Good morning. Here are Five Things for Wednesday.
Growing fund
It’s a lot of green to grow a lot of greens — and other fruits and vegetables. Portland-based Equilibrium Capital has raised more than $1 billion to invest in a new generation of greenhouse-based agriculture, which advocates say better addresses climate change and other environmental problems tied up with traditional farming.
Fund focus
If it weren’t for Equilibrium’s new $1 billion, Endeavour’s recently unveiled $850 million would seem like a lot of money. Still, it is one of Oregon’s biggest private equity funds, and PBJ reporter Malia Spencer spoke with managing director John von Schlegell on what the firm, whose past investments include New Seasons and Vigor Industries, might do with all that capital.
Knights of giving
One final item on big piles of money: With a new $500 million donation to the University of Oregon from Phil and Penny Knight, the couple’s giving to the school adds up to more than $1.5 billion. Reporter Matthew Kish takes a closer look at their academically minded donations.
Heat response
After the state shattered records for extreme heat, Gov. Kate Brown directed Oregon OSHA to enact emergency safety protections for workers during high temperatures. She is also calling for a review of the response to the heat to help prepare for the next heat wave.
City of pies
Remember those old commercials with the cowboys getting all indignant over New York City salsa? New Yorkers might be sputtering “Portland!” over the city’s coronation as the country’s No. 1 pizza place. Two authors tried about 400 pizzas nationwide for their 1,700-page (!) tome on pizza and say they found the best right here.