By Kris JohnsonOn a map, the distance from our Washington to the “other” Washington looks so far away. But, policies being made and debated there hit us here in Washington state.Take trade policies, for example. Kris Johnson, Association of Washington BusinessAs one of the most trade-driven states in the nation,...
By Annie FowlerTucked away in a small building at 1505 W. Kennewick Ave. is one man’s dream.Just Joel’s, a small diner that features homemade breakfast and lunch, had a banner first year, which nearly brings owner Joel Watson to tears when he talks about it.“When you come here, the food...
By D. Patrick JonesIt’s human nature to keep score. Look at all the stats in the sports pages. Or the various top 10 rankings of U.S. cities. So, too, with economic development.An overriding goal of nearly all communities is to create jobs. Chambers of commerce, local government and economic development organizations often keep score...
By Paul CaseyOne of the greatest predictors of success for entrepreneurs is goal orientation. Goals are dreams with a deadline. Paul Casey,SCORE Mid-Columbia’Tis the season to set your annual business goals and ensure they fit into your long-term vision for success.Prepare for the goal-setting process. In advance, self-evaluate against key...
By Danielle KaneBetter Business Bureau Northwest and Pacific spends a lot of time talking to local media outlets about national, regional and local scams. But did you know there could be scams taking place in your very own neighborhood? Danielle Kane,Better Business BureauSince November 2017, there have been 42 scams...
By Kris JohnsonThe mission of the Association of Washington Business is to bring people together throughout the state to promote economic prosperity — from the urban centers to the most rural corners. Kris Johnson, Association of Washington BusinessWe know that parts of Washington have boomed since the end of the...
By Beau RuffWhen a person conveys false or misleading information about another person or entity, the injured party has a potential cause of action (lawsuit) against the offending individual. Regrettably, most people misunderstand this cause of action and the requirements for a successful lawsuit. An aggrieved person may feel slighted...
By D. Patrick JonesIt’s November and ’tis the season. Holiday decorations, a parade of ads, the Hallmark channel showing lots of Christmas trees and, of course, the ever-present music reminds us that it is time to shop. For most retailers, as this quarter goes, so go the results for the...
By Jennifer L. DreyIt’s a good time to be a job seeker in the Tri-Cities.The unemployment rate for Benton and Franklin counties hit a record low in September, dropping to 4.1 percent and marking its lowest point in the 28 years kept on record by the state’s Employment Security Department....
By Jerry GoodsteinWashington became the 11th state to adopt the Fair Chance Act on June 2, extending “ban the box” job seeker protections to cover the state’s public and private employers. The bill delays criminal background checks until an applicant meets the basic criteria for the job and prohibits employers...
