By Theresa Long for TCAJOBThe number one mistake that many small businesses make is not developing a marketing plan. Theresa Long,Focal Point MarketingWhether they feel like they have no budget for it or haven’t made it a priority – marketing and advertising is an investment, not an expense — even if...

By Sara Nelson for TCAJOB Sara Nelson,Sara Nelson DesignThe more the Tri-Cities grows, the more competitive the market becomes. The larger the market, the more money moves around the local economy, but the greater the competition is for a piece of that pie.For a small business, that's a challenge. Bigger...

Dennis Gisi,John L. ScottDuring tax season my father, a W.W.II veteran used to say, “I am proud to be an American and have fought for its freedoms, but I could be just as proud for half as much.”I certainly agree and I am sure many of us feel this way.There...

Beau Ruff,Cornerstone Wealth StrategiesYou’ve likely heard finance experts say it. In fact, Suze Orman wrote about it in the July 2015 issue of the Costco Connection. It is this piece of estate planning wisdom: “A revocable living trust is a document all families should have.” Is this true? Do you...

Chris Neal,Columbia ConsultingThe vast majority of information necessary to properly comply with the new reporting requirements is found in 26 CFR 1.6055-1 Information Reporting For Minimum Essential Coverage.For those of you who would rather focus on your businesses here are the basic essentials for what you are required to provide.Every...

By Francis WhiteThree technologies — a computational tool to improve power grid planning, a process to create biofuel from kelp and a hybrid device that makes hydrogen and stores energy — are being developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and its partners under new projects just announced by the Department...

By Kris JohnsonAmerica’s manufacturing comeback isn’t over.That’s one of the findings from the 2015 Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor Report, an annual survey of manufacturing firms conducted by RSM, formerly known as McGladrey. Kris Johnson, Association of Washington BusinessAfter suffering through years of decline, the resurgence that began in 2010 —...

by PNNL staffThe U.S. Department of Energy is matching a $2.25 million Clean Energy Fund grant from the Washington Department of Commerce to research, develop and demonstrate the technologies needed to create "smart" buildings, campuses and cities to better manage energy usage. Once buildings and devices are smarter — managing...