Document text
Local business updates Tuesday May 2, 2017 at 4:36 PM May 2, 2017 at 4:36 PM Hicks launches RSVP Event Group Event Planner Kimberly Hicks has expanded the scope of her business with the launch of RSVP Event Group. The new venture is a full-service event production company specializing in large-scale events and weddings. RSVP Event Group goes beyond the reach of Cordially Invited Wedding & Event Planning, founded 16 years ago. Hicks has been joined by event planner Cari Lynn Powell and wedding specialist Courtney Butterfield in the new enterprise. The RSVP Event provides planning, coordinating, designing, decorating and staging support. Hicks can be reached at [email protected] or 541-621-5466; Powell is at [email protected] or 541-301-8900; and Butterfield is at [email protected] or 541-580-1014. Rental vacancies below 2 percent Southern Oregon Rental Owners Association members reported a 1.78 percent vacancy rate in March. There were 95 vacancies out of 5,312 units handled by reporting member of landlord organization that covers Jackson and Josephine counties. The February rental vacancy rate was 1.64 percent. A year ago, it was 1.09 percent. Gas prices remain above U.S. average Rogue Valley pump prices dropped slightly in the past week, according to AAA Oregon/Idaho, but we're still nearly a half-dollar higher than the national average, and well above the $2.709 price in Salem In the Medford/Ashland area, motorists are paying an average of $2.827 per gallon of unleaded gas, down from $2.851 a week ago, and the month-ago price of $2.832. Local fueling stops are still charging an average of about 40 cents more per gallon than a year ago. The national average is $2.379, while the Oregon average is $2.756. AAA reported Oregon has the fifth-highest gas prices in the nation behind Hawaii, California, Alaska and Washington.