Special Report

Economic statistics don't tell the market's entire story

Some indicators might have become antiquated

November 5, 2015

As I review the daily market news and read the economic comments from various sources, it occurs to me that the current measurements being used don't really show the true strength of our total economy.

National CU data shows increase in loans, assets

Idaho ranks toward top in number of categories

November 5, 2015

Staff Report

Federally insured credit unions saw median loan growth of 4 percent during the 12-month period ending June 30, according to state-level data compiled by the National Credit Union Administration.

Numerica Credit Union remodels, adds branches

New design aims to enhance member experience, services

November 5, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Numerica Credit Union has been growing not only in terms of membership and assets, but also through branch renovations and additions.

Umpqua's integration

Oregon bank puts emphasis on employee empowerment

November 5, 2015

Mike McLean

Portland-based Umpqua Holding Corp., the parent company of Umpqua Bank, has based an executive team in Spokane to integrate the best of the cultures of Umpqua Bank and the venerable Spokane-based Sterling Bank, which Umpqua acquired last year.

Blood Center INBC issues pre-holiday pitch for donations

Donations tend to plummet when students take break

October 22, 2015

The Inland Northwest Blood Center is appealing to the community for blood and blood platelet donations before the holiday season arrives.

North Side orthopedic clinic brings on hand surgeon

Specialist is third physician at practice on North Side

October 22, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Orthopaedic Specialty Clinic of Spokane PLLC says it recently hired a new hand and upper extremity surgeon.

Northwest Orthopaedic welcomes new chief exec

Wunar is first nonphysician to hold practice's top post

October 22, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists PS says it has hired Robert J. Wunar as its new chief executive officer.

Another Spokane physician converts to direct care

Practice operates under alternative payment model

October 22, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

A growing primary-care physician shortage combined with an increase in primary-care visits generated by the Affordable Care Act has some physicians here, such as Dr. Cody Ellefsen, looking at an alternative business model, called direct primary care.

Planned Parenthood set to build $5 million clinic

Organization to replace facility north of downtown

October 22, 2015

Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho has submitted a building permit application to the city of Spokane for construction of a $5 million health and community education center north of downtown Spokane.

Rockwood Health rolls out virtual visits

Separately, it now takes urgent-care reservations

October 22, 2015

Mike McLean

Spokane-based Rockwood Health System has rolled out VirtualHealthNow, an online service that enables patients to obtain primary health care for nonemergency conditions at any time of day via video conference.