Edc Annual Meeting Likely To Reflect An Upbeat Outlook

A pair of state-of-the-union addresses that could affect the Spokane economy will be made this week, with one likely to paint a brighter picture of the future.

The first comes from President Clinton, who will address the nation at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The Democratic leader is expected to give his assessment of the Republican-controlled Congress and the U.S. role in rebuilding Mexico’s economy.

The second address comes from the Spokane Area Economic Development Council, which holds its annual meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Opera House. The EDC has never before rented the grandiose hall, which may be a reflection of the business recruitment organization’s upbeat outlook for the future.

At least three newly recruited companies - Egghead Software, Sallie Mae and the Principal Financial Group - will be trotted out as examples of EDC’s efforts in the past year.

In other events this week:

Today

Final deadline for Coeur d’Alene and other communities to return Micron Semiconductor Inc. questionnaire on available amenities for new $1.3 billion wafer plant.

The Principal Financial Group announces location for its West Coast satellite operation in Spokane, and plans for hiring local workers.

Egghead Software opens Egghead Solutions Center, a national customer service center in Liberty Lake.

Tuesday

U.S. Department of Treasury issues December budget statement.

Wednesday

Paul Kangas, co-anchor of PBS TV “Nightly Business Report,” speaks on the market outlook for 1995 at 7:15 a.m. in the Sheraton-Spokane Hotel. Advance registration to the breakfast meeting is $15. Call Gonzaga University at 328-4220, ext. 3402.

Kim Ann Erk, a technician for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, speaks about fun work environments at 7:30 a.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Seminar, 1621 N. Third.

Annual convention of the National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists opens at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, running through Thursday.

National Association of Wheat Growers annual meeting opens in Dallas, marking the official end of Garfield, Wash., farmer Judy Olson’s reign as president.

National Association of Realtors report existing home sales for December.

Thursday

The Inland Northwest Executive Network For Women meet at 7 a.m. at Cavanaugh’s 4th Avenue. Call 625-3654.

Inland Northwest Turf and Landscape Trade Show opens at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. Call 535-8305.

Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association and Washington State University Cooperative Extension hold Beef Information Day at Deb’s Cafe in Creston. Call Tom Platt at 509-725-4171.

Friday

Commerce Department reports fourth-quarter gross domestic product.

MEMO: This is a sidebar that appeared with the story: On the shelf Forbes, Jan. 30: Two years ago, Forbes declared McDonnell Douglas a loser, hopelessly behind Boeing and Airbus. Now, Forbes says it was wrong. The No. 2 U.S. aircraft manufacturer is making a strong recovery.

Insurance health Strongest U.S. life insurance companies, as ranked by Weiss Ratings Inc. List shows insurers receiving an A+ rating from Weiss, and their assets: Country Life Insurance Co., $2.7 billion. Farmers New World Life Insurance Co.: $3.5 billion. Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America: $9.1 billion. Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Co.: $4.9 billion. Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.: $44.1 billion. Security Life of Denver Insurance Co.: $2.5 billion.