The Central Oregon Business Index (COBI) stumbled in the third quarter of 2007, slipping to 175.7 (1998=100), a 0.7 percent loss from the previous quarter. The COBI stands 1.6 percent lower than year-ago levels, an improvement compared to the 2.5 percent year-over-year decline reported in the previous quarter. The area's economy remains relatively resilient despite the ongoing--and intensifying--downturn in residential housing. Click here for the full report.