Debate intensifies over the Oregon roots of pinot noir
The new slogan “Forest Grove: Where Oregon pinot was born” is stirring up controversy, with some winemakers claiming it misrepresents Oregon wine history.
Oregon Business Team
Facebook backs open source in Corvallis
Oregon State University’s Open Source Lab was formed as a nonprofit in 2005, and it receives support from the likes of IBM and Google. The latest tech giant to contribute is Facebook.
Opponents to sue over Monsanto alfalfa crop
A national food safety group is gearing up to sue the federal government over the controversial practice of planting genetically modified alfalfa seeds. Farmers are following the issue with great interest in Oregon, where alfalfa is a $175 million crop.
On The Scene: The Oregon Zoo
The director of the Oregon Zoo, Kimberly Smith, spoke to City Club members last Friday, unveiling a variety of new initiatives for the state’s most popular paid tourist attraction.
Bills target initiatives, campaign finance
The house rules committee will hold a hearing next Monday on two bills that seek to improve Oregon’s initiative process and provide more transparency to political contributions.
University reform gains momentum
The latest stop on the campaign trail for higher education reform happened last night at Portland State University, where education officials repeated many of their same proposals: less state regulation and line item budgets, more university control of tuition. More efficient and independent universities able to save on costs while expanding the reach and quality of education.
Legislators call for tobacco tax hikes
Anti-tobacco advocates are backing three bills slated to appear before the Oregon Legislature in the coming weeks.
Plastics industry builds opposition to bag ban
Opponents of the proposed statewide ban on plastic bags are pushing for an alternative measure that focuses on recycling the bags instead.
Mayor Adams travels to Spain to save Iberdrola presence
Mayor Sam Adams will travel to Spain to try to convince Iberdrola Renewables to keep its North American headquarters in Portland.
Paper sack makers join Oregon’s bag ban fight
If Oregon bans plastic bags, International Paper’s Beaverton grocery sack manufacturing plant stands to benefit.