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Bank reports give insights into economy

Nonperforming assets rise sharply at institutions here as quarterly profits plummet

November 6, 2008

Third-quarter earnings reports from Inland Northwest banks are providing insights into the region's economy.One of the most-watched numbers in bank earnings reports for the third quarter, which ended Sept. 30, will be nonperforming how they've a

Bracing for rise in utility bills

Convergence of rate-boosting forces to impact businesses here

November 6, 2008

David Cole

Babyland Diaper Service here operates two 250-pound dryers and four 115-pound machines—compared with the 15-pound dryers typical in most homes.So when rates for natural gas, which heats the dryers, go up, it hurts, says Dan Anderson, owner a

Rendering Courtesy of SRG Partnership Inc.

CCS projects total $155 million

Work on six structures worth $98 million to start in '09

November 6, 2008

Mike McLean

Community Colleges of Spokane is planning roughly $155 million in construction projects, nearly $100 million of which are scheduled to get under way next year, says Dennis Dunham, director of capital projects at the college district.Although some

In the News: October 23, 2008

October 23, 2008

Oct. 21 / Spokane County selects racetrack operator Spokane County commissioners unanimously selected Midway Muffler & Radiator Inc., headquartered in Fife, Wash., and owned by businessman Bucky Austin, to operate Spokane County Park /

Small Business Watch: October 23, 2008

October 23, 2008

Former teacher opens tutoring center with focus on mathematics Do The Math, a tutoring center that specializes in mathematics, has opened in a 1,300-square-foot space at 14 E. Mission, says Rae Lynn Westby, the business's says she's &

Calendar: October 23, 2008

October 23, 2008

October 23 - November 7, 2008 The Journal of Business publishes information about meetings, events, and learning opportunities of interest to the general business community. Submit such items to Ben Rascoff, Journal of Business, 429 E.

Roth IRA 'recharacterization' can undo tax pounding

Reverting to traditional IRA worth considering if you're facing big hit

October 23, 2008

Dennis Roginski

Converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA probably seemed like a good idea when you did it, but unforeseeable economic circumstances may have you regretting that decision now. If so, in some cases there's a way to undo your original conversion

100-year-old accounting firm shows no signs of slowing

LeMaster Daniels doesn't expect softer U.S. economy to dilute outlook for region

October 23, 2008

Ben Rascoff

Scott Dietzen, CEO of LeMaster Daniels PLLC, says the Spokane-based accounting firm, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, has nearly doubled its annual revenues since 2003, growing from about $24 million to an expected $40 in

Conservation easements offer benefits

For many people, though, preserving land long term is the driving motivation

October 23, 2008

Chris DeForest

A conservation easement can be a financial-planning tool for those who love their land.Even in these turbulent times, people are thinking about the future of their land. As the number of people approaching retirement increases, more people are A

Fundraising during crisis

Nonprofits here try to avoid slowdown in donations, expect needs to increase

October 23, 2008

Mike McLean

Charitable organizations are bracing for a hard year as they try to raise funds in the face of the economic crisis, which insiders say also will increase the need for their services.Some organizations, such as Catholic Charities of Spokane, are