Articles by Laura Kostad
E-commerce experts offer tips for navigating digital marketplace
The new storefront is online and to be successful there, it’s best to learn all you can about how to do it. That’s according to James Bledsoe, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration’s eCommerce Innovation Lab in Tacoma. “That’s how people are finding you and finding your products,” Bledsoe said during…
Company creates new position to ‘lean’ into efficiencies
Bouten Construction recently made a progressive business move not often seen among Eastern Washington construction firms, but more common among larger companies across the nation: it hired a director of performance and innovation. “We’ve come to a point now where we’ve grown a little bit in size,” said Tony Spratling, who was appointed to the…
Richland spiritual supply store offers tools, classes for self-discovery
A Richland shop that opened a year ago already has expanded its footprint and offerings with a goal of providing “spirituality for all.” Lotus of the Moon, a metaphysical and spiritual supply store, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. The shop opened in June 2017 using $5,000 in savings and donations inside a 350-square-foot space in…
New mill to convert wheat straw to pulp expects to hire 80 people
Progress is moving forward on Columbia Pulp’s new plant north of Dayton. With a pilot plant starting in July in Pomeroy and the goal of beginning pulp production at the Lyons Ferry operation in the fourth quarter this year, the company is ramping up recruitment efforts. CEO John Begley said the pilot plant “is a…
Kennewick lab provides fast, accurate analysis of ag samples
For more than 35 years, Northwest Agricultural Consultants has been providing the Columbia Basin with quality, in-house soil, plant and water testing services, continually upgrading its equipment and testing methods to deliver fast results. Company President Wade Carter said the accredited lab strives for one-day or better turnaround, processing tens of thousands of samples from…
Hill’s Restaurant and Lounge plans to reopen this fall
Less than a year and a half since a kitchen fire closed Hill’s Restaurant and Lounge in Kennewick, the diner is making a comeback. A majority of the original building has been demolished, but when the restaurant reopens in November, Tri-Citians will once again be able to enjoy their favorite homestyle meals at 24 Vista…
$11.3 million in financing secured for The Commons apartments
Less than a year since construction wrapped up on The Commons at Innovation Center apartments in north Richland, $11.3 million in permanent financing has been secured as the complex closes in on full occupancy. Located in the Tri-Cities Research District across the street from The Lofts apartments, the 95,102-square-foot, 150-unit Commons complex, completed in 2015,…
Adams County to build waste treatment plant to lure food processors
Tri-Cities’ northern neighbor, Adams County, is moving forward with plans for infrastructure to support the growth of its food processing and distribution sectors, based on positive projections for the area’s potential as a low-cost hub for these industries. Results from two recent site selection studies conducted by The Boyd Company, a New Jersey-based consulting service,…
Waste treatment plant project relies on contracts with local businesses
With 79 percent of the Department of Energy’s waste treatment and immobilization plant’s support facilities having transitioned from the construction phase to startup, Bechtel is encouraging local small businesses to contribute their products and services to the project. “More opportunities are becoming available for small businesses as we get up and running, transitioning from traditional…
Tri-Cities’ first animal urgent care clinic opens in Kennewick
The Tri-Cities now has a walk-in veterinary clinic to handle daytime pet emergencies. Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care opened this month in the Southridge area of Kennewick. “We’re trying to fill a gap in the community,” said owner and veterinarian Dr. Sheila Erickson, who explained that previously there was no place in the Tri-Cities…
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Around Town Photo Gallery
Area agriculture producers, processors and industry officials set a new event record by raising more than $91,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest on June 13 at the fifth annual Ag World Golf Classic at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick. Ag World Support Systems was joined by co-hosts Simplot, Lamb Weston, McCain Foods and Potato Growers of Washington to make the 18-hole scramble a success. (Courtesy Ag World Golf Classic)
A Pasco Fire Department uniform serves as a photo backdrop for youngsters at the June 30 Pasco Farmers Market. Department officials were on hand to discuss home fire escape plans, smoke alarms and hands-only CPR, a form of CPR that doesn’t require rescue breathing on adults. (Courtesy Pasco Fire Department)
Jason Lee of Richland, a Navy veteran and union recruiting specialist with UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 598, was busy chasing ducks and geese on a dream hunt in Saskatchewan while filming an upcoming episode of Brotherhood Outdoors TV. He was selected to appear on the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s television series to highlight his work ethic and commitment to the service of his country and community. The episode aired on the Sportsman Channel. (Courtesy Union Sportsmen’s Alliance)
Campers watch their rockets soar June 29 at Washington State University Tri-Cities’ middle school science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, camp in Richland. WSU offered seven camps, with many selling out, including Fantastic Flight, a camp to explore flying machines that included creating catapults, slingshots and rockets. (Courtesy WSU Tri-Cities)
