Higgins Will Put His Spin On Local Economic Outlook

As predictable as January snow in Spokane, a slew of 1996 economic forecasts are showering the Inland Northwest, providing information useful for decisions ranging from buying a house to hiring employees.

Shaun O’L. Higgins, director of marketing and sales for The Spokesman-Review, on Wednesday presents one of the longest-running and most entertaining economic forecasts to the Spokane Advertising Federation.

Higgins, who bills himself as an economic handicapper, presents his 13th annual forecast of the Spokane economy at 11:45 a.m. in the Ag Trade Center.

Higgins, who typically offers a witty and upbeat look at the economy, draws from the newspaper’s research department and a range of indicators reflecting trends in the local economy.

The lunch cost $17.50 per person. For reservations, call Judy Morris at 448-5255.

In other events this week:

Today

Federal Reserve releases November consumer credit report.

The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission discusses apple research projects at 8 a.m. at the Red Lion Motel in Yakima. Call 509-493-4415.

National Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting continues in Reno through Thursday.

French President Jacques Chirac announces his plans for 1996.

Tuesday

The 1996 Mid-Columbia Farm Forum and Ag Show opens at the Trade Recreation Agricultural Center in Pasco, continuing through Wednesday.

The Inland Northwest Electronic Data Interchange Roundtable meets at 1:30 at SIRTI to hear Glenn Casteran, president of Newport Beach, Calif.-based Network Information Services.

Steve Jones, a Washington State University wheat breeder, speaks at the monthly AgTech breakfast meeting at 7 a.m. at the Wheel Inn Restaurant in Steptoe. Call John Burns at 509-397-6290.

Wednesday

Intermountain Grass Growers Association discusses new technology and research for sustaining the industry, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Templin’s Resort in Post Falls. Call: 891-9248.

Columbia Basin Development League meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Red Lion Inn in Pasco. Cost: $12. Call Alice Parker at 509-346-9442.

Washington State University agronomist Bill Schillinger presents workshop on growing wheat in dry areas at 9 a.m. in the American Legion Hall in Ritzville, Wash. Cost: $15. Registration: 509-659-0090.

Oral arguments scheduled in St. Louis in ice beer dispute between Anheuser-Busch and Labatt.

Thursday

Washington State University Cooperative Extension holds two days of workshops on Columbia Basin potato farming in Pasco and Moses Lake.

Friday

Spokane Mayor Jack Geraghty gives “State of Spokane Address” during the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce Good Morning Spokane program at 7:30 a.m. in the Empire Ballroom of the Ridpath Hotel. Cost: $7. Reservations: 459-4111.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Aluminum prices

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF Business Week, Jan. 8: If the Farm Bill passes in anything resembling its current farm, 1996 should be a banner year for agricultural production, Business Week says.

Popular autos The nation’s top-selling cars and light trucks in 1995. Model name is followed by number sold in 1995: 1. Ford F-Series pickup - 691,452 - ranked 1 in 1994 2. Chevrolet C-K pickup - 513,081 3. Ford Explorer - 395,227 4. Ford Taurus - 366,266 5. Honda Accord - 341,384 6. Toyota Camry - 328,600 7. Ford Ranger pickup 309,085 8. Honda Civic - 289,435 9. Saturn - 285,674 10. Ford Escort - 285,570