By Robin WojtanikAn entrepreneurial spirit, combined with ingenuity and determination has helped Salina Savage grow her Richland-based business to the point where she may no longer be designated a small business.She’s had help along the way from the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, or OMWBE.The Olympia-based...
By Michelle DuplerAfter a year of discussion, the Kennewick Diversity Commission has an eye on making a report to the city council this fall on the state of diversity in the city and its recommendations for promoting inclusiveness.Commission Chairwoman Zelma Maine Jackson said the group recently concluded a citizen survey...
By Marilou SheaPotatoes are a way of life around the Tri-Cities. Marilou Shea,Food Truck AcademyWashington state potato farmers produce 23 percent of all potatoes in the nation, from the russet family where the Russet Burbank, Umatilla and Russet Ranger make up a good deal of the French fries in McDonald’s...
By Don C. BrunellSo far this year, a trio of unexpected deaths has shocked Washington business and agriculture. Melanie Dressel, Ron Reimann and Jeff Brotman leave behind large shoes to fill. Don C. BrunellThey came from vastly different backgrounds and political perspectives, yet it was their diversity, ingenuity and drive...
By Robin WojtanikSomewhere between a bath tub, a hot tub and the Dead Sea lie the sensory deprivation tanks at Float Euphoria that allow visitors to float the real world away for up to 90 minutes at a time.The new wellness spa recently opened in Kennewick in the former Twin...
By Robin WojtanikJournalism usually requires the reporter to stay out of the story, but sometimes you can’t explain a new experience without experiencing it yourself. That’s why I packed a swimsuit for the first time on an assignment. I wanted to climb into the float pod to offer a firsthand...
By Robin WojtanikWhether it’s back-to-school lunch supplies or a Thanksgiving turkey, grocery shopping will get more convenient as stores begin to offer curbside pickup.Tri-City Fred Meyer and some Walmart stores expect to offer their version of the service before the end of the year.The Richland Fred Meyer will begin its...
By Andy PerdueThe Tri-Cities’ first commercial kombucha brewery has been established in Kennewick.Joshua Steensland of Kennewick has opened Steensland Family Kombucha. Joshua Steensland of Kennewick opened the Tri-Cities’ first commercial kombucha brewery, Steensland Family Kombucha. Steensland, back, is pictured with his partner Lacey Davis and their children, Angel, Azalea and...
By Robin WojtanikAttend a weekly meeting at Columbia Center Rotary’s event center in Kennewick, and you’ll find a diverse group of members, ranging in both age and profession.The recent fiscal year-end meeting for the local service organization included the announcement of 16 new dues-paying members joining in the last year,...
By Beau RuffThe concept of gifting is simply that you give something to someone or something for no value in return. That is, the donor gives something worth value to the donee (or the recipient). The concept is simple but it is one of the most powerful tools utilized as...