Latest News

Mark Richard to leave Downtown Spokane Partnership

DSP board says it will launch national search for new CEO

January 6, 2022

Mark Richard is stepping down as president and CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership to take a position as vice president of expansion and real estate for the United Soccer League, in Tampa, Florida. DSP plans to launch a nationwide search for a new CE

The 10 Most Read Journal Stories of 2021

Sale of Davenport Hotels tops list

December 29, 2021

Linn Parish

A breaking news story about the sale of the Davenport Hotels collection proved to be worthy, indeed.

Guest Commentary: U.S. recovery is dependent upon employees' return to work

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December 16, 2021

Don Brunell

To 'Build Back America,â€ people must return to work. In a U.S. Chamber of Commerce poll released in early December, the findings spell trouble for America's employers whether they are in the private or public sectors. It found that over 60% of the

The Journal's View: Gratitude for 2021's gains, desires for the new year

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December 16, 2021

Journal of Business Staff

With the present challenges concerning labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and inflation, it's easy to forget how far we've come, as a business community, this year. Before we address our wish list for what likely will be a challenging 2022

Future looks shiny for Silver Valley mining industry

Production of silver, rare earth elements said vital to economy

December 16, 2021

Mike McLean

Mining companies active in North Idaho's Silver Valley are optimistic about 2022 and beyond. Mike Satre, Coeur d'Alene-based Hecla's Mining Co.'s director of governmental affairs, says the company expects to see steady production of silver, gold

INW ag industry expects better conditions in new year

Heat, drought impacted crop production in 2021

December 16, 2021

Karina Elias

Washington wheat production for 2022 depends on whether the Pacific Northwest receives a good amount of rainfall and moisture this coming winter, says Glen Squires, CEO of the Spokane-based Washington Grain Commission. This year, Washington experienced

Volatility in wood prices, supply to extend into 2022

Weather, hike in duties to influence market here

December 16, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Prices for wood products have been up and down this year, and experts say that volatility will remain into 2022. Shawn Church, editor of the Eugene, Ore.-based FastMarkets Random Lengths, a publication that tracks lumber prices and forest-products

Kootenai County hopes to maintain its momentum

In-migration, tourism contributing to growth

December 16, 2021

Mike McLean

Momentum from a decade of strong growth in North Idaho is enabling the region to continue its rapid recovery from the pandemic-induced recession of 2020, claims Sam Wolkenhauer, Post Falls-based regional labor economist for the Idaho Department of Labor.

Tourism recovery expected to accelerate in 2022

Pent-up demand driving sports, convention action

December 16, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Tourism in the Spokane region is expected to roar back in 2022 following two muffled years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric Sawyer, president and CEO of Spokane Sports Commission, says sports tourism in 2022 could exceed 2019 goals.