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Small Business Watch

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February 12, 2015

Placing a sharper focus on four key areas in 2015

Insurers, providers adapt to new era in health care

February 12, 2015

Despite being five years into the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the health care industry is still faced with immense change and uncertainty. While insurers and health care providers continue to learn and adapt, individuals and employers also are adjusting to

New state transportation plan pushes North Spokane Corridor funding

Proposal recommends increase in gas tax, fees

February 12, 2015

Katie Ross

The Washington State Transportation Commission has completed its 20-year transportation plan and submitted it to the Legislature for consideration late last month, says Joe Tortorelli, Spokane-based vice chairman of the commission. 'The biggest thing

Cities, Spokane County net $5.6 million in road grants

State, federal funds to go toward fatality reductions

February 12, 2015

Judith Spitzer

The cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley and Spokane County have received more than $5.6 million in state and federal grants to reduce fatal and serious injury collisions on city streets, including $4.1 million in grants to overhaul north Monroe Street, wher

YMCA outlines strategic plan for next three years

Donations, programs help support children, families

February 12, 2015

Judith Spitzer

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest has rolled out its three-year strategic plan, and the nonprofit organization is on track with its annual fundraising campaign, already having raised 40 percent, or $184,000, of its annual fundraising goal of $456,000 so fa

Providence Health Care begins to reap ACA benefits

Big provider network keeps focus on cost containment

February 12, 2015

Judith Spitzer

Amid the turbulent ongoing statewide and national debates over health care policy and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act last year, Elaine Couture, CEO of Providence Health Care, remains optimistic that the complex law will push health care pro

Chris Cargill: Furthering free market

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February 12, 2015

Linn Parish

Five years ago, Chris Cargill traded in his spot behind the news desk at KXLY-TV for a position on the forefront of Washington state politics. As the organization's Eastern Washington director, Cargill has led this outpost of the free-market-backing t

Shift away from fee-for-service payments gears up

Medicare sets course for a major migration

February 12, 2015

Linn Parish

Medicare's recent announcement of new goals to pay health care providers for the quality of care provided rather than the quantity of services rendered marks a clear change in direction for the industry's future, health executives say, but it's a pa

Manufacturing startup incubator launches in Spokane's University District

Toolbox to offer mentoring, space to enterpreneurs

February 12, 2015

Katie Ross

Veteran Spokane entrepreneurs Andy Barrett and Tom Simpson are leasing space at the Spokane complex owned by Seattle-based McKinstry Co. for a manufacturing business incubator, called Toolbox. Toolbox is located in a portion of the former Habitat for Hu

Agricultural drone service launches in Hayden

Company aims to help farmers maximize yields

February 12, 2015

Mike McLean

Three Idaho companies, including Hayden-based Empire Airlines, have teamed up in a venture that aims to adapt drone technology to help farmers boost crop yields. The venture, Empire Unmanned LLC, is the first company authorized by the Federal Aviation Ad