Articles by Robin Wojtanik
Crane repair company expands
Tri-City footprint
A 51-year-old crane repair company recently opened its second location in the Tri-Cities. WHECO Corp. started out as a parts supplier in Dayton and then expanded to six facilities across the U.S. over the decades, along with a rebuild center in the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. The Pasco site at 525 S.…
Area manufacturing jobs rebound but not to pre-pandemic levels
The state predicts the number of manufacturing jobs will drop in the next decade, yet industry groups intend to do everything they can to not only buck that trend but double the number of both manufacturing positions and manufacturing companies in Washington. “If the Legislature does nothing, we will have fewer manufacturing jobs,” said Dave…
Demand for truckers keeps CDL schools ‘busier than ever’
Truck drivers are in demand for jobs based in the Tri-Cities. Teresa Maki, who has been in business for more than 30 years as owner of T Enterprises, a Pasco private trucking school certified in Commercial Driving License (CDL) training by the state Department of Licensing, said her enrollment has almost doubled since 2020. “The…
Roundabout to alleviate Hanford traffic delayed until next year
A roundabout planned to alleviate Hanford traffic in north Richland is now delayed until next spring. A traffic circle is planned at the intersection of Highways 240 and 225 and Route 10 adjacent to the Hanford nuclear site. “There’s been a lot of near misses in the area and also a lot of congestion, especially…
Tri-City businesses find success with new locations in Spokane
While many business owners felt fortunate to have emerged from the pandemic still operating, a handful of Tri-City entrepreneurs decided to take the plunge and expand – often to Spokane. After noticing other businesses entering the market two hours north, Rich Breshears of Breshears Professional Photography jokingly questioned, “Is that the new black – to…
Longtime community leader works to make an impact
Chauné Fitzgerald continues to make a mark on the Tri-City community through her volunteer work and advocacy, operating her own business and starting a successful nonprofit. She’s also working to launch a Tri-City chapter of the Washington African American Chamber of Commerce. But the Richland entrepreneur says she regularly feels unseen or invisible and works…
Food truck pavilion targets spring opening
First stop – Kennewick. Followed by the remainder of the Tri-Cities, every college town, and then the rest of America. Chris Corbin’s dream for his food truck pavilion has no bounds – and why should it? He’s already overcome a huge obstacle by cementing private financing for the $3.5 million development after getting turned down…
As pandemic pushes people to be healthier, pharmacy is ready to help
Since the start of the pandemic, Malley’s Compounding Pharmacy has weathered a prescription-filling rush, a shutdown, a slowdown and then a shift to steady business with more customers focused on prioritizing health and wellness, including adding more supplements to their routine. “We’ve seen an increase in business with people just wanting to be healthier,” said…
Tri-Cities’ largest gyms see mixed demand in wake of pandemic
The largest fitness centers in the Tri-Cities are seeing mixed results on membership numbers since getting the green light to reopen after initial Covid-related shutdowns. At a time of year when gyms tend to see a boom of interest from those with a “new year, new me” mentality, CBRC Health & Wellness Clinic in Richland…
Richland improves metering efficiency, renewable energy use
Richland is preparing to launch final testing of a new utility metering system prior to its rollout in 2022, ending the need for dedicated meter readers to visit the 27,000 homes and businesses throughout the city. Officials hope to have new electric and water meters installed in most locations by the end of next year.…
