Regrettably, we add another to the list of downtown retailers closing. Donna Bella Lingerie’s last day will be March 23. They’ve been in business for almost 20 years.
Along with the announcement, owner Susan McMahon said, “To our beloved customers, this isn’t goodbye, this is a heartfelt “thank you” for all the years of patronage.” Store manager Stacey Cummings said in an email that the McMahon had wanted to retire, and that increased lease costs had precluded the possibility of sale – which is becoming a theme in the latest spate of downtown closures.
Coffee Business Sells: On the other hand, Tried & True Coffee Co. has been sold to Futura Coffee Roasters for an undisclosed sum. The announcement came on owner Ann Schneider’s social media. The company has both a downtown and a South Corvallis location. The Schnider’s have owned the business for 10 years, along with a second business, Bespoken Coffee, which has also been sold.
The announcement came with many thank-yous, and a bit of a preview.
Schneider wrote, “As for the Schneider’s, we’re not going anywhere. It was just time. Our passions have grown and really honed in on the things we loved about owning the businesses: the buildout, events, and marketing. Collin’s working full time for an awesome company called Powell’s as a carpenter and I’m running my own solo company called Bustlin’ Annie Co. We’re also really excited to have more time with our family.”
From those of us at The Advocate, we say, congrats.
SamHealth Chief to Lead Statewide Board: Samaritan Health president and CEO, Doug Boysen, has been elected to Chair the Hospital Association of Oregon Board of Trustees.
Boysen has been a trustee since 2018. The Hospital Association of Oregon, or HAO, is a nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. According to the group, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing more than 70,000 workers.
Boysen’s two-year term as board chair began on Jan. 1.
“Doug Boysen is the right leader at the right time to step into this role with the Hospital Association of Oregon,” said Nancy Seifert, Samaritan Health Services board chair. “He has dedicated his career to improving healthcare delivery and advancing health for all. He has the skillset and demeanor to partner with HAO and health care organizations across the state to support patient care.”
City to Run Business Loan Program: Remember that loan program the now defunct Downtown Corvallis Association used to offer? So, with DCA evaporated, the City Council voted last week to have City staff run the program.
According to Community Development Director Paul Biotta, there have been several inquiries about the program over the last six months.
As to funds in the kitty, a memo from Bilotta to the Council says that there’s currently four promissory notes and cash totaling $71,300. The four loans were issued between 2019 and 2021 with the last maturing in 2026. The cash asset available for new loans is approximately $47,000.
As loans are repaid, more funds become available for new borrowers.
Unemployment Increases Slightly: Benton County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.2% in December, up from its revised rate of 3.0% in November. Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate in December was 3.7%, up from its revised November rate of 3.6%.
Benton County’s employment losses in December were less than normal; total nonfarm employment decreased by 190 jobs, when an employment decrease of 300 jobs would be expected. As a result, seasonally adjusted employment increased 110 jobs between November and December.
Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is now up 3.1% from the level in February 2020, 1,340 jobs above its pre-pandemic level. Over the past year Benton County’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment is up 1,600 jobs or 3.7%.
The private sector overall shed 140 jobs over the month. Professional and business services, and trade, transportation, and utilities both shed 40 jobs in December. The public sector overall dropped 50 jobs in December. Local government education employment declined 50. State government employment was up 10 while federal government shed 10 jobs in December.
And, Here’s Your Business Events Calendar…
Business After Hours: This Corvallis Chamber event is back after the holidays – and it’s conveniently located at their office for this month. Space is limited, so click here to register by Jan. 24. There’s snacks and beverages! Starts at 5:30 pm, Thursday, Jan. 25, at 420 NW 2nd, in Corvallis.
Ladies Network and Mixer: An evening of networking and mingling with like-minded women. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. 5:30 to 7 pm, Monday, Jan. 29, tickets are $12, but you do get a $12 drink credit. This event is at 4 Spirits in South Corvallis. Click here to register.
Corvallis Young Pros: This month’s evening get-together will be art filled – and it’s a great opportunity to meet people. 5 to 7 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 30 at The Arts Center, 700 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com