Tri County Economic Development District Launches New Mobile App

Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) launched Northeast Washington Insider, a mobile app that rewards people for exploring Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties.
Users of the free app can earn points by simply visiting places in the region, including a multitude of outdoor recreation destinations; retail, food and beverage, and lodging locations; and heritage sites. Points can then be redeemed for goods or services at local businesses. The app was created using the 468 Insider platform from 468 Communications with funding from Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties as well as the Cities of Colville, Chewelah, Republic and Newport. This project has been made possible with partnerships spanning Northeast Washington.
Learn more at http://tricountyedd.com.

Alliance Data Systems Continues to Grow in Coeur d'Alene

Continued employment growth at the Alliance Data Systems Corp. Coeur d’Alene complex could make it one of the top five largest employers in Kootenai County by year-end. The Coeur d’Alene center had 610 employees as of late August and anticipates it will approach 750 employees yet this year.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Alliance Data 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.

Contact the Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Corporation or visit www.alliancedata.com to learn more.

Hotstart Expanding into Overseas Markets

Hotstart, a leader in diesel engine heating solutions, is expanding into target markets overseas, which, along with increased sales opportunities, has brought many new internal developments. Currently, 25 percent of the company’s business comes from foreign markets. International trade as part of Hotstart’s portfolio has made positive contributions in the number of jobs available at the company and has increased innovations and critical thinking strategies to solve customers’ requests. It even allowed the company to add new product lines for marine, generator and natural gas solutions.

To learn more, read the Greater Spokane Incorporated article.

Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport Breaks Ground on New Operations Building

Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport recently broke ground on an operations building southwest of the terminal. The Airport Board decided to consolidate the airport’s rescue/firefighting and winter operations buildings into one facility to make room for a new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle. The new facility will take a little over a year to complete, about the same time staff expects to take delivery of the latest in ARFF equipment. To learn more, go to http://www.golws.com/news/.

Port of Clarkston Continues Expansion of Fiber-optic Network

The Port of Clarkston continues expansion of its fiber-optic network to serve Asotin County. Begun in 2013, the investments in dark fiber make it possible for services to be provided by the private sector to businesses and homes without the need for duplicative runs of fiber optic cable in the community's rights-of-way.

The project’s greatest accomplishment in 2017 has been getting fiber across Southway Bridge to provide a redundant path, in case there is a problem somewhere along the way. The Ports of Clarkston and Lewiston lease the same conduit in the bridge, and each owns the sector of fiber within its jurisdiction.

To learn more about the project, go to http://portofclarkston.com or contact Valley Vision, the Lewis-Clark Valley’s economic development agency.

Tedder Industries Among Idaho Innovation Award Finalists

Tedder Industries, manufacturer of gun holsters and accessories, was announced as a finalist in two categories for the 12th Annual Idaho Innovation Awards, including Consumer Product of the Year and Innovative Company of the Year. The awards spotlight innovations, innovative professionals and innovative companies statewide.

For more information, read the award announcement.

Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport Undergoing Critical Improvements

Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport has received $5.2 million to make critical improvements to its runway through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), according to a press release from U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. The grant will fund a runway realignment of 7,100 feet of Runway 6/24 to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards as well as provide for land acquisition and additional site grading and earthwork on the realigned runway.

Other airport improvements include reconstruction of the airport’s terminal baggage claim area for $376,222, according to an article in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

To learn more about the runway realignment project, visit http://www.puw-ea.com.

Incyte Diagnostics and Mountain Pathology Announce Acquisition

Incyte Diagnostics based in Spokane, Bellevue, Walla Walla and Yakima, Washington and Blue Mountain Pathology based in Pendleton, Oregon have entered into a letter of intent to combine their two pathology practices. This transaction will create a regional pathology practice where physicians and hospitals can access 47 board certified pathologists with expertise in 27 disciplines/subspecialties.

For more information, read the press release.

