Columbia Basin League Holding Annual Meeting

The Columbia Basin Development League holds its annual meeting Friday. This organization of businesses, farmers and community leaders focuses on the Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project.

Don Lorenz, director of economic and trade development for the Port of Seattle, will speak on the importance of agriculture to the Western Washington ports. Lorenz’ talk comes at a time when U.S. trade relations with Japan is shaky and agriculture is increasingly dependent on the export market.

The development league also will elect officers Friday. The group lobbies in Olympia on behalf of Columbia Basin interests and provides educational programs on the Columbia Basin ecosystem. Its members include companies, organizations and individuals from Spokane, Grant, Adams, Lincoln, Kittitas and Franklin counties.

The annual meeting starts with a reception at 6 p.m. at the Hallmark Inn in Moses Lake. For more information, call Alice Parker at 509-346-9442.

In other events this week:

Tuesday

Washington Water Power Co. releases its quarterly earnings report.

The Inland Northwest Entrepreneurship Forum is held today through Thursday at the Holiday Inn Missoula Parkside, Missoula. Call 509-455-4330.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on the September trade deficit in goods and services.

Wednesday

The Greater Spokane Sports Association holds an Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame awards luncheon and induction ceremony.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Spokane Veterans Arena. Lunch at the Ridpath Hotel follows. Admission is $13 per person. Call 456-5812.

The League of Women Voters sponsors a workshop to gather input on nuclear waste disposal. The session is 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ridpath Hotel, 515 W. Sprague. Call 326-3370.

A public hearing to discuss Spokane Transit Authority route changes will begin at 4 p.m. at Lewis and Clark High School.

The Mortgage Bankers Association of America releases its report on mortgage applications.

Thursday

URM Cash and Carry invites members of the Spokane Restaurant and Hospitality Association to an open house from noon to 7 p.m. at 902 E. Springfield.

The USDA releases its update on U.S. agricultural trade.

The USDA full committee on agriculture holds a hearing to review the USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 1997 and other civil rights legislation.

Friday

A seminar for farmers to discuss their experience with alternative crops will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon. at the Harrington Memorial Hall in Harrington, 6 Third Street. Call 509-659-3211.

A global marketing workshop for Washington’s high tech manufacturers starts at 7:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Spokane Valley Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. Call 206-682-6900.

Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce holds its third candidate forum for City Council positions at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber’s building, 1020 W. Riverside. Cost is $2 at the door. Call 459-4118.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Lumber prices

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