Elemental Technology’s Sam Blackman dies at age 41 , PERS deficit cuts proposed and Amazon opens second Oregon fulfillment center.
Remembering Sam Blackman. The co-founder of Elemental Technologies died this weekend at the age of 41. Editor Linda Baker reflects on his life and death. “The boyish-looking 41-year-old stood out in the crowd for his leadership in the civic realm.”
PERS debt reduction plans proposed. The governor’s task force unveiled a few proposals to reduce $24 billion in debt. A surcharge on state fees, including auto registration and hunting licenses, for example. Higher taxes on alcohol and tobacco is another option. OPB has more.
The rumors are true. Amazon announced Monday that it is in fact opening a second Oregon fulfillment center — this time in Salem. The shipping giant is building a center more than 1 million square feet in size. The site comes with more than 1,000 full time jobs. The Statesman Journal has more.
Terminal 1 sold. Lithia Motors has officially purchased Portland’s 14.5-acre Terminal 1 site for $11 million. The Medford-based company intends to use the site to consolidate its operations. Check out more from the Portland Tribune.
Dairy co-op talks priorities. Oregon organic dairy farmers presented their farm bill priorities to Rep. Suzanne Bonamici this week. Requests include modernizing organic trade oversight and better tracking of international organic trade. Read more from Capital Press.
Brown signs Bend transportation bill. The bill provides $50 million in funding for U.S. Highway 87 and Cooley Road intersection improvements, $20 million for Terrebonne road construction and $2 million annually for local street maintenance. The Bend Bulletin has the story.
Good news for home buyers. Housing prices in Portland are still climbing faster than most other cities, but the trend is slowing. The Oregonian has more.
