Mike McLean

Spokane governments declare local virus emergency

Businesses, workers urged to record losses; resources available

March 16, 2020

Spokane County, the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley, and other area municipalities have initiated emergency declaration procedures to assist the organizations, businesses, workers, and the general population in a regional response to COVID-19.

Lucky Friday, Golden Chest production to increase

Tentative agreement with striking miners could be significant

December 19, 2019

Mike McLean

Hecla Mining Co. has announced this week it's committed to bringing the Lucky Friday mine, near Mullan back to full production in 2020, despite a vote by members of United Steelworkers Local 5114 to reject a contract agreement that would have ended a

Sanctions against Venezuela hit Gold Reserve hard

Sanctions block company from its operations there

December 19, 2019

Mike McLean

A cloud of uncertainty once again hangs over Gold Reserve Inc., a Canadian mining company with executive offices in Spokane. A quarterly earnings report the company released last month claims a recent escalation of international sanctions bars Gold

Momentum in Kootenai County expected to carry into 2020

Significant projects planned or underway help sustain economy

December 19, 2019

Mike McLean

Momentum from a decade of economic growth in Kootenai County is expected to carry over into 2020 with a mix of developments recently underway or planned for the coming year. The Coeur d'Alene City Council last month approved an urban renewal plan and

2020 Economic Outlook: Long economic roll could start to slow

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December 19, 2019

Mike McLean

Although the current decade of economic expansion still appears to have some momentum rolling into 2020, prognosticators here are expecting a slowdown in growth in major economic sectors. Spokane-area economists are projecting up to 1.5% growth in jobs

Remitly opens Spokane office

International money transfer company cites talent pool here

October 16, 2019

Mike McLean

Remitly, a Seattle-based international money transfer company that claims to serve nearly 2 million customers, has opened a Spokane office in the Bennett Block building, at 503 W. Main downtown. The company transfers more than $6 billion annually for c

2019 Rising Stars: Dan Wadkins

Young partner expands big law firm's services

September 12, 2019

Mike McLean

At age 35, attorney Dan Wadkins already has put in 10 years helping prominent Spokane-based law firm Lee & Hayes PLLC law firm broaden its corporate intellectual property services. 'I'm technically the first person they hired as part of this

2019 Rising Stars: Rosemary Warnick

Owner works with investors to 'make Spokane better'

September 12, 2019

Mike McLean

Rosemary Warnick, owner and president of Premier 1031 Inc., says she became a business owner almost by necessity, after her mentor died, leaving a void in service providers for Spokane-area commercial real estate transactions known as 1031 exchanges.

Itron tabs new CEO from within

Tom Deitrich selected to succeed Philip Mezey

July 22, 2019

Mike McLean

Itron Inc., the Liberty Lake-based provider of energy and water resource management products and services, has named Tom Deitrich as its new president and CEO, effective Aug. 6. Deitrich was selected by the company's board from within Itron's ranks

Spokane contractors want to boost job-filling programs

Construction industry anticipates shortage of workers to intensify

July 18, 2019

Mike McLean

The top executive for national construction trade group Associated General Contractors of America visited Spokane early this month not only to tout the strong construction market here, but to promote AGC's initiative calling for more training programs