Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America Merrill Lynch Community Development Banking says it provided more than $3.2 billion in loans, tax credit equity investments, and other real estate development financial tools to more than 550 clients last year.

The Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index suggests that consumer optimism is rising steadily, as the index reached plus-69 in February, the highest level recorded since 2007.

It's encouraging to see the Washington state Senate muster the political will to pass a transportation funding bill after failing to do so last year. Now, the state House of Representatives and Gov. Jay Inslee must find a way to reconcile any difference

Palouse Capital Management Inc., of Spokane, says its Large Cap Value Strategy has earned recognition as a top performer in the PSN Top Guns list for the full 2014 calendar year, after having garnered similar kudos for its performance in the third quarter

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., an Exeter, Pa.-based wholesale distributor and marketer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, is building a 250,000-square-foot warehouse distribution building on the West Plains and plans to begin operation

Alliant Insurance Services, the Newport Beach, Calif.-based insurance broker, announced this morning that it has acquired Kassa Insurance Services Inc., a Spokane-based insurance agency that provides personal lines and commercial insurance products. Al

Red Lion Hotels Corp., of Spokane, reported today a fourth-quarter net loss of $4.4 million, or 22 cents a share, compared with a loss of $13.8 million, or 66 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. For all of 2014, however, the company posted net

Seeing Kim Zentz transition to the often insular world of academia, after so many years immersed in the free-wheeling, private sector-driven pursuit of economic development and technology innovation, can't help but evoke a bittersweet reaction. Zentz,