Economy & Business

On this first epiosde of KLCC's Oregon Rainmakers, we talk to the president and CEO of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, Brittany Quick-Warner. Brittany has been with the chamber in a variety of roles over the years but was thrust into the CEO role during a crisis. Her training in emergency management has served her well and we talk about the many challenges and opportunities facing the business community and the City of Eugene after this incredibly difficult year and about the possibilities for growth in the future.

Oregon’s Employment Department is hoping a series of job fairs this week will help Oregon businesses who are badly in need of workers.

Oregon’s farm production depends on field workers to tend and harvest the crops. New technology could affect farmworkers for better or worse.  

Growing crops is already a field with a lot of inherent risk. Add Oregon’s increasing heat waves and wildfire smoke, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s obvious farm workers are on the front line in multiple ways. KLCC’s Karen Richards has this report on the future of farm work, the first in our series, “Workin’ It.”

When Governor Brown announced a state-wide lockdown in March 2020, Wildlife Safari was headed into the height of their busy season - Spring Break.

Some restaurants and entertainment venues in Eugene are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination before coming inside.

Oregon’s new mask mandate is causing problems for some businesses, especially bars. 

Last week, (8/4/21) Lane County Commissioners approved a $15-dollar an hour minimum wage for county employees. The vote was 4 to 1.

The World Athletics Championships will come to the United States for the first time in 2022. With just under a year until the 10-day competition at Hayward Field in Eugene, preparations are speeding up.

Voters in Newport could decide whether to create a new tax on restaurant meals, as well as to increase the city’s gas tax. The Newport City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposals Monday evening.

While Oregon’s unemployment rate has dropped in recent months, one sector is still lagging behind the others. 

A new report from the Oregon Employment Department outlines the uneven impact of pandemic-caused job losses.

The U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials brought extra shoppers and diners to Eugene. Then, Oregon’s COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, allowing for greater capacity. But it’s still a long haul back to normal for some businesses.

Downtown Eugene continues to transform, through a major construction project that’ll give a permanent home to the Lane County Farmer’s Market.  

Undocumented workers in Oregon have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic not only their health but economically as well, according to a new report.

The Eugene Register-Guard recently sent a letter to some subscribers explaining plans to cut newspaper delivery by one day a week.

  Eugene-based Arcimoto recently opened a rental program for it’s Fun Utility Vehicles or FUVs. Director of Communications Jonathan Miller shared why Arcimoto opened the rental center. 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners just sent another letter to Oregon Governor Kate Brown. The latest missive asks for a halt to enhanced unemployment benefits put in place during the pandemic. 

After a challenging year, Enchanted Forest near Salem is reopening this weekend. Operating at just 15 percent capacity and by online reservation only, the park has already sold out.

With no fans at sporting events, the past year has been lean for hotels and restaurants near the University of Oregon. Businesses expect a boost from two big track and field meets in June, but there are also challenges.

Some movie theaters are resuming in-person showings as more people get vaccinated against COVID-19. That includes Regal Cinemas in Eugene and Albany, which reopened last weekend.

Businesses, entertainment venues and churches in Oregon’s “Lower Risk” counties can provide a special seating area for people vaccinated against COVID-19, according to an announcement from Gov. Kate Brown’s office Monday.