Category Business
GUEST COLUMN: As unemployment drops, women are also dropping out of the labor force
A graph showing the rises and falls of female labor participation in the U.S. and Oregon (Pamela Ferrara) The unemployment rate for the Salem area declined by a percentage point in October from 7.8% to 6.8%. Most of the area’s unemployed are low-wage workers previously…
Despite the pandemic, Oregonians keep starting businesses
Clayton Riley holds ranunculuses, one type of flower offered at Flowers in the Alley, his new downtown Salem flower shop. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) Even with clamps on the economy because of the pandemic, Oregonians are still starting businesses. In October, the state recorded 6,647 new…
With online auctions and an outpouring of support, Enchanted Forest will open for another season
Roger Tofte, creator of Enchanted Forest, stands in Tofteville Western Town on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Enchanted Forest will remain in business after raising over $360,000 from fans of the storied amusement park located just south of Salem. In October, Enchanted Forest warned…
With lights and some paints, downtown association seeks to bring cheer to city center
A Hanukkah candle painted on the window of a local downtown business. (Courtesy/Caren Ann Jackson) This winter, the Salem Main Street Association decided downtown needed more than white lights to mark the holiday season. Hoping to inspire some cheer in the midst of a pandemic…
Shutdowns haven’t stopped Noble Wave from bringing Louisiana cuisine to Salem
In 2018, three men searched nationwide to find the perfect home for a brewery and restaurant. They chose Salem. In mid-May of 2019, they opened Noble Wave in Suite 112 of the Reed Opera House at 189 Liberty St. N.E. Keeping that restaurant alive throughout…
Oregon’s economy can recover from pandemic, but low-wage earners falling behind
A crane works on top of the Nishioka building construction site in downtown Salem on May 12, 2020. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The months ahead for Oregon’s employers and workers will be the “most challenging yet” as consumers remain cautious and the U.S. awaits distribution of…
The JCPenney building is empty. How it’s developed could change downtown
Nick Williams, commercial real estate adviser, stands in a back storeroom at the vacant JCPenney store in downtown Salem on Monday, Nov. 23. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) For the first time in over four decades, Salem’s JCPenney was empty on Black Friday. In late October, the…
Salem area unemployment drops. But not as much as previous months
A graph from the Oregon Employment Department shows the steep rise in unemployment following pandemic restrictions and how it has gradually tapered off. (Courtesy/Oregon Employment Department) Following the rest of the state and country, the unemployment rate for the Salem area continued to decrease last…
BUSINESS ROUNDUP: X-mas benefits expiration, waiting week waiver ends, help for homeowners and restaurants
Oregon Employment Department. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) There’s a lot going on business. To help keep you up to speed, the Salem Reporter has launched a semi-regular roundup of business-related items that includes new business openings, locations, grant opportunities and others. To suggest an item, reach…