2013 Archives

Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. founder Brian Faherty grows a lifestyle brand, boosting the fortunes of local manufacturers along the way.

Forty years after Senate Bill 100 set Oregon’s pioneering land-use laws in motion, business interests call for a balanced approach to conservation and urban growth.

The success of betsy & iya, a jewelry retail and wholesale business owned by Betsy Cross and Will Cervarich, is tarnishing Portland’s laid-back reputation. After all, isn’t Portland supposed to be the place where young people go to retire? Armed with college degrees in drama, the couple could have followed the lead of hundreds of other liberal arts majors who languish on Etsy, the sales website for all things crafty.

Eugene is the original Animal House town, and who wants to get mixed up with less-than-conscientious tenants?

Oregon bankruptcy filings fell 15% for the year ending in March 2013, and business filings plummeted 28%.

Metro West Ambulance, a Hillsboro-based, family-owned medical-transportation services company, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. JD Fuiten, Metro West’s president, is also marking 35 years at the helm of the company his father started in Forest Grove in 1953.

Hood River-based Global Sessions provides destination management and event services for businesses seeking an out-of-the-ordinary corporate retreat.

Industry leaders are concerned about cyber crime. Fifty-four percent say cyber crimes are a major threat to business, while 44% are somewhat concerned cyber crime will impact their business in the near future.

BY BRITTANY SMITH | BUSINESS TIPS CONTRIBUTOR

When using social media, the best way to get a return on investment for your efforts is to focus on engagement.  Don’t simply post information and messages about your organization, be sure to post content, resources, and information that your target audience will find useful and interesting.