Economy & Business

  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.

Relief is making its way to small businesses affected by the pandemic in Lane County by way of $2.4 million in grants from the State of Oregon. This is the seventh round of funding disbursed by the county and CommunityLending Works.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a first-time purchase of several West Coast seafood products for its food assistance programs.  The news is being well received by the regional seafood industry. 

Oregon lawmakers have approved a bill that would more than double the amount of wine that Oregon wineries could ship to customers by mail.

Barbara Dellenback speaks with University of Oregon Professor Phil Fisher on a national survey of the affects of the pandemic on families with young children. The conversation covers topics including schooling, housing, shopping for necessities, and the lack of social interactions.

Ed Whitelaw, who taught economics at the University of Oregon for more than 50 years and founded the prestigious consulting firm EcoNorthwest, has died at age 80.

Economic officials with the Cities of Eugene and Springfield are reviewing ways they can better accommodate communities of color.  

More than 75 Oregon county commissioners-- along with business advocates-- have penned a letter to Governor Kate Brown. They’re requesting reconsideration of the state’s approach to COVID-19 mitigation measures and restrictions.

The city of Newport is seeking public input on a proposed increase to its lodging tax.

Small to mid-sized restaurants hit hard by the pandemic will have relief soon. Two Oregon lawmakers shared the news in Eugene today.

April 1 is the start of pink shrimp season across the Pacific Coastline. Seafood industry officials hope it’s one that’ll offset the pandemic’s effects on markets that began a year ago. 

Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield is looking to hire dozens of lifeguards in an effort to reopen their waterpark and expand hours.