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Facial-recognition systems might become promo tool

Marketing avatars aren't far away, expert contends, raising privacy questions

February 16, 2012

The motion picture "Minority Report" gave the audience a look into the future of retail marketing as retina scans were used to project customized digital advertisements for consumers in public spaces. And while an Iowa State University management a

Survey says agencies are optimistic

Four of five respondents say clients will maintain, step up marketing efforts

February 16, 2012

PR Newswire

A new quarterly survey of leading advertising agencies suggests that the media buying industry is regaining optimism after notching strong gains during the 2011 fourth quarter. The industry appears confident that business and client spending on

Magner Sanborn gives employees, community something to think about

Magner Sanborn expands geographic reach, sees exponential growth in revenue, staff

February 16, 2012

Chey Scott

Across the street from Magner Sanborn Inc.'s downtown offices and visible through windows in its fourth-floor conference room is a simple wall painted red featuring one word in contrasting white: think. Dennis Magner, the Spokane-based agency's

Corporate brand identity stretches beyond basic logo

Image ties to perception others have across many contact points

February 16, 2012

Treva Lind

How a business helps shape its public image—ranging from printed materials and online presence down to an employee answering the phone—really narrows to one focal point, marketing and public relations leaders here say.It's all about an

Breathalyzer-type device might identify disease early

New research suggests simple test can detect disease-state glucose

February 16, 2012

News Wise

The future of disease diagnosis might lie in a "breathalyzer"-like technology currently under development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.New research published online earlier this month in the peer-reviewed journal Metabolism a simple by

Employee-benefits pros' futures linger in reform details

Regardless of outcomes, employers likely to need help with complexities

February 16, 2012

We asked employee-benefits consultants this question: What do you expect the competitive landscape for employee benefits providers to look like 10 years from now?Mark Newbold, principal and employee-benefits adviser, Moloney O'Neill that

Care models in place today to be used more in future

Coordinated care with payment based on results is key to effective reform

February 16, 2012

Dr. Tom Schaaf

During the past two years, we've heard a lot of rhetoric about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Regardless of the political battle, one thing is clear: Health care is reforming, with or without the bill Congress passed in March has a

Dental plans to focus on simplicity, showing value in future

Dynamic marketplace creates demand for new products for consumers

February 16, 2012

Dr. Ron Inge

Health insurance is a major topic of conversation right now—and for good reason. There is uncertainty and confusion surrounding health care reform, mandates, cost, and the Supreme Court decision that will be rendered by the end of the year. It

Providence nonprofit looks to streamline fundraising

Organization's leaders say consolidation may help it improve upon strong 2011

February 16, 2012

Sandra Hosking

Three Providence Health Care hospitals in Spokane have consolidated their respective foundations into a new nonprofit organization that they expect will streamline their fundraising and granting activities in the years to come.Called Providence

Calling up medical images ... there's an app for that, too

Inland Imaging is testing system that lets docs view results on mobile devices

February 16, 2012

Linn Parish

In 2007, Spokane neurological surgeon Dr. Dean Martz approached Jon Copeland, CEO of Inland Imaging Business Associates LLC, and asked if Inland Imaging could find a way to send MRIs and other medical images to his iPhone.Copeland's response: is