Spokane's decision to immediately halt new developments of computer data centers for one year could affect the city's ability to compete for future billion-dollar investments.

For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Mike Marzetta, president of Altek Inc. and co-founder of Minds-i Inc., to discuss manufacturing and innovation.

SleepVibe Inc. has increased sales of its sleep aid device by more than 300% over the past year through podcast advertisements and support from sleep apnea doctors and first responders across the Inland Northwest who are discovering the benefits of the company’s namesake invention, says CEO and founder James Marsh. 

Wagstaff Inc. is scaling its nuclear manufacturing capacity with the launch of a new 18,000-square-foot shipping facility, a move designed to clear the way for high-tech fabrication projects at its Spokane Valley campus. 

Since launching The Genova Foundation in February 2025, Mike and Sandi Genova have awarded or pledged $1.2 million in grants to nonprofits with initiatives in health care, youth, and economic development.

Nuclear power, quantum technology, and data centers are among the topics planned for discussion at the I-90 Aerospace+ Corridor Conference & Expo this month.

Four generations of the Lawton family have maintained leadership of Lawton Printing Inc. and FILE-EZ Inc. — an accomplishment many family businesses can’t claim. Instrumental to that level of continuity has been Ray Lawton, 79, who, along with his late brother Gary Lawton, represents the third generation to lead both Spokane companies.

Continuous Composites Inc., a Coeur d'Alene-based carbon fiber parts and machines manufacturer, is planning to expand its workforce following a successful move to a new office and warehouse space at 3875 N. Schreiber Way in the Coeur d’Alene Commerce Park.

ATC Manufacturing Inc. will seek to prove that thermoplastic composite components can be scaled up in size for aerospace and defense uses after being awarded a $7 million contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory in March.

Spokane Valley-based electronics manufacturer Servatron Inc. will shut down its Spokane Valley operations at the end of the year.