European Officials, Specialists Discuss Recent Political Events

The threat of the Communist Party returning to power in Russia in June has everyone nervous about the future of business ventures, travel and personal freedoms in former Soviet bloc countries.

More than a dozen officials representing Eastern and Central European nations this week will address those and other concerns as part of a series on how to do business across Europe.

Beginning 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Romanian business specialist Mihail Stoic will give a 1.5-hour presentation at the fourth floor of SIRTI. Stoic has done marketing research for more than 200 businesses in Washington.

At noon Thursday, Jonathan Davidson, coordinator of the U.S.-European Union New Transatlantic Agenda, kicks off a four-hour program at Mukogawa Ft. Wright Institute. Another six speakers will explain how to deal with European distributors, how to get paid and what kinds of business opportunities exist. Cost: $20 per person.

The week’s events are sponsored by the Whitworth Institute of International Management, Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance and other organizations. For information, call Jo Ann Nielsen at 466-3242.

In other events this week:

Today

Washington Water Power Co. holds its annual meeting at 3 p.m. in the Spokane Opera House.

Spokane Bike to Work Week begins.

Tuesday

United Security Bancorporation holds its annual meeting at 7 p.m. at the Quality Inn Oakwood, 7919 N. Division.

Momentum ‘96 executive committee meets.

U.S. Department of Commerce reports April retail sales.

Wednesday

Clinton administration scheduled to issue list of Chinese goods that could be subject to trade sanctions.

Federal Reserve reports April industrial production.

Thursday

Business After Hours begins at 5:15 p.m. at Franklin Quest in Northtown Mall’s upper level. Cost: $5. Call 459-4111.

Colville Confederated Tribes holds public meetings on economic development goals at 5:30 p.m. at Steemuss Cafe in Inchelium. Call 509-634-8869.

Consumer Credit Counseling of Spokane offers free workshop for high school students about to leave home for the first time at 6:30 p.m. in the Lake City High School Auditorium. Call 1-800-892-6854.

Labor Department reports first-quarter productivity.

Electronic Entertainment Expo opens in Los Angeles.

Friday

Natural Resources Defense Council celebrates 25th anniversary.

Saturday

House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities holds 9 a.m. hearing at North Idaho College on the impact of agricultural imports from Canada. Call Al Garesche, aide to Rep. Helen Chenoweth, at 202-225-6611.

Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade begins in downtown Spokane at 7:45 p.m.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Aluminum prices

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF Business Week, May 13: The top-performing industry in the first quarter was textiles, according to Business Week’s quarterly scorecard of corporate earnings. Forbes, May 20: Forbes offers its annual review of corporate compensation.

Strong economy The Fed’s first-quarter report for the San Francisco district, which includes Washington and Idaho: Economic activity reported healthy in most areas. Retail sales firmed slightly and services expanded at a brisk pace. Manufacturing activity mostly solid. Banking and real estate markets are very active. Price and wage increases continue to be moderate, with notable exception of gasoline in California.