Oregon Economic Development

The city of Pendleton can’t seem to give money away.

Overall, the seed fund said it has now invested in 36 companies, which have collectively attracted $20 million in additional backing.

Meiffren said the ruling should serve as a guide for all state agencies that are stewards of public money. The information is essential to track the effectiveness of subsidies and guide policy decisions, she said. "It’s hard for (lawmakers) to make informed decisions about how our tax dollars are being spent if they don’t have all the facts."

The Startup PDX:Challenge offers as many as six startups a $10,000 grant — not an investment — plus one year of free office space and professional services donated by Portland law firms, accountants and human resources specialists.

Oregon economic development officers knew they were competing against Salt Lake City for Salesforce’s outpost, and state officials here said they believed — incorrectly, it turns out — their rivals had also offered lucrative incentives.

The chipmaker filed plans Wednesday to build a mammoth new factory in Hillsboro, committing billions to the future at a time when other companies are hedging.

The three-year Innovations in Advanced Materials and Metals grant will target small and mid-sized businesses and help them enter new markets.

"We want the renaissance engineers out there, the guys that see the big picture."

Royal Caribbean opened the Springfield call center in 2006 with $1.3 million in incentives from the state.

Business and political leaders are moving ahead with a plan inspired by a national think tank to create more than 113,000 jobs across the Portland area by doubling exports in five years.