By Mary CoffmanMore than 84.6 million pounds of hops were grown in Washington in 2021, a 14.1% increase over 2020.“We were all kind of surprised to see a record crop last year, after the spring heat dome, which hit when the vines were vulnerable,” said Maggie Elliot, science and communications...
Thanks to a very wet April, the Pacific Northwest has a lot of water.That’s potentially great news for water users.After declaring a drought in the Mid-Columbia on July 14, 2021, the Washington Department of Ecology downgraded Benton and Franklin counties to “drought advisory” status in late May.Five watersheds spanning parts...
A new building in north Richland will bring the region’s atomic history under one roof and, officials hope, welcome tourists drawn by the community’s accomplishments in science, technology, engineering and math.The Port of Benton secured a permit to build a $2 million home for the Hanford History Project, currently housed...
A pair of homebuilders is drawing attention to east Pasco not as a center for warehouses and food processors, but as a hot spot for new homes with above-average price tags.The two builders – Ramgar Homes and Empire Bros Construction – are building homes with prices approaching $400,000 near East...
Basin Department Store, Kennewick’s source of work and safety equipment for nearly seven decades, is for sale.Stuart Logg has worked for the family business started by his father, Don, for 60 of its 69 years and says he’s ready to enjoy a relaxed retirement.The asking price of $1.95 million includes...
The U.S. Small Business Administration is refocusing its work after an all-hands-on-deck campaign delivered billions in pandemic relief to American businesses, including $11 billion in Washington state.It is a “staggering” figure, said Mike Fong, the newly appointed director for Region X, covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.In Washington, SBA awarded...
L&I: Washington workers are due overtime payThe Washington State Department of Labor and Industries reminds employers that most workers are entitled to overtime pay, starting after they work 40 hours in a seven-day workweek.Overtime is a protected right that workers cannot waive.Most hourly, piece rate and commissioned employees, as well...
The big story in east Pasco lately has been, well, big. Amazon, Darigold, Local Bounti, Reser’s.We are pleased to add homebuilding to the list.In the June edition of the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, we spoke with homebuilders who saw an opportunity in an area that is often overlooked.Homebuilding is...
It’s hard to prepare for the future if you’re only checking the rearview mirror.That’s why the AWB Institute has launched a new tool called FutureCast to provide employers, policymakers and community leaders with a forward-looking view of how growth is likely to affect Washington state and every community within it.The...
Before the Covid-19 pandemic rocked the world, factory workers were humming along assembling products just after components were delivered. It was called “just-in-time” production. It was efficient, predictable and cost effective.Today, companies scramble just to find parts, lock in purchases (and hopefully prices) and work around estimated delivery schedules. It...