SPi CRM Plans New Coeur d'Alene Facility

SPi CRM, a customer service outsourcing leader trusted by top brands worldwide, announced today that it is setting up a new facility in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, generating over 500 jobs to support the call center needs of major U.S. clients. SPi CRM is pouring in an initial investment of $3 million ahead of the expansion to Coeur d’Alene, its 12th global location overall.

Read the press release to learn more.

Katerra Plans to Open New Factory in Spokane Valley

Katerra, a technology company redefining the construction industry, announced plans to open a new 250,000-square-foot factory in Spokane Valley, Washington, where it will produce mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber and Glulam.

Katerra’s manufacturing presence in the region will provide hundreds of jobs, while also stimulating the growth of thousands of additional jobs through the larger supply chain and associated industries, including design, engineering and construction.

To learn more, read Katerra’s press release.

INW in the News: Startup Efforts in Whitman, Asotin Counties to Grow

The Spokane Journal of Business recently covered the Inland Northwest Partner's (INP) award of a two-year contract with the Washington Department of Commerce for the continuation and enhancement of the Startup Washington 365 Program for Whitman and Asotin Counties. The award fits very well into INP’s mission of bringing cutting-edge tools, training and best practices into the region’s communities.

To learn more, read the Journal of Business article.

Vista Outdoor Opens Addition to Manufacturing Plant

Vista Outdoor celebrated the opening of the latest high-tech addition to the CCI Ammunition/Speer Ammo Southport Avenue manufacturing plant. Vista Outdoor owns CCI and Speer.

The 37,000-square-foot addition required an investment of about $35 million. The price tag for the overall expansion is about $70 million. CCI/Speer, together with the other ammunition-related firms in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, collectively generate about $800 million in annual economic activity and employ more than 3,300 people or about 19 percent of the valley’s total workforce.

To learn more, read the Vista Outdoors article or contact Valley Vision, the Lewis-Clark Valley’s economic development agency.

Inland Northwest Partners Awarded Contract to Manage Startup Washington 365 Program for Whitman and Asotin Counties, Seeks Program Manager

The Inland Northwest Partners (INP), a community, economic development and educational non-profit focused on enhancing the long-term vitality of eastern Washington and northern Idaho, was awarded a two-year contract with the Washington Department of Commerce for the continuation and enhancement of the Startup Washington 365 Program for Whitman and Asotin Counties. The INP is looking to hire a program manager to serve as the champion for the Startup Washington 365 Center for Entrepreneurial Success (CES) in Whitman and Asotin Counties.

 The program manager will focus on connecting entrepreneurs with resources to further their development, act as a champion for entrepreneurship, establish and build the CES within these counties and promote the Startup Washington 365 Program throughout the region. Working collaboratively with Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Startup Spokane program manager and other like-minded organizations throughout the region will be fundamental to the success of the position. A track record suggestive of energetic and innovative experience in effectively interacting with community and industry leaders and elected and appointed public officials is also required.

“The Inland Northwest Partners believes in leveraging the knowledge and skills within the Inland Northwest entrepreneurial ecosystem and collaborating with others to share that knowledge and those skills, creating lasting economic prosperity together. This same collaboration is the secret to enabling innovation and driving economic solutions in our eastern Washington communities,” said Paul Kimmell, chairman of the Inland Northwest Partner Board of Directors.

The application deadline for the program manager position is Friday, Oct. 6. For details on how to apply, go to http://inwp.org/startup-washington-365.

Port of Lewiston Continues Expansion of Fiber-optic Network

The Port of Lewiston continues to expand its fiber-optic network, upgrading telecommunications in more areas in Lewiston. The port plans to spend $375,000 on the network in the fiscal year that started July 1.

The new capacity will serve a medical professional park near the airport, downtown and along Bryden Avenue. The network, which cost the port $1.25 million over the past two years, already reaches many of the city’s largest employers, including Vista Outdoor, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Lewis-Clark State College.

To learn more, visit http://portoflewiston.com and read this post.

