Archive
Oregon’s Supermajority: A Call for Business to Get Proactive
Come January, Democrats will hold a supermajority in the Oregon Legislature, which means they can pass new taxes without needing Republican support.
The most effective response, according to Capitol insiders, is for the business community to get involved early and stay involved.
“What I really think the business community needs more than anything els…
Turnaround Strategy: Craft an Action Plan for Poor Sales Performance
One of the main challenges sales leaders today face is improving the performance of their sales team. If you are a sales leader struggling with where to even begin when it comes to making meaningful changes that will boost performance, here is when we say: You are not alone.
No matter where your sales team is hitting roadblocks, sales performance improvem…
Holiday Activities in the Salem Area
The holiday season is in full effect, and the Mid-Willamette Valley has plenty of fun things to do this month. From holiday light displays to shopping, there is something for everyone in the family.
The Holiday Village
People of all ages can enjoy the holiday season at the Holiday Village at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Livestock Pavilion (2330 17th St. NE…
From the Desk of Jose Gonzalez
As 2024 comes to a close, it brings with it the usual end-of-year reflections - and for me, the end of my time as a Salem City Councilor. When my son asked if stepping away feels bittersweet, I told him it absolutely does. On one hand, I’ll have more time to dedicate to my family, which is the most important thing to me. On the other, I’m stepping awa
Building a Better Oregon: Priorities for the Upcoming Legislative Session
We have the November 5 election behind those of us who are in my Keizer and North Salem district. I thank everyone who volunteered to help with my campaign, donated to my campaign, and who voted for me in the election. This gives me a chance to continue to reach out and represent the needs of everybody in House District 21 and also address …
Chemeketa Community College Awarded Grant to Enhance Veteran Student Support
Chemeketa Community College has been awarded a prestigious $499,969 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to further expand its services for student veterans. The Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) grant recognizes Chemeketa's outstanding efforts to support veterans and offers new opportunities for growth and innovation in the
Lawmakers Address Business Challenges, Opportunities at Leadership Summit
Whether you believe in big government or small government, Oregon House Democratic Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard) said government must be effective and efficient to grow the state’s economy and help businesses thrive.
Speaking at the 22nd annual Oregon Leadership Summit at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland on Dec. 9, Bowman said a bipartisan gr…
Salem events: December
Oregon Retail Employee Charged with Theft of $25,000 Winning Lottery Ticket
A retail employee at Short Stop convenience store in La Grande faces criminal charges after allegedly stealing a $25,000 winning Oregon Lottery ticket. The ticket was presented during a routine “Retail Integrity Check” conducted by the Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Oregon Lottery to ensure fair and secure lottery transactions.
On September 19, 202…
Oregon Housing and Community Services Invests $165 Million to Build 550+ Affordable Homes
In a landmark decision on Friday, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced a $165 million investment aimed at tackling the state's critical affordable housing shortage. This funding, approved by the Oregon Housing Stability Council, will support the construction of eight housing developments across the state, ultimately providing over 550 af
Oregon’s Corrections System: A Call for Reform and Support
As your State Representative and a long-time advocate for public safety, I recently had the opportunity to visit Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and meet with the Association of Oregon Corrections Employees (AOCE). These experiences have reinforced my belief in the critical role our correctional facilities play in maintaining public safe…
City of Salem Projects $18 Million Budget Shortfall for 2026, Plans for Financial Strategy
The City of Salem recently released its preliminary five-year financial forecast, projecting an $18 million shortfall in the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2026, with the gap expected to widen over the next few years. This forecast, presented to the City’s Budget Committee, will guide decisions on service prioritization and financial planning.
The financi…
