Business Oregon Launched Updated Web Site

We at Business Oregon have just launched an updated Web site at www.oregon4biz.com.  The site profiles Oregon's business environment, its competitive advantages, key industries, as well as services and programs available through Business Oregon. The site also is connected to its "sister" site, at www.orinfrastructure.org, which covers the programs and services of our new Infrastructure Finance Authority.

I am very excited about our new internet presence. This site tells our story in a much more compelling way, and highlights our success by showcasing our projects and the companies we helped here in Oregon. Our team looked at many other economic and business development Web sites from other states, as well as other countries, and I believe our new site stands with any of them as a compelling and concise communications tool for doing business in Oregon.

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We Would Like To Hear From You

While you are browsing through our new site, please take a moment to complete a "newsletter signup" form. In addition to this "partner" newsletter, we will soon launch a monthly "IFA News" bulletin. By submitting a form, you can tell us what type of news you want to receive.

Also, please be sure to visit the partner listings and review your organization's information. Our goal is to provide current and accurate information by the end of the month. Please e-mail any requested changes to us at biz.info@state.or.us.

State Offices Will Close October 16

As you know, tough economic times have severely reduced state revenues, forcing legislatures throughout the nation to make deep cuts in state budgets. Nearly half the states have found that temporary closures and furloughs are efficient ways to save precious tax dollars while preserving the important functions and services of state government.

To address its own budget cuts, Oregon's state government will close most agencies on ten Fridays that fall throughout the current two-year budget period. Business Oregon is one of these agencies. The closures will require our employees to take mandatory unpaid furloughs on those days, saving Oregon's taxpayers about $2 million a day.

Our first closure day is Friday, Oct. 16. Business Oregon will close all its offices on that day. We regret any inconvenience this closure may cause, and we look forward to reopening on Monday morning, Oct. 19.

Governor Appoints Infrastructure Finance Authority Board Members

Governor Kulongsoki recently appointed six members of the newly established Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA) Board. An additional three members were appointed by State Treasurer Ben Westlund, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Dave Hunt.

The independent board made up of represented stakeholders will allow the state to better identify and prioritize the infrastructure needs across the state. The oversight board—with its demonstrated expertise on the infrastructure needs facing the state, as well as public finance prowess—will help ensure that limited state resources are used in the most effective manner possible and leverage the most federal and private funds possible.

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Business Oregon Works Closely with Oregon Tribes

On September 17th, Sarah Miller and Darrin Fleener presented the proposed Business Oregon Tribal Work Plan to the Legislative Commission on Indian Services. The presentation included an introduction to the new Business Oregon, and the Oregon Business Development Department’s Tribal Liaison’s responsibilities. The Legislative Commission is comprised of the nine leaders of Oregon’s federally recognized Tribes, Oregon Senator Ted Ferrioli and Representative Chuck Riley. The Commission was enthusiastic about our decision to increase our focus on partnering with Oregon’s Tribes and members of the Commission congratulated the agency on our recent success at the Legislature.

Darrin Fleener will be setting up meetings with each of the nine Tribes to get a better understanding of their 3-5 year business development plans. These meetings will include the assigned Regional Coordinator and Regional Business Development Officer, and he will write a briefing memo on each session to be shared with key staff at sister agencies (like ERT, ODOT and DLCD).