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Small farms work to stave off droughts, fires

Increasingly hotter weather drives up costs for farmers

July 1, 2021

Tucked away on a small 50-acre property in Valleyford, about 12 miles southeast of downtown Spokane, CasaCano Farms owners Madyson Versteeg and Jorge Cano have been hard at work reducing fire and drought risks.

Food shortages test Inland Northwest restaurants

Some menu items pulled in response, proprietors say

July 1, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Most mornings, Paul D'Orazi opens emails to find out which foods will be in short supply that day. The 'low inventory warningâ€ he received at Incrediburger & Eggs on a recent, late June morning from distributor US Foods contained shredded

Economy endures its sharpest, shortest recession

Full return forecast in mid-year outlook

June 17, 2021

Shawn Narancich

The U.S. economy is back in business after enduring its sharpest and shortest recession ever. Zero percent interest rates at the Federal Reserve, multiple government stimulus payments, business subsidies, and generous unemployment benefits all helped

Small business owners regain their confidence

Banker offers advice for journey to recovery

June 17, 2021

Kurt Walsdorf

Small business owners in Spokane and across the country are slowly but surely regaining their footing after a uniquely challenging year. In fact, Spokane County's job market is continuing to recover, with its April 2021 unemployment rate dropping

Health care industry starts to rebound from COVID-19

Industry experiencing some recovery in '21

June 17, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Despite being caught directly in the crosshairs of a global pandemic, local health care officials report the industry is on the financial mend a little more than a year beyond the arrival of COVID-19.

Sticker Shock: Steep construction costs likely to persist this year

Double-digit percentage price increases are common for most materials

June 17, 2021

Natasha Nellis

Contractors here have seen staggering material cost increases over the past year as surging demand and supply chain bottlenecks have pushed prices to record heights, and many predict those issues won't end this year.

Spokane manufacturers expect long lead times into 2022

Supply issues coupled with steady demand contribute to backlogs

June 17, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Some manufacturers here say that demand for their products remains high, but they expect to experience ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic into 2022.

Whitworth network looks to develop mentors

In-person, virtual events fill gap in alumni relations

June 3, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Recognizing a gap in its alumnae network, officials at Whitworth University say the formation of Women's Leadership Network two years ago has helped fill that space and then some.

Women leaders should assess communication habits

Well-meant behaviors sometimes work against those in governing roles

June 3, 2021

René Johnston

Women leaders bring tremendous strengths, insight, and value to the workplace. But let's face it, we still confront a number of barriers. As a result of centuries of social and cultural programming, seeds individually planted as early as childhood

Corporate America is at crossroads to retain women

Pandemic pressures now threaten to reverse gains in female representation

June 3, 2021

Robin Pickering

Though employees everywhere report a host of pandemic-related challenges, women disproportionately are struggling, reporting less optimism about career prospects, decreased mental health, and increased stress and burnout.