Guest Contributor, Author at Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

State sales of marijuana have topped $1.7 billion, but marijuana remains classified as an illegal Schedule I controlled substance under federal law — the highest and most serious tier. This presents tax and banking challenges for business owners. (Courtesy Michael Schroeder of AgingEnt.com)

Thriving marijuana businesses face sober financial realities

By Michelle Dupler Marijuana retail sales were a nearly $1.7 billion business in Washington in the 2016 fiscal year, but business owners who are still technically breaking federal drug laws are left to ponder, “What do we do with the money?” For Steve Lee, owner of Finley-based Green2Go, the answer is to re-invest some of […]

Finley pot shop moving to larger space

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Michelle Dupler The legal marijuana business is booming for Finley-based Green2Go. The retail shop soon will move to a larger space where it can accommodate more cash registers and more customers. Green2Go obtained a $78,200 building permit for a commercial remodel of the property at 214307 E. Highway 397. Owner Steve Lee said the […]

The 1978 Leonetti Cab is hailed as one of the greatest wines in Washington history. (Courtesy Andy Perdue/Great Northwest Wine)

Kennewick man donates rare wine collection to charity auction

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Andy Perdue A complete vertical of Leonetti Cellar’s legendary Cabernet Sauvignon — including perhaps the single most important wine ever made in Washington — will go up for bid at the 30th annual Auction of Washington Wines. The Auction of Washington Wines takes place Aug. 17-19 on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle in […]

Selling property with a real estate contract is powerful tool

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Beau Ruff If a person proposes to sell real property (land, house, buildings, etc.), the best option is to receive a full cash offer. In this case, whether some or all of the purchase price is financed, the seller still receives all of the value of the property at closing and the seller’s risk […]

Where do we go from here to provide a Hirst fix to Washington families?

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Madilynne Clark “Where do we go from here?” seems to be the question at the top of everyone’s minds, after the failure of the Legislature to find a solution to the problems caused by the Hirst decision. The third special legislative session concluded unceremoniously on July 20 and our elected officials left Olympia without […]

Rural Washington business would benefit from manufacturing tax relief

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Kris Johnson The state Legislature took longer than anyone wanted to finish its priority project – the two-year state operating budget. None of us wanted to see that, but good results came of that extra time: a bipartisan budget and tax plan that not only put record amounts of new dollars — $7.3 billion […]

Mustang Sign Group in Kennewick is a state-certified woman-owned business. Owner Lauran Wang has completed one project because of the designation.

Certifications aim to help women-, minority-owned companies

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Robin Wojtanik An 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 office certifies […]

Kennewick’s new Diversity Commission tackles complex issue

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Michelle Dupler After 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 and is in […]

Potato dynasties supply world with unmatched varieties

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Marilou Shea Potatoes are a way of life around the Tri-Cities. Washington 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 Happy Meals, to red and yellow varieties. […]

Sudden deaths take trio of state’s business, ag leaders

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Don C. Brunell So 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. They came from vastly different backgrounds and political perspectives, yet it was their diversity, ingenuity and drive that makes our state and nation […]