Gold rush in Malheur County

A Canadian mining company is gathering permits and underground data in preparation for developing the first large-scale gold mine in Oregon in decades, as the price for gold hovers at $1,600 per ounce.

Budding entrepreneurs get tamale traction

0811_MicroSteps_03Should budding entrepreneurs strike out on their own? Or is it more effective to pool resources with like-minded business owners? That was the dilemma facing the “micro mercantes” tamale vendors, a group of low-income Latinas who participate in a microenterprise program sponsored by Hacienda Community Development Corporation.

Barre3 grows with revival of group fitness classes

0811_HeadingToTheBarreTogether_04For decades, people have been sweating and stretching as an instructor leads the way (think Jazzercise, step aerobics or Jane Fonda). As long as misery loves company, it seemed group fitness classes would endure. But in the past few years — since the recession — group classes have become even more in vogue, a trend that’s buoyed a Portland-based startup.

Oregon economic indicators as of May 2011

  All “latest” numbers are for May 2011 unless otherwise noted. Latest Month Previous Month Previous Year Annual Change EMPLOYMENT/BUSINESS LISTINGS Total employment State of Oregon, thousands 1,801.2 1,796.1 1,768.5 1.8% Total unemployment State of Oregon, thousands 179.2 187.0 207.7 -13.7% Unemployment rate Ore. civilian labor force, seasonally adjusted 9.3% 9.5% 10.9% -1.6 Portland/Vancouver MSA; … Read more