University of Idaho has $1 Billion Economic Impact

Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. (EMSI), an independent and respected economic analysis firm located in Idaho, recently released a study showing that the University of Idaho provided a cumulative impact of more than $1 billion in the Fiscal Year 2013-14.

The University creates economic value in a variety of ways. It improves higher education delivery throughout the state and helps students increase their employability and potential. The university facilitates new research and company developments and also draws visitors to
the state, generating new dollars and opportunities for Idaho.

For more information on the study, go to www.uidaho.edu/president/news/economic_impact.

Coeur d’Alene Among Metro High Growth Leaders

Coeur d’Alene was listed among the Metro High Growth Leaders in a report by research firm SYNEVA Economics. Metro High Growth Leaders are currently experiencing six or more consecutive months of employment growth with annual growth rates in the top 25 percent of all metros, as measured by the year-over-year change in employment for the same month. Coeur d’Alene has experienced a six-month average job growth of 4.4 percent.

To learn more, read the SYNEVA press release.

Yahoo to Expand Data Center in Quincy

Yahoo announced that it will expand its data center in Quincy, adding about 300,000 square feet of space, effectively doubling its size. The company chose to expand in Quincy as “a direct result of the unbeatable mix Quincy offers: impressive local talent, abundant renewable energy sources and Washington State's commitment to creating an attractive business location,” according to a company spokesperson.

To learn more, visit www.grantedc.com.

Spokane Valley-based Servatron Signs Aerospace Contract

Spokane Valley-based Servatron Inc. has entered the aerospace industry by signing a three-year contract with AvtechTyee, an Everett, Wash.-based manufacturer of electronic systems for the aerospace industry, to test and assemble that company’s electronic circuitry boards.

Tom Vieri, Servatron’s vice president of sales, says the contract will require hiring more employees and the addition of more shifts effective immediately and “most likely continuing through 2016.”

Read the Journal of Business article to learn more.

BECU to Expand Presence in the Greater Spokane Area

BECU, the fourth largest credit union in the country, announced that it will be expanding its presence in Spokane by opening Financial Centers in the greater Spokane market in 2016, and is currently finalizing property negotiations. This will be the first time that BECU will operate retail branches in the area to serve its 4,000-plus Spokane-area members, though the credit union has operated a contact center in Spokane Valley with more than 100 employees for over 10 years and has had ATMs in 11 Rite Aid stores since 2014.

To learn more, read the press release.

Kootenai Health to Expand Post Falls Campus

In order to meet the growing needs of patients in Post Falls, Kootenai Health is embarking on a $10.5 million, two-story, 22,000-square-foot expansion project. The expansion will add on to the existing campus at 1300 E. Mullan Ave. and provide new space for additional clinic locations and ancillary services to better care for our patients.

To learn more, visit www.kh.org/expansion.

Renaissance Marine Group Plans Expansion at Port of Clarkston

Renaissance Marine Group, the region’s largest jet boat builder, is planning an expansion at the Port of Clarkston. It will move from its current facility into a 56,000-square-foot building. Renaissance Marine Group currently employs about 125 people in Clarkson.

For more details, read the Lewiston Tribune article.