EWU economist headed to Avista; Barcus retiring

Two of the Inland Northwest’s most well-known economists are shifting responsibilities, with Eastern Washington University professor Grant Forsyth becoming chief economist at Avista Corp., and Randy Barcus, who has held that position for many years, retiring. Avista’s chief economists provide economic forecasts in the company’s three-state service territory for electric and natural gas usage, the Spokane utility said in a news release. Forsyth has taught economics at EWU for more than a decade. He also serves on the Washington Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors and the Spokane Mayor’s Council on Economic Policy and Forecasting. Barcus, who provides frequent commentary on economic conditions in the region, will retire in July after 33 years at Avista. He plans to continue teaching economics at the college level, the news release said.