A musical instrument shop and a computer repair venture, both in Spokane Valley, have formed what might seem like an unlikely business alliance, but the businesses' owners say their collaboration has proven to be a good fit. Andy Lovato, owner

Hotstart Inc., the big Spokane Valley-based manufacturer of diesel engine pre-heaters, is riding a brisk wave of growth and says it expects to post record revenues this year.Terry Judge, CEO of the 69-year-old company, says Hotstart is its sales

A newly formed section within the Spokane County Bar Association aims to support a growing number of solo and small-practice attorneys.The group's formation underscores an emerging trend in which many law-school graduates are striking out on own

Some of the larger banks that serve Inland Northwest customers are adding monthly service charges to their personal checking account packages. Bank officials say it's an effort to make up for losses in revenue due to current economic conditions, to

Once gusting upward, prices for wind power have calmed recently, and that price trend has caught the attention of Spokane-based Avista Corp. as it remains mindful of the state's renewable energy requirements.In addition, however, the trend is a