Core-Mark International, Inc. to Expand in Spokane

Core-Mark International, Inc., one of the largest distributors and marketers of consumer goods in North America, has signed into a new 15-year lease with Crown West Realty for a 50,000-square-foot expansion to their distribution center in the Spokane Industrial Park. Vandervert Construction will be the contractor for the expansion, which is expected to be completed late this year and be a multi-million dollar project. Once complete the distribution center will total 150,000 square feet. To learn more, visit www.inlandnwbusiness.com or www.core-mark.com.

AstaReal Opens Moses Lake Facility

AstaReal Technologies, Inc. recently held a grand opening ceremony for its new production facility in Moses Lake, Wash. The new 59,000 sq. ft. factory will produce natural astaxanthin and is expected to begin production this summer, initially employing approximately 45 people.

Moses Lake was chosen after a global search and is a perfect match for AstaReal Technologies’ new factory. Moses Lake offers a stable supply of pure water and renewable electrical energy, two resources that are critical to the success of the new facility. To learn more, go to www.astareal.com or www.grantedc.com.

Providence Health Care Opens Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley

Providence Health Care recently opened Providence Medical Park-Spokane Valley, its new outpatient facility in Spokane Valley. The $44 million, 11-acre property houses two connected buildings: one for physician offices and another for diagnostic and treatment services. For more information, visit http://washington.providence.org.

Entrepreneurs Connect at the Be the Entrepreneur Bootcamp

The Palouse Knowledge Corridor’s Be the Entrepreneur Bootcamp wrapped up its first year on June 25. The immersive bootcamp had six companies participating in the agriculture track, six in technology and one in animal health. The topics were selected based on area expertise and regional demand, according to event organizers.

“It was a great first year,” said event organizer Robin Ohlgren, co-chair of the Palouse Knowledge Corridor and representative from the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA). “We are pleased with the success of our inaugural effort. The board has already voted to hold the event again next year.”

Local organizations also got in on the show. The 33 event sponsors ranged from small businesses to both the University of Idaho and Washington State University and local government agencies, as well as corporate support. There were also 32 instructors at the Bootcamp, with expertise ranging from law, marketing, accounting, economic development, startups, social media and more.

 To learn more, read the recap press release.

Asphalt Plant Proposed in Kingston, Idaho

An asphalt plant is being proposed in Kingston on 19 acres owned by Woods Crushing and Hauling in a natural resource zone. This is part of a $55 million joint project between the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environmental Quality that focusses on re-paving roads throughout communities in Idaho including Shoshone County. To learn more, visit http://labor.idaho.gov.

Advancing Aviation Manufacturing Expo and Conference Draws 100 Aviation Professionals

About 100 aviation industry representatives attended the first one-day conference for Idaho’s growing aerospace manufacturing sector in Coeur d’Alene, organized by the Lewiston-based American Manufacturing Network. Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little opened the Idaho - Advancing Aviation Manufacturing Expo and Conference. Workshops included prospects for 3 -D printers changing how they make products, how drones could create opportunities and how they could become more involved in federal contracting. Some experts predict the market for drones will be about $40 billion worldwide in five years. To learn more, visit www.amn-usa.org or http://labor.idaho.gov.