In a new study, Benton County ranked ninth in the state for incoming investments. Deschutes County ranked first, with Multnomah and Marion counties ranking second and third.
Benton County’s GDP increased $2,056 over the last three years, compared to $7,804 in first place Deschutes County. SmartAsset conducted the study, which also looked at business growth and building permits per 1,000 homes – in Benton County, those numbers were -0.94% and 9.85 respectively. To see the study’s methodology, click here.
Local unemployment remains low: Benton County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4% in February, up from its revised rate of 3.3% in January. Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate in February was 4.2%, edging up from its revised January rate of 4.1%.
Benton County’s employment gains in February were more than normal; total nonfarm employment increased by 970 jobs, when an employment increase of 840 jobs would be expected. As a result, seasonally adjusted employment increased 130 jobs between January and February. Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is now up 4.2% from the level in February 2020, 1,840 jobs above its pre-pandemic level.
Over the past year Benton County’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is up 1,210 jobs or 2.7%.
The private sector overall added 140 jobs over the month. Private education and health services added 90 jobs. Leisure and hospitality employment increased by 40 in February.
The public sector overall added 830 jobs in February. Local government employment increased 830. State government and federal government employment were both unchanged in February.
And, here’s your business events calendar….
Greeters: Learn from a spotlight speaker, and become acquainted with new business connections. This event happens twice to four times monthly at various locations.
These events are slated for Tuesdays, 8:30 to 9:30 am.
- Apr. 2 at BBSI, 411 2nd Street, Corvallis
- Apr. 9 at Fitzpatrick Painting & Construction, 37949 Century Dr NE, Albany
- Apr. 16 at Corvallis Museum, 411 SW 2nd St., Corvallis
- Apr. 23 at Henderer Design, 2350 NW Professional Dr, Corvallis
- Apr. 30 at Home Life Inc, 2068 NW Fillmore Ave, Corvallis
Real Estate Pre-License Class: Have you been thinking about a career as a real estate agent? This class is the first step. An accelerated pre-license HYBRID weekly class, self-study, and a 9-5 pre-test cram session on Saturday, June 8th will get you ready for the Oregon Real Estate Broker’s License Exam. You must attend all class sessions through Zoom or in person and have online access to complete the self-study portion of this course. Held at Coldwell Banker’s North Albany Branch.
Tuesdays 6 to 8:50 pm, starts Apr. 2 and ends Sat, Jun 8. $695.00. Click here to register.
QuickBooks Online Version for Beginners: Learn how to use the most popular ONLINE business accounting software program used by small businesses. If you have never used QuickBooks Online or are just starting to use the program, this training is for you. Class includes setting up company files, creating a chart of accounts, adding customers, jobs, and vendors. Also covers paying for expenses, invoicing, and receiving payments.
Note: This class covers QuickBooks ONLINE only. This is NOT for desktop versions of QuickBooks.
3 to 5 pm, Tuesday, Apr. 9. $75.00. This is a Small Business Development Center class, click here to register.
Property Management Pre-License Class: If you love problem solving, working with people and multitasking, then this in-demand property management class is for you. This course prepares you for the State of Oregon Property Manager License Exam and covers the role of property managers, tenant relations, fair housing, lease agreements, and more. You must attend all class sessions through Zoom and have online access to complete the self-study portion of this course. Offered through Zoom video conferencing.
6 to 7:50 pm, Tuesday, April 9. Online class. $600.00. 7 sessions ending Tue, May 21. Small Business Development Center class. Click here to register.
OSU Student Semiconductor Seminar Slated: Did you know that 15% of the nation’s 2 million semiconductor jobs are in Oregon? Oregon State University has long been the state’s largest supplier of talent to this thriving industry. Whether you’re studying engineering, chemistry, computer science, business, or any relevant STEM discipline, find your path to success at this professional development seminar organized by SEMI Pacific Northwest. Learn about jobs in the tech industry – all majors are welcome.
10 am to 2 pm, Thursday, April 11 at Memorial Union Building (MU), Ballroom, or online. To see the full agenda of seminar events, and to register, click here.
Going into Business Class: In just one session, you’ll get all the basic information you will need to begin planning your successful business. Rules, regulations, financing, customers, markets, and feasibility will all be discussed in this FREE seminar! This seminar is offered through Zoom video conferencing.
6:30 to 7:20 pm, Thursday, Apr. 11. Free. An SBDC class. Online Course. Click here to register.
Find Great Employees and Keep Them: Are you looking to hire? Learn strategies for finding and keeping great employees in today’s climate from an HR insider. This series will cover the job posting, screening, interviewing and selection processes followed by an overview of employee engagement and retention strategies.
3 to 4:50 pm, Tuesday, Apr. 16. Online SBDC class. $69.00. Click here to register.
Business After Hours: This monthly event is about networking – and it’s designed to designed to foster professional connections and collaboration within the business community, providing a relaxed and informal environment for professionals to engage and build valuable relationships.
5:30 to 7 pm, Thursday, Apr. 18 at High Quality Dispensary, 1435 NW 9th St Unit 110, Corvallis.
Health Professions Fair: Admissions representatives from over 60 health professions schools in Oregon and across the country and world are attending the fair and eager to meet OSU students.
10 am to 2 pm, Tuesday, April 23 at the Dixon Recreation Center, Lower Gymnasiums. Click here to learn more.
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