SmaK Plastics Opens Hayden Facility

SmaK Plastics, Inc., manufacturer of rotationally molded plastic bins and bin liners, pallets, tanks, and hoppers, has opened a facility in Hayden, Idaho. The business, SmaK Products, Inc is the second facility operated by SmaK Plastics, Inc., creating about 45 new jobs in the area and approximately $10.2 million in wages over the next seven years.

Read SmaK Plastics’ blog or visit http://smakplastics.com to learn more.

Idaho Transportation Hosts Hands-on Heavy Equipment Operator Course

The Idaho Transportation Department hosted a free three-week hands-on heavy equipment operator course at the Kootenai Technical Education Campus. The course aims to help fill the skilled labor employment gap in the booming construction industry and gives veterans, women and minorities a chance boost their careers.

Of the 700 applicants, 19 were chosen to participate. The course, which allows students to operate several pieces of equipment including an excavator, backhoe, grader, roller, forklift and dozer, is funded with a $198,000 Ladders of Opportunity grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Eight states were awarded the grants after 40 applied.

To learn more, read the Coeur d’Alene Press article.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area Expansion Approved

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area has received approval from the U.S. Forest Service of the first phase of its expansion plan.

The expansion increases the special-use permit area by 458 acres (from 538 acres to a total of 1,023 acres) and includes two new chairlifts to the summit of Eagle Peak with a top elevation of 6,150'. The two new chairlifts will access 14 runs plus gladed areas on the north and east aspects of the new peak. Lookout's vertical drop will increase to 1,650'. An additional base lodge (14,000 square feet from a previous approval) and maintenance facilities are also included in the Phase I Master Development Plan plus 130 additional parking spaces.

To learn more, visit https://skilookout.com/future-expansion.

Renovation of Spokane's Ridpath Hotel Underway

Renovation of the Ridpath Hotel in downtown Spokane is underway. The renovation work is valued at $7.7 million, the permit shows. The developer, Ron Wells, had earlier estimated the total project cost at upwards of $20 million, including the hotel acquisition costs.

The Ridpath Club Apartments LLC project will convert former hotel rooms into 206 apartment units on the second through 11th floors of the 13-story Ridpath Tower and the attached four-story east annex. A restaurant and other first-floor commercial space are also envisioned for the project. The 12th and 13th floors are being developed separately into four luxury condominium units.

To learn more, read the Spokane Journal of Business article.

$12 Million Complex Planned for Spokane's South Hill

A $12 million medical and professional office complex envisioned at the base of Spokane’s lower South Hill is in the early planning stages. Plans state that the project will include a six-story, 68,000-square-foot building and a five-level parking structure.

To learn more, read the article in the Spokane Journal of Business.

BNSF Railway Co. to Add 10 Miles of Double Track in North Idaho

BNSF Railway Co. is adding 10 miles of double track in North Idaho. The $50 million project will add a second set of tracks to help ease congestion between Athol and Rathdrum. Completion of this project is expected to finish later this year.

Learn more in the BNSF news article.

New Medical Plaza Planned for Hayden

The proposed Hayden Medical Plaza, a two-story, 59,000 square foot modern office building, is set to address the aging and growing population in Hayden. The development will also feature an above ground parking lot and underground parking garage. With the building opening next year, marketing and leasing is under way.

To learn more, read the Inland Northwest Business article.

Construction Begins on $18 Million Wastewater Facility in Smelterville

Construction has begun on a new wastewater facility in Smelterville. The $18 million project is funded by a bond, which was passed in 2014. The new plant will meet tighter ammonia discharge standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information, read the Shoshone Press article.

Avista Constructing New Maintenance Facility

Avista Corp. is constructing a 30,000-square-foot building on its campus that will replace a 70-year-old, 12,000-square-foot maintenance facility. The new, two-story structure will be used mostly as a service garage for a local portion of the company’s fleet of 1,300 vehicles and will be equipped with a car wash for maintenance workers to clean company vehicles. The permit lists the cost of the project at $3.2 million.

Read the Spokane Journal of Business article to learn more.

