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The Top 23 Business Stories of 2023

Changes in leadership, loss of legends among biggest business news of the year

December 28, 2023

In the Inland Northwest, the year was characterized by the start of some major projects and the completion of others. It also was marked by the passing of some business legends and separately, a new era of leadership in many organizations.

Total employment declines in Spokane MSA

Region is still up by about 5,000 for the year, data show

December 27, 2023

Linn Parish

Total employment in the Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area fell by about 1,400 jobs in November.

Kaspien to wind down operations

Ecommerce company expected to avert bankruptcy filing, close May 1

December 26, 2023

Linn Parish

Kaspien Holdings Inc. is winding down operations and expects to close permanently on May 1, 2024.

Rex & Relax indoor dog park opens along North Division

New business offers place to play, snacks for dogs and their owners

December 21, 2023

Dylan Harris

Rex & Relax LLC, an indoor dog park has opened at the former Wheel Sport space, at 1711 N. Division.

Financial woes continue for health care systems

Medicaid increase to improve revenue in 2024

December 21, 2023

Dylan Harris

The Inland Northwest’s two largest health care providers—Providence and MultiCare Health System—both are projected to continue operating at losses in 2024, although representatives of each expect margins to improve.

Slower rate of growth anticipated for Spokane-area financial institutions

Deposits, loan demand have declined industrywide

December 21, 2023

Karina Elias

Most financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, will continue to see a slowdown in deposits with overall negative growth in 2024.

Parting Thoughts with Jon Ness, CEO of Kootenai Health

December 21, 2023

Karina Elias

The Journal met recently with Jon Ness, CEO of Kootenai Health, who will retire early next year, to discuss what inspired his career in health care, leadership lessons, and his retirement plans.

Journal names 24 People of Influence for 2024

Honorees to be recognized at event next month

December 21, 2023

Linn Parish

The Journal of Business has selected its honorees for the 24 People of Influence in 2024 awards.

City Council addresses housing law concerns

Issues regarding appraisals, lending lead to emergency ordinance

December 21, 2023

Dylan Harris

Spokane City Council took emergency action on Dec. 14 to address the concerns of appraisers regarding a new housing law that could have unintentionally forced single-family residential lots to be treated as commercial properties.

Fairchild lands on shortlist for new tanker fleet

Officials, however, are leaning toward a Florida air base as the preferred home of 24 new aircraft

December 21, 2023

Erica Bullock

The U.S. Air Force soon will decide if Fairchild Air Force Base will receive 24 new KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers, or if the aircraft will head elsewhere.