Biz Beat 3-20-2014

Core Campus is planning to open its 512-bed, 183-unit student luxury housing project in August 2015, but will “The Hub” at 515 E. Broadway be able to compete with the glut of cheaper student housing already being built, particularly at a time when college enrollment is dropping? At other Core projects, monthly rent for studios runs about $1,000 and five-bedroom apartments go for about $3,000. Penthouse units and those with their own hot tubs are more. The Eugene City Council last summer granted about $4.5 million in Multiple-Unit Property Tax Exemptions for the project over 10 years.

Senate Bill 1563 in this short session of the Oregon Legislature raised the amount that small businesses can receive from the Oregon Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund from a limit of $70,000 to $100,000. Rep. Phil Barnhart says, “In the past, this fund has provided more than $1.6 million in loans to small Oregon businesses that are hiring and expanding. Raising the loan limit amount gives more small businesses the opportunity to hire new people and gain a stronger foothold in Oregon’s economy.” 

Barnhart also says House Bill 4005 increases the number of e-commerce zones the state can approve from 10 to 15 and encourages technology companies to locate in these areas by providing a short-term property tax waiver and a limited tax credit. “Recent news has suggested that this bill could help secure a buyer for the former Hynix plant and bring jobs back to the region,” Barnhart says.

Lane Forest Products has added a new retail location at the corner of Franklin and Glenwood Boulevard in Glenwood. The new Lane Forest Products Corner Store will offer planting soils, composts, bark and more. Some seasonal items such as fruit trees, arborvitae and shrubs will also be available. The site, previously owned and occupied by R&S Outdoor Landscape Supply, will not provide any yard-debris recycling.  

We hear a new Mohawk Valley Music Festival is being planned Aug. 8-10 at Bob’s Ranch in the Marcola area. The festival has a website and Facebook page using the same name. Early bird tickets are $75. This is a first and hopefully annual event.

Pacific Winds Music is celebrating its 27th year in business, says owner Willie Knaus. The independent store leases, buys, sells and repairs all kinds of wind instruments at 791 W. 8th Ave. The store is currently selling off its collection of violins and string accessories. Call 343-5660.

Another anniversary this week is at Skip’s Records and CD World, celebrating 25 years in an industry that’s seen huge changes and shrinking retail. The store is having a special anniversary sale this week with 25 percent off regular prices Friday through Tuesday, at West 11th and Seneca.

St. Vincent de Paul is taking 300 books from its stacks to start a special library for Adult Basic and Secondary Education students at LCC. The library will be in ABSE in Building 11 of the main campus. Improved skill in reading is linked to success in higher education and employment, say organizers. Donations of books are accepted at all St. Vinnie’s stores and Attended Collection Centers. See svdp.us.

The Corvallis Fall Festival is now accepting artist applications for its 42nd festival, planned for Sept. 27-28. Applications are due May 1. More information at corvallisfallfestival.com.

The Eugene Marathon is expecting more than 9,000 runners from all over to sign up this year for the series of events surrounding the July 27 main marathon, considered the premier U.S. summer marathon. Some 1,500 volunteers are being recruited and they will also have an opportunity to help out with the IAFF World Junior Championships that will begin July 22 at Hayward Field. The IAFF is expected to draw 1,600 track and field athletes from more than 200 countries. Volunteer registration opened March 10 and continues through July 1. See eugenemarathon.com.