Laura Kostad

Laura Kostad is a freelance reporter for the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business and Senior Times. After completing her bachelor’s degree in creative writing at the University of Washington in 2015, she moved to Kennewick to pursue new opportunities and launch her career. She has been with the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business since 2017 and has enjoyed getting to know her new community through journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys working on the many book ideas she has and the occasional poem.

Benton-Franklin Title moves into renovated Vista Field office

October 12, 2018

Laura Kostad

After more than 30 years at its Clearwater Avenue location, Benton-Franklin Title Co. has moved into a newly renovated, larger space at 510 N. Colorado St. in Kennewick where it will continue to provide “one stop” title and escrow services to the Tri-City community.“We wanted to be out here in...

Bath Fitter expands into Clearwater Avenue shop

October 12, 2018

Laura Kostad

Bath Fitter Central Washington has more than tripled its space with a move to a higher traffic shop at 4207 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick.The new location provides Bath Fitter with 3,300 square feet that includes a 1,000-square-foot showroom to stage seven full-size bath/shower setups representing their product lines, an...

New sports bar and grill to feature rustic industrial look, unique menu

October 9, 2018

Laura Kostad

A new bar and grill is under construction near the Leslie Road roundabout at the west end of West Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick.Silo’s Sports Bar and Grill’s doors are expected to open in mid- to late January in this rapidly expanding edge of town near Interstate 82 at 12125 W....

Tri-Cities’ second Grocery Outlet opens on Road 68

September 13, 2018

Laura Kostad

A line of hundreds of eager customers waited patiently for Pasco’s newest grocery store to open.The Black Friday-like line outside the new Grocery Outlet extended past the adjacent Planet Fitness and Dollar Tree stores that opened earlier this summer and wrapped around the corner of the building.Some waited for more...

Small Business Development Center returning to Kennewick

September 13, 2018

Laura Kostad

New businesses are opening up left and right in Tri-Cities, while existing ones continue to grow and expand, with new development opportunities like the Vista Field overhaul and other, smaller scale projects on the horizon.But there’s a lot of nuance inherent in starting a new business or expanding an existing...

Kennewick startup develops payment transaction solution for small businesses

September 13, 2018

Laura Kostad

Small businesses face a lot of challenges. And the least of business owners’ worries should be accepting payments from customers.In the modern era of chip cards, cryptocurrencies, Apple Pay, and other emerging payment methods, processing transactions can be a tedious and frustrating part of running a business.That’s where Kennewick’s BlockChyp...

Improved database enables new analytical capabilities for Richland manufacturer

September 13, 2018

Laura Kostad

It turns out data analysis isn’t just a game for number crunchers. For one Richland manufacturer, it’s also a means of finding new ways to improve medical devices and equipment.During the nearly 20 years that SIGN Fracture Care International has been treating patients worldwide, the company’s vast network of surgeons...

New riverside retail space under construction on George Washington Way

September 13, 2018

Laura Kostad

More coveted waterfront retail space will be available in early spring along Richland’s George Washington Way.The new 11,062-square-foot strip mall will cater to retailers and restauranteurs.Ground was broken in mid-August, and general contractor on the project, O’Brien Construction Company Inc., estimates a six-month construction period, with completion planned for February...

New loan program aims to help businesses owned by women, minorities

August 14, 2018

Laura Kostad

Have an idea for a new business start-up or dreaming of expansion, but having trouble securing the funding to move forward? The Benton-Franklin Council of Governments may be able to help.Last year, the intergovernmental organization launched a new loan program intended to help women- and minority-owned businesses with micro-loans up...

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce poised for ‘that next big step’

August 14, 2018

Laura Kostad

The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce continues to seek new members as the organization expands its presence throughout the Tri-Cities and becomes involved with more regional and state-level committees that work to serve the needs of the Latino business community.“We’re the largest we’ve been and the strongest we’ve been financially,...