All Job Gains Great and Small Around the State

A couple of big construction projects were announced in this week's Around the State:

• Woodburn Company Stores began construction on its fifth and final expansion. Spritz, a brand name fragrance outlet, will be a tenant. Other store openings will be announced within the next month. Statesman Journal, 2/13/2012

• The Danny Lang Teaching, Learning, & Event Center opened at the Southern Oregon Wine Institute on the Umpqua Community College campus in Winchester. The $6.8-million, 24,000-square-foot building will house classrooms, a winery, and tasting room. The News-Review, 1/17/2012

And we have another large project to restore Malheur National Forest:

• Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an award of $2.5 million to the Southern Blues Restoration Project, aimed at improving large swaths of the Malheur National Forest in Grant and Harney counties. The project includes work to improve tree stands, water quality, and wildlife habitat. It could create up to 150 jobs. Blue Mountain Eagle, 2/8/2012

It's great to think of how many jobs these projects might create. But it's also important to recognize job creation on a smaller scale, as several new small businesses make their debut:

• Toxic Kustomz, a car customization shop, opened in Green. It employs two people. The News-Review, 2/5/2012

• Hello Thai Restaurant opened in Winston. It employs two people. Winston Economic Development, 2/3/2012

• Candle Creations and Treasures opened in Winston. It employs three people. Winston Economic Development, 2/3/2012

Find more listings in today's full issue of Around the State, or search our database of current and past business announcements.