Bank’s net nears $3 million for year

Northwest Bancorporation Inc. reported a fourth-quarter net income of $755,182 and earnings of $2.8 million for the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2006.

The Spokane-based firm is the parent company of Inland Northwest Bank. For 2006, earnings per share were $1.22, up from 96 cents in 2005.

In a press release, Randall Fewel, president and CEO, attributed the gains to an improvement in net interest income from higher interest margins and bigger loan balances.

The bank’s mortgage department continued to do well, the release said.

Northwest Bancorporation Inc. has total assets of $278.9 million.

Real estate forum slated for Feb. 22

The annual Real Estate Market Forum is being held at the Spokane Convention Center on Feb. 22.

Speakers will address economic development and real estate market trends, including the growth of small towns in Spokane and Kootenai counties. It will also look at developing affordable housing. This year’s keynote speakers, Judy Cole, director of business and public affairs for Avista Utilities, and Theresa Sanders, a consultant, will talk about creating a regional transportation hub.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Advanced registration costs $45, including lunch. Registration after Friday costs $60. For information and registration, call Debbie Crowder at the Spokane Association of Realtors at (509) 326-9222.

Groups sponsor ethics seminar

An ethics seminar will take place at a joint meeting Thursday morning of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and the National Associaion of Insurance and Financial Advisers. The three-hour continuing education seminar will begin at 7:30 at the Spokane Athletic Club. Breakfast is included in the $15 fee. Call (509) 362-1714.

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Minneapolis

Attendants want cuts reconsidered

Flight attendants at Northwest Airlines Corp. asked a bankruptcy judge on Monday to reconsider pay cuts in light of the carrier’s improving fortunes.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Allan Gropper had allowed Northwest to cut flight attendant pay and change their work rules to save $195 million a year beginning July 31.