SEATTLE-Citing a significantly changed and expanded operation, the publicly traded real estate investment trust opts to replace the independent public accounting firm that has handled its books since the company went public in 1989.

OLYMPIA, WA-The state Department of Labor and Industries has proposed a hike in the fees it imposes upon builders and contractors for mandated services, such as inspections.

TUKWILA, WA-The state's largest shopping mall recently got new owners. Now it has a new name--Westfield Shoppingtown Center. The name change became official when the deal was finalized last week.

SPOKANE, WA-The acquisition of Red Lion Inns helps the locally-based see a rise in revenues for the quarter ending March 31. During those three months, total revenue rose $50.9%.

SEATTLE-The locally-based provider of communication services has retained the Northwest Atlantic Group to oversee the site selection and leasing process of more than 100 new stores in California and Nevada.

SPOKANE, WA-Gonzaga University launches a $119 million fund raising campaign to pay for the largest endowment and construction initiative in the university's 115-year history.

SPOKANE, WA-A Hilton Hotels Corp. franchiser opens the second Hilton Garden Inn in the area. The 120-room hotel adds to the brand's collection of more than 125 such facilities across North America.

EVERETT, WA-The backpack maker moves into its North American distribution facility that is more than double the size of the old one. The new building gives the company about 30 percent more capacity for processing orders.