Week in review

MONDAY

LinkedIn, a social networking site for business people, offers some Inland Northwest users contacts they wouldn’t otherwise have.

TUESDAY

Credit card customers of retailer T.J. Maxx began to learn of the potential breach of their financial information after hackers broke into the retailer’s security system last month. The Washington Credit Union League was advising those affected to get new cards with new numbers.

“Pfizer Inc. announced it will cut 10,000 jobs and close at least five facilities to cut annual costs by up to $2 billion. The drug company is undergoing severe competition from manufacturers of generic alternatives.

WEDNESDAY

Though the number of homes sold in Spokane and Kootenai counties dropped in 2006, when compared with 2005, the average price continued to rise in both markets. Economists attributed the rising prices to job growth, a shortage of starter homes on the market and other factors.

“A new bank, Community 1st, is scheduled to open in Post Falls in an old post office building. Pending regulatory approval, the bank could open as early as April.

THURSDAY

Ford Motor Co. was poised to post its worst annual loss in its 103-year history, with analysts citing minimal sales of F-series pickup trucks and truck-based sport utility vehicles. McDonald’s, meanwhile, watched its fourth-quarter profits double.

FRIDAY

A real estate appraisal system piloted in Spokane is being rolled out in cities nationwide. Zaio Corp.’s GeoPic database provides local appraisers and lenders with instant access to comprehensive appraisals of a region, reducing the amount of time needed to finalize home sales.

“The Coeur d’Alene Resort and Lakeland School District are starting a two-year program to introduce students to careers in hospitality, Idaho’s third-largest industry.

“Churchill’s Steakhouse is expected to open in April in the former Joel Inc. building in downtown Spokane. A group of investors raised $2.5 million to buy the space and create the high-end restaurant.