Mike McLean

What's happening with Gold Reserve in Venezuela

Venezuela nixes rights; Belanger plans to retire

September 8, 2022

Doug Belanger, longtime president of Gold Reserve Inc., says the company will have financial reserves to continue operating for a number of years when he retires at year-end. But the company's position with a South American gold, copper, and silver

What's happening with Spokane developer Mick McDowell

Project eyed for site near city core on hold

August 25, 2022

Mike McLean

Mick McDowell, one of the most prolific Spokane developers of the last few decades, is down to one commercial holding that he's in no hurry to develop.

What's happening with Infinitum Electric

New-tech motor maker is ramping production

August 11, 2022

Mike McLean

Texas-based Infinitum Electric Inc. has established its research and development presence in the Inland Northwest and is now poised to commercialize its new electric motor technology, with plans to ramp up production exponentially this year and next.

Whatever Happened To: Magnuson Hotels

CEO claims company leads the industry's economic recovery

July 28, 2022

Mike McLean

Magnuson Hotels, which the Journal last spotlighted in 2016, has fared much better over the past few years than most of the larger publicly traded hotel brands, claims the privately held company's CEO Tom Magnuson.

DH acquires Seattle agency

Transaction said to provide clients of combined firm more expertise statewide

July 14, 2022

Mike McLean

Prominent Spokane-based advertising and public relations agency DH has acquired Seattle-based Nyhus Communications LLC and its book of clients.

Whatever Happened To: Progress Rail's factory plans

Train maker's Valley plant plans untracked; development abounds in city's industrial area

July 14, 2022

Mike McLean

Progress Rail Services appears to have switched tracks regarding its plans to construct a rail manufacturing plant in Spokane Valley, although many other industrial projects in that area have been completed or are in construction or planning phases.

Hecla agrees to acquire Canadian silver mining operation

Coeur d'Alene-based mining company says it may become Canada's largest silver producer

July 5, 2022

Mike McLean

Coeur d'Alene-based Hecla Mining Co., which is the largest silver producer in the U.S., has agreed to acquire all outstanding stock that it doesn't already own in Alexco Resource Corp., in a transaction that potentially will make Hecla also the larges

Whatever Happened To: Browne Street Market and Francis Travel Center

Project at old Les Schwab location near downtown to start this summer

June 30, 2022

Mike McLean

Two commercial developments proposed by Spokane businessperson Sam Sidhu and first reported by the Journal in spring 2021 are on track to begin this building season, according to people familiar with each project.

Whatever Happened With: Brooke Martin and iCPooch

Company founder sticks with startup community, joins venture capital firm

June 16, 2022

Mike McLean

Ten years ago, when she was 12, Brooke Martin invented a device that let dog owners video chat with their pets and give them treats remotely. The company that was formed around that invention, iCPooch, exploded in popularity, but fell quickly.

What's happening with The District Apartments

Construction starts year later than first announced

June 2, 2022

Mike McLean

Construction has started about a year later than originally planned on the initial phase of The District, a large apartment complex along the Spokane River, near the southeast edge of the University District.