A buzz saw of adverse market conditions cut into the lumber industrys production this year, and the industry doesnt expect things to get better until late 2007 or early 2008.U.S. housing starts plunged to an anticipated 1.88 million units a

The surging precious metals prices of 2005 didnt stop when the calendar turned to 2006, much to the delight of the mining industry. With that trend expected to continue, mining companies are reaping profits again and investing aggressively in and

High-technology manufacturers in the Spokane area are aggressively seeking to expand revenue through the introduction of new products and sales strategies, yet much of their focus is beyond next year.Telect Inc., of Liberty Lake, which makes is

Tourism in the Spokane-Coeur dAlene area should flourish next year, thanks in part to some major sporting attractions that will draw visitors here and an expansion under way at Silverwood Theme Park.The long-awaited National Figure Skating to

The financial services sector here has grown robustly in the last few years, and Spokane-area bankers say theyre going to be challenged to match this years stellar growth in 2007.This has been three of the best years weve seen, and now

The Spokane areas two major hospital systems say they expect to see healthier finances in 2007, but inadequate reimbursement levels and a steady exodus of primary-care doctors continue to be big concerns in the health-care sector optimistic about

Economic growth in Kootenai County next year likely wont be up to the tempo set there in the past three years, but still will make the county the envy of many communities, says Kathryn Tacke, regional economist in Coeur dAlene with the Idaho of

Retail sales are expected to rise sharply again in 2007, though perhaps not quite to the extent they did this year, industry observers here say.Spokane County and the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley all have budgeted for modest gains in is

Residential and commercial real estate sales are expected to remain strong here in 2007, although below their record-setting paces in 2005 and 2006.Spokane-area home sales during the first 11 months of this year were running about 5.4 percent A

Construction industry observers here are anticipating another busy year in 2007, although theyre again approaching the new year with some trepidation.The city of Spokane saw continued building growth in 2006, with permitted construction at in