Category ECONOMY
Record need has Salem food pantries stretched thin
Despite low unemployment, Salem-area food pantries are serving more than 18,000 families per month - nearly double the number pre-Covid.
Pioneer Trust Bank will keep focus on community under fourth-generation president
Brad Compton recently took over Pioneer Trust Bank as president, making him the fifth in his family to run the bank since it opened a century ago.
COLUMN: A closer look at food inflation
Columnist Pamela Ferrara looks at why food prices rose so much over the past two years, and what might be ahead for Salem shoppers.
Early child care shortages in Oregon costing parents jobs, survey finds
More than 40% of parents responding to a Portland State University survey said they or their partner quit, declined or changed jobs due to child care challenges.
Shopping in Salem – where to go for unique local gifts this season
Salem's local retailers can fill just about any holiday gift need. Salem Reporter asked merchants what they had. You can find everything from colored pencils to Elsinore Theatre gift certificates.
Salem food producers open new winter market at 45th Parallel building
A new indoor winter farmers market is intended to give local farmers and food producers a place to sell during the off-season. It runs Saturdays through the end of February.
Climate change, drought, wildfires reduce value of private forestland in the West by billions
Oregon State University researchers said private timberland values have declined $11 billion due to the threat of drought and wildfires.
Oregon economists revise revenue forecast, state will have extra $217 million to spend
The Office of Economic Analysis last week revised its December revenue forecast, saying it overstated an expected increase in tax collections.
Holiday season is make or break for downtown Salem’s retail “tiny businesses”
Higher operating costs, inflation, price sensitivity and the allure of online shopping make running a retail business more challenging than ever.