President, Tri-CU Credit Union (formerly Tri-Cities Community Federal Credit Union)Number of employeesyou oversee:17Brief background ofyour business:Tri-CU (formerlyTri-Cities Community Federal Credit Union) is the only small local credit unionin the Tri-Cities, originally founded in 1969 by the IBEW #112 ElectriciansUnion, right here in Kennewick. We have grown rapidly the last decade,...

By Virginia Thomas / Spokane Journal of BusinessWashington financial institutions and regulators say they’re closely watching several pieces of federal legislation regarding cannabis that could impact how banks and credit unions handle banking for the cannabis industry.Some, however, aren’t optimistic that such legislation willmake it through the legislative process. Washington...

By D. Patrick JonesNearly every reader of this column has a relationship with a bank, credit union, mortgage lender or maybe a combination. The financial system of the U.S. is widely celebrated for contributing to our country’s economic success. What’s true nationally is true locally.D. Patrick Jones, Eastern Washington University’s...

Spokane-basedNumerica Credit Union is building a new branch off Road 100 in Pasco.The 3,152-square-footnew office at 4845 Broadmoor Blvd. will replace the credit union’s626-square-foot branch at 4820 N. Road 68, which opened in 2007 inside Walmart.“This branchwill be much more convenient for our members,” said Kelli Hawkins, publicrelations manager at...

A planned merger of Gesa Credit Union and Seattle-based Inspirus Credit Union recently received approval from state and federal regulators.And Inspirus Credit Union members voted in favor of merging with Gesa on July 23. The official merger date is Aug. 1, and Inspirus Credit Union will begin operating as a...

By D. Patrick JonesRemember the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid?” It certainly is true when assessing the state of regional lending. Let’s walk through what the economy does for the regional financial sector. But first, a word about the sector.The “credit intermediation” industry – largely banks and credit unions –...

Eric Pearson, CEO of Community First BankBrief background of your business:Community First Bank started 20 years ago and is the only locally-owned bank in the Tri-City market. We specialize in commercial, mortgage and construction lending, as well as banking for clients who desire a consultative relationship with their financial institution....

By Kris JohnsonIt isn’t just the decisions made in Olympia that impact the economy in Washington state. What happens in the “other” Washington can also affect employers, their employees and our families.Everything from health care to trade and immigration to taxes are increasingly impacted by what happens — or doesn’t...

By Beau RuffYou can do whatever you want with your money and assets but when charged with caring for another person’s money and assets, a body of law provides guidance on how you should proceed. Enter the prudent investor rule.I am not talking about financial planners and wealth management companies,...