Morning Roundup


Photo credit | Silvie's Valley Ranch

Luxury resorts may spur development in Eastern Oregon, mushrooms could do the same for Malheur, and Portland scopes out central city.

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Today’s news roundup takeaway: Development around the state shows no signs of abating.

Eastern Oregon ramps up elite accommodations. Rancher Scott Campbell owns Silvies Valley Ranch, a high-end destination resort for tourists seeking comfort in the outdoors. OPB explores luxury resorts as an Eastern Oregon’s economic development strategy.

The state has been down this path before. Central Oregon luxury resorts have experienced highs and lows over the past decade. Read our archive story here.

Portland eyes Central Core. Although the 2035 Comprehensive Plan has garnered council approval, the Central City 2035 plan is still under development. The Portland Business Journal lists five business takeaways from the proposed plan. The council will discuss the plan Sept. 7.

From strip club to affordable housing. The city of Portland plans to buy SE Portland’s Safari Showclub and its 50,000-square-foot lot for $3.7 million. When the deal closes Sept. 30, officials intend to tear down the club and build between 200 and 300 affordable apartments. The Oregonian has the story.

Mushrooms in Malheur. Two companies see a future in mushrooms for the Vale area. A Canadian company and Colorado businessman want to revive the fungus marketplace. As the Malheur Enterprise reports, investments could exceed $40 million and create 400 new jobs.

$25 million Reklaim plant up for auction at Port of Morrow. The former Boardman tire recycling and energy manufacturing plant shut down last year. The Seattle-based company commissioned the plant in 2008, but it failed in 2016 when the price of crude oil fell to $30 a barrel. The East Oregonian reports low prices made it impossible for the plant to compete.

In other recycling news, Columbia launches ReThreads program. Customers can drop off used Columbia items in participating stores for reuse. The Portland Business Journal has more.

From fairgrounds to fiber city. The Umatilla County Fair has been connected by 25 miles of fiber and 25 WIFI access points, courtesy of Eastern Oregon Telecom, Northeast Oregon NOW reports. EOT CEO Joe Franell says his company took on the task because they care about the community. Read our related interview with Franell here.

When high drug prices hit home. OB‘s Research Editor Kim Moore navigates the labyrinthine world of pharmaceutical drug pricing.