Reviving downtown Spokane
Interview with Jill Smith, entrepreneur and property developer

From specialty foods (Buckeye Beans & Herbs) to industrial hemp (EarthGoods), you have enjoyed great success. What is your secret?

"I'm extremely lucky, and my motto is, `True talent is recognizing luck when it happens.' Entrepreneurship is about seeing opportunities that other people don't see for some reason."

Will 2003 be better than 2002 for downtown Spokane?

"Absolutely. Right now, Spokane is seen (by outsiders) as a city of opportunity because we have a nice downtown. It's amazing how many cities don't have that."

What do you plan for the buildings you own along Railroad Alley, just south of First?

"We're planning to bring back the old Second City concept of a business incubator. Part of it will be ground-level retail -- small shops, boutiques, galleries, coffee houses -- with the upper floors devoted to offices, living spaces and artist studios."

What could threaten downtown's revival?

"People not believing in Spokane -- if we become Spok-can't instead of Spokane. If people decide to make Spokane great, it will be great."

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