This last month’s weather did not slow things down in the real estate market, according to Samantha Alley, at Re/Max Integrity.
On March 1, Corvallis had 35% more pending sales than on February 1, and 30% more sold properties, while Lebanon posted a 6% increase in pendings and a 36% increase in sold properties.
For perspective, properties under contract in Albany increased by 18%. And, in the last 90 days solds went up 42% with 153 houses sold in the 90 days preceding March 1.
Allley said, “We are seeing a small reduction in the number of active listings in all three markets, Spring is here and buyers are tired of waiting to make their move.”
Median prices the last 90 days ending March 1: $560,069 in Corvallis, $403,900 in Albany, $367,500 in Lebanon.
Impact Studio Gets New Director: Rob Stone, professor of mechanical engineering at Oregon State University, has been named the executive director of the university’s Impact Studio.
Launched by the Office of the Provost in 2018, the Impact Studio helps develop OSU strategies to respond creatively and nimbly to trends in higher education.
Stone recently completed a four-year assignment as director of the National Science Foundation’s Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation. Prior to that role, he led Oregon State’s School of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.
His research activities center on engineering design with a focus on concept generation methods.
Stone will replace Rich Duncombe, who joined Oregon State in December 2017 as the inaugural executive director of what was then called the Innovation Hub. Stone’s appointment is effective April 1.
Downtown Outdoor Space Fees: In case you missed it, the Corvallis City Council voted on the fee schedule for the downtown Right-of-Way permit program. For April 1 to October 31, this year’s fee schedule will be $29 per parking space, if the space isn’t delineated for parking, the fee would be $1 per square foot.
Local Unemployment Rate: The state was late issuing January’s employment numbers for our area, but now they’re out, and we confidently say they’re not the real story here if you’re only looking month-to-month. The bigger news is how Benton County looks compared to both the same time last year, and then also, pre-pandemic.
Benton County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7% in January, up slightly from its revised rate of 3.6% in December. Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate in January was 4.8%, matching its revised December rate of 4.8%. Benton County’s employment losses in January were less than normal; total nonfarm employment decreased by 520 jobs, when an employment decrease of 720 jobs would be expected. As a result, seasonally adjusted employment increased 200 jobs between December and January.
Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is now up 2.0% from its pre-pandemic level in February 2020, which translates to 850 added jobs. Over the past year Benton County’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is up 2,090, or 4.9%.
Back to January, the private sector overall shed 190 jobs over the month. Professional and business services employment declined by 70, and trade, transportation, and utilities dropped 60 jobs. Leisure and hospitality shed 40 jobs in January.
The public sector shed 330 jobs in January. Federal government shed 20 jobs. Local government employment declined 310 in January.
And, here’s your business events calendar…
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.
Lumina Job Fair: If you’re a healthcare or social worker, you may want to mark the date of this event. Named one of the Top 100 nonprofits to work for in Oregon, Lumina is committed to a work environment characterized by dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Their staff make a difference by providing compassionate care and support to those facing end of life and their families. Drop by to learn more about this nonprofit hospice. Current staff and HR will be available to answer questions.
4:30 to 6 pm, Thursday, Mar. 16 at Lumina Hospice, 720 SW 4th Street, Corvallis. Click here to learn more and find out about current positions.
Chamber of Commerce Success Events Series: Second in three standalone classes, you don’t need to attend all three. March 22 brings a class titled Reuniting Your Team, it’s focused on building and heightening team unity, and the April 12 class moves to building a conscious company culture. Each individual class is $110.
Classes will be at the Chamber of Commerce office, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. This is a Chamber member event, click here to register.
