Workforce Info
Lane County recently released a workforce update. With a tight labor market and near-record low unemployment, businesses need to uncover untapped opportunities to find the workforce they need. Technological advancements and changing worker expectations are reshaping the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these changes, making it crucial for businesses to adapt. By leveraging data and research, companies can find creative solutions to workforce challenges and drive economic prosperity. The 2024 State of the Workforce Report highlights these opportunities in Lane County, offering guidance for businesses to thrive in the evolving economic landscape. Through innovative practices, businesses can achieve long-term success in the new economy. For the complete study go to laneworkforce.org.
OHA Information
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has found that three health care organizations had unreasonably high cost growth between 2021 and 2022. OHA’s Clare Pierce-Wrobel stated that health care is becoming increasingly expensive, making quality care inaccessible for many. The Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program, created by the Oregon Legislature in 2019, aims to reverse this trend. The program sets annual cost growth targets, and in its recent report, OHA found that while most organizations met the target, a few exceeded it without acceptable reasons. Moving forward, OHA will require performance improvement plans and can administer financial penalties.
Chamber Art Display
A unique collection of hand-crafted sandboards will be on display in Florence through the end of February. They are the artistic product of Lon Beale, AKA Dr. Dune, and are the current exhibit in the rotating art displayed at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center just north of Florence City Hall. Beale has been an ardent proponent of sandboarding in Florence for the past quarter century, regularly hosting ESPN and Fox Sports international competitions and exhibitions. Beale established the world’s first sandboard park here in 2000 and the colorful boards are the product of his passion for the sport and his long experience as a graphic artist. Chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan called the boards “breathtaking”. Beale has been building and marketing sandboards to the world through his own brand, built here in Florence: Monarch Sandboards. He recently created a second company: Venomous Sandboards.