Decision 2024: Salem’s Economic future at the Forefront of City Elections
As Salem gears up for its city council and mayoral elections on May 21st, the business community will see significant distinctions between the candidates on key economic issues. The spotlight has particularly fallen on the contentious payroll tax proposal of 2023, which has become a dividing line for how the candidates each approach taxes and their overall philosophy of governance.
Last summer, by a vote of 5 to 4, the Mayor and City Council approved a payroll tax on Salem workers. The proponents of the tax argued that the city needed more revenue to cover increased city spending. The tax would have cost the average worker $500 per year. Knowing it would likely be defeated at the ballot box, the Mayor and Council defeated an effort by …
Rich Duncan Construction Celebrates VP of Operations’ 20th Anniversary
Nate Cook, Vice President of Operations at Rich Duncan Construction, recently celebrated his 20th anniversary with the company. Cook, a business partner at the firm, was honored with a celebration marking this significant milestone.
"We organized a social hour at Rudy’s, where Rich surprised him with a blue Corvette," said Brooke Scott, Communications C…
White’s Restaurant: A Beacon of Comfort Food in Salem’s Culinary Landscape
Nestled in the heart of Salem, White's Restaurant has emerged as a cornerstone of culinary tradition, offering a haven of comfort food to the community for 88 years. This enduring legacy is the work of Mike and Nicole White, whose foray into the restaurant industry is a blend of passion and destiny.
Mike White, leveraging his five-year tenure in fine dini…
Two Tips for Rebuilding Credit
Rebuilding credit can seem impossible, but with time (at least 6 months) and consistency, it’s very straight-forward. Here are the two tips for rebuilding your score: 1. Set up auto-pay so you never miss a minimum payment. On-time payment history is the largest part of a credit score (35%). 2. Focus on reducing your debt load. Pay down debt and keep in
Had heart trouble? Six lifestyle changes to consider
Lifestyle factors have a huge influence on your overall health as well as your risk for future cardiovascular issues. This list is probably nothing new, but that doesn't mean it's not important!
If you smoke, quit. Smoking damages your heart, lungs and blood vessels, and makes it harder for your body to repair itself. Eat a nutrient-rich, low-choles…
Salem Business & Political Roundtable: Rethinking State Housing Strategies with a Focus on Human Dignity
The recent legislative endeavors to address Oregon's housing crisis are marked by an influx of financial investment and nods to cultural initiatives but lack meaningful substance. Many of these proposals overlook innovative approaches to housing affordability and miss crucial opportunities for investments in construction workforce training - a pivotal fac
City of Salem’s “Block 50 Project”
The City of Salem has taken a significant step forward in its downtown revitalization efforts with the selection of Edlen & Co. and deChase Miksis as development partners for the ambitious Block 50 project. This initiative aims to transform one of downtown Salem's largest undeveloped properties into a vibrant, mixed-use community hub, thereby marking
Salinas Talks Immigration, Farm Bill, and More at Salem Forum
In a closely divided Congress with razor-thin majorities in both chambers, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) emphasized the need for bipartisanship to deliver results on the country’s most pressing issues - including immigration, border security, and passing a new Farm Bill that provides a greater safety net for agricultural producers reeling from nat
The ONE Easy-to-Fill Skill Gap Keeping Virtual Meetings From Turning Into Revenue
Sales is a conversation between adults to uncover the truth.
At the end of the day, it’s all about initiating and supporting peer-to-peer conversations. But for too many salespeople, when it comes to virtual meetings, it seems like we're still a lot better at pushing buyers and influencers away than we are at drawing them in.
We’re just…
Salem Eats: Unwrapping the Flavor Revolution at Azul’s Taco House
Azul's Taco House, situated at 231 Court St. NE #150 in Salem, Oregon, has quickly become a staple in the local food scene, offering a unique blend of traditional flavors and modern culinary techniques. Founders Tino Land and Jay Razo, who transitioned from working in a grocery store's produce section to pioneering their own restaurant, have infused their