Economic Development Council Keeping Up High Expectations

The size of the Spokane Area Economic Development Council’s budget and staff may be shrinking, but its taste in meeting halls keeps getting bigger.

The 260-member business recruitment agency opens its annual meeting at 3:30 p.m. Thursday on the floor of the new Spokane Veteran’s Memorial Arena, which holds 12,000 people. Last year, the EDC drew 500 to the Opera House, which holds 2,500.

“The city is going to have to build bigger and bigger places to keep up with us,” joked EDC membership manager Katie Haney.

EDC officials will review results of 1995, which included recruitment of Egghead Software and more than a dozen other companies, and go over the agency’s plans for 1996. The EDC recently reorganized, reducing its staff size and budget.

John Wagner, executive vice president of Seafirst bank, is expected to be elected chairman of the agency. He replaces Jack Heuston, president of Tidyman’s Inc.

A reception with the Planet Lounge Orchestra will follow the EDC business meeting. Tickets are $25; arena parking is $3. Call 624-9285 for reservations.

In other events this week:

Today

Congress returns from recess.

Federal Reserve in Los Angeles holds hearing on Wells Fargo’s bid to buy First Interstate.

Convention of National Association of Television Program Executives opens in Las Vegas.

Tuesday

Sam Whitmore, editorial director of PC Week, and four other industry experts forecast future trends in computer technology at the Washington Software Association’s Predictions ‘96 event in Seattle. Cost: $35. Registration: 206-889-8880, ext 132.

ISO 9000 overview begins at 8 a.m. in the Training and Education Coordinating Center, 3939 N. Freya. Cost: $75, or $650 for a series of seminars through April. Call 533-4700 or 533-4725.

President Clinton delivers State of the Union address.

U.S. Department of Treasury releases December federal budget figures.

U.S. Department of Commerce reports on October and November personal income.

Wednesday

SIRTI officials hold demonstrations of new Agile Manufacturing Network, 665 N. Riverpoint Blvd., from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Free. To register call Mike McDonald, 358-2036.

U.S. Department of Commerce reports November new home sales.

Federal Reserve reports on December industrial production.

Thursday

Washington Water Power Co. issues earnings report.

Lincoln Beef Information Day begins at 9:30 a.m. at Deb’s Cafe in Creston, Wash. Cost: $7. Call Tom Platt, 509-725-4171.

Friday

Mayors of Cheney, Deer Park and Millwood speak at the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce Issues and Answers program at 7:30 a.m. in the chamber building, 1020 W. Riverside. Cost: $2. Reservations: 459-4111.

Temporary spending authority for many federal agencies due to expire.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Construction Kootenai County, 1995 vs. 1994

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF Business Week, Jan. 22: The superstore concept has been applied to everything from groceries to videos. The latest twist is used-car superstores. Two companies - one led Wayne Huizenga, who launched the Blockbuster chain of video superstores - are creating the megadealerships along the East Coast and in Texas, says Business Week.

Opryland bound? Top planned destinations for Seattle-area travelers in upcoming years: 1. Tennessee 2. California 3. Elsewhere in Washington state 4. Idaho 5. Arizona 6. Florida 7. Illinois 8. Hawaii 9. Wisconsin 10. Indiana