In less than two weeks, years of patient dreaming will finally come true for many Salem residents: The first Trader Joe's store is going to open! Most of the friendly faces working at the end of the check-out line will be local residents, with a few of the employees from other parts of the state. Other local touches, according to the Statesman Journal, include murals painted by Salem artists. I look forward to checking it out!
In recent blog posts we've mentioned the economic struggles of southern Oregon, as highlighted by events like local employer Harry & David filing for bankruptcy. Unemployment rates in the area are quite high; Jackson County saw rates above 12 percent for all of 2009 and 2010, with a decline occurring only very recently. But as it turns out, some companies are eyeing the local workforce with a bit of envy. Who? Why? Check out the article from the Mail Tribune.
While we're talking about the southern part of Oregon, let's turn to Klamath Falls. The long, wet spring equals good news for irrigating farms this summer -- it looks like there will be plenty of water for local needs, and strong farms means job opportunities. Oregon Business has the details.
In Lane County, however, not everyone is rejoicing about the additional water. The Register-Guard noted that some crops and some farmers are worried about the wet weather. A delay to summer means less time for growing and harvesting goods, with a possible loss in revenue.
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