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Architecture index shows strong growth

West region reports second straight month of increase in billings

November 8, 2012

Architecture firms reported an improvement in business conditions for the second consecutive month in September, as the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) climbed to a score of 51.6, reflecting the strongest growth in nearly two years. With the a

More work, less space

Copeland sees demand rise for design-build work for smaller houses

November 8, 2012

Treva Lind

Copeland Architecture & Construction Inc., of Spokane, has seen an uptick this year in custom home design and building projects, after riding out three years of slow residential construction activity, during which it handled more commercial design

MW Consulting thrives on work for repeat clients

Engineering firm designs, integrates electrical, mechanical systems

November 8, 2012

Mike McLean

MW Consulting Engineers PS, of Spokane, says it has relied on its reputation with local clients to maintain a steady workflow through the recession, and it has strengthened its relationship with the U.S. Department of State to help land complex the

Car dealers increase their charitable giving, survey finds

Majority say they expect to boost contributions once again next year

October 25, 2012

Survey data show that nearly two-thirds of U.S. car dealers have increased their charitable contributions in 2012 compared with 2011. In addition, more than half of those who responded said they plan to increase their charitable contributions in by

For-profit corn maze gives boost to nonprofit groups

Fall attraction trades staffing assistance for monetary donations

October 25, 2012

Jessica Valencia

Suzie Dunn, owner of the Incredible Corn Maze, spends the year preparing for more than 10,000 people to visit the attraction during its six-week operating season, but in that time frame, Dunn also expects to give thousands of dollars to community a

Education tax credits need to be simplified, group says

Accountant organization tells Congress most don't understand current rules

October 25, 2012

The nation's education tax credits and deductions are too complicated and so confusing that most taxpayers cannot determine which provisions are best for them, theAmerican Institute of CPAssays inwritten testimonysubmitted to the Senate Finance

Kalispels' gifts are spread wide

Tribe's charitable donations nearing $1 million this year, up from $700,000 in 2011

October 25, 2012

Treva Lind

After hearing about a number of concussions among youth football players in Cusick, Wash., the Kalispel Tribe of Indians recently put $14,000 toward buying new helmets and shoulder pads for the school district's athletes.The relatively small is

Tax break loss could gut giving

Third of surveyed donors said they'd reduce gifts if deduction goes away

October 25, 2012

At a time when both the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates say they are considering capping the charitable tax deduction, a national Dunham+Company/Campbell Rinker study conducted last month suggests that the deduction is vital to in

Tax planners eye options as Bush-era cuts near sunset

Obamacare provisions also scheduled to figure into returns for 2013

October 25, 2012

Mike McLean

Tax preparers here say they're bracing for a frantic winter regardless of how the tax picture shakes out, as their clients take advantage of tax breaks for 2012 and start planning for big changes in 2013.With the Bush-era tax cuts set to expire

Damaging heart attacks in late pregnancy investigated

Researchers hope their study will lead to better treatment options for mothers-to-be

July 19, 2012

News Wise

Heart attacks during pregnancy are uncommon, but the prevalence of heart disease in pregnant mothers has increased during the past decade as more women delay pregnancy until they are older. These women, who are generally less physically active than