The mining industry has been characterized in recent years by extreme volatility in the prices of precious metals and also other metals, including steel, iron ore, copper and aluminum.

Look for economic growth to continue in Kootenai County, although at a slower overall pace than in the last two or three years, sources there say.

The Inland Northwest technology sector has enjoyed a comparatively strong year in 2014, and appears likely to grow even stronger in 2015, buoyed both by gains at larger companies and by a groundswell of startup activity, company executives and industry ob

Inland Northwest wheat producers face a potentially softer post-harvest marketplace heading into next year, due partly to damage-causing weather conditions and a plentiful wheat and corn supply worldwide, industry observers here say.

The health care industry here expects to remain in a state of transition in the coming year as it continues to adapt to broad implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act.

As the economy continues to recover and interest rates remain flat, financial experts here anticipate solid loan and deposit growth next year.