Programs are adapted to group research interests. Spokane's leading industries are electronics, computer software and hardware, metal fabrication, lumber, agribusiness and food processing, light machinery, medical services, pharmaceuticals, banking services, architecture, biotechnologies, and environmental technologies. Prior participants include the China Association for Science and Technology, the Jilin City Economic Planning Bureau, the Pinghu County Development Corporation of Shanghai, and the Erhou Association of Science and Technology. Certificate Executive Seminars in Management Invited executives draw upon real cases to prepare strategic corporate plans guided by renowned experts in the field. Lecturers may include such outstanding professionals as Dr. Philip Grub, emeritus professor of international management at George Washington University, and Mr. K. Shamsudden, senior vice president, Foreign Exchange Department, SeaFirst Bank, Seattle.
Students acquire experience and earn stipends while companies receive professional reports.
Successful research projects off-site have been conducted with Spokane Steel Industry, United Parcel Service, CXT Corporation, The City of Spokane, the Spokane Chamber's Business Information Center, the Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance, and the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute. Companies also contract for student interns. Leadership contracts are drawn up with company requirements stipulated. Internships take place at company sites and constitute no fewer than 80 hours of work. The program affords students exposure to corporate culture and management activities.