Grant County EDC to Host Entrepreneurship Conference on April 17

The Grant County Economic Development Council and the Adams County Development Council are co-hosting an Entrepreneur Conference on April 17 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the  Othello Community Hospital. Erik Pages, a leader in rural entrepreneurship through EntreWorks, will be the keynote presenter where he will discuss best practices for small business success. The conference provides the opportunity to engage with a national expert, add value to existing rural businesses and encourage new entrepreneurs.

Registration is $25 and includes lunch. Registration is available online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1337363. For more information, visit www.grantedc.com.

INW in the News: Business Xpansion Journal, "Washington: Building Business Legends"

Business Xpansion Journal featured Grant County EDC's economic development success in the magazine's article on innovation in Washington state. The article includes details about BMW SGL's facility ground breaking in Moses Lake and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp.’s selection of the Grant County International Airport.

BMW SGL broke ground for a third building and will begin production on a fourth line in its second building. By late 2015, the company will be running six production lines, which will make it the world’s single largest producer of carbon fiber.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. announced it will test and certify its regional jets from Grant County International Airport, expecting to invest $60 million and creating 50 jobs.

To learn more, click here to read the full article.

City of Coeur d’Alene Issues Building Permits for $20 Million High-Rise

The city of Coeur d’Alene has issued building permits to an Aspen, Colo.-based real estate company to construct a $20 million, 15-story high-rise. The mixed-use project, as envisioned, would include 60 luxury apartment units with one, two and three bedrooms and living space ranging from 750 to 3,400 square feet.

To learn more, read the Journal of Business article.

Port of Lewiston Adds $3.5 million to Economic Development Activities in 2014

The Port of Lewiston estimates it added $3.5 million to economic development activities in 2014.
During the year, it completed the construction of a 150-foot extension to its dock, increasing productivity and safety. It had 100 percent occupancy in all buildings available for lease.

The port partnered with Great Northwest Railroad to pursue container-on-rail opportunities. It also completed a five-year strategic plan, a master plan for the Harry Wall Development and the Northport Transportation Study.

For more information, visit www.portoflewiston.com or http://labor.idaho.gov.

National Biodiesel Board and Regents of the University of Idaho Receive USDA Grants

The National Biodiesel Board and Regents of the University of Idaho received $768,000 and $192,000, respectively, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. The project consists of converting 187 million gallons of manure from dairy operations to electricity that will help fuel and care for properties in Idaho.

To learn more, go to http://labor.idaho.gov or www.usda.gov.