Cascade Business News

06/17/2026

Are you one of Central Oregon's fastest growing companies? Check out our parameters and be recognized by the Cascade Business News. Details here:

06/17/2026

Through August 28, we're accepting nominations of business and community leaders in Central Oregon for our 2026 Cascade Business News Accomplished Under 40 class, presented by Washington Trust Bank. Find details on nominating a deserving candidate here:

03/12/2026

Oregon’s hospitality industry is raising concerns following the passage of House Bill 4134, legislation that increases the state lodging tax and could have ripple effects across tourism-dependent communities such as Central Oregon.

The bill, approved by the Oregon Legislature last week, raises the statewide lodging tax and is projected to generate up to $38 million annually. Called the “1.25% for Wildlife” bill by some, the legislation would help implement the state’s Wildlife Action Plan to protect over 300 at-risk species via habitat conservation.

Oregon’s hospitality industry is raising concerns following the passage of House Bill 4134, legislation that increases the state lodging tax and could have ripple effects across tourism-dependent communities such as Central Oregon. The bill, approved by the Oregon Legislature last week, raises the...

03/12/2026

An iconic downtown Bend building has been restored to its former grandeur and reborn as a boutique, upscale hotel The Westman Hotel Bend, paying homage to a grand history and pioneering roots through an adaptive re-use described as “A Love Letter to Bend.”

The old post office, which has imposingly flanked the corner of Wall St. and Franklin for close to a century, was originally built in 1932 as part of the Public Buildings Program —
a Great Depression-era initiative authorized by President Herbert Hoover to stimulate the economy and create jobs. It represented a key catalyzing project in Central Oregon at the time.

(The Westman Hotel | Photo by Cascade Business News) An iconic downtown Bend building has been restored to its former grandeur and reborn as a boutique, upscale hotel The Westman, paying homage to a grand history and pioneering roots through an adaptive re-use described as “A Love Letter to Bend.....

03/12/2026

One of Central Oregon’s longest-standing architecture firms is reflecting on a half-century of shaping the region’s schools, civic spaces and landmark buildings. BBT Architects, a Bend-based firm with deep roots across Oregon, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of work defined by local relationships, collaborative design and a focus on educational environments.

Founded in Bend and built on a small-firm, community-driven approach, BBT has grown alongside Central Oregon while maintaining its emphasis on listening to clients and understanding the needs of the communities it serves. Over time, that philosophy has influenced not only the firm’s project portfolio but also its internal culture and leadership model.

((L-R) Kyle Burke, Kourtney Strong and Renée Alexander make up the partnership team at BBT Architects | Photo courtesy of BBT Architects) One of Central Oregon’s longest-standing architecture firms is reflecting on a half-century of shaping the region’s schools, civic spaces and landmark buildi...