OREGON BUSINESS NEWS

Latest international and local business, finance and economy news

FRONT PORCH BLOG: Portland investor Barry Menashe's Credence Systems' complex in Hillsboro provides a stark example of the market: 184,000 square feet of empty offices.  Full story »

Travel Portland is making headlines for once again offering tourists $50 in cash when they book a room at participating Portland-area hotels.  Full story »

Since the fly's surprise and destructive appearance last August, the state's leading entomologists have been engaged in a frantic, crash course to find it, understand it and control it. Full story »

Barry Menashe's offices are among 14 major office buildings around Portland that sit completely vacant, symbols of an economy running on empty. In total, the buildings add up to more than 1 million square feet and roughly 4,000 desks that aren't filled by an employed worker.  Full story »

A retired colleague stops by Amy Dreves's office at Oregon State University with an idea. How about spraying a non-poisonous, dusty clay compound on the berries?  Full story »

COMPLAINT DESK: Businesses need to be clear about charges -- whether in signs, sales pitches or contracts -- otherwise, customers may have grounds to fight surprise fees.  Full story »

IT'S ONLY MONEY: With insurance giant TIAA-CREF taking over management of the $500 million fund, we'll help you wade through the choices.  Full story »

Tillamook's mild cheddar wins a gold medal at an international cheese contest. Full story »

CBS says the first day of the tourney drew 3 million viewers, 11 percent more than last year. Full story »

FRONT PORCH BLOG: Washington County will try to work out an agreement between the City of Tualatin that wants to extend its urban renewal district and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue officials who want to limit the limitations on their budget. Full story »

FRONT PORCH BLOG: Be careful of companies with official-sound names offering to help you reduce your property taxes for a fee. There is no need to pay for such services. Misleading mailers can look like official government agency documents. Full story »

Larry Thompson envisions the day when farms are classified as an urban economic use akin to commercial or industrial activity. Full story »

The city known for high-tech industry has been low-key about its sustainability efforts. But by installing more than a dozen electric-vehicle charging stations, Hillsboro is calling out for alternative-enery industries.  Full story »

Aerospace and defense company EADS said today it is considering a new bid for a $35 billion Pentagon contract for midair refueling tankers but will only compete if it has a fair chance against rival Boeing Co.  Full story »