https://www.spokanejournal.com/rss en-us Energy leaders from 20 Dutch companies and institutions met in Spokane in October to tackle grid management challenges and digital energy solutions alongside regional leaders from Avista, Itron, WSU, and the city of Spokane. Energy leaders from 20 Dutch companies and institutions met in Spokane in October to tackle grid management challenges and digital energy solutions alongside regional leaders from Avista, Itron, WSU, and the city of Spokane.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18894 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18894-delegation-of-dutch-energy-professionals-make-stop-in-spokane Panel-(26)_web.jpg The use of mass timber is steadily growing as rising construction costs push building developers toward more cost-effective materials, according to some Spokane area manufacturers and contractors. The use of mass timber is steadily growing as rising construction costs push building developers toward more cost-effective materials, according to some Spokane area manufacturers and contractors.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18892 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18892-mass-timber-usage-slowly-trending-upwards-here Mercer-Spokane_Quality-Control-Lab_web.jpg dylanh@spokanejournal.com For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Fred Brown, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Omniscia AI, to discuss Spokane's startup scene. For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Fred Brown, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Omniscia AI, to discuss Spokane's startup scene.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18890 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18890-five-takeaways-spokanes-startup-scene Fred-Brown21_web.jpg Artificial intelligence is accelerating cybersecurity threats against businesses and government agencies, allowing criminals to potentially impersonate employees, steal sensitive information, and compromise corporate networks faster than organizations can respond, warn some cybersecurity experts. Artificial intelligence is accelerating cybersecurity threats against businesses and government agencies, allowing criminals to potentially impersonate employees, steal sensitive information, and compromise corporate networks faster than organizations can respond, warn some cybersecurity experts.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18879 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18879-ia-driven-adversaries-top-cyber-threat-list Cybersecurity1_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com At Washington Trust Bank's headquarters, the financial institution has saved more than 5 million gallons of water and roughly $18,000 in annual utility costs thanks to a partnership between K&H Facility Services LLC and the city of Spokane’s Water Wise Commercial Efficiency Auditing Program. At Washington Trust Bank's headquarters, the financial institution has saved more than 5 million gallons of water and roughly $18,000 in annual utility costs thanks to a partnership between K&H Facility Services LLC and the city of Spokane’s Water Wise Commercial Efficiency Auditing Program. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18866 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18866-water-wise-helps-commercial-buildings-stay-efficient Water-(5)_web.jpg Electric Photoland is renovating a 1,000-square-foot, public-facing location at River Park Square to open Photo Mart, an in-person studio for photo shoots and group experiences. Electric Photoland is renovating a 1,000-square-foot, public-facing location at River Park Square to open Photo Mart, an in-person studio for photo shoots and group experiences.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18833 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18833-electric-photoland-plans-downtown-walk-in-studio Photoland-(12)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Spokane-based organizations Greater Spokane Incorporated, LaunchPad Inland Northwest Foundation, and Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County are partnering with Seattle-based Life Science Washington to expand access to resources and support for life science entrepreneurs in the greater Spokane region. Spokane-based organizations Greater Spokane Incorporated, LaunchPad Inland Northwest Foundation, and Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County are partnering with Seattle-based Life Science Washington to expand access to resources and support for life science entrepreneurs in the greater Spokane region.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18831 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18831-spokane-groups-form-alliance-with-life-science-washington MarcCummings_PullQuote_web.jpg A Spokane-based startup is preparing to introduce autonomous taxi service to the Inland Northwest, with plans for a fleet of driverless Tesla Cybercabs and an operations hub in Liberty Lake. A Spokane-based startup is preparing to introduce autonomous taxi service to the Inland Northwest, with plans for a fleet of driverless Tesla Cybercabs and an operations hub in Liberty Lake. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18822 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18822-inland-robotaxi-maps-autonomous-cab-service Robotaxi8_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Driven by booming demand for weight loss medications, medical spas across the Inland Northwest are rapidly expanding beyond traditional cosmetic procedures into full-service wellness and metabolic health centers. For many operators, offering these treatments supports clinic growth and provides a financial boost amid rising operational costs. Driven by booming demand for weight loss medications, medical spas across the Inland Northwest are rapidly expanding beyond traditional cosmetic procedures into full-service wellness and metabolic health centers. For many operators, offering these treatments supports clinic growth and provides a financial boost amid rising operational costs.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18820 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18820-inland-northwest-med-spas-embrace-wellness-boom Med-(10)_web.jpg Seattle-based biotechnology company Orlance Inc. is expanding its vaccine research and development operations into Spokane County through a $250,000 grant from the Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County, bringing new jobs and plans for clinical trials to the region. Seattle-based biotechnology company Orlance Inc. is expanding its vaccine research and development operations into Spokane County through a $250,000 grant from the Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County, bringing new jobs and plans for clinical trials to the region.