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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Albertson’s, U.S. Bancorp. Executives Featured At Forum

Compiled By Business Staff

The Regional Economic Outlook Forum returns this week, featuring the chairman of Albertson’s Inc. and the chief economist of U.S. Bancorp.

The event, which was discontinued during the dismal economy of the late 1980s, has been resurrected by chambers of commerce in Coeur d’Alene, Spokane and the Spokane Valley. The event may help business owners and consumers gauge capital investments, employment levels and purchases for the future.

Gary Michael, chairman and chief executive officer of Albertson’s, will forecast the national economy. John Mitchell, senior vice president and chief economist of U.S. Bancorp, will forecast the Inland Northwest economy.

The forum begins at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Cost is $30 at the door, including breakfast. For information, call your local chamber of commerce.

In other events this week:

Today

Idaho Grain Producers Association annual meeting opens at Templin’s Best Western in Post Falls, running through Wednesday. Cost: $75. Call 208-345-0706.

Washington State Crop Improvement Association holds annual meeting at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park.

Tuesday

Interactive videoconference on violence in the work place begins at 9 a.m. at the KSPS Telecommunications Center, 3911 S. Regal. Cost: $60. Call 353-5777.

Kootenai County Convention & Visitor Bureau honors the tourism industry at 5 p.m. at the Greyhound Park. Call 208-773-9797.

Mike Goldsmith, chief executive officer of KLS Logistics Services, speaks to the National Association of Purchasing Management-Spokane at 5:30 p.m. at Cavanaugh’s River Inn. Cost: $15.50. Call at 927-6417.

Wednesday

Tim Wise, author of “Little White Lies: the Truth About Affirmative Action,” speaks at 4:30 p.m. at the Joint Center for Higher Education. Free. Call 459-4117.

Jill Smith, co-owner of Buckeye Beans & Herbs, speaks at the “Recipe for Business Success Seminar for Women by Women” at 8:30 a.m. at the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, 1020 W. Riverside. Cost: $35, including lunch. Call 353-2820.

Washington Department of Revenue holds workshop to help small business owners understand how to report state taxes at 8:30 a.m., repeating at 1:30 p.m., on the eighth floor of 4407 N. Division. Free. Call 482-3800.

The Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance hosts a roundtable discussion with a delegation from Indonesia. A reception will follow the meeting, which begins at 4 p.m. at the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, 1020 W. Riverside. Cost: $5. For information, call 459-4123.

Thursday

Business After Hours begins at 5:15 p.m. at 140 S. Arthur, Suite 610. Cost: $5. Call 459-4111.

Friday

Farm bill satellite conference beams in at 8 a.m. at certain Washington State University Cooperative Extension offices.

Spokane Ag Bureau meets at noon at the Stockyards Inn.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Measuring the Economy

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: On the shelf Business Week, Nov. 18: The magazine details Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen’s growing entertainment empire. He’s invested $1.7 billion in entertainment ventures so far, including Steven Spielberg’s new studio, Internet content providers and the ticketing service Ticketmaster. Kiplinger’s, December: The cover story features a new car buyer’s guide, including dealer costs and other information about 500 different vehicles. Rocketing Rents Rents at U.S. office properties are rising at the fastest rate in 15 years. Through the first half of 1996, rents jumped 10.2 percent, suggesting the annual rate could match the record 16 percent from 1981, said the study by CB Commercial Real Estate Group Inc. Leading the surge in metropolitan areas is Minneapolis, which saw lease prices rise 26 percent.

This sidebar appeared with the story: On the shelf Business Week, Nov. 18: The magazine details Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen’s growing entertainment empire. He’s invested $1.7 billion in entertainment ventures so far, including Steven Spielberg’s new studio, Internet content providers and the ticketing service Ticketmaster. Kiplinger’s, December: The cover story features a new car buyer’s guide, including dealer costs and other information about 500 different vehicles. Rocketing Rents Rents at U.S. office properties are rising at the fastest rate in 15 years. Through the first half of 1996, rents jumped 10.2 percent, suggesting the annual rate could match the record 16 percent from 1981, said the study by CB Commercial Real Estate Group Inc. Leading the surge in metropolitan areas is Minneapolis, which saw lease prices rise 26 percent.