News

Inland Northwest Economic Developments, Spring 2008

The following are projects, initiatives and economic developments that are making news in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.

Lewiston, Idaho – A Spanish company has plans to build a 30 million gallon biodiesel plant at the Port of Lewiston. The company chose the port because of its proximity to three top biodiesel researchers at the University of Idaho (UI): Jon Van Gerpan, head of biological and agricultural engineering department; Matt Morra, faculty member and bio pesticide and bio fertilizer specialist; and Jack Brown, faculty member and plant geneticist. Work at UI provided the basis for the patented process the company uses, which was developed at the University of Cordova in Spain. More information is available at http://labor.idaho.gov/lmi/pubs/idempnews/archived/ieseacursep7.pdf.

A $1.94 million grant to build an industrial park at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport was approved by the federal Economic Development Administration. The grant is the final piece of a $3.2 million package of grants, private investments and other financing put together by the Clearwater Economic Development Association (CEDA). At full build-out, the project will create 255 jobs and $16.2 million in leveraged private investment. To learn more, contact CEDA Director Christine Frei at [email protected].

Hayden, Idaho – Titan Spring Company has received AS9100 Rev “B” and ISO 9001:2000 certifications. The certifications for excellence in quality control, training and auditing establish Titan Spring as a top-tier supplier of custom springs, stampings and assemblies to leading aerospace, space and defense manufacturers. They also helped the high-tech manufacturer gain compliance with Boeing Quality Management System requirements, winning Titan Spring approval to work with any division of Boeing. Visit http://www.titanspring.com for more info.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Hecla Mining Company has made an agreement with Kennecott, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, to acquire the companies owning 70.3 percent of Green Creek Mine at the cost of $750 million. Hecla will control 100 percent of the mine, doubling Hecla’s annual silver production to approximately 11 million ounces. Green Creek, the world’s fifth largest silver mine, is located in Juneau, Alaska. Learn more at http://www.hecla-mining.com/

Spokane, Wash. – The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is expanding to the Inland Northwest. The non-profit agency, which provides employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, will open its new manufacturing facility in Spokane this spring, increasing its workforce to up to 50 people within 3 years. In the first year, Lighthouse hopes to employee 5-10 people who are blind.

Kim Hotstart Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of industrial engine pre-heaters, will begin construction on a 44,000 square foot addition this spring. The company will benefit from the Community Empowerment Zone (CEZ), receiving $126,000 in sale tax savings on an investment of $1.4 million in capital improvement. The company will add 10 new employees, which bringing their total number of employees to 130.

The Spokane International Airport continues to expand. A $12 million enhancement to the rental car area to handle increased passenger traffic is expected to be complete with a year. Other upcoming construction projects include repair to the terminal apron, where the airplanes park, and overlay and rehab to the main taxiway. For more information about economic developments in Spokane visit http://www.greaterspokane.org.

Wallace, Idaho – Sterling Mining Company has resumed initial production at the Sunshine Mine, which was closed by its previous operators in 2001. Sterling predicts the silver mine will produce 2.8 million ounces in 2008, and anticipates a steady increase in production over the next three years until an average daily processing rate of 1,000 tons per day is achieved. More information is available at http://www.sterlingmining.com.

Pullman, Wash. – Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) plans to hire more than 300 new employees in 2008. The expansion of SEL’s Pullman manufacturing facilities last fall doubled capacity to more than 200,000 square feet allowing for the addition of new equipment and expanded lines. SEL currently employs 1,556 people in 64 locations around the world with 1,102 of them working in Pullman. For more information, visit http://www.selinc.com.

Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Wash. – The Palouse Knowledge Corridor continues its efforts to grow the Moscow-Pullman area economy. Its new brand package includes a new logo, which will be used to bring notoriety to the region as a hub of high tech business and research. The logo was designed by Advantage Advertising of Lewiston and developed by the PKC committee, which is made up of representatives from Latah Economic Development Council, Palouse Economic Development Council, the cities of Pullman and Moscow, Washington State University and the University of Idaho and business representatives from each city. The group is also working on a new website which is expected to launch in the next few months. Learn more at http://www.palouse.org/news.htm.

Kellogg, Idaho – Silver Rapids Water Park will open in late spring 2008. With the recent delivery of the manufactured steel for the park’s outside structure and the erection process underway, water park manager Chris Stuart said the process of finishing the project can only accelerate. The 42,000 square foot facility is located at Silver Mountain Resort.

Also at Silver Mountain, the preliminary plans for the East Ridge project received approval by the Kellogg Planning Commission. The development is a proposed non-primary, second home, resort-style residential community to be developed on 135.5 acres adjacent to the Dave Smith Motors amphitheater. It will feature 883 commercial, single-family and multiple-family residential units, lockouts and hotel rooms as well as 35,000 square feet of commercial interior space. For more information about economic developments in Silver Valley, contact Chuck Wardwell of the Silver Valley EDC at (208) 752-5511 or [email protected].

Moscow, Idaho – The University of Idaho Business Technology Incubator has four new tenants. In the past six months, John HP, Computer Measurement Laboratory Invertebrate Ecology, Inc. and Go-Nano Technologies have moved to the incubator. The Business Technology Incubator works to promote technology transfer and small business development in Moscow, Latah County and the State of Idaho. To learn more, visit http://www.uro.uidaho.edu/bti.

About the Inland Northwest Economic Alliance (INEA) – Backed by the assets of two states and several counties, the INEA markets the considerable advantages of doing business in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Recruiters travel regularly to California, selectively targeting companies for relocation and expansion project in the Inland Northwest. Members include a total of 11 economic development agencies representing 15 counties in the two states. To learn more call (866) 495-8877 or visit http://www.inlandnorthwestregion.com.

Alison Moerschell

Account Executive

Hill & Knowlton

Direct Line: (509) 744-3350

Fax: (509) 744-3355

[email protected]

421 W Riverside Suite 450, Spokane, WA, 99201-0410 UNITED STATES

http://www.hillandknowlton.com

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