I was in Corvallis over the weekend and did not pick up any LTE, also didn't get a chance to check out any sites. I'll be back down there this coming weekend, so hopefully more progress by then.
If you haven't checked it out yet, take a look at our market thread in the Sponsor Section:
http://s4gru.com/index.php?/topic/652-network-vision-site-map-west-washington-oregonsw-washington-and-inland-northwest-markets/
What part of Portland are you in?
I think it's a fairly new policy. I've had a 22% discount through my employer for about 7-8 years now, as well. When I renewed my contract last December, they had me re-verify my employer. First time I've had that happen.