Week in review

TUESDAY

Arguments began

in a case Sterling Financial Corp. filed against the U.S. government, trying to reclaim losses related to the collapse of the savings and loan industry in the 1980s. Sterling took over three troubled thrifts at the government’s request. Then Congress passed a law removing the capital Sterling and others were given in return for their assistance. As a result, Sterling says the government owes it $63 million, while the government places that number closer to $900,000.

“ The former president and CEO of SprayCool Inc. has joined Greater Spokane Incorporated as chief operating officer. Jeff Severs will lead economic development and public policy and serve on the executive leadership team.

WEDNESDAY

Spokane’s expanded convention center has booked nearly $76 million in business through 2013 — events that wouldn’t have been possible before the remodel, according to the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau.

THURSDAY

Spokane Valley-based Ecolite Manufacturing Co. has been tapped to fabricate equipment for a new two-megawatt GreenVolts Inc. solar power plant destined for a California utility. The deal is the result of an arrangement between GreenVolts and Pacific Gas and Electric Co., both of San Francisco. GreenVolts’ technology is also scheduled for tests at an Avista Utilities site in Rathdrum.

FRIDAY

Four AT&T retail locations in Spokane and North Idaho offered the much-anticipated Apple iPhone, launching sales, along with stores nationwide, at the scheduled release time of 6 p.m. By the time the new cell phone, which combines MP3 and video features with Internet browsing, landed in the hands of consumers, people in major cities, such as New York, had waited in line outside stores for days to get one of the most-hyped technology gadgets in recent history.

“ Spokane biotechnology company, GenPrime Inc., plans to use a $500,000 loan from a fund for regional technology companies to finance field testing and marketing of its new product — a rapid test for bacteria in blood platelet supplies. The company still is waiting for federal approval of its product, which is expected within three months.

Saturday

A commercial kitchen at Spokane International Airport, is closing for good this weekend after 20 years of serving as an affordable rental where owners of small businesses could prepare their food products.