All Central Oregon counties have fully recovered from job losses in 2020, and are in expansionary growth passing their pre-pandemic peaks. Over the 12-month span ending in August, Deschutes’ and Jefferson’s nonfarm payroll employment grew by 1.2% (1,040 jobs) and 4.0%...
Business
Wage Increase Demands Up Nearly 20% in Two Years; Benefit Offerings Lag Behind
1 in 5 Companies Have No Plans to Increase Pay Latest Results from The Harris Poll Expectations for wage increases have jumped roughly 20% since 2020 as 70% of companies plan to offer higher salary adjustments through the end of the year. Benefits, however,...
Candidates, Employers Should Engage Over Nagging Business Issues
Our ask of candidates this election season is — to seek us out and engage in discussion. Employers in Bend are facing many challenges that look much like those of other citizens that can be aided by policy and legislation.
Go Clean Energy Conference
LIVE & Virtual: October 6, 9 – 4:30. For Students, Businesses, Government Officials and Individuals! Fantastic Keynote and Panelist Speakers! Become a game changer at 350 Deschutes’ Go Clean Energy Conference on Thursday, October 6, from 9 – 4:30. Don’t miss this...
Extraordinary Employee Incentives Still In Play Amidst Possible Labor Market Cool Down
80% of Businesses are Taking Steps to Make Hiring Easier Latest Results from The Harris Poll While some segments of the U.S. labor force have started to eliminate positions amid labor market and economic instability, a recent survey indicates competition for top...
Hardhat in Hand to Launch on September 26
The application process for Hardhat in Hand is now closed. If you have questions regarding future cohorts, please reach out to Fortis Construction at hardhatinhand@fortisconstruction.com. Are you interested in joining the construction trades and helping...
Work-Ready Means More Than Earning a Degree
By Katy Brooks, CEO, Bend Chamber This article originally appeared in The Bulletin on August 15, 2022. My twins are off to college, which brought this topic to the forefront for me along with so many other parents hoping their children not only get great training or...
Optimistic Hiring Outlook Signals Potential for Unique Recession
57% of U.S. Companies Will Continue Onboarding Workers Despite Downturn Latest Results from The Harris Poll In a recent study, 57% of American companies indicate they will forge ahead with hiring despite a looming recession, highlighting a stark departure from...
The Bend Venture Conference Returns October 20–21, 2022
Applications Open Now Through August 16 Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) will again host the annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC) on Thursday, October 20–Friday, October 21, 2022, in downtown Bend and virtually online. Ticketing, speaker...
Strict Outdoor Heat Rules Mean More Workplace Restrictions
While we were all contending with record snow and rainfall this spring, two new permanent rules were adopted in Oregon to protect workers from smoke and heat-related illnesses.
Central Oregon Economic Indicators for June, 2022
Economy in Central Oregon All Central Oregon counties have fully recovered from job losses in 2020, and are heading into expansionary growth passing their pre-pandemic peaks. Deschutes’ and Jefferson’s employment grew by 2.5% (2,150 jobs) and 3.3% (220), respectively,...
Reaching Diverse Candidates is One of the Biggest Hiring Challenges for 1 in 5 Companies
54% of Businesses Report Having a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy in Place Efforts to establish a company diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy have steadily increased over the last two years, but 21% of U.S. companies say translating this effort to...
Faster Internet Oregon Campaign
Central Oregon Economic Indicators for May, 2022
Economy in Central Oregon Deschutes’ and Jefferson’s employment grew by 2.3% (2,020 jobs) and 2.6% (170), respectively, over the last 12 months, which was slightly slower than the Oregon average of 4.1%. Crook had a healthy growth rate of 7.4%, adding 500 jobs. Crook...
Despite Labeling Two Weeks’ Notice a Courtesy, Majority Agree Companies Will Not Rehire Former Employees Without One
Only 55% Gave Previous Company Advance Notice Latest Results from The Harris Poll The majority of U.S. adults (87%) say employees are familiar with the concept of providing a two weeks’ notice to employers upon leaving. However, despite stating this advance notice...
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