Latest News

Manufacturing employment rises on the West Plains

McKinstry hires 150 employees to help meet demand

September 25, 2025

McKinstry Co. is fueling an employment boom among skilled trades at its two West Plains facilities, where 150 employees have joined so far this year.

Golden opportunity

Record high gold values prompt a rush for resale in Spokane market

September 25, 2025

Tina Sulzle

As gold prices soar to record highs, Spokane shops are seeing a rush of eager sellers.

XCraft Enterprises lands $1M Best Buy order

Drone manufacturer aims to make Inland Northwest nation's drone making capital

September 25, 2025

Karina Elias

When Best Buy Co., Inc. approached JD Claridge to ask if his company, XCraft Enterprises Inc., could potentially step in as the retailer phased out Chinese-made drones, Claridge seized the opportunity, landing a $1 million purchase order that could put the Hayden-based manufacturer on the national stage.

Journal announces new editor, deputy editor

Transition follows recent departure of longtime newsroom leader

September 25, 2025

Emily Botter-Hanson

The Journal of Business has adjusted its newsroom’s leadership. Erica Bullock has been promoted to editor, and Dylan Harris has been promoted to deputy editor.

Ramen restaurant slated to open in November

Nekojita to share space with Inland Pacific Kitchen

September 25, 2025

Tina Sulzle

Spokane’s culinary scene will warm up just in time for winter with the addition of a new ramen restaurant in the Washington Cracker Co. building at 304 W. Pacific, in downtown Spokane.

Fall Festival of Homes to begin Sept. 26

SHBA event to feature 23 Spokane County homes over two weekends

September 25, 2025

Emily Botter-Hanson

The Spokane Home Builders Association will hold its 21st annual Fall Festival of Homes, Sept. 26 through Sept. 28, and Oct. 5 through Oct. 8. The festival will feature 23 homes constructed by 15 builders.

Spokane-area employment dips in August

Decrease in jobs mirrors statewide results

September 23, 2025

Journal of Business Staff

Total nonfarm employment in the Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area dropped by 1,400 jobs from July to August, preliminary data from the Washington state Employment Security Department shows.

Washington state employment drops in August

More months in 2025 characterized by job losses than gains

September 17, 2025

Journal of Business Staff

Washington state’s nonfarm employment decreased by 13,600 jobs in August, according to preliminary data from the Washington state Employment Security Department.

Northstar Clean Concepts expands into Oregon

Spokane company acquires Portland-based Carson Equipment

September 16, 2025

Dylan Harris

Spokane-based Clean Concepts Group Inc., which does business as Northstar Clean Concepts, has acquired Portland, Oregon-based Carson Equipment, a division of Portland-based energy and transportation solutions company Carson.

Treasury4 acquires Seattle-based company

Longtime Microsoft treasurer joins Spokane-based fintech organization as chief strategy officer

September 11, 2025

Dylan Harris

Spokane-based fintech company Treasury4 Inc. has acquired TreasuryGo Inc., a Seattle-based company that offers a cloud-based software-as-a-service application that simplifies complex treasury workflows and data management.