Telecommunication Experts Meet To Discuss ‘Digital Divide’
Telecommunication and community development experts will survey the “digital divide” today and tomorrow in a conference at the DoubleTree Hotel Spokane Valley.
The meeting is the second of three to discuss the widening economic gap in telecommunication technology between cities with access to the networks and rural communities that do not have the access.
One session was held in Helena; another is set for Colorado Springs.
The Denver-based Center for the New West and the Council of State Governments - West, as well as other community advocacy groups, are event sponsors. Among the speakers are Bill Meyers, president of the U.S. Internet Council; Phil Burgess, president of the Center for the New West; and Mike Rouleau, vice president of US West.
Activities begin with a 6 p.m. reception tonight. Registration is $45, or $25 for government and nonprofit representatives.
In other events this week:
Monday
The Washington State Employees Credit Union holds a free tax seminar. Experts will discuss tax law changes, Roth IRAs, filing procedures and common mistakes. The seminar is from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Shilo Inn, 923 W. Third. Call for reservations at 532-8617, or on the Website at wastatecu.org.
The Washington Association of Wheat Growers meets at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Spokane today and Tuesday. For more information, call (800) 859-6890.
Tuesday
The National Association of Purchasing Managers releases its semiannual economic forecast.
Wednesday
The Federal Reserve releases its beige book survey of regional economic conditions.
Washington State Fruit Commission directors meet at noon in the W.L. Hansen Building in Yakima. Call 453-4837.
Thursday
The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council’s grower division annual meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Lion in Lewiston. Farmers will be told about world markets including China, Korea, Brazil, Thailand, the Phillipines and North Africa. Dr. Neil Meyer of the University of Idaho will discuss why Canada can produce peas and lentils more cheaply than the U.S.
The Hispanic Business and Professional Association will hold its monthly lunch meeting at noon at Cavanaughs Fourth Avenue. Visitors welcome, reservations not required. Call 891-0625.
Spokane Chapter 143 of the National Association of Women in Construction hold their Fifth Annual Benefit Auction at the Ridpath. The auction includes a variety of items provided by Mead Middle School Choral Group. They will also be collecting for the Toys for Tots campaign. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. Cost: $22. For reservations and information call Dotty Parkhurst at 535-3531.
Friday
Dr. C.S. Um, director-general of Investment and Trade for Ulsan Metropolitan City in Korea, discusses trade issues from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, 801 W. Riverside. Call 459-4123.
U.S. Labor Department releases producer prices for November. ON THE SHELF Money.com, fall 1998, winter 1999 issue: Cover story explores the rapidly growing Internet real estate industry, including best real estate sites, finding a neighborhood and getting a mortgage. Consumer Reports, December issue: Just in time for the yule season, the magazine offers its picks for best computer values.
Sharing the wealth Nearly all of the nation’s wealthiest residents give to charity, according to a survey by U.S. Trust Co. of California. Here are other findings: The top 1 percent of American households furnished 25 percent of all personal giving last year - a total of about $27 billion. The wealthiest people in the U.S. gave an average of 8 percent of their after-tax income, or about $29,400, to charities in 1997.