Latest News

Bond investors should be preparing for volatility

Long-term rally could be coming to an end soon

June 19, 2014

For the last 30-plus years, it hasn't particularly mattered whether you owned bond funds or individual bonds. Helped by falling interest rates, they both delivered consistent income and a counterbalance to stock market volatility. But, with higher rate

Bank of America looks to build on loan growth in Spokane

Institution now employs about 350 people locally

June 19, 2014

Katie Ross

Bank of America Corp., the Charlotte, N.C.-based financial institution, increased its small business loans in Washington state by 22 percent last year and hopes to keep that momentum rolling, says Kurt Walsdorf, Spokane-based senior vice president and mar

Minimize risk of outliving your investment income

Planning is paramount as retirement dynamics shift

June 19, 2014

Hedley W. Greene and Bruce Pedey

It's 1950 and you are at the 'retirement ageâ€ of 65. It's expected that you will retire, and there's more than a gentle hand on your back as you clear out your desk. Social Security has been in place since 1935 thanks to FDR and the New Deale

Small Business Watch

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June 19, 2014

Staff Report

Spokane's economy is on consistent growth track

Jobs continue to increase; wage growth is a concern

June 19, 2014

Steve Scranton

Spokane has seen 2014 start with a more consistent pattern of economic growth than the nation as a whole. Unlike much of the Midwest and East Coast, Spokane didn't suffer through the severe winter weather that hampered economic activity. The picture t

The Growler Guys craft beer shop seeks other space after objection to liquor license

Different franchise owner to open North Side store

June 19, 2014

Judith Spitzer

Geoff Guertzmacher and his wife, Lindsey, who live in the Tri-Cities, are delaying plans to open a Growler Guys craft beer shop on Spokane's South Hill after learning their state liquor license application was being held up because of an objection. Mea

Caruso's Sandwich Co. plans new restaurant in Burgans Block project

Restaurateur starts first tenant work at Ruby Suites site

June 19, 2014

Mike McLean

North Idaho-based Caruso's Sandwich Co. has obtained the first building permit for tenant improvements at on the ground floor of the Ruby Suites complex that's under construction on the Burgans Fine Furniture Block, at 1120 N. Division. Chris & Pat I

Gifting can help with estate taxes

Washington's rate affects more residents than feds' rules

June 19, 2014

Mike McLean

With historically high exemptions, fewer people are paying federal estate and gift taxes now than decades ago, but more Washington state residents should be aware of their potential state estate tax liabilities, some accountants here say. Washington has

Spokane ranks 15th on list of fast-growing cities

NerdWallet study places Richland at top in state

June 19, 2014

Katie Ross

Spokane has been named one of the top 15 fastest-growing cities in Washington state, according to an analysis published in June by consumer advocacy company NerdWallet Inc., of San Francisco. Spokane ranked 15th on the list, and it wasn't the only Eas

Elevator contractor report rise in work

Vertical Options secures $1 million job in Richland

June 19, 2014

Mike McLean

Vertical Options LLC, of Spokane, a growing elevator service and repair company, recently landed a $1 million job at the Energy Northwest Columbia Generating Station, in Richland, Wash., says Keely Friesen, the company's CEO. Vertical Options will repl