Riding high metal prices, mining companies expect another year of improved cash flows in 2012 that also will support the pursuit of new development.Industry leaders say that higher prices for silver, gold, and copper are expected to continue the

Inland Northwest technology companies say they will be adapting to changing markets in 2012 in efforts to boost sales—or at a minimum, maintain market shares.Meantime, says Innovate Washington co-founder Kim Zentz, startup activity appears

The number of jobs in the Inland Northwest is expected to increase in 2012, though not nearly as quickly as analysts typically would expect them to grow in what appears to be a recovering employment market. Grant Forsyth, an economics professor

Scattered examples that some industry sectors here are beginning to climb from the depths of this lengthy economic downturn aren't numerous or noteworthy enough to suggest that next year will be markedly stronger than this one has been.In fact,

Floform Countertops, a Winnipeg, Manitoba-based manufacturer, dealer, and installer of countertops, has opened a 6,000-square-foot showroom in Spokane Valley.The facility, at 5320 E. Sprague, features displays of a range of countertop materials,

Murphy Bros. Inc., of Spokane, has submitted an apparent low bid of about $1.3 million for a city of Spokane project to widen and resurface a stretch of east Francis Avenue between Freya and Havana streets in northeast Spokane.That half-mile of

Rasmussen Sports Training LLC, doing business as Ultimate Athlete Sports Performance Training Center, has leased 5,900 square feet of floor space at 1116 E. Sherman, in Coeur d'Alene, and plans to move there from leased space at 7791 N. Aqua in Ben

A book released recently by retired Spokane businessman Chris Carlson provides a nostalgic respite from the increasingly partisan bickering and lack of effective leadership that seem to so dominate politics these days.Titled, "Cecil Andrus: the