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Slow upswing in construction sector forecast

December 16, 2010

Construction industry sources here are somewhat optimistic that a construction turnaround has started in the residential market and that the nonresidential construction market is at or near its bottom. No one is expecting, though, that 2011 will to

Real estate said poised for slow rebound in 2011

December 16, 2010

The residential and commercial real estate markets here are expected to turn around slowly in 2011, perhaps finally curbing protracted recession-related sales declines, industry sources here say.In the first 11 months of 2010, 3,913 homes were a

Job growth seen improving a bit

December 16, 2010

The two halves of 2010 were like two different job markets, with unemployment here peaking at 11.2 percent in February, but private-sector employers increasing their hiring in the second half of the year, says Doug Tweedy, regional labor economist

Anxiously awaiting an upturn

After difficult 2010, most industry sectors here expect gains

December 16, 2010

The light at the end of the tunnel to economic recovery remained dim this year for most industry sectors here, but greater optimism about 2011 is providing a new glow. Expect improvements, albeit from lower levels of activity than we're used to, as

Valley mover rebuilds, plans expansion into new markets

Action Moving switches affiliation to Bekins as part of growth strategy

December 16, 2010

Mike McLean

Action Moving Services Inc., of Spokane Valley, recently completed a $1.2 million building project and, after changing its affiliation to Hillside Ill.-based Bekins Van Lines LLC, is looking to expand its operations into other cities, says Jeff the

Tomlinson consolidates its Valley, South Hill operations

Combined offices occupy brokerage's leased space in Regal Place building

December 16, 2010

Mike McLean

Spokane-based Coldwell Banker Tomlinson, a prominent real estate brokerage, says it has left its Spokane Valley real estate office building and has moved most of its agents formerly based there to office space it leases on the South Hill.Fred a

Red Diamond low bidder for Hatch, 57th repaving

New bike lanes, turn lane included in South Hill arterial route project

December 16, 2010

Chey Scott

Red Diamond Construction Inc., of Spokane, is the apparent low bidder for an about $516,000 contract with the city of Spokane to repave and widen a major South Hill arterial route that includes parts of Hatch Road and 57th Avenue.The project is

Meridian wins $3 million West Plains building project

Enduris insurance co-op to occupy office structure set for Technology Park

December 16, 2010

Mike McLean

Meridian Construction Inc., of Spokane Valley, says it has won a $3 million contract to erect an office building on the West Plains for Enduris Washington.Meridian owner Mark D'Agostino says the company expects to begin construction of the this

Some thoughts on a Journal career

December 16, 2010

Editor's Notebook

When I entered the newspaper business in 1972, it was well established that to boost circulation, small papers put peoples' names and faces in their pages so their friends and relatives could see them. Today, in a new twist on an old idea, Facebook

Small Business Watch

December 16, 2010

New deli provides frozen yogurt, lunch A new frozen yogurt and lunch eatery, Chill Spot, has opened at 2706 N. Monroe, says co-owner Rick Purcell.The 1,400-square-foot restaurant, which can seat 28 patrons, offers eight varieties of