The relatively new profession of certified professional guardian has emerged as a growing field of work here and statewide, as demand increases for guardians who manage the affairs of those who cant completely tend to things themselves.The in

As seniors at the Fairwinds-Northpointe retirement center eat their meals in a large dining room, general manager Bob Krentel often plays old tunes for them on a nearby baby grand piano.I play America, The Beautiful every morningthats

Innovation and risk-taking are qualities that mark a successful entrepreneur. Theyre also qualities that are important to the growth of the economy, representatives of Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University say. Accordingly, in

Pitney Bowes Inc.s Spokane customer-contact center knows its business: Answer phone calls from customers across the nation and tell them how to fix Pitney Bowes office products. The Stamford, Conn.-based company didnt, however, know the way

Hecla Mining Co.s Central and South American mining properties continue to light the way for the Coeur dAlene-based companys financial rebound. Hecla says its San Sebastian property in Mexico, for example, was its star performer in a

Silver Bell Corp., of Spokane, will close its Twenty-Four Frames Cinema in Cheney next month, says Laura Boenheim-Ulyatt, the companys president of operations.Despite replacing all of the theaters projection equipment, installing new and at

Travis and Peggy Camp, of Spokane, have bought the assets of Dicks Suzuki Inc., a longtime Spokane Valley motor-sports dealership, from founders Dick and Pat Ascol for an undisclosed sum.Travis Camp is the son of longtime Spokane auto dealer

Washington state now has certified 13 Spokane-area businesses to participate in the community-empowerment zone established here two years ago, says Mark Turner, president of the Spokane Area Economic Development Council.Triumph Composite Inc.,

The Spokane Public Facilities District board plans to name a general contractor-construction manager for the Spokane Convention Center expansion project on June 17, says Kevin Twohig, the districts executive director.Representatives of eight

R.A. Pearson Co., the Spokane-based designer and manufacturer of packaging machinery, has secured a contract with Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. to make 80 new machines for the soft-drink bottler. The machines will help Coca-Cola efficiently its in