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

H-2A guest worker program helps state address agriculture labor shortage

By Aaron Sparks In a tight agricultural labor market, many Washington state farmers and fruit growers struggle to find workers during harvest season. In Washington, of course, much of the discussion revolves around apples, the state’s top crop, which, at $2.4 billion, accounts for nearly 25 percent of the state’s agricultural production value. Washington leads […]

Karen Jarrett, owner of Sandy’s Fabrics and Machines, inspects the inner workings of one of the sewing machines at the downtown Kennewick shop. Sandy’s has remained relevant and successful at its location at 24 N. Benton St. by adjusting as the industry changed. The store opened in 1977 and expanded to machines in 1981.

Technology stitches solid future for downtown Kennewick store

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Robin Wojtanik The transformation of sewing from a mother’s necessity to a high-tech hobby has kept Sandy’s Fabrics and Machines in business for 40 years. Today, most sewing projects have moved beyond garment making but Sandy’s shows no sign of slowing. The downtown Kennewick store is filled with computers that use a needle and […]

Longship Cellars winemaker Kyle Welch did an internship in Spain and fell in love with Rioja, the famous Tempranillo-based red wine. His first wine, Invader, is a Tempranillo using Destiny Ridge grapes. (Courtesy Wine News Service)

Winery embraces Viking theme, opens tasting room on Richland waterfront

1 week ago by Guest Contributor

By Wine News Service Norway doesn’t have much of a winemaking history, but that doesn’t stand in the way of Kyle Welch, owner of tiny Longship Cellars in Richland. Welch grew up in Pasco, surrounded by Washington’s fast-growing wine industry, but not in it. “I don’t have a history in the wine industry,” he said. […]

Andy Perdue, 52, of Richland, undergoes electric stimulation to kick start his swallowing muscles at Kadlec Regional Medical Center’s In-Patient Rehabilitation. He suffered a stroke in November and said Kadlec’s program played a key role in his recovery.

Stroke patient credits Kadlec’s rehab clinic for playing key role in recovery

2 weeks ago by Guest Contributor

By Andy Perdue Every day since I suffered a stroke on Nov. 12 has been part of my long journey back to recovery. It wasn’t a massive stoke — my doctor gave it a seven on the 1-10 scale — but it left the left side of my body all but useless. Kadlec’s In-Patient Rehabilitation, […]

David, left and Nathan Croskrey stand outside their recently completed Road 44 storage unit project in Pasco. The identical twins have bought, built and sold dozens of properties across the Tri-Cities.

Tri-Cities’ twin ‘Property Brothers’ share real estate success

1 month ago by Guest Contributor

By Robin Wojtanik Tri-Cities’ real-life “Property Brothers,” David and Nathan Croskrey have found success as a team, building, buying and selling properties around the area for decades. But it’s not a business model they would recommend for everyone. The identical twins credit their faith and shared values for fueling their strong partnership. Nearly 25 years […]

Values-based investment growing in Tri-Cities, nationwide

1 month ago by Guest Contributor

By Eleanor Cummins Preparing for retirement isn’t just about getting finances in order. Faith-based financial advisers, whose ranks are rapidly expanding in the Tri-Cities and across the country, say retirement is also a time to reaffirm commitments to family, friends and the causes you believe in. Michelle Clary is one such adviser in Kennewick. Many […]

Don’t be ‘all thumbs’ when it comes to retirement planning

1 month ago by Guest Contributor

By Benjamin Messinger My favorite economics professor started our first class by asking: “What is the purpose of a business?” A classmate called out, “To make a profit.” Our professor replied, “Wrong! The purpose of a business is to MAXIMIZE profit! Making a profit leads to golfing in Ritzville. Maximizing profit leads to scuba diving […]

Terry Chick, who relies on Social Security for his income, mows his own lawn at his Kennewick home to save money. He’s one of a growing number of senior citizens nationwide relying on Social Security as their primary source of income.

More seniors relying on Social Security as main income

1 month ago by Guest Contributor

By Robin Wojtanik Terry Chick is among a growing percentage of Baby Boomers who rely on a Social Security check every month as a main source of income. But it’s not a position he expected to be in after decades of full-time work. “I’ve never been to a financial planner,” he said. Chick’s face may […]

Probate could be avoided with proper planning

1 month ago by Guest Contributor

By Beau Ruff Few words evoke such strong negative imagery as the term “probate.” For most people, they are not sure exactly what probate entails, but they know they want to avoid it at all cost. Contrary to conventional wisdom — and unlike other states — Washington has a simplified and streamlined probate process. Indeed, […]

Dick Boushey walks through his vineyard near Grandview. The longtime grape grower is taking over management of Klipsun Vineyards on Red Mountain, which is considered one of the top vineyards in the state. The 120-acre vineyard was recently bought by Chicago-based Terlato Wines International. (Courtesy Wine News Service)

120-acre Red Mountain vineyard sold to Chicago-based company

1 month ago by Guest Contributor

By Wine News Service A Chicago company recently bought one of Red Mountain’s top vineyards. And one of Washington wine country’s most celebrated grape growers will be managing it. Dick Boushey will be oversee the 120-acre Klipsun Vineyard for Terlato Wines International, a leading importer and marketer. The company also owns such Napa Valley brands […]