Banking & Finance

Tax law changes expected to reduce charitable giving

New strategies emerging to maximize deductions

March 15, 2018

As the end of tax season looms, financial experts both here and nationally are predicting provisions in the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could change how taxpayers plan to contribute to charity this year. Most agree the changes are likely to alter taxpayer

Global Credit Union is considering building two new retail buildings

Two structures envisioned on downtown's west end

March 15, 2018

Spokane-based Global Credit Union is considering construction of two commercial structures on the western edge of downtown. One structure is planned on a lot just north of its corporate office building at 1500 W. Fourth and the other across Fourth Avenue

The good, bad, ugly about donating under new rules

Larger standard deduction complicates write-offs

March 15, 2018

Rob Blume

The new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act takes effect this year, and Americans are hard at work deciphering what the changes mean. One goal of the new tax law was to simplify filing for more taxpayers. Consequently, the standard deduction has nearly doubled, elimina

Blockchain technology makes its way into the Inland Northwest

Mechanism supporting cryptocurrency said to be alluring to some

March 15, 2018

Samantha Peone

Christopher Armitage, co-founder and co-owner of West Plains-based cleaning business Armitage Cleaning LLC, predicts that 10 years from now blockchain technology will be so omnipresent in society that people will use it daily without even appreciating how

Chimney Rock Mortgage strives to keep lending local

Financer hopes to make 200 home loans this year

March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Despite potential challenges posed by recent upticks in interest rates, Mike Hogan, loan officer and branch manager for Spokane-based Chimney Rock Mortgage LLC, says he believes there are still opportunities for growth in Spokane's home lending markets.

Most of old Ridpath Annex to be demolished

Washington Trust to remove top four floors as part of renovation

March 1, 2018

Samantha Peone

Washington Trust Bank, which owns the former Executive Court building at 501 W. First downtown, plans to remove the second through fifth stories of the five-story structure, says Katy Wagnon, spokeswoman for the Spokane-based bank. Construction begins on

Demand for HELOCs strong in Spokane despite rising rates

Actions by Fed, increasing home values affect demand

March 1, 2018

Samantha Peone

Despite rising interest rates, applications for home equity loans, such as home equity lines of credit, have remained consistent and even increased some throughout the past year, some Spokane-area lending experts say. David Flood, chief lending officer a

HomeStreet's new home in downtown Spokane

Bank adds first retail presence in Spokane, moves commercial lending in city's core

March 1, 2018

Samantha Peone

Following the launch of commercial lending services here barely two years ago, Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank recently opened its first retail branch in Spokane, where it has consolidated both its commercial and retail services, says Steve Storey, senior v

Global Credit Union shuts its two offices in Tri-Cities

Yoke's seeks bank, CU to fill branch vacancies

February 15, 2018

Robin Wojtanik

Spokane-based Global Credit Union has closed two Tri-Cities branches and a home loan center there. The credit union shuttered in-store branches at the Pasco and Kennewick Yoke's Fresh Market supermarkets on Jan. 31. Global Credit Union's 1,600 T

How angel investors earn their wings

More than 100 individuals involved in Spokane group, but more are sought

February 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

In recent years, Spokane has seen a handful of local startup companies grow into successful ventures resulting in benefits for both their founding entrepreneurs as well as early investors. Those who follow news of startup successes may have wondered wh