Business Summit to Help Leaders Reach the Next Level

Salem, OR – A rapidly changing market is making it necessary for businesses to continue to shift and adapt in order to stay relevant. That’s why the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has created a one-day conference designed to help business leaders reach the next level and be a catalyst for change. The LEAD Business … Read more

Three Keys to Creating a Healthy Team

Meet Bill. Bill was recently promoted to a technical manager for a team of 12 people. Bill has great software development skills and is well liked by his coworkers, both of which led to his promotion. But Bill lacks the managerial skills needed for his new role. He is not well equipped to deal with … Read more

On Solid Ground

TerraFirma Foundation Systems is on a mission to shore up the Pacific Northwest one property at a time.

Past, Present, Future: Port of Portland Continues to Positively Impact Oregon’s Economy

The Port of Portland was founded in 1891 to help Oregon remain a leader in international trade. While its facilities and functions have shifted over time, the port has maintained its core mission of building the state’s economy. As the organization celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, port leaders and local historians are reflecting on … Read more

Major Employment Law Challenges Facing Employers in 2016

Last year, the Oregon Legislature served up several new mandates on Oregon employers regarding paid leave, inquiries concerning criminal history and other matters. See www.lanepowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/8-24-15-Ostroff​-OBM.pdf. Portland has adopted a new “Ban the Box” ordinance, and regulatory agencies are pursuing new initiatives concerning overtime and independent contractors. This article will help you plan for these developments … Read more

Bankruptcy Court Refuses to Approve Indemnity for Fees

On January 29, 2016, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware refused to approve a provision in a retention application that would have allowed counsel to be reim­bursed by the bankruptcy estate for fees in­curred in a successful defense of an objection to their fees in the case. See In re Boomerang … Read more

Changes to Washington Business Law in 2016

Washington adopted meaningful changes to its business laws effective January 1, 2016, substantially modifying legal requirements for Washington limited liability companies and filing obligations for all forms of business entities. These changes were codified in the revised Washington Limited Liability Company Act (the “Revised Act”) and in changes to the Uniform Business Organizations Code, which … Read more

Take Stock of Security Policies: 2016 Changes to Oregon’s Data Breach

On January 1, 2016, an updated data breach law took effect. The amendments to Oregon’s Consumer Identity Theft Protection Act (the “Act”) expand the definition of “personal information,” mandate notification to the Attorney General, and make violation of the Act an unlawful practice under Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Under the Act, a person who … Read more

Reclassifying Exempt Employees For 2016

Most employers have both hourly and salaried employees. The salaried employees are either exempt from overtime because of the duties they perform, or non-exempt and entitled to overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week. It is anticipated that in July 2016, the Department of Labor will issue new regulations that substantially increase … Read more