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

Severs joins Greater Spokane

The Spokesman-Review

The former president and CEO of SprayCool Inc. has joined Greater Spokane Inc. as chief operating officer less than two weeks after leaving his last post.

Jeff Severs, a retired Air Force colonel, declined to comment last week on why he left SprayCool after five years in charge, saying only that it was the “best thing” for the Liberty Lake-based company. At Greater Spokane Inc., Severs will “lead economic development and public policy and serve on the executive leadership team,” according to a news release.

“I’m very committed to doing whatever I can to help this region grow,” Severs said Wednesday.

SprayCool, which makes electronics cooling systems, recently revealed plans to lay off 52 more workers and close its Seattle and Pullman locations. Forty-five jobs were cut earlier this year.

“Jeff brings executive experience in bringing technology innovation to market, competing in a fiercely competitive industry, raising equity capital, building strategic relationships and advocating for the U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C.,” said Rich Hadley, president and CEO of Greater Spokane, in a prepared statement. “After conducting a national search for this position, we were very fortunate to have a person of Jeff’s caliber here in Spokane County.”

RENO, Nev.

Slot maker buys into DigiDeal

International Game Technology last week finished a previously announced investment in electronic gambling machine company DigiDeal Corp., whose headquarters are in Spokane Valley, according to IGT.

The deal grants IGT, the world’s largest maker of slot machines, use of DigiDeal’s intellectual property, exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights for five years and an option to acquire DigiDeal at the end of that period, according to a news release by Reno-based IGT. Terms of the investment were not disclosed, although DigiDeal CEO Mike Kuhn previously said the corporation’s original investors will retain majority control but receive some cash.

Kuhn said new product lines will combine the companies’ technologies, and he expects new games, developed for specific markets, to be released by Sept. 1.A private Nevada corporation, DigiDeal makes electronic table games that emulate poker, blackjack and other games.

BLANCHARD, Idaho

Stoneridge Water rates will rise

Customers of Stoneridge Water Co. in Bonner County will soon be paying more.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission recently approved a minimum monthly charge increase of $10, and an additional commodity charge of 49 cents per 1,000 gallons of water, a news release from the commission said.

The water district primarily serves 374 households, including condo units and a golf course. Planned subdivisions will increase the company’s customer base to about 1,207, the release said.

Stoneridge Water Co. sought a rate increase to repay loans for improvements to the water system.

From staff reports