More than a Number

By Ted Kulongoski

Today’s news isn't just a number. It represents our family members and neighbors deeply affected by this recession. I want Oregonians to know that the state is doing everything it can to support these individuals and families during this difficult time.

Increases in unemployment and food assistance benefits mean more money to pay bills and to put food on the table. More Medicaid dollars from the federal government will help the growing number of families turning to the state for health care coverage. And premium assistance means more Oregonians who have lost their job will be able to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance for themselves and their families.

We’re also doing all we can to get people back to work. Transportation projects are already open for bid and will be under construction this summer. Additionally, the state is on schedule to break ground on $175 million worth of deferred maintenance for public buildings, universities and community colleges. These dollars give Oregon a needed economic boost and represent a long-term investment in our roads, bridges and educational institutions.

There is no doubt these are challenging times and tougher days are still ahead. We need to make sure that as we continue to help those who are struggling most, we also make the right investments this legislative session for Oregon’s long-term economic security and prosperity.

Filling the Space

With as much empty office, light industrial, and shovel ready space as we have in Corvallis, there is an opportunity to bring jobs to those who need them. From Philomath to Adair Village, there are quality spaces, including state-of-the-art facilities at HP, affordable long-term leases at the Airport Industrial Park, and good store-fronts throughout the region, so the question is, where are the employers?
It's a scary time to be running a business, and with fear we often see paralyzed inactivity. It is the brave who get out and create for themselves possibilities. It is often said "Fortune favors the bold," and indeed many American success stories got their start in times of adversity.
At this time, Willamette Valley tech start-ups are in a very unique position to achieve unprecedented growth. Between the Willamette Valley Angel Conference, programs like Smartups, the BEC and Busines Boot Camp as well as more informal networking opportunities from High Tech After Hours, Beer and Blog, and the Software Association of Oregon put entrepreneurs in position to succeed like no where else.

Our Local Global Economy

The good work being done, the obstacles to that work and the plan.
There is much to be done and if resources can be marshaled behind a united front with an eye to intelligent recruiting, nurtured home-grown companies and facilitated startups, Corvallis and the surrounding Benton County communities and even beyond can make one of the earliest economic turn arounds with sustainable, clean and environmentally sound jobs that pay a family wage.
Oregon as a state is a very desirable place to locate a business, and Corvallis has oneof the state's few certified sites to build. Our airport lease managers have pulled together resources over the past year that will allow such an employer to locate within our county and put the displaced workforce from companies like Hewlett Packard back to work.
We have a deep talent pool, rising unemployment and a very unique opportunity to buck the global trend...