Special Report

Despite popularity, robo-advisers can miss big picture

Choices often based on limited amount of data

November 9, 2017

Automation and the transition to digital solutions are affecting more and more industries, and financial services are no exception. Over the past few years, tech-savvy consumers increasingly have embraced financial-technology investment tools to save tim

Idaho Independent Bank prepares for transition

Second-generation Gustavel to take over at first of year

November 9, 2017

Keith Erickson

While its customers might not realize any difference in services or policy, Coeur d'Alene-based Idaho Independent Bank will face a big change come New Year's Day. On Jan. 1, Kurt Gustavel, 48, will take over the leadership of IIB from his father, Jac

The learning curve for STCU's Ezra Eckhardt

Incoming CEO starts whirlwind tour of STCU's expansive footprint

November 9, 2017

Ezra Eckhardt might not be assuming the role of president and CEO of Liberty Lake-based STCU until Jan. 1, but he's already hit the ground running visiting branches and learning all about the organization he'll soon lead. In an interview just a week

Avoid misconceptions when choosing Medicare plan

Annual plan selection period open through Dec. 7

October 26, 2017

Guest Writer

The Medicare annual election period, which started Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, is a time for people with Medicare to make important decisions about their health care-just ask the 17.7 million people who decided on a Medicare Advantage plan in 2016.

Small-town physical therapy clinic sees growth after expansion

Fitness memberships have doubled since pool opened

October 26, 2017

Samantha Peone

The Deer Park Physical Therapy & Fitness Center says it has doubled its fitness center membership to 650 people since adding a 600-square-foot pool in June. It's the third expansion that Deer Park Physical Therapy Inc., which does business as Deer Park

MultiCare's David O'Brien hopes to bring health care giant's vision for Spokane to life

Plans include strengthening leadership, integrating care

October 26, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Dr. David O'Brien, MultiCare Health System's first chief executive for its new Inland Northwest region, says he enters the job with three main goals. 'We're looking to strengthen leadership here at MultiCare, improve upon our partnerships in the

Four benefits trends shape destination workplaces

Employers enhance perks to offset rising health costs

October 26, 2017

Charlie Issacs

As businesses tally expenses and set their budgets for next year, many won't be able to escape the fact that health care price inflation continues to fuel increases in the cost of benefits. According to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.'s 2017 Benefits Strat

North Idaho combats physician shortage

Problem shown to be more pronounced in rural counties

October 26, 2017

Keith Erickson

Though it hasn't reached a critical point, a shortage of doctors in Idaho is plaguing the state, which ranks 49th nationwide in physicians per capita. Those numbers aren't getting any better, some North Idaho medical professionals say. According to

New approaches to knee replacements in Spokane

Robotics technology allows for more precise technique on replacement surgery

October 26, 2017

The process of undergoing both full and partial knee replacements has improved in recent years due to surgical improvements and reduced hospital stays thanks to the efforts of a couple of orthopedic physicians and practices across Spokane. Full and parti

ESD 101 prepares to build new conference center on South Hill

$2.5 million addition planned at facility along Regal Street

October 12, 2017

Samantha Peone

Spokane-based NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101, or ESD 101, plans to build a single-story, 7,900-square-foot conference center connected to its existing facility at 4202 S. Regal on the South Hill. The project's estimated cost is $