Economy & Business

Pre-pandemic, electric bikes, or E-bikes, were already one of the fastest growing sectors in the transportation industry. Now, with more people taking an interest in outdoor recreation, sales have skyrocketed globally. A new Eugene e-bike store is hoping to be a part of the trend, and the shift experts predict will be the future of commuting.

Gardening supply is one business that’s done well, and even blossomed, during the pandemic. Vegetable growers and landscapers both are spending more money this year. 

Businesses across Oregon are finding ways to cope with COVID-19 safety guidelines, which require masks indoors. Eugene Family YMCA adapted their group exercise classes by taking them outside.

Resilience after a disaster can mean re-building bridges or restoring power. But resilience can also mean restoring an economy. As part of our year-long series on resilience, KLCC’s Chris Lehman spoke with Gail Krumenauer, the state employment economist at the Oregon Employment Department.

A group that supports fishing families in Newport has established a fund to help those affected by COVID-19.

Across the world - including the Eugene-Springfield area -  businesses are trying to keep customers and staff safe by observing pandemic protocols. But many are coping with rude and defiant customers who ignore social distancing, or become aggressive when prompted to wear a face mask.

Employees across the country have turned to social media to create what is called an 86'd List account to share their stories of workplace toxicity. Locally, a Eugene and Springfield-based account is sharing the experiences of local employees. 

According to the Oregon Food Bank, nearly 600,000 Oregonians are food insecure. This means they lack access to enough affordable and nutritious food. A program at the Lane County Farmers Market is trying to help.

Governor Kate Brown has placed new restrictions on gyms and fitness centers effective Friday. Masks are required to be worn at all times, even during exercise that is deemed “strenuous.”

Fans of a Willamette Valley mead maker that went out of business last year are celebrating after the company’s products are available again.

Some Oregon farmers markets have a new option for prople who want fresh, local produce but also want to minimize their possible exposure to the coronavirus.

There’s new data out on a section of the population-- often overlooked: the WORKING POOR. United Ways of the Pacific Northwest just released the latest ALICE Report. 

A local Code for America Brigade in Eugene is helping people navigate business and services, while Lane County works toward economic recovery.

Oregon’s minimum wage is set to increase on July 1. How much it goes up depends on where you work.