This year has turned out better than expected in terms of the number of groups and conventions, and 2019 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for Spokane tourism, says TJ Hake, interim president and CEO at Visit Spokane.

Despite fluctuations in lumber supply and pricing this year, demand for timber and forestry products and services is expected to stay consistent in 2019, some wood products industry observers say.

Although retail sales growth here has been stronger than expected in recent years due to low interest rates and increased job growth, some observers of the retail industry are predicting a slowdown in the coming year.

Some Washington crop producers are feeling negative impacts of ongoing trade disputes, industry experts say. Apples remain Washington's top commodity with a value of $2.43 billion, up 3 percent from the previous year, according to the U.S. Department o

Mining companies here are optimistic they'll see improved returns in 2019, based on forward-looking statements in recent earnings reports. 'Our strategy is working. The (earning potential) we generated despite low metals prices is a result

Steve Wilson, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, says the business community anticipates that Kootenai County will see another year of economic growth in 2019. 'Regionally and in Kootenai County and Coeur d'Alene

Financial experts here say 2018 has been a good year for the Spokane area, but 2019 is unlikely to bring the same rate of growth. Steve Scranton, chief investment officer and economist for Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank, characterizes 2018

Health care administrators in the Inland Northwest say 2018 has been a growth year for the industry, particularly in the areas of technology and mental health, as organizations focus on tools to enhance patient experiences and improve access to care