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State business confidence index hits 25-year high

Spokane businesses were slightly less bullish in poll

December 17, 2015

A recent poll of 200 Washington state business owners sponsored by Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank has found overall confidence in the economy to be the highest in the survey's 25-year history. The third-quarter business confidence survey conducted

Drivers' license surrenders suggest more in-migration in Spokane County

Economist says additional data show population rise

December 17, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Out-of-state drivers' license surrenders, one of the indicators of new residents moving into the area, have increased in Spokane County during the first 11 months of this year, according to Washington state Department of Licensing data. Although the n

Tech companies grow in maturing markets

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December 17, 2015

A strong entrepreneurial spirit in the technology sector today has contributed to a local and national boom, and that, say some of those in the industry here, is a big reason why the sector continues to blossom.

Bouten Construction scores Tri-Cities work worth $127 million

Projects includes hospital addition, airport expansion

December 17, 2015

Mike McLean

Prominent Spokane construction contractor Bouten Construction Co. is heading up three projects in the Tri-Cities with a combined value of $127 million. The largest of the projects is a $72 million expansion of the River Pavilion at the Kadlec Regional Me

Inland Northwest retail sales to keep rising, for now

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December 17, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Following the trend of recent years, retailers here are again predicting sales growth for 2016. However, not all of those interviewed are confident this period of gains will last.

Planet Turf: Beyond greens, fairways

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December 17, 2015

Jim Connolly has reached the top of his profession in agronomy. Twice. He was once a United States Golf Association agronomist and now he is the co-owner of a growing grass seed and fertilizer company. From 1988 to 1994, the Washington State

Steady growth forecasted again in Kootenai County

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December 17, 2015

Mike McLean

Health care, advanced manufacturing, and real estate are expected to remain steady growth industries in Kootenai County through 2016, sources there say.

Mines Management staves off stock delisting

Spokane-based company still faces compliance deadline

December 17, 2015

Spokane-based Mines Management Inc. claims it's now back in good graces with the New York Stock Exchange after facing an ultimatum either to come back into compliance with exchange rules or risk being delisted. The company on July 1 received notice fro

Zak Designs anticipates another record sales year

Release of new Star Wars helps to catapult revenues

December 17, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Zak Designs Inc., the Airway Heights-based dinnerware designer and manufacturer, says it's set to complete another record-breaking sales year. Last year, the company recorded the highest sales in its 40-year history, due in part to sales of items feat