Spokane Community College Plans $20 Million Expansion

Spokane Community College is planning a $20 million expansion and remodeling project that will enlarge and update some instructional spaces in its Old Main Building. Preliminary plans show construction is expected to begin in late August and continue through March 2019.

Read the Spokane Journal of Business article to learn more.

Eagle Rock RV & Boat Storage Breaks Ground

In April, a ground breaking was held for Eagle Rock RV & Boat Storage, an almost 80,000 square foot indoor vehicle storage business. Construction is expected to be complete in early September.

Located approximately half way between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, Eagle Rock RV & Boat Storage is geared toward offering vehicle owners an affordable, garage-style storage facility. With over-sized asphalt-paved drive aisles, the facility is designed to accommodate any size RV, boat and trailer, or whatever “toy” or extra vehicle that needs a garage. 

Eagle Rock RV & Boat Storage will likely expand by another 120,000 square feet of indoor storage space, greatly contributing to the area’s continued commercial and economic growth.

To learn more, visit http://eaglerockrvboatstorage.com.

PayTrace Opens Spokane Valley Office

PayTrace held an official grand opening of its new Spokane Valley office in May. The office space triples PayTrace’s current square footage, creates opportunities for better staff collaboration and allows the company to enhance its office culture. To learn more, read the Greater Spokane Incorporated article.

New High School Approved in Lewiston

Source: http://www.lewistonschools.net/

A $60 million bond for a new high school in Lewiston, Idaho was approved by an overwhelming 75.4 percent of voters. The high school will have a career technical education (CTE) facility located near the LCSC CTE facility with plans to share resources and curriculums to help ensure a seamless transition between high school and college classes. 

For more information on news from the Lewis-Clark Valley, visit www.lewis-clarkvalley.org or call (208) 799-9083.

EcoAnalysts Expands in Moscow, Idaho

EcoAnalysts Inc., which researches aquatic biological communities, is expanding, according to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. It recently hired several scientists experienced in addressing technical, regulatory and legal challenges facing clients in the port and commercial maritime, oil and gas, fisheries, mining and legal industry sectors. One of Moscow’s larger technology transfer companies, it employs more than 50 people.

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

Kick-Start III Secures $4.25 Million to Invest in Startups

Tom Simpson, a Spokane entrepreneur and angel-investing fund adviser and organizer, has formed another startup fund, which already has begun investing in emerging companies in the Inland Northwest, according to an article in the Spokane Journal of Business.

Named after its predecessors, Kick-Start III has secured $4.25 million that will be invested in fledgling businesses. The fund will seek to make equity investments ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 in about 15 burgeoning startups to help cover initial rounds of capital costs.

To learn more, read the Journal article.

INP Summer Meeting on June 7 Focuses on Laying the Groundwork For Better Communities and Neighborhoods

Join the Inland Northwest Partners at their Summer 2017 Meeting, which focuses on “Laying the Groundwork For Better Communities and Neighborhoods” and takes place on Wednesday, June 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the 1912 Center in Moscow, Idaho.

The featured keynote is award-winning author and small-town strategist, Becky McCray. As a small business owner and cattle rancher, Becky will share her insights from these real-world experiences at her highly ranked website, Small Biz Survival, and in her award-winning book, Small Town Rules. Her practical perspective is often featured in a wide range of media, from The New Your Times to The High Plains Journal. She makes her home in Hopeton, Oklahoma, a community of 30 people. Her goal is to deliver practical steps you can put into action right away to shape the future of your town.

For more information and to register for the INP Meeting, visit: www.inwp.org.

SmartRecruiters Expands to Spokane

SmartRecruiters, Inc., a software provider of recruiting solutions, recently announced the opening of a new office in downtown Spokane. Based in San Francisco, the company’s expansion will support its rapidly growing business. The new location will employ 10 people, increasing from there to support further growth.

Software sales professionals, sales development representatives, renewals professionals, pre-sales engineers and marketing and professional services team members are all part of SmartRecruiters’ plan for the Spokane office. The regional economic impact of this project is $2.4 million.

To learn more, read the Greater Spokane Incorporated article.

