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Guest Commentary: Family business are vital to America's economic survival in turbulent times

Nimble, resilient â€¦

January 27, 2022

We are only a few of weeks into 2022 and it is already shaping up to be another challenging year for America's 5.5 million family businesses dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Rampant inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and acute worker

The Journal's View: Education leadership changes merit communities' attention

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January 27, 2022

Staff Report

With recently announced retirements and outstanding openings, the Inland Northwest education system faces a leadership transition that the Spokane business community should monitor closely. The changes are occurring at a time of

Ag Energy acquired by Pullman-based NuPhy

Spokane company adds services, employees to NuPhy's agribusiness

January 27, 2022

Erica Bullock

Ag Energy Solutions Inc., a Spokane-based agricultural renewable technology company, has been acquired by Pullman, Washington-based plant and tree fruit producer NuPhy Inc.

Don't become 'house poor' in overheated market

Some seeking to purchase homes might best wait for market to cool down

January 27, 2022

Sarah Carlson

Real estate has been a hot asset class this past year since the demand is more significant than supply. Prices have been going up, up, up. With interest rates still low and lending so easy, it has helped to fuel this hot real estate market.

Wage-price spiral could extend risk of inflation

'Excessively easy money' has fueled higher costs

January 27, 2022

Shawn Narancich

Trillions of dollars in new central bank and federal government stimulus added to an economy already recovering from the lockdown-induced stupor of COVID-19-produced skyrocketing corporate profits and a hat trick for equity investors in 2021.

Higher loans rates could hurt small Inland Northwest businesses

Some worry about effects of hikes; others point out they're still historically low

January 27, 2022

Karina Elias

Bankers in Spokane haven't noticed a sharp change in behavior from prospective borrowers, panicked by the looming threat of rising interest rates set to occur in 2022, but say they are keeping a constant eye on rising rates and anticipating the needs

Housing affordability becomes greater concern in rising mortgage rate environment

Climbing costs might not have immediate impact on residential market

January 27, 2022

Erica Bullock

Some real estate professionals here say anticipated increases in mortgage interest rates this year could price median-income homebuyers out of the market, while others say they don't anticipate immediate widespread disruption in the current market.

Blooms on the Blvd. opens in northwest Spokane

Floral shop Blooms On The Blvd. has opened at 2611 W. Northwest Boulevard, next to Harold's Sewing & Vacuum Center. Blooms On The Blvd. opened in late December, owner Sasha Downie says. The shop offers centerpieces, b

January 27, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Floral shop Blooms On The Blvd. has opened at 2611 W. Northwest Boulevard, next to Harold's Sewing & Vacuum Center. Blooms On The Blvd. opened in late December, owner Sasha Downie says. The shop offers centerpieces, bouquets, wreaths, houseplants,

Welch Comer engineering firm expands into Spokane Valley

Cd'A engineering firm hopes to attract more clients in Washington

January 27, 2022

Erica Bullock

Coeur d'Alene engineering company Welch Comer Engineers has expanded operations to a multitenant building in Spokane Valley. Necia Maiani, company vice president and Spokane Valley office manager, says Welch Comer's new 1,300-square-foot office at

Gee Automotive acquires Oregon dealerships

Three dealerships to help Liberty Lake company increase its presence in Portland metro area

January 27, 2022

Erica Bullock

Liberty Lake auto retailer Gee Automotive Cos has acquired three Dick's Auto Group dealerships, in the Portland suburb of Hillsboro, Oregon. Ryan Gee, CEO of Gee Automotive, declines to disclose the terms of the transaction, which closed Jan. 19.