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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Business in brief: Ranking finds low costs in city

Spokane’s cost of living remains well below the national average and ranks as third-lowest among a group of similarly sized cities, according to a survey of key factors such as health, transportation and food.

Among 11 similarly sized metro areas, Spokane ranked third lowest in overall cost of living, based on numbers compiled through a partnership between Greater Spokane Inc. and Eastern Washington University.

Using six categories of goods and services, Spokane’s second quarter 2009 cost of living index was 93.6. The national average for the second quarter is 100.

The two cities lower than Spokane are Colorado Springs (92.1) and Mobile, Ala. (93.5).

The eight more expensive cities in the peer group are Boise (95.8); Albuquerque (96.1); Salt Lake City (100); Tucson (101.0); Raleigh, N.C. (101.5); Reno (105.1); Tacoma (108.8); and Portland (120.0).

For additional community economic data, visit EWU’s Community Indicators Initiative at www.community indicators.ewu.edu.

Tom Sowa

Magazine folds, seeks investors

Spokane Metro Magazine, launched in spring 2008 by Spokane residents Collin and Amy Klamper, has ceased publication. The August issue, according to an e-mail sent to supporters, is the final issue for now.

In the e-mail, publisher Collin Klamper wrote, “We’ve worked hard to raise the standard – we’ve won a few awards, made some noise and had plenty of fun – but today the time has come for us to close the curtains, and assess our options for the future.”

On the magazine’s Facebook page, Klamper wrote: “It is our goal to maintain Metro’s vibrant presence in the Spokane community. Unfortunately, to get to that point we’re going to have to undergo some restructuring.”

Magazine writer Eric Klamper, Collin Klamper’s brother, said in a separate e-mail that the magazine is seeking investors or buyers.

Tom Sowa

GM dealers put vehicles on eBay

SAN FRANCISCO – Hundreds of General Motors’ California dealers will let consumers haggle over the prices of new cars and trucks through the eBay online marketplace under a trial that begins today.

About 225 of California’s 250 GM dealers are set to take part in the program. They will be selling Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac vehicles on co-branded Web sites through eBay Inc.’s online auto marketplace, eBay Motors, until Sept. 8. The cars will also be searchable through eBay Motors and eBay’s main site.

Associated Press