EcoAnalysts and Ecological Specialists Merge

EcoAnalysts, Inc. of Moscow, Idaho and Ecological Specialists, Inc. (ESI) or O’Fallon, Missouri are merging. ESI focuses largely on freshwater mussel surveys and ecology, environmental impact assessment, endangered species consultation, fisheries surveys and training for clients. EcoAnalysts’ core services focus on aquatic biological communities, such as algae, plankton, macroinvertebrates and fish.

This merger will allow both firms to offer services on the coasts and in the Midwest and offer quality field, laboratory, agency coordination and data analysis services for freshwater mussels, fish and benthic invertebrates. Under the terms of the merger, EcoAnalysts will be acquiring the stock of ESI and ESI will continue to operate under its current name as a subsidiary of EcoAnalysts through the end of 2016. In 2017 we will combine all operations under EcoAnalysts, Inc.

To learn more, visit www.ecoanalysts.com or read the press release.

Spokane International Airport to Make $9 Million in Improvements

Spokane International Airport has two projects totaling just over $9 million that are set to begin in early 2017, according to an article in the Journal of Business. The first project is a $5.2 million south pilot ramp rehabilitation project. The project is being funded by a Federal Aviation Administration grant and is designed to improve the apron concrete surface and aircraft maneuverability for tenants such as U.S. Customs.

 The $4 million second project involves upgrades to explosive detection systems and improvements to the airport’s checked baggage resolution areas. The checked baggage resolution area is where passengers can go for feedback on baggage delays and damaged bags, as well as lost or missing items that may have been left on the aircraft.

Read the Journal of Business article to learn more.

Alliance Data Continues to Expand in Coeur d'Alene

Alliance Data will create 364 permanent full-time positions at its Coeur d’Alene customer support facility and provide training using $87,310.60 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Workforce Development Training Fund. The new workers will bring the total of employees at the Coeur d’Alene location to 810 by Feb. 28, 2018.

Alliance Data, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading provider of tailored marketing and loyalty solutions, delivered through branded credit programs. The Coeur d’Alene customer care center provides support for many of Alliance Data’s more than 145 credit programs representing many of the world’s most recognizable brands. For more information, read the Idaho Department of Labor’s press release.

Vista Outdoor to Expand in Lewiston, Idaho

Vista Outdoor Inc. announced plans to expand its ammunition manufacturing capacity in Lewiston, creating up to 137 new jobs and adding $99.3 million to the local and state economy. The company’s current Lewiston operations (CCI, Speer and Southport locations) occupy approximately 400 acres and 315,000 square feet, employing approximately 1,400 employees. Expansion plans include hiring engineers, program managers, technicians and manufacturing employees.

To learn more, read Vista Outdoor’s press release.

Inland NW in the News: Aerospace supply chain under cost pressure as OEMs seek technically adequate, best cost solutions

In its coverage of the the I-90 Aerospace Corridor Expo, Intelligent Aerospace discusses the view that the commercial aerospace sector holds great opportunity, while the defense side is winding down. In June, engineers and executives committed to creating a better aerospace future assembled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the I-90 Corridor Aerospace Expo, hosted by the Idaho Aerospace Alliance, Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC) and American Manufacturer Network.

Read the article, "Aerospace supply chain under cost pressure as OEMs seek technically adequate, best cost solutions," to learn more.

Inland NW in the News: Agile aerospace suppliers able to respond quickly can benefit from unprecedented growth and opportunity

In its coverage of the the I-90 Aerospace Corridor Expo, Intelligent Aerospace highlights the unprecedented growth the aerospace market has experienced in the past five years. In June, engineers and executives committed to creating a better aerospace future assembled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the I-90 Corridor Aerospace Expo, hosted by the Idaho Aerospace Alliance, Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC) and American Manufacturer Network.

Read the article, "Agile aerospace suppliers able to respond quickly can benefit from unprecedented growth and opportunity, to learn more.

Empire Airlines Nominated to Idaho Hall of Fame

Empire Airlines was nominated to the Idaho Hall of Fame in June. The business received the prestigious honor for being a good citizen corporation that hires and cares for its employees. The company was recognized for providing a safe and healthy working environment, encouraging its employees to be creative thinkers in finding new and innovative business methods and products, and promoting a work setting for its employees to be comfortable and void of hostile relationships among the employees." Empire has 345 employees and has a history of flying into new horizons.

For more information, read the Coeur d’Alene Press article.