OSU plans $50 million business building Oregon State University will construct a new business building over the next five years, thanks to substantial alumni donations. The five-story building, which will cost $50 million to build, will double the business school’s space. The project was announced at the college’s annual Alumni and Business Partner Awards dinner … Read more
Remaining LNG projects face obstacles After the demise of NorthernStar’s Bradwood Landing project last week, the two remaining LNG proposals in Oregon face daunting regulatory processes before they can be approved. The projects, one by Jordan Cove in Coos Bay and the other by Oregon LNG in Warrenton, may have an easier time because they … Read more
Republican leader criticizes AG’s record Oregon House Republican leader Bruce Hanna questioned the transparency of Attorney General John Kroger’s office as well as his commitment to a positive business climate. Hanna wants Kroger to release documents relating to a former special counsel, who resigned last month after admitting to misrepresenting the office during a criminal … Read more
LNG developer NorthernStar bankrupt NorthernStar, the liquefied natural gas developer that recently halted development of a LNG import terminal near Astoria, has filed for bankruptcy. The development of the terminal at Bradwood Landing was halted yesterday, with NorthernStar President Paul Soanes blaming the state for permit delays. Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s staff was told Tuesday the … Read more
Oregonians see little recovery A new poll shows that Oregonians believe there are more tough times ahead, despite some experts’ claims that the recession is over. The poll, which was conducted for the Portland Tribune, Fox News 12 and Oregon Public Broadcasting, demonstrates pessimistic views, particularly of Oregon’s economy. According to the survey, 52 percent … Read more
Oregon utilities among the greenest Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp ranked high in a national survey of green-power programs by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Nearly 73,000 of PGE’s eligible customers voluntarily participate in the utility’s green-power programs, the highest absolute number of customers among utilities offering green programs around the country. In reality, every … Read more
G.I. Joe’s gears up for resurgence After going under last spring, Oregon retailer G.I. Joe’s is eyeing a comeback under a seasoned team of company veterans. The former executives are hoping to reconnect with the community while facing down the increasingly competitive retail landscape that the company struggled with before. “We’re going back to the … Read more
Tax votes may hurt Republican reps Reps. Bob Jenson and Greg Smith are hoping to keep their seats after the Republican primary in May, as their votes supporting putting Measures 66 and 67 on the ballot have put them in hot water with the eastern Oregonians they represent. But Jenson and Smith stand by their … Read more
Democratic rivals tackle taxes Democratic gubernatorial candidates John Kitzhaber and Bill Bradbury argued their positions on taxes and budget issues at a debate Wednesday night. And while Kitzhaber pushed for introducing a sales tax or another option to reduce reliance on income taxes, Bradbury said he would instead cut income tax breaks by hundreds of … Read more
Portland home prices slipping Home prices in Portland hit a new low according to the recent Case Shiller Index, falling 4.8% in the 12 months ending in February. New RMLS figures from local realtors were more encouraging, with increased sales volumes in March likely due to the expiring federal tax incentives. Portland prices have declined … Read more