PCC launches expansion, Barnes & Noble nears opening: Portland-area economy roundup
Nov 03, 2012 (Menafn - The Oregonian - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --A weekly roundup of business moves that impact the local economy.
In the works
Portland Community College broke ground on its 34 million campus expansion at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Division Street. Work is expected to wrap up in 2016 with the college's footprint stretching to 77th Avenue.
And more details have emerged about Intel's massive expansion planned at its Ronler Acres campus in Washington County.
On a smaller scale and shorter timeline, Chipotle will open in Gresham later this year, and clothing retailer Francesca's Collections plans to open its third metro-area shop in Lake Oswego. Both chains advertised openings to staff the stores. Finally, Thistle chef Eric Bechard plans to launch a new restaurant in Southeast Portland.
Openings and expansions
Biotech firm CytoDyn said this week that it's moved its headquarters to Lake Oswego from Florida to be closer to its shareholders.
Therapeutic Associates, a physical therapy clinic, opened in Oregon City, while The Oregon Clinic opened a new Vancouver outpost.
In Portland, Medley is now serving tea and other treats along Southwest Capital Highway. Sterling Bank opened its latest hub downtown on Fifth Avenue. A children's book literary agency launched earlier this year in Nob Hill. The Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum welcomed its first visitors this week. Hollywood Beverage Store opened in a bigger spot this week.
In shopping center news, Barnes & Noble will debut its new digs Nov. 14 at Bridgeport Village in Tigard. Banfield Pet Hospital recently opened in Beaverton's Progress Ridge.
Closings and acquisitions
Portland window covering manufacturer Fashion Tech Inc. announced it would shutter its Southeast Portland plant by the end of the year and lay off 98 workers. And Vestas, the wind turbine maker whose U.S. operations are headquartered in Portland, plans to shed 85 more jobs across the nation.
Evraz Portland, weeks after announcing it would restart an idle steel mill, said this week that a separate plant would go dark temporarily.
Portland-based retailer Camera World closed its stores, although some will re-open under a new owner. Another longtime local company, Williams Controls, was acquired for 119 million by a North Carolina manufacturer.
Elsewhere in the state, troubled Medford-based PremierWest Bank was acquired this week by Spokane's AmericanWest Bank. And the Lane County Jail will cut six jobs.
--Molly Young, @mollykyoung
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