Success stories heard at rally

Representatives from three local companies specializing in emerging technologies shared their success stories at an economic rally in Spokane Valley on Wednesday.

The rally, sponsored by the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Spokane Area Economic Development Council, attracted around 100 people who heard presentations by Donald Stalter, CEO of Vivato; Jeff Brown, vice president of commercial markets for Next IT Corp.; and Jeff Severs, president of Isothermal Systems Research.

Next IT is a software company that creates artificial intelligence programs designed to improve interactions between people and computers. Isothermal Systems Research designed a high-tech cooling system for electronic components used by the military and private industry. Vivato specializes in wireless technology.

“It’s pretty impressive to me that businesses in the little town of Spokane are having a successful impact on the world,” said one attendee, Ed Lewis, of Stonebraker McQuary Agency Group.

Alicia Dybdahl, career service representative for ITT Technical Institute, said she attended to keep abreast of the companies’ technological needs “so we can provide a quality work force.”

The three executives said they were pleased with the availability of technological expertise in the area. However, Stalter said he’d like to connect with more professionals who have global marketing skills.

This is the first time the Spokane Valley economic forum has been held. Organizers are considering offering a similar forum on world markets in the fall.