Latest News

Spokane-area building permit activity bounces back

2015 topped prior year by 14 percent, but still below 2013 levels

January 14, 2016

The total value of Spokane-area building permits bumped upward in 2015 compared with a year earlier, although falling short of the record high total permit valuation of 2013.

Jaremko dealership acquisition gives Dave Smith Motors its first Spokane-area presence

Nissan-exclusive operation predicted to grow quickly

January 14, 2016

Dave Smith Motors, the large Kellogg, Idaho-based auto dealership, has established its first physical presence in the Spokane-area market with its recent acquisition of the Jaremko Nissan dealership, in Spokane Valley.

Investor group acquires RVs Northwest

New owners consolidate dealership at one location

January 14, 2016

RV Acquisition Co., which was formed by a group of eight investors, most of whom are local and come from diverse professional backgrounds, has purchased the assets of RVs Northwest Inc., located in the Spokane Valley at 18919 E. Broadway.

Spokane-based startup debuts digital mirror display

Vitreous begins accepting orders, starts production

January 14, 2016

LeAnn Bjerken

Spokane-based startup company Vitreous has unveiled its first product, a digital mirror display that can access the Internet or content from a user's smartphone.

Spokane ranks as third best city for working students

High minimum wage said boosting Washington cities

January 14, 2016

LeAnn Bjerken

Students attending college and living in the Spokane area appear to have chosen one of the better cities in the U.S. to work their way through school, judging by data from a recent study.

Inland Northwest bankruptcy filings decline for fifth straight year

Several factors could cause trend reversal

January 14, 2016

LeAnn Bjerken

Bankruptcy filings in Eastern Washington and North Idaho have declined for the fifth straight year.

Xtreme Arena: Projectile play

-

January 14, 2016

LeAnn Bjerken

hen James Almond opened Xtreme Arena last fall, he intended it to be a space where groups and families could create their own chaos.

Fifty Percent Off shops to close later this month

Sister supply company will be shuttered as well

January 14, 2016

LeAnn Bjerken

LDE Inc., the Spokane-based company that operates the Fifty Percent Off Card Shop retail chain, plans to close permanently its two remaining stores this month.

Developers to start $12 million Vinegar Flats Public Market project this year

Mixed-use building slated along south side of I-90

January 14, 2016

The developers for a proposed seven-story, $12 million mixed-use building that would be located on the lower South Hill intend to break ground this year.

Foreclosure actions dip, approach prerecession norms

Trend tied to job growth, health of housing market

January 14, 2016

Mike McLean

Foreclosure actions completed in Spokane County in 2015 dropped by 27 percent compared with the number of foreclosures in 2014, finally falling out of the historically high range, says Phil Kuharski, a longtime Spokane economic data analyst.