Technology

Avista plans $165M meter upgrade

Using Itron technology, about 450,000 devices to be replaced in phases

May 21, 2018

Spokane-based Avista Utilities is partnering with Liberty Lake-based meter technology manufacturer Itron Inc. to install smart meters throughout Avista's Washington service territory in a $165 million project scheduled to begin next fall, the utility comp

Collabra Technology looks to grow following merger

TourFactory, Proxio combo leads to global platform

April 26, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

TourFactory, a Spokane company that developed virtual home tours, has merged with Proxio Inc., a global marketing and networking services company based in Santa Clara, Calif. The two have combined to form a new software company known as Collabra Technolo

Powering up: Northwest Renewables

Spokane energy installation company gains traction, owners say

April 26, 2018

Samantha Peone

General contractor Gavin Tenold and electrician Harlan Heise formed Northwest Renewables LLC in 2016 because they saw solar and backup battery installation as a growing market. Now, the co-owners project the company's revenue will jump in 2018 to $1.3

Flexhibit expands, rolls out mobile STEM product

Company now located in old Savage Land Pizza

April 26, 2018

Samantha Peone

Spokane Valley-based IQ Smart Interactive LLC, which does business as Flexhibit, has launched Flexcart, a line of portable science center exhibits designed for hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning in schools, says Coleen Qui

Schweitzer Engineering plans big new building in Midwest

Facility near Purdue University could employ 300 people

April 19, 2018

Pullman, Wash.-based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. says it plans to build a 100,000-square-foot electrical power and research facility near Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. that could generate 300 or more jobs there. The Schweitzer

Data protection law might have far reaching impact

Most companies aren't ready, IT consultant says

April 12, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Some cybersecurity experts are focusing their attention on the European Union's soon-to-be-implemented General Data Protection Regulation, which could have a big effect on how businesses worldwide handle data privacy. 'I believe that the majority of

Girl Scouts, LinkedIn develop new network

Platform intended to connect more youth with women mentors

April 12, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Girl Scouts of the USA has partnered with professional networking website LinkedIn to create a new platform called Girl Scout Network, which aims to connect Girl Scout alumna, enabling them to share their career experiences and advice. Nicole Wood, Spoka

Fatbeam lands $2 million fiber optic project

Company to lay cable through three counties

April 12, 2018

Coeur d'Alene-based fiber-optic provider Fatbeam LLC says it has secured a $2 million contract with an undisclosed local carrier that will install 100 miles of fiber from Liberty Lake into North Idaho, through Kootenai County and winding its way north i

Marle Worm Growers: Grounded in worms

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March 29, 2018

Vermiculture isn't about getting business off the ground. It's about keeping worms in it. Eight years ago, Jeff Wood, of Otis Orchards, seeking to leave the hectic profession of commercial real estate, decided to assume a business that was first st

Intellectual property law firm Lee & Hayes projects record revenue

Firm cites growing demand in China

March 29, 2018

Spurred in part by customer growth in China, as well as securing more work from U.S.-based companies doing business in China, Spokane-based intellectual property law firm Lee & Hayes PLLC has experienced record annual revenue in each of the last couple of