Health-plan costs for Spokane-area businesses, which softened a bit last year, will be mostly in the single-digit to low-double-digit range again this year. Representatives of health plans here warn, though, that the lower rate hikes dont mean in

The new organization being formed through the merger of the Spokane chamber and economic-development council here is starting to come into focus, and whats clear already is that it will be bigger than its two predecessors.Since mid-November,

Growing numbers of real estate investors and developers from outside the Inland Northwest are finding valueand putting their chipsin the Spokane-North Idaho market. Spokane developer Walt Worthy, who owns the Davenport Hotel and has made is

Although uncontrollable factors such as the weather and the international market again will play major roles in the Inland Northwests agricultural picture in 2007, early indicators are favorable for another positive year.The wheat industry, a

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