By Kris JohnsonThe state Legislature took longer than anyone wanted to finish its priority project – the two-year state operating budget. Kris Johnson, Association of Washington BusinessNone of us wanted to see that, but good results came of that extra time: a bipartisan budget and tax plan that not only...
By Robin WojtanikAn entrepreneurial spirit, combined with ingenuity and determination has helped Salina Savage grow her Richland-based business to the point where she may no longer be designated a small business.She’s had help along the way from the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, or OMWBE.The Olympia-based...
As a Spanish interpreter traveling throughout the Tri-Cities and eastern Oregon for more than 20 years, Flor Garza Gutierrez noticed a distinct need for interpreters.During her decades of interpreting for several agencies, she made notes about these needs, names and phone numbers of associates and jotted down business ideas. She...
By Michelle DuplerAfter a year of discussion, the Kennewick Diversity Commission has an eye on making a report to the city council this fall on the state of diversity in the city and its recommendations for promoting inclusiveness.Commission Chairwoman Zelma Maine Jackson said the group recently concluded a citizen survey...
The hospice team members dispatched to assist Hispanic families caring for a dying loved one know they must use a different approach to earn their trust.The Chaplaincy Health Care team knows it’s best to seek out the patriarch of the family and use titles like “Señor” or “Señora” until given...
By Marilou SheaPotatoes are a way of life around the Tri-Cities. Marilou Shea,Food Truck AcademyWashington state potato farmers produce 23 percent of all potatoes in the nation, from the russet family where the Russet Burbank, Umatilla and Russet Ranger make up a good deal of the French fries in McDonald’s...
By Don C. BrunellSo far this year, a trio of unexpected deaths has shocked Washington business and agriculture. Melanie Dressel, Ron Reimann and Jeff Brotman leave behind large shoes to fill. Don C. BrunellThey came from vastly different backgrounds and political perspectives, yet it was their diversity, ingenuity and drive...
Owner of Tri-City Dental Care also designs, sells neckties with nephewRichland’s Antonio Lopez-Ibarra runs a relatively new dental practice, Tri-City Dental Care, in the Southridge area. Dr. Antonio Lopez-Ibarra, a Kennewick dentist, shows off some of the neckties he and his nephew design and sell. He and Noel Lopez own...
By Robin WojtanikSomewhere between a bath tub, a hot tub and the Dead Sea lie the sensory deprivation tanks at Float Euphoria that allow visitors to float the real world away for up to 90 minutes at a time.The new wellness spa recently opened in Kennewick in the former Twin...
By Robin WojtanikJournalism usually requires the reporter to stay out of the story, but sometimes you can’t explain a new experience without experiencing it yourself. That’s why I packed a swimsuit for the first time on an assignment. I wanted to climb into the float pod to offer a firsthand...
