Free Newsletter
Congress seems eager to leave taxpayers in the dark
Dear Mr. Berko: Several of us would like to know how much government money was given to financial companies, manufacturers and people. When we add up the numbers, the sum […]
Oregon set to match federal laws on discrimination
2010 is fast approaching, and several new laws are set to go into effect on Jan. 1. Here is a look at some of these laws and recommendations for employers. […]
U.S. can build upon congressman鈥檚 idea
Previously, I鈥檝e expressed frustration with the lack of results from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the 鈥渇ederal stimulus bill.鈥� Despite an investment of nearly […]
Financial literacy requires more than just knowledge
Financial literacy is a hot topic in schools, businesses and the media. In 2003, the Financial Literacy and Education Commission was established to improve Americans鈥� financial literacy. Efforts are geared […]
Big Oregon project should be boon for state
The Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network is a $416 million project intended to knit together radio communications for Oregon鈥檚 emergency responders. The governor and the state Legislature have made this a […]
Health-care costs could be terminal for small business
Small businesses are suffering from an ineffective and costly health-care system. Costs of premiums are spiraling, and are making it difficult for companies to cover employees. Businesses have increased deductibles, […]
Rampant incompetence points toward possibility of political corruption
Early this year, I sent three letters to the Securities Exchange Commission telling them that the billions in bonuses paid to Merrill Lynch employees was illegal, and I cited “inadequate […]
I earned it and spent it, so why can鈥檛 I keep it?
Bankruptcies are up 91 percent from this time last year. Most likely, contractors are suffering more sleepless nights, too. In this economy, work is precious. But pay for that work […]
Use this tool to dig for some new markets
An economic downturn provides a great opportunity for architecture, engineering and construction firms to evaluate their businesses and explore potential new markets. Get started by interviewing key personnel. Categorize questions […]
Don’t follow friends into an investment mistake
Dear Mr. Berko: My broker wants me to invest $35,000 in an infrastructure equipment leasing partnership that is guaranteed to pay 9 percent. The equipment will be leased to Triple-A […]
CEO sent a signal when he sold shares of company stock
Dear Mr. Berko: I think the housing industry is coming back because the recession is over, and I want to buy 300 shares of Toll Brothers. I was told by […]
Review exhibits first, avoid trouble later
Construction-contract exhibits are too often under-considered or even ignored in the drafting and negotiation process. But because exhibits are typically incorporated into the contract, they merit as much attention as […]
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
