Mike McLean

SEL plugs into high-power growth

Maker of electrical system protection equipment to expand

July 28, 2011

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc., the Pullman-based producer of energy protection devices and systems, is enjoying a three-pronged surge in growth that it expects will remain energized for a number of years.The 27-year old company is

A lifestyle adjustment

Seniors cutting expenses, seeking return to work, staying in homes longer

July 14, 2011

Mike McLean

Lingering effects of the recession continue to drag on retirees here to varying degrees, forcing some to put off moving into retirement communities, others to cut back on their expenses, and still others to re-enter the job market, some people who

Carlson Sheet Metal perseveres with specialty focus

Fabrication shop's sales are down, but company is competing

July 14, 2011

Mike McLean

Carlson Sheet Metal Works Inc., a longtime Spokane fabricator of metal products, doesn't go for routine projects, but rather tries to maintain a niche in specialty and custom work. The company's one-time jobs include manufacturing a steel frame a

Peppertree Inn owners sue bank over rescinded loan

Hoteliers contend financier backed out, quashing project

July 14, 2011

Mike McLean

The developers of the long-stalled Best Western Peppertree Inn project at the northwest corner of Division Street and Third Avenue are suing Colfax-based Bank of Whitman, alleging it breached a contract to provide $11.7 million in construction Bank

Valley business park garners new tenants

Manufacturers, suppliers join surge of recent renters at big industrial complex

July 14, 2011

Mike McLean

The Spokane Business & Industrial Park says it recently has leased a total of more than 200,000 square feet of floor space to seven new tenants, including manufacturers and companies that serve them, and companies that need new distribution new the

West Plains fabricator adds capacity

Plant upgrades to enable Garco Building Systems to serve sister companies

July 14, 2011

Mike McLean

Garco Building Systems Inc., the Airway Heights pre-engineered building maker, is increasing its production capacity with new equipment that enables it to fabricate structural components and steel panels for several sister companies.Garco, which

Regional real estate concern opens in-house school here

Century 21 broker offers courses free of charge as a perk for its agents

June 30, 2011

Mike McLean

Century 21 Beutler & Associates, a prominent Coeur d'Alene-based real estate brokerage with two Spokane-area offices, says it has hired Spokane real estate broker Linda Miller as the company's education manager and has started offering courses for

Real Estate Roundup

June 30, 2011

Mike McLean

City Electric Inc., an Alaska-based construction company, has leased 12,100 square feet of floor space at 2121 N. Waterworks, in Spokane Valley, and has opened a new branch there. Mark Lucas and Tracy Lucas, both of Kiemle & Hagood Co., handled the

Low-income agency awarded $7.3 million

HUD funds to buy land, construct infrastructure for 'sweat equity' projects

June 30, 2011

Mike McLean

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $7.3 million to Spokane-based Community Frameworks for constructing at least 393 low-income housing units in four states.Community Frameworks, a nonprofit that develops and support

Former assessor launches online property tax venture

Baker aims to increase awareness about appeals, exemptions, other relief

June 30, 2011

Mike McLean

Ralph Baker, the former Spokane County assessor, says he's made it his business to help people understand the property tax system, including educating them about filing appeals.Baker says he has founded the American Property Tax Institute LLC, a