If it seems not enough discussion or energy is focused on economic development in the Inland Northwest, we suggest people go find out in person, at the annual meeting of Inland Northwest Partners.

That event is Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside in downtown Spokane. 

INP is an organization of communities, economic development entities and individuals looking to boost the economic profile of North Idaho and Eastern Washington. The non-profit organization advocates a “grow from within” philosophy and works to empower smaller communities and regional groups.

The meeting’s keynote speaker is De Scott, (in photo) founder and owner of Simply Northwest, a  successful  Spokane Valley retail business. Her remarks are titled: “Steps to Small Business Success.”

Cost for members is $30 and $50 for non-members. To register, go to www.imwp.org, or e-mail inlandnorthwest@comcast.net.

The fall meeting of Inland Northwest Partners, being held Thursday in Moscow, will pay full attention to how agribusiness provides numerous options for community job growth.

The event runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moscow Best Western University Inn.

The day’s theme, according to a press release, will be finding ways “to establish and nurture ag-allied niche businesses at the community level, presenting model practices as well as innovative strategies that have proven successful in the region.”

Steve Van Ausdle, Walla Walla Community College president, will deliver the keynote address at noon, highlighting the success of the Southeastern Washington wine industry.

Other scheduled presenters include Celia Gould, director of Idaho’s Department of Agriculture, on “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity: Agri-Food, Agri-Tourism, Agri-Culture and Beyond”;  and Dr. Curtis Beus, associate professor, WSU Cooperative Extension in Port Angeles, Wash., on “Agri-Tourism: Harvesting New Tourists on the Farm.”

Registration is $30 for INP members and $50 otherwise.