President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that he will sign an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Labor to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all personnel at companies with more than 100 employees. The directive is expected to include a mandatory weekly test-out option, if the employee refuses the vaccine.
Due to recently passed new taxes and increases of existing taxes, at both the state and local levels, a stunning number of Oregon businesses are now giving serious consideration to leaving Oregon according to findings from a survey of nearly 500 business CPAs and local chamber of commerce leaders.
“As I transition into the role, my first priority is to connect with our members so that I can understand what is top of mind for them, but I also want to connect with our partners and the many other stakeholders who help shape the environment for business and industry in the state. I have a lot of listening to do, and I look forward to taking what I bring to the role and what I learn in the role and working with the board to create a long-term vision for OBI.”
“Employment is rebounding, but is still short of pre-pandemic levels, which makes it clear we are not out of the woods in terms of the pandemic’s impact on individual Oregonians,” said OBI President & CEO Sandra McDonough. “On the other hand, the state of Oregon is hitting record highs in terms of tax collections.”
Gov. Kate Brown announced she plans to reinstate a statewide mask requirement for all indoor public settings, including businesses, regardless of vaccination status. The new mandate comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations break records throughout the state due to the highly transmissible Delta variant.
Join OBI for our annual celebration of Oregon’s thriving manufacturing sector and the critical role these businesses play in supporting our economy and way of life. On Oct. 1, organizations and businesses across the country will mark the occasion with events in coordination with our partners at the National Association of Manufacturers.
The Summit will include field & industry tours, general session speakers, and a series of discussion panels focused on regional economic updates, federal and state legislative updates, program and industry updates, and more.
Join OBI and Partners in Diversity for a practical discussion on how employers can improve their workforce diversity. Over the course of two webinars, the team at Partners in Diversity will not only answer your questions, but will dive deep into two new research projects that provide guidance on how to recruit and retain workers of color in Oregon.
Each year, the event is attended by hundreds of business leaders who are joined by community leaders and elected officials, ranging from members of Congress to community college board members, from throughout the state. Our 2021 dinner will mark the 20th anniversary of this cherished Oregon tradition, where we will be reflecting on the challenges and successes of the past year, and what the future holds for Oregon businesses.
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Oregon Business & Industry exists to strengthen Oregon’s economy in order to achieve a healthy, prosperous and competitive Oregon for the benefit of present and future generations.