Lewis-Clark State College To Expand CTE Programs with New Facility

Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) plans to expand its Career-Technical Education (CTE) programs to the Lewiston Orchards. The new $20 million, 100,000-square-foot facility will bring about new ways that LCSC can collaborate even closer with the Lewiston Independent School District, high schools throughout the region and industry.

The college was awarded $10 Million in Idaho State funds for the project. The new CTE facility will be constructed in close proximity to the recent voter-approved high school in Lewiston.

To learn more, read the LCSC announcement and watch the promotional video.

2nd Watch to Add 100 Jobs in Liberty Lake

2nd Watch Inc., a cloud computing company and provider of Amazon Web Services, expects to hire 100 new employees this year as it continues to experience sharp growth, according to the Spokane Journal of Business. The company was reported to have grown its revenues more than 1,000 percent from 2012 to 2015, a rate that earned it a ranking of 92nd on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list published in November.

For more details, read the article or visit http://2ndwatch.com.

Lewiston-Clarkson Area Experiences Construction Growth

The Lewiston-Clarkston metropolitan area is experiencing a construction boom. The area saw a 36 percent increase in construction jobs in 2016, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The area tied Grand Rapids, North Dakota-Minnesota area for highest increase in construction jobs in 2016.

Roughly half of the jobs were the result of large capital improvement projects by Clearwater Paper and Vista Outdoor. The other half were spread over building construction companies and specialty trade contractors. 


To learn more, visit www.lewis-clarkvalley.org or call Valley Vision at (208) 799-9083.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Continues to Grow in the Inland Northwest

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) announced 100 new assembler openings and a starting wage increase to $13.50 per hour during a Community Open House celebrating the fifth anniversary of SEL Lewiston. SEL invents, designs, and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world.

In addition, SEL has purchased a 28,000 sq. ft. building in Spokane Valley, Washington. SEL has leased space at the Spokane Industrial Park since opening its Spokane branch in 2012. In the past four years, the SEL Spokane team has grown from 6 to 60 employees. With an occupancy rate of 115, the new building will provide room for the company to continue to grow its presence in the greater Spokane region.

To learn more, visit https://selinc.com/company/newsroom.

Bennett Lumber Products Recognized as Small Business of the Month for February

Bennett Lumber Products of Princeton, Idaho was named by U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, as the Small Business of the Month for February 2017. Bennett Lumber will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. 

As stated by Risch in the press release, “Bennett Lumber epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit of Idaho. It is not easy to grow and adapt in the ever-changing regulatory climate that impacts small business owners, especially those who deal with natural resources, but these challenges have not kept Bennett Lumber from thriving while at the same time making great efforts to manage land and forests sustainably. I am proud of the work that Bennett Lumber continues to do in Idaho and Washington, and am pleased to distinguish this company as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Month.”

Led by a longtime lumberman, Mr. Frank Bennett, Bennett Lumber Products, Inc. is a family owned and operated company headquartered in Princeton, Idaho. The company has two highly efficient mills, one in Princeton, Idaho and the other in Clarkston, Washington. Bennett Lumber also owns and sustainably manages approximately 70,000 acres of forest lands throughout the Northwest.

To learn more, read the press release or visit https://blpi.com.

Qualfon Growing in the Inland Northwest

Qualfon, a global provider of contact center, back-office, and business process outsourcing services, is growing in the Inland Northwest, according to an article in the Bonner County Daily Bee. Qualfon's Coeur d'Alene office is hiring 100 people. Between the three sites in the area, the company estimates it will add 300 people within the next few months.

Graham Johnson, Coeur d'Alene site director, said Qualfon is always hiring, but it will be doubling its hiring at the Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Liberty Lake sites as its facilities allow.

Nightforce Optics Grows in North Idaho

Nightforce Optics, a manufacturer of high-quality riflescopes, added about 10 jobs, bringing its employment to more than 110. To learn more about Nightforce Optics, visit www.nightforceoptics.com or see the Idaho Dept. of Labor blog.

