like for him during the last year in office.…
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The Staff at the Jackson County Expo are some of the unsung heroes in the Almeda Fire.
When Helen Funk arrived at the expo on September 8, she knew it was mowing day. Since COVID shutdown the expo in March, she had laid off maintenance staff and the job of grounds upkeep fell to her. She learned how to safely drive the tractor and mow the lawns.…
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Willamette Community Bank to Merge With People’s Bank of Commerce
People’s Bank of Commerce (OTCPK: PBCO) (“PBCO” or the “Company”), and Willamette Community Bank (OTCPK: WMCB), headquartered in Albany, Oregon, announced the signing of a definitive agreement whereby Willamette Community Bank will merge with and into People’s Bank of Commerce. Highlights of the Announced Transaction Pro forma assets of approximately…
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