By Michelle DuplerWhen the leaders of Columbia Community Church in Richland started planning an expansion, they knew they’d likely have to finance a portion of the $3.2 million construction project.What they didn’t anticipate were the challenges they’d face in obtaining a construction loan at terms within their comfort zone.“At the...
By Laura KostadA digitally-focused credit union has opened its first Tri-Cities office to reach personal and commercial customers in the busy Queensgate Drive area in Richland.[blockquote quote="Our objective is to become a digital credit union." source="Gene DeLuca, vice president of new market development, Solarity Credit Union" align="right" max_width="300px"]Solarity Credit Union...
By Megan NicholsParents often wonder how their income and assets will impact their child’s eligibility to receive financial aid. Megan Nichols,HFG TrustNearly every student is eligible for some form of financial aid, even if it isn’t needs-based. Colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, as well...
By Michelle DuplerPeoples Bank recently opted to close a Kennewick loan production office on West Gage Boulevard with little fanfare.A statement from the bank described the location as a “small commercial loan production office” and “not a customer-facing branch.”The bank declined to say why the office closed, only that the...
By Laura KostadInland Northwest Bank opened its first permanent Tri-City branch last month in Kennewick.The bank has been conducting business in the Tri-Cities since September in a temporary office at 1350 Spaulding Ave. in Richland while construction was completed on a new 2,000-square-foot office in Center Vision Clinic’s new building...
By Laura KostadNorthwest Farm Credit Services is moving into the bustling commercial area near Broadmoor Boulevard and Sandifur Parkway in Pasco.The Spokane-based company has been making headway on the construction of its new $3 million building at 9915 St. Thomas Drive near the Road 100 exit. It is set to...
What does the new Trump administration in the White House mean to the banking industry and region’s economy?It’s too early to tell.But two banking industry experts have simple advice for local business owners: keep your eye on what you do best.“There’s lot of noise in the media. … Focus on...
Roberta Hollinshead may be the first woman in the state’s history to lead the Department of Financial Institutions’ Division of Banks, but she credits her knowledge of the industry—both challenges and opportunities—for setting her apart. Roberta Hollinshead, who worked for more than 15 years with the state Department of Financial...
By Berta GabbardWith the new year well underway and a new administration in the White House, many business owners in the greater Tri-Cities area are looking to maintain their stride as we see how the markets respond and evolve. Several owners I work with are actively pursuing plans to grow...
President Donald Trump’s delay of the new U.S. Department of Labor fiduciary rule requiring financial advisers to act in their investors’ best interests might not have its intended effect as some local financial advisers say many firms have already complied with the new standards.The rule would have gone into effect...
