Most agricultural producers in the Inland Northwest had a strong year that will spill over into 2013, including a successful wheat crop and high wheat prices—and a trend toward growing more chick peas to meet consumer demand.However, face a
Both retail sales and lease activity are expected to show moderate increases next year, although continued growth in consumer spending in 2013 will rely heavily on avoiding the fiscal cliff, experts say.Bryn West, general manager for River Park
With big cities drawing away convention and meeting traffic, tourism is expected to dip here next year, although sports-related travel shows promise, officials say.Since 2009, Visit Spokane has projected 2013 to be a slow meeting year, says the
While financial institutions have experienced better results this year, bankers here remain somewhat cautious, expecting slow, steady growth to occur again in 2013.Overall, banking industry leaders cite definite bright spots this year, such as a
The Inland Northwest health care sector faces perhaps more uncertainty and change in the coming year than any other industry sector here, as it prepares for broad implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act in 2014. Industry executives who
Manufacturing, health care, and tourism will help sustain economic growth in Kootenai County, and the residential real estate market will continue its modest rebound, observers of the economy there say.The October unemployment rate was 8.7 in in
Mining companies expect another year of high metal prices and production in 2013 to meet global demand for gold and silver, as well as for base metals. Industry leaders say challenges ahead include a growing shortage of experienced mine workers and
Some Inland Northwest high-technology companies are expecting large gains in sales, along with some increases in employment, in 2013. Others expect to stay competitive in challenging markets.Meanwhile, angel investment efforts gathered steam a a
Many residential and commercial builders here are looking to the new year with greater optimism than they have in years, some industry observers say.Corey Condron, owner of Condron Homes LLC, a longtime Spokane homebuilder, says the company has
The residential real estate market appears to be starting a rebound following six years of sales declines, and commercial real estate also is poised for a comeback in 2013, industry observers say.Ken Lewis, owner of Spokane Valley-based Spokane
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