Manufacturing Continues to Grow in Palouse

The manufacturing sector in Nez Perce (Idaho) and Asotin (Washington) Counties has continued to experience exceptional growth in the past few years. In 2016, Vista Outdoor, Howell Munitions and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories added more than 200 jobs. This allowed manufacturing employment to grow an estimated 6 percent, from 3,564 in 2015 to 3,769 in 2016. For more details, visit the Idaho Dept. of Labor website at www.labor.idaho.gov.

INP Spring Meeting - 2017 Regional Economic Forecast: A Snapshot of Things to Come?

Join business and community leaders from around the Inland Northwest to discuss the state of the region’s economy, including economic growth, labor trends and economic forecast. Speakers from Idaho Commerce and the Washington State Department of Commerce
will cover the State of the States. Regional case studies from Valley Vision, the City of Liberty Lake, the Coeur d’Alene EDC and Adam County EDC will highlight area successes. For more information, see the complete event agenda.

Inland Northwest Partners 2017 Spring Meeting 
March 29, 2017
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hayden Lake Country Club
2362 E. Bozanta Dr.
Hayden, ID 83835

Coeur d'Alene EDC Secures INL Grant

Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation (formerly Jobs Plus), under the leadership of the organization’s president Gynii Gilliam, successfully secured a grant from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for Technology-based Economic Development. The INL grant will help the corporation identify and foster cybersecurity measures for all of the area’s industries that are becoming increasingly technology-driven, including health, agriculture, aerospace and informatics.

To learn more, contact Jobs Plus at (800) 621-5600 or visit www.relocatetoidaho.org.

Insight Enterprises Inc., Tempe, Ariz.-based technology company, has moved its operations in Liberty Lake to larger quarters. Formerly located in a 19,900-square-foot office space, the company now has moved to a 33,000-square-foot space in the Liberty Lake Business Park, according to an article in the Journal of Business. Insight has 133 employees in Liberty Lake. The company leased the larger space to be able to expand its operations in Spokane over the coming years.

Read the article to learn more or visit www.insight.com.

City of Spokane Valley Outlines Comprehensive Plan

The City of Spokane Valley has recently adopted the 2017-2037 Comprehensive Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and supporting development regulations. The Comprehensive Plan evaluates growth and land use for a 20-year planning horizon. The FEIS reviews the impacts of proposed goals, policies, alternative land use plans and other features of the Comprehensive Plan. The City took a unique approach and integrated strategic actions in the Comprehensive Plan to implement its economic development efforts. For each strategy identified, the City designated lead staff, timetable for completion and level of priority. In addition, the City took advantage of the SEPA infill exemptions where it studied the transportation impacts in specific areas of the City allowing it to expedite the review process and promote development.

For more information on the City of Spokane Valley’s Comprehensive Plan, visit http://www.spokanevalley.org/cp.

Kalispel Tribe Announces $20 Million Expansion of Northern Quest Resort & Casino



The Kalispel Tribe recently announced plans for a nearly $20 million expansion of Northern Quest Resort & Casino and high-end signature RV Resort. The resort expansion will include Kids Quest and Cyber Quest, a day care/entertainment center and family-friendly arcade, additions to the food court and Windfall, a new retail store featuring a variety of outdoor recreational items, home and sporting goods and more.

The Northern Quest expansion will include 40,000 additional square feet connected to the current south side of the casino. Groundbreaking is schedule for late spring 2017, with projected opening in early spring 2018. To learn more, read the press release.

Startup Washington 365 Promotes Job Growth

Together, Startup Spokane, Startup Asotin and Startup Whitman are connecting urban and rural ecosystems in an effort to deliver support to entrepreneurs, regardless of their stage or industry. The programs are a part of Startup Washington 365 program, which focuses on organic job growth in communities statewide.

Over the past two years, the groups have had a strong impact on the communities they serve, including:

Startup Asotin and Whitman 

• Events: 68 
• Event Attendees: 623 
• Entrepreneur Assists: 126 
• Business Starts: 30 

Startup Spokane 

• Events: 152 
• Event Attendees: 8,421 
• Entrepreneur Assists: 183 
• Business Starts: 8 

To learn more visit http://startupspokane.com, http://startupasotin.com or http://startupwhitman.com.

