As a result, says Mark Turner, president of the Spokane Area Economic Council, the bulk of manufacturing in the area is now electronic or high-tech oriented. "Of the top 12 manufacturers (here), eight are technology based," says Turner, dropping names like Cisco Systems and Key Tronic Corp. Turner says the recent growth among local manufacturers is creating a ripple effect and fostering economic activity throughout the high-tech sector. "Clusters of suppliers and vendors are growing in Spokane, which will help (the EDC) better meet the needs in technology-based business and spur future growth," says Turner.

Another spokesperson at the EDC tells GlobeSt that two of Spokane's attractions are its relative proximity to Seattle combined with its significantly lower costs of doing business, including cheaper land and lease rates. Here's a look at some companies that already have taken advantage of the lower costs:

* Avista Development and Wells & Co. have teamed up to convert a former Roadway Inn to a high-tech office building on 827 W First. The $4.5 million project will contain 32,000 sf with infrastructure scaled to meet the needs of its target tenants: high-tech.