Strong Earnings Reports Could Calm Shaky Nerves

Financial results from some of largest corporations in America will be released this week, setting the early 1995 tone for the volatile stock market and national economy.

Microsoft, Chrysler, Burlington Northern, Union Pacific and Southwest Airlines are some of the companies expected to disclose how they did in their most recent quarter.

Strong earnings news is need to calm a market rattled by domestic and international economic uncertainty.

In other events this week:

Today

Martin Luther King Jr. holiday; government offices and many financial institutions closed.

Tuesday

Pacific Northwest Ag Expo and Farm Forum opens, running through Thursday at the Spokane Convention Center, Coliseum and Sheraton-Spokane Hotel. Cost: $7 for the Expo trade show, $8 for Forum seminars.

McFarland & Alton, a Spokane accounting firm, sponsors seminar on “Preparing Your Restaurant for the Future” at 2 p.m. at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park. Free to restaurant and suppliers. Call 747-2600.

Washington State Housing Finance Commission sponsors free home buyer seminar at 6:30 p.m. on the eighth floor of the Seafirst Financial Center, W601 Riverside Ave. Seminar repeats at the same time Thursday. Call 353-5719.

ISO9000 Roundtable Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the Hungry Farmer Restaurant, E9107 Montgomery.

Wednesday

The Spokane Convention and Visitors Bureau, W926 Sprague, conducts a tourism development meeting at 3:30 p.m. Call 624-1341.

The Japan External Trade Organization sponsors a presentation on selling goods and services in Japan at 7:30 a.m. at the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, W1020 Riverside. Speakers are Kazuyoshi Murase, president of Murase Assoc. Inc., and Michiko Mashimo, general director of marketing for Japan Tupperware Co. Ltd. Cost: $7, including breakfast. Call 625-6190.

Thursday

Desmond O’Rourke, director of the Washington State University IMPACT Center, speaks at the annual AgriBusiness luncheon at the West Coast Ridpath Hotel. Reservations are $9.50 through G&B, 325-SEAT.

Don Nelson, WSU extension cattle specialist, presents findings of study on Washington cattle production at 1 p.m. in the Whitman County Public Service Building in Colfax.

British Consul Steve Turner discusses trade issues at the Inland Northwest World Trade Council luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at the Ridpath Hotel. $10 for members and guests, $12 for non-members. Call 625-6190.

Friday

John Mitchell, chief economist for U.S. Bancorp in Portland, gives an economic forecast at 7 a.m. to the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Connection Breakfast. Cost: $10 per person at the Red Lion in the Valley. Call 924-4994.

Saturday

The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce annual installation banquet begins at 6 p.m. at Templin’s Resort and Conference Center. The Chamber will recognize new members and name its “Citizen of the Year.” Cost: $35 for members; $45 for non-members.

MEMO: This is a sidebar which appeared with story: On the shelf Business Week, Jan. 16. The differences between small business and major corporations could be magnified as the Republican Congress debates legislation, warns Business Week.

Super sales pitches Industry and company sources said these advertisers were among those who had purchased time in the NFL championship football game telecast at rates averaging $1 million per 30-second spot: American Home Products Anheuser-Busch Inc. Chrysler Corp. Federal Express Corp. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Home Box Office Isuzu cars Lee Jeans Master Lock McDonald’s Corp. Nike Inc. No Fear apparel Pepsi-Cola Co.