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18819 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18819-hssa-grant-fuels-biotech-expansion-in-spokane HueterPullQuote_web.jpg Spokane Falls Community College’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology program — one of only four certified training courses in the nation — has doubled its cohort size in three years to help address a nationwide technician shortage. Spokane Falls Community College’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology program — one of only four certified training courses in the nation — has doubled its cohort size in three years to help address a nationwide technician shortage.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18817 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18817-sfcc-orthotic-program-works-to-adapt-to-advances Orthotics-(35)_web.jpg Spokane-based National Color Graphics Inc. has become the first commercial printer in the U.S. to install the Fujifilm Revoria Press PC2120, an advanced digital printing system designed to expand color capabilities, automate production, and improve efficiency. Spokane-based National Color Graphics Inc. has become the first commercial printer in the U.S. to install the Fujifilm Revoria Press PC2120, an advanced digital printing system designed to expand color capabilities, automate production, and improve efficiency.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18801 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18801-national-color-graphics-installs-new-press NCG19_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Thirteen years ago, Vestis Manufacturing Inc. was a five-person operation producing and installing fabric awnings for homes and businesses within 100 miles of Spokane. Today, Vestis focuses on manufacturing aluminum canopies, louvered sunshades, and bolt-on balconies for commercial clients, shipping its products throughout the U.S. and Canada. Thirteen years ago, Vestis Manufacturing Inc. was a five-person operation producing and installing fabric awnings for homes and businesses within 100 miles of Spokane. Today, Vestis focuses on manufacturing aluminum canopies, louvered sunshades, and bolt-on balconies for commercial clients, shipping its products throughout the U.S. and Canada.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18787 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18787-catching-up-with-vestis-manufacturing-inc Vestis-(19)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Contractor and energy-efficiency systems manufacturer McKinstry Co. has launched a new podcast, “Building What Matters,” featuring conversations with leaders who decide how schools, hospitals, and major infrastructure projects are built in communities across the Pacific Northwest. Contractor and energy-efficiency systems manufacturer McKinstry Co. has launched a new podcast, “Building What Matters,” featuring conversations with leaders who decide how schools, hospitals, and major infrastructure projects are built in communities across the Pacific Northwest.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18779 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18779-mckinstry-gives-regional-leaders-the-mic McKinstry-(3)_web.jpg Beverage distribution is a logistics business. Orders come in, inventory is tracked, routes are planned, deliveries are coordinated, and customers and employees need to stay in communication throughout the process. Much of that work now depends on an internet connection. Beverage distribution is a logistics business. Orders come in, inventory is tracked, routes are planned, deliveries are coordinated, and customers and employees need to stay in communication throughout the process. Much of that work now depends on an internet connection.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18778 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18778-why-beverage-distributors-cant-afford-infrastructure tracy-mcnab-headshot_web.jpg A new visualization and creative experience space designed as a resource for builders, architects, homebuyers, and other creators now is open in downtown Coeur d’Alene. A new visualization and creative experience space designed as a resource for builders, architects, homebuyers, and other creators now is open in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18758 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18758-studio-brings-immersive-projections-to-cda Immersive-(18)_web.jpg Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. is investing $150 million in a Post Falls manufacturing facility to meet the company's high demand for power grid protection products. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. is investing $150 million in a Post Falls manufacturing facility to meet the company's high demand for power grid protection products.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18739 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18739-schweitzer-invests-150-million-in-post-falls-manufacturing SEL-Pullman-Factory_1_web.jpg Some Inland Northwest companies are facing security concerns and public perception issues as they integrate artificial intelligence tools into their operations. A new program at Gonzaga University, however, could help businesses address some of those challenges. Some Inland Northwest companies are facing security concerns and public perception issues as they integrate artificial intelligence tools into their operations. A new program at Gonzaga University, however, could help businesses address some of those challenges.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18738 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18738-businesses-address-ai-usage-concerns Gonzaga-(6)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Spokane-based Novara Energy Alliance is preparing to host its inaugural Novara Energy Summit 2026, where innovators, researchers, and leaders will convene to identify the most pressing energy challenges facing the Inland Northwest. Spokane-based Novara Energy Alliance is preparing to host its inaugural Novara Energy Summit 2026, where innovators, researchers, and leaders will convene to identify the most pressing energy challenges facing the Inland Northwest. