How is Spokane being affected by the national recession? Is there hope that things will pick up for the local job, retail sales and housing markets in the near future? Spokane City Forum is kicking off our thirteenth season with a panel discussion about the region’s current economic climate and the collaborative efforts underway to continue Spokane’s progressive development. Moderated by Greater Spokane Inc. COO Jeff Severs, the panel will feature Chancellor Brian Pitcher from WSU Spokane discussing the continued growth and importance of the U-District, representatives from the multi-use development, the Hawkstone Project, SIRTI and other speakers from the business community.

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

C.A.T.C.H is an award winning Homeless Assistance Program in Boise, ID. Director Greg Morris will present it’s history, discuss why it resonates with so many community stakeholders, and why the issue of homelessness has emerged as a crisis in our cities. Morris will share the collaborative approach used by the C.A.T.C.H. program, integrating Government, Businesses and Faith Communities and explain how this model can be replicated in other communities. In 2001, he moved to Boise and supervised the Hays Shelter Home for runaways and homeless youth and then managed the Community House Homeless Shelter for the City of Boise.

In July 2005, Gonzaga University School of Law welcomed Earl Martin as law school dean. Since his appointment, the law school has undergone an overhaul of the law school curriculum and has enhanced its national reputation. The product of a family of attorneys, Martin clearly understands the responsibilities of a modern law school dean and his vitality and vision are helping to shape the direction of the Gonzaga University School of Law in the 21st Century. In addition to his law school duties, Martin has recently been appointed as Acting Academic Vice President for the university. He, along with the academic deans and department heads, will support and advocate for the academic life of Gonzaga. Martin will share his thoughts on the future of legal education both locally and nationwide.

Having retired in April of 2009, after 37-years with the Foreign Service, Ambassador Crocker will share his unique and experienced views on events in the Middle East and how they may impact U.S. Policy. Ambassador Crocker served as Ambassador to Iraq, and has been an Ambassador to Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon. He has also had assignments in Baghdad, Iran, Qatar, and Egypt, as well as Washington. Ambassador Crocker was born and now resides in Spokane. He has a degree from Whitman College and holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

In October 2008, Community Health Systems, a publicly traded for-profit hospital system purchased Empire Health Services, including Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital. As a result of this transaction, Empire Health Foundation was created to manage and ensure that the charitable mission of Empire Health Services lives on in perpetuity. Michael Senske will share the mission and responsibilities of Empire Health Foundation and give us a glimpse of the work and goals of the Foundation.

Since 2002, Coaches vs. Cancer has donated millions of dollars locally. A joint effort by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society, Coaches vs. Cancer empowers teams and local communities to help win the fight against cancer. The Few’s will speak about the Spokane organization’s efforts and how it has positively affected lives. The couple were named recipients of the Dell and John Wooden Coaching Achievement Award in June, 2008, by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame based in Boise, Idaho. The award, begun in 2003, is presented to a coach, along with his or her spouse, who have made exceptional contributions to their community as well as to their players and their futures.