State hospitality grants now availableThe Washington State Department of Commerce announced plans to award $100 million in hospitality and lodging grants.The program will award one-time grants to eligible restaurants, hotels, motels and other small hospitality businesses in the state that were negatively impacted by the Covid-19 public health crisis.Grants are...

Transit extends service to east Pasco, Amazon warehousesBen Franklin Transit has extended Pasco’s Route 64 service to include the new Amazon warehouses, as well as the communities of Tierra Vida and Lakeview near Highway 12 in Pasco.The service, which launched March 12, will provide greater access to public transportation for...

Are Tri-City business leaders and employees feeling grim that the region’s business climate isn’t improving?A recent survey suggests they might be.Business leaders and employees surveyed in Washington, Oregon and Idaho are becoming increasingly concerned the regional economy isn’t getting better, with 29% of leaders and 44% of employees reporting it...

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites are now open and ready to help prepare and e-file personal tax returns for the first time in three years.The free tax service is available to all taxpayers. AARP membership is not required.The service includes federal personal tax returns as well as the new Washington Working...

The Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa in Hood River, Oregon, recently unveiled its new look after a multimillion-dollar renovation.The 42-room property is managed by A-1 Hospitality Group of Kennewick, and the historic renovations were completed by InnSpace of Kalispell, Montana.The four-story hotel is at 4000 Westcliff Drive in the Columbia...

General Manager, Legends CasinoLetisha PetersonNumber of employees you oversee: 700Brief background of Legends:Yakama Nation Legends Casino opened in May 1998, and we’re excited to celebrate 25 years in 2023. The casino has grown steadily since our opening, and we’ve taken the time to plan and build the necessary infrastructure along...

To submit a promotion, new hire, award or donation, go to: tcjournal.biz/customer-service/submit-news.NEW HIRES Sara Schilling joined the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business as a reporter. The Kennewick native has 15 years of experience as a journalist. The Tri-City Herald hired her in 2004 after she completed a successful internship. She...

Idaho Central Credit Union buys land in KennewickIdaho Central Credit Union bought 1.5 acres of commercial land at 3720 S. Zintel Way in Kennewick.Credit union officials said they didn’t have any details to share about timelines to develop the property in the Southridge area.The credit union paid $784,000 for the...

Construction is underway on a network of electric vehicle charging stations along the White Pass Scenic Byway on Highway 12.The network will include eight new EV charging stations from Chehalis to White Pass Ski Area, each equipped with at least one Level 3 fast charger and one Level 2 charger.All...

Documents filed under Washington’s environmental review process reveal a list of projects in the works for the Mid-Columbia.The State Environmental Review Act, or SEPA, often provides the first look at the mixed-use projects, mini storage facilities, apartments, industrial expansions, subdivisions and more that are working their way through the various...