In some respects, 2002 has been an extension of 2001, rife with bad economic news and uncertainty about the future. Still, the layoffs slowed, and there were substantive signs that Spokanes economy could improve in the coming year.


New employers set up shop, and voters here showed optimism in approving $96 million for enhanced convention and meeting spaces. Though stalwarts such as Telect Inc. and Agilent Technologies Inc. continued to suffer, the medical sector injected capital into new projects, and companies like Hollister-Stier Laboratories LLC blossomed.