“Young people have to be prepared to run the world.” With that, Samuel Brooks, president of the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, neatly — and evangelically — sums up why his organization this month launches its new Youth Business Academy.

A 2,000-square-foot home in Parkdale was awarded Oregon’s first residential Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification this summer by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Aviation consultant Mead & Hunt has recommended to the Oregon Department of Aviation (ODA) that it implement a new airport classification system to offer “guidance regarding what facilities should be providing service to the flying public.” The new model would update the performance criteria that define the level of service, facilities, and the role that each airport plays within the state’s aviation system.

Every company I’ve ever worked at had commitment to the community somewhere in its mission statement — but it wasn’t supposed to be taken too seriously. It took me about 20 years to figure that out.

An important component of business giving is providing avenues for employees to be personally involved in a company’s commitment to corporate citizenship. It is widely understood that supporting local causes is a good way for a business to develop a positive image and reinforce its relationships with customers. In the process, it can also build morale and cohesiveness among employees.

For entrepreneurs seeking new ways to find connections and generate sales prospects, the web has become a virtual candy store of options. Many small-business owners are giving cold calling the cold shoulder.

As Oregon’s recession bottomed out in 2003, Oregon employers faced significant shortages in skilled labor, despite the lower hiring activity of the previous three years.

For years, employers have struggled to comply with the legal obligations for employees, as opposed to independent contractors, because of conflicting definitions and enforcement policies.

Sarah joined her firm shortly after graduating from law school. Her commitment to the company generates a good income and has enabled her to develop her practice specialty. She and her husband have been married for two years and last year became first-time homeowners.

“Our hope is that we’ve won the hearts and minds of Oregonians, that we’ve built champions who will help us get the work done.”