Banking & Finance

Companies face a more digital working world now

Spokane is experiencing arrival of hybrid future

April 7, 2022

As the effects of the coronavirus continue to reshape our world, several factors are accelerating the shift to a more digital, hybrid future in Spokane.

Student loan debt can complicate retirement savings for older borrowers

More parents said to take out loans for their children

April 7, 2022

Karina Elias

While student loan debt continues to rise and impact borrowers of all ages, the debt growth has been highest among older borrowers, says a report by AARP Public Policy Institute.

SBA-backed lending surges in the Inland Northwest

Main loan type is recovering from pandemic slowdown

April 7, 2022

Karina Elias

U.S. Small Business Administration-backed lending had a strong year in 2021 and is keeping up pace so far this year, some SBA lending officials here say.

Rising rates to widen bank's net margins

Dynamic could hamper lending demand, though

April 7, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Anticipated federal funds interest rate hikes are expected to foster an environment of growth and diversified investment among banks. One of the key ways in which banks make money is through interest rates on funds the banks loan.

Digital mortgages increase in INW

Advances lead to quicker decisions for borrowers, more accurate apps

April 7, 2022

Erica Bullock

Some lenders in Spokane County have experienced an increased volume of digitally initiated mortgage applications since the onset of the pandemic, though not all attribute the shift to COVID-era behavior changes.

Northwest Farm Credit Services allocates $56.9 million dividend for 2021

Patronage checks share earnings with members

March 24, 2022

Karina Elias

Northwest Farm Credit Services' customer-members in Washington have received nearly $56.9 million in annual patronage dividends checks, the Spokane-based agricultural lending cooperative announced. The dividends were down $5.5 million from $62.4

Texas company Radiant acquires Mainstream Electric

Spokane Valley company shifts to subsidiary role

March 24, 2022

Virginia Thomas

A company based in Austin, Texas, has acquired an ownership interest in Spokane Valley-based Mainstream Electric Inc., which does business as Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Mainstream Electric's owners Elaine and Todd Damschen say

Seattle law firm Luvera expands into Spokane

Practice grows presence in Eastern Washington

March 24, 2022

Erica Bullock

Luvera Law Firm, a Seattle-based personal injury legal practice, has opened an office recently in Spokane, says managing partner Robert Gellatly. Luvera Law Firm's Spokane expansion, its second office overall, has brought two longtime Eastern

Transportation priorities shift

Focus has shifted away from roads to a degree, some say

March 24, 2022

Erica Bullock

The state's transportation priorities have shifted noticeably in the recently approved 16-year, $17 billion transportation bill, some local leaders and state transportation representatives say. While some traditional roadway preservation and

Stock markets always survive uncertain times

Despite volatile periods in past, indexes recovered at rates beating inflation

March 10, 2022

Michael Maehl

It can feel pretty uncomfortable reviewing your investments when, after a few years of pretty good markets, all of a sudden you've got higher inflation coming into play, interest rates starting to move up, and now, add aggressive Russians all combining