Regional Ag Opportunities Topic Of St. John Seminar

Prospects for an Eastern Washington canola oil seed crusher, a wheat strawboard plant and other investments to increase the value of crops will be the focus of a free seminar this week in St. John, Wash.

“Value-Added Opportunities for Eastern Washington Agriculture” will begin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Community Building in St. John.

Speakers include Don Phillips of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, David Eakin of the Inland Northwest Agri-Business and Development Center in Richland, Desmond O’Rourke of Washington State University’s International Marketing Program for Agricultural Commodities and Trade and farmer Bruce Abbey of Waitsburg, Wash.

Reservations for lunch can be made by calling 800-598-6890. Call Paul Peterson at (509) 533-2048, ext. 112, for more information.

In other events this week:

Today

Doubletree Hotels Corp. officially takes over Red Lion City Center and Valley hotels.

Washington Department of Social and Health Services is expected to release rules on child care, child support and job training.

Tuesday

Final day to comment on Washington Water Power Co.’s proposed cleanup of downtown underground oil spill.

Final day to comment on Priest Lake Ranger District’s proposed salvage timber sale to log 530 acres of trees damaged during last year’s ice storm.

Robert Bartlett, who served 10 years as dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Mines, steps down.

Chrysler Corp. expected to announce plans in Overland Park, Kan., to produce a new alternative fuel vehicle powered by a blend of ethanol and unleaded gasoline.

Wednesday

Workshop for landowners with expiring Conservation Reserve Program contracts opens at 7:30 a.m. at the American Legion Club in Ritzville, Wash., repeating at 12:30 p.m. June 16 at the Waterville (Wash.) High School Gym. Call 509-659-3209.

Mortgage Bankers Association releases first quarter mortgage delinquencies.

Thursday

King County executive Ron Sims speaks to the 1997 Leadership Spokane graduation at 11:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 322 N. Spokane Falls. Cost: $18. Call 459-4116.

Small Business Council meets at 7 a.m. at the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce.

North Hill residents meet at 7:30 p.m. at Willard Elementary School to consider organizing neighborhood council.

Dupont common stock splits 2-for-1.

House Agriculture committee reviews the health of Pacific Northwest forests in Washington, D.C.

Friday

Bobby Brett, owner of Spokane Indians baseball team, speaks to the Good Morning Spokane Area event at 7:30 a.m. at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park. Cost: $10 prepaid; $15 at the door. Call 459-4111.

Former Agriculture Secretary John Block speaks to Pacific Northwest Grain and Feed Association annual convention at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Sales tax receipts

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF Business Week, June 9: Story looks at the future of Hong Kong after China takes over. Forbes, June 16: Presents its 1997 investment guide.

PAC money Largest political action committee contributors, according to an FECInfo ranking from Jan. 1, 1995, to Dec. 31, 1996: 1. Emily’s List, $13.7 million. 2. Democratic-Republican Independent Voter, $9.9 million. 3. NRA, $6.6 million. 4. Trial Lawyers of America, $5.1 million. 5. National Education Assn., $5 million. 6. Campaign America, $4.9 million. 7. GoPac, $4.7 million. 8. American Federation of State & County Employees, $4.3 million. 9. American Medical Assn., $4.1 million. 10. UAW, $4 million.