Hecla Mining Company Sees Record Year

Hecla Mining Company recently announced strong Q4 and full year 2016 results. The company produced 17.2 million ounces of silver in 2016, which was a 48 percent increase over 2015. Gold production equaled 233,929 ounces, which was a 24 percent increase over 2015. Silver equivalent production equaled 46.1 million ounces.

The amount of silver and silver equivalent ounces produced mark the third consecutive year Hecla Mining Company has broken its 125-year production record, a result of the company’s strategy of investing in organic growth. More details can be found in the company’s press release.

Community Colleges of Spokane Plans Athletic Facility Expansion

Community Colleges of Spokane plans to start construction in the spring on a major renovation and expansion project at its main gym and adjacent athletic facilities on the Spokane Falls Community College campus, according to an article in the Journal of Business. The total budget for the project is $18 million. To learn more about Community Colleges of Spokane, visit www.ccs.spokane.edu.

Gritman Medical Office Building Welcomes New Tenant

The Gritman Medical Office Building, the new 54,000-square-foot, $10 million in downtown Moscow, recently welcomed the CHAS Latah Community Health clinic as its first tenant. The move will increase the clinic’s space from 2,500 square feet to 9,800 square feet. The new space will allow the clinic to expand services, including six dental bays.

To learn more, see the CHAS Clinic press release.

Jobs Plus Renamed to Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation

Jobs Plus has changed its name to Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation (CdAEDC). Look for the organization's new logo, website and social media venues, all coming soon thanks to the students at the North Idaho Collee Graphics Design Program.

CdAEDC is focused on promoting economic development in North Idaho. Since 1987, over 90 companies have taken the opportunity to expand or relocate to the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area. The strong and vibrant economic options of North Idaho are surpassed only by the quality and beauty that surrounds it. To learn more, visit http://www.relocatetoidaho.org.

North Central Idaho SBDC Offers Marketing Courses

North Central Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Lewiston, Idaho is offering new courses on online marketing for business owners and those considering starting a small business. Topics include website basics and construction, Google optimization and social media. A detailed list of classes and dates can be found here.

Courses will be held at the SBDC at 406 Main Street in Lewiston. Capacity for 12 participants. For more information or to register, please contact: Idaho Small Business Development Center at 208-792-2465 or visit www.idahosbdc.org/regional-training/.

Latah Credit Union Announces Glenda J. Hart Educational Scholarship Opportunity

Applications for Latah Credit Union's Glenda J. Hart Educational Scholarship are now available. The credit union will award two $500.00 scholarships. One scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Latah and Benewah Counties and one will be awarded to a full-time student already enrolled in a 4-year college or university or 2-year technical/professional program. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2017.

Applications are available at www.latahcu.coop. Completed applications and any accompanying documentation must be received no later than 5:00 pm on March 31, 2017 at the main office of Latah Credit Union. Mail completed applications to Latah Credit Union, Attn: Scholarship Committee, PO Box 9286, Moscow, ID 83843.

 To download an application or learn more about Latah Credit Union services, visit the website at www.latahcu.coop or contact moscow@latahcu.coop. Scholarship awardees will be notified by mail no later than April 28, 2017.

Partnership for Economic Prosperity Hires Executive Director, Drives Economic Growth

The Partnership for Economic Prosperity (PEP) announced that Gina Taruscio of Moscow has been selected as Executive Director of the organization, effective Jan. 9, 2017. Taruscio was previously the executive director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce.

PEP was formed as a partnership among the City of Moscow, Latah County. University of Idaho, Moscow Chamber of Commerce and area businesses to assist in job creation, business growth, retention and attraction, and helping to promote innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the economic vitality of communities in Latah County. PEP is committed to the work of helping business expand and create jobs.

To learn more about PEP, visit www.moscowchamber.com/partnership-for-economic-properties.