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18736 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18736-novara-energy-alliance-to-convene-industry-leaders Nathan-headshot_web.jpg Primarily driven by outside capital and nationwide corporate interest, a wave of business acquisitions and early-stage investments has swept through the Inland Northwest this summer. From Missouri and South Dakota to Georgia and Utah, out-of-town buyers and national firms are acquiring and investing in established Spokane-area companies across a variety of industries. Primarily driven by outside capital and nationwide corporate interest, a wave of business acquisitions and early-stage investments has swept through the Inland Northwest this summer. From Missouri and South Dakota to Georgia and Utah, out-of-town buyers and national firms are acquiring and investing in established Spokane-area companies across a variety of industries.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18734 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18734-spokane-cos-draw-outside-interest-capital Simpson_PullQuote_web.jpg ericab@spokanejournal.com Kristopher Pockell is a software engineering manager at Liberty Lake-based OpenEye by day and the co-founder of Spokane Valley-based Elixir Sauce Co. by night. Kristopher Pockell is a software engineering manager at Liberty Lake-based OpenEye by day and the co-founder of Spokane Valley-based Elixir Sauce Co. by night.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18665 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18665-2026-rising-stars-kristopher-pockell Pockell-(32)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Spokane-area companies are capturing substantially more federal research funding than they were 15 years ago. Spokane-area companies are capturing substantially more federal research funding than they were 15 years ago. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18700 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18700-federal-funding-more-than-triples-in-spokane ATC Manufacturing Inc. is nearly doubling its 67,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility at 1224 N. Lean with a new 57,600-square-foot expansion project. ATC Manufacturing Inc. is nearly doubling its 67,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility at 1224 N. Lean with a new 57,600-square-foot expansion project.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18686 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18686-atc-manufacturing-begins-facility-expansion ATC-Aerial-Rendering_web.jpg As CEO of CDL PowerSuite LLC, Andrew Hite sets the pace for the Spokane Valley-based company by defining business goals, establishing initiatives, and creating a supportive team environment. As CEO of CDL PowerSuite LLC, Andrew Hite sets the pace for the Spokane Valley-based company by defining business goals, establishing initiatives, and creating a supportive team environment.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18662 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18662-2026-rising-stars-andrew-hite Hite-(35)_web.jpg Hotstart Inc. is making parts for engine block heating systems out of its 90,000-square-foot facility at 6715 E. Mission, where the Spokane Valley-based manufacturer has just completed a $1.1 million renovation project. Hotstart Inc. is making parts for engine block heating systems out of its 90,000-square-foot facility at 6715 E. Mission, where the Spokane Valley-based manufacturer has just completed a $1.1 million renovation project.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18651 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18651-hotstart-completes-work-on-new-valley-facility Hot-Start-(1)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Four Inland Northwest-based businesses have made Inc. business magazine’s annual list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the country. Four Inland Northwest-based businesses have made Inc. business magazine’s annual list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the country.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18647 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18647-four-inw-companies-make-inc-magazines-fastest-growing-list Matt_PullQuote_web.jpg Solar and renewable energy system installations on commercial buildings in Spokane have increased since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed in 2025, as building owners and businesses hurry to perform planned projects before a clean energy tax credit ends. Solar and renewable energy system installations on commercial buildings in Spokane have increased since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed in 2025, as building owners and businesses hurry to perform planned projects before a clean energy tax credit ends.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18618 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18618-solar-projects-jump-as-tax-credit-nears-retirement Panels2_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Inland Northwest manufacturers are positioning the region as a hub for emerging technologies as they pursue opportunities in nuclear energy, clean energy, and photonics. Inland Northwest manufacturers are positioning the region as a hub for emerging technologies as they pursue opportunities in nuclear energy, clean energy, and photonics.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18574 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18574-inw-manufacturers-build-regional-supply-chains AdobeStock_2116612299_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com LaunchPad Inland Northwest Foundation has secured a $100,000 grant as it expands its InnovateINW initiative to include partnerships, an AI & Cyber Network, and programming aimed at helping businesses adapt to artificial intelligence. LaunchPad Inland Northwest Foundation has secured a $100,000 grant as it expands its InnovateINW initiative to include partnerships, an AI & Cyber Network, and programming aimed at helping businesses adapt to artificial intelligence.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18545 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18545-innovateinw-nabs-infrastructure-ecosystem-grant Innovate-(3)_web.jpg Some Inland Northwest-based manufacturers are starting to experiment with artificial intelligence to combat an ongoing skilled worker shortage and to improve operational efficiency. Some Inland Northwest-based manufacturers are starting to experiment with artificial intelligence to combat an ongoing skilled worker shortage and to improve operational efficiency.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18540 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18540-manufacturers-try-out-ai-powered-automation Idaho-(2)_web.jpg