Across Oregon, Latino-owned small businesses are growing as fast as the ambition that drives them.

So much for my hopes of a quiet, languid summer, puttering around the garden, dipping my toes into cool waters, writing a small this or that with nary a concern. Better I should wish for a Blazers championship.

“I’m shocked that your story regarding Phil Knight’s takeover of Will Vinton Studios would summarize nearly 30 years of work on the part of Will Vinton and his colleges with such platitude.”

“The largest increase in employment in and on the coast has been in the construction industry and the associated real estate, title insurance, legal and architectural entities that benefit from the “rich Californians” moving to the coast.”

“I encourage you to think about who’s driving that scary big SUV next to you. Ever try to get five kids to soccer practice in a Mini Cooper or Vespa?”

It was a strong year for overall revenue and profits, while the net number of companies remained the same and and total market value slipped.

There are a lot of good manufacturing jobs and students who need them. Let’s make the connection.

Businesses understand the value of a strong K-12 education system to their ability to recruit employees and hire a skilled workforce. They feel at a competitive disadvantage with the current quality of K-12 education, so much so they are willing to take a tax refund out of their own pocket to do it.

“I grew up in La Grande and was headed to L.A. after school when my wife said, ‘You just put that L.A. stuff aside because we’re going to Baker City.'”