The current business climate in our region is better than that of the national economy. We have managed to be somewhat insulated from the worst of the effects that have taken place elsewhere. While I don’t believe that we’ve seen the worst, I do believe that, in large part because of our economic-development efforts during the past two decades, we will be spared the worst of the current recession.

We have a good mix of businesses and industry. We have a diverse work force and a number of good education institutions in the Inland Northwest. I think the future is bright. Overall, our regional economy is built to sustain us through challenges.

I am the champion of defining what’s important at LeMaster Daniels. First and foremost, I confirm the significance of living by our core values. Public accounting serves a crucial role in representing the financial health of businesses. We must uphold that responsibility. Second, I lead the effort to promote our brand: expertise that counts, a partnership approach and achieve what’s next!  Everyone in our firm must know that those elements represent who we are and will be as an organization.

For NAC|Architecture, Spokane’s business climate has remained strong through the present, but there are certainly many signs that suggest opportunities will be less robust in the short-term future. Spokane has proven resilient throughout its history; as such, I expect business will remain relatively stable during the short-term future and again gain strength as the country’s overall economy improves.