Greater Spokane Incorporated Announces AGORA Award Winners

Greater Spokane Incorporated announced the winners of the 2015 AGORA Awards. The AGORA Awards recognize businesses in the region that exemplify leadership in supporting a strong economy and quality of life.

The winners were selected by an independent team of volunteer judges who carefully consider company growth, marketing strategy, employee environment, response to adversity, customer service, strategic planning, creativity and contribution to the regional economy.

To see the full list of winners, click here.

Telect Opening New Manufacturing Facility in Liberty Lake

Telect, Liberty Lake-based manufacturer of network infrastructure equipment, is opening a new manufacturing facility in the Liberty Lake Business Park. The new plant will employ about 60 to start and will include space for new headquarter offices, allowing both office and manufacturing staff to all be under the same roof once again.

Read the Inland Northwest Business article to learn more or visit www.telect.com.

Northwest Specialty Hospital Building Syringa Medical Campus

Northwest Specialty Hospital is developing another complex near the hospital, known as the Syringa Medical Campus.

The $2.1 million project will include three buildings. The first building will have 17,000 square feet of office space and is expected to be complete in June. Two other buildings of similar size also are planned as part of the Syringa Medical Campus, although no construction dates are set for those buildings yet. Each building will accommodate two to eight tenants with suite sizes ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 square feet.

For more information, read the Journal of Business article.

Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation Hires New President

Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation has a new president for the organization. Gynii Abracosa Gilliam brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development, having worked in both rural settings in central Idaho and urban centers as large as Detroit. She was the former chief economic development officer for the state of Idaho, and prior to joining Jobs Plus, Inc. ran her own consulting firm providing workshops in “transforming elected officials and stakeholders into champions for economic development.”

For more information, visit www.relocatetoidaho.org.

The Toolbox Supports Local Entrepreneurs

The Toolbox is a new collaborative work space in Spokane’s University District where seasoned entrepreneurs, established companies, growing startups and nonprofit-maker organizations will share tools, equipment, space, ideas and knowledge with emerging entrepreneurs and innovators interested in building businesses based on making things.

The Toolbox is the brainchild of Andy Barrett, chairman and majority shareholder of Berg Co. The Toolbox creates a team and assists that team with creating a business plan, manufacturing a final prototype, securing financing and forming a company.

To learn more about Toolbox and its current projects, go to www.toolboxnw.com.

Next IT Constructing New Headquarters in Spokane Valley

Next IT, provider of natural language platform software, is constructing a new building for its corporate headquarters in Spokane Valley. The 44,000 square-foot building will be completed this fall. Next IT currently employ's 160 and expects to grow that number in the coming months.

To learn more, read the Inland Northwest Business article or visit www.nextit.com.