PORTLAND-Over 450 representatives from Northwest utilities; federal, state and local governments; end users; tribes; and contractors will be on hand, and the trade show will consist of 48 vendors demonstrating the latest in conservation technologies.

VANCOUVER, WA-The region continues to maintain an unemployment rate higher than the state as a whole and the nation. Job losses in electronics and aluminum are said to be largely responsible for the situation.

TIGARD, OR-Panattoni wants to buy a 7.56-acre parcel on Highway 99 near the onramp to Highway 217 for a two building office project, but the State Department of Transportation has denied its request for direct access onto the highway, forcing an administrative hearing.

PORTLAND-Purchase of the $100-million company (annual sales) has yet to be anything for MDU's beleaguered stock price. The power company's share price stood at $25 in afternoon trading, off $0.61 on the day for a new 52-week low.

HERMISTON, OR-The new plant is expected to be in service by 2004, with 15 full-time employees. Construction is slated to begin in early spring 2002. About 325 jobs are expected to be created at the peak of construction.

PORTLAND- William Conerly, a local economic and financial consultant, tells the local chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association that Portland is in a recession that thanks to the terrorist attacks it now might not clear it until mid-2002.

PORTLAND-Airlines serving Portland International Airport collectively plan to offer about 50% to 55% of their normal daily flights through mid-week. By the end of the week, the airlines hope to offer about 75% to 80% of their normal flights.

NEWBERG, OR-George Fox University's new $7-million Edward F. Stevens Center -- designed by BOORA Architects Inc. of Portland and built by Robert Gray Partners Inc. of Sherwood, OR -- opens this month as students return for the fall schedule.