There’s a little less deliciousness in Southwest Corvallis, Szechuan Cafe has left the table, closing their well liked restaurant in the Bi-Mart center. A principal had disclosed last month the decision had as much to do with life in general, as anything else. A staffer confided two weeks ago that a possible shift in ownership may have been in the works to save the eatery, a potential that apparently did not come to fruition.
Oregon’s Happiest Staffers: Two local companies made Oregon’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list this year: Healing Motion Physical Therapy of Philomath was rated 17th in the state, and Fitzpatrick Painting of Corvallis ranked 23rd.
Oregon Business reported a staffer at Healing Motion saying, “There is flexibility with scheduling, family and health are always first priory.” Another said, “From the first day on the job, the owners go above and beyond to ensure each team member is valued and appreciated.”
A staffer at Fitzpatrick wrote,” The rate at which you can move up in pay or responsibility is outrageous!” Then also writing, “Hard work is rewarded and successes are celebrated. When management fumbles, they’ll own that and focus more on retaining the employee’s dignity rather than wanting to prove themselves right.”
Click here to view the whole list.
Executive Moves: Corvallis Children Farm Home operator, Trillium Family Services, has a new CEO. Jamie Vandergon has been with Trillium in various roles for the last 20 years, and has served as president since 2017. The company serves over 14,000 youth and families yearly throughout Oregon. Vandergon took the reins on March 1.
Oregon State Credit Union also has a new hire, Derrick Peterson has been installed as EVP/CFO for the $2.1 billion Corvallis based cooperative. According to the Credit Union Times, Peterson brings more than 25 years of experience in the credit union industry, including 10 as CFO for the $990 million Deseret First Federal Credit Union in West Valley City, Utah.
Verdict from State Economists: The good folks at the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis have issued their quarterly forecast – so we snuggled in with our popcorn and rapt anticipation, having waited a whole quarter between episodes. But then, reading the executive summary, disappointment took hold.
It says things like, ” Either the economic storm clouds have parted, or we are in the eye of the hurricane. Any near-term recession fears are fading with each month of somewhat lower inflation and the continued economic boom. However, the Federal Reserve must still navigate the choppy waters of a tight labor market, fast wage growth, easing financial conditions, and strong household finances and consumer spending. All of these are likely to keep the underlying trend in inflation above the Fed’s target for the foreseeable future.”
The forecast goes on to remind that last quarter the office was predicting a mild recession come late 2023, but now they think it could be somewhere between a soft landing, or something minor come the next biennium.
“As of today, the baseline forecast is for the soft landing and continued economic expansion. That said, the economy is still in rough waters. The sailing will be far from smooth. Ultimately it remains an uncomfortably high likelihood that the needed future interest rate increases to truly cool inflation will capsize the economy at some future date. But the combination of the clear near-term strength in the economy, and the uncertainty surrounding the exact timing of a potential recession makes doing so this far in advance challenging, if not impossible.”
The next section gets this header: “Reasons for Economic Optimism.” This is when we decided that after last quarter’s dramatic page turner of a forecast, dark as it was, we would not see the same satiation from this go-around. We’re not objecting to the optimism – we like optimism – but we think it’s a little misplaced. And, well, there was just less meat on the bone this time around. December’s report had us thinking afterwards, this one didn’t. Basically, we think the last CPI report will motivate the fed to move more quickly, so we’re not quite ready for happy camp quite yet.
But then, what do we know? Some on our staff have opined that Tár should win Best Picture, rationalizing it will still be a salient watch in 10 years, and Everything Everywhere All at Once will be more of discussion for film historians than anyone else at that point.
Time for us to put our opinions back in our pockets, click here for this latest iteration of the Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast.
And, here’s your business events calendar…
Family Business 360 Features Woodcastle: Curious to hear from an industry-leading company that has over four decades of experience crafting premium, high-quality wood furniture? March’s Family Business 360 event features the Loe family of Wood Castle Furniture. Learn from Wood Castle’s leadership, Ron Loe, as he discusses his experiences running the company, dealing with failures, and adapting to changes within the industry.
Virtual event, Wednesday, March 8, from 8:30 to 10 am. Hosted by the OSU College of Business Center for Family Enterprise, click here for information and registration.
Business Book Club: Discuss one new book each month with the intention to come away being more empowered, motivated, and knowledgeable about business, career, and professional development. This month’s book is Eat That Frog.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, from 5 to 6 pm, at The Biere Library, 151 NW Monroe Ave. Click here for more information.
Steps to Hiring Your First Employee: Learn the steps to take to become an employer. After discussing the logistics, this class goes over how to find and hire your first employee. Topics include understanding the difference between employees and independent contractors, workers compensation insurance, payroll taxes, required new hire paperwork and mandatory workplace posters.
Fee is $59. Meets on Zoom. Thursday, March 9, from 6 to 7:20 pm. Click here to register.
Going Into Business: In just one session, you’ll get all the basic information you will need to begin planning your successful business. Rules, regulations, financing, customers, markets, and feasibility will all be discussed in this FREE seminar.
6:30 to 7:20 pm, Tuesday, Mar. 14. Offered by the Small Business Development Center at Linn-Benton Community College. Click here for more info and to register. Available as a Zoom video conference.
Women in Business Luncheon: Crystal Kelley has served in the domestic and international nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years working locally in Corvallis, as well as in Europe and West Africa. She is the Development Director for the international nonprofit, Andando working in Senegal. Kelley maintains that beyond making the lives of receiving individuals better, investments in education, health, and would-be entrepreneurs contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world.
12 to 1 pm, Wednesday, Mar. 15, Courtyard Marriott in Corvallis. Click here to learn more and register.
Basic Employment Law for Employers: Learn the basics of the federal and state laws that all employers need to know and follow. Topics include at-will employment, overtime requirements, meal and rest breaks, sick leave and pay equity. $59 fee.
6 to 7:20 pm, Thursday, Mar. 16. Offered by the Small Business Development Center at Linn-Benton Community College. Click here for more info and to register. Offered through Zoom video conferencing.
Do You Work With Farmers and Ranchers: Suicide stats for these folks have become alarming, and it’s a myth that once a person decides to commit suicide, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. The fact is, suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any positive action may save a life.
If you’re a banker, veterinarian or sell or service farm and ranch equipment, this seminar teaches what to look for, and how simple steps can help prevent a tragedy.
Free. 9 to 10:30 am, Thursday, March 16, virtual event. Click here to learn more and register.
