By Marilou SheaThis column is exclusively about one of our universally favorite things: food. Marilou Shea,Pasco Specialty KitchenIt contributes to our economy in all kinds of ways, from agriculture, processing and manufacturers, to talented entrepreneurs, cultural heritage, restaurants, food trucks, farmers markets and farm-to-table efforts.Farm-to-table is a cool concept but...
By Beau RuffAs the center of Washington’s agricultural empire, it is important to recognize the planning opportunities afforded the Washington farmer in the Tri-Cities. This column explores the use of the family farm LLC for business succession planning. Beau Ruff,Cornerstone Wealth StrategiesThe quintessential farmer is land rich and cash poor....
By Aaron SparksIn a tight agricultural labor market, many Washington state farmers and fruit growers struggle to find workers during harvest season. In Washington, of course, much of the discussion revolves around apples, the state’s top crop, which, at $2.4 billion, accounts for nearly 25 percent of the state’s agricultural...
By Wine News ServiceNorway doesn’t have much of a winemaking history, but that doesn’t stand in the way of Kyle Welch, owner of tiny Longship Cellars in Richland.[blockquote quote="Here I am, wine industry, I’m coming for you!" source="Kyle Welch, owner of tiny Longship Cellars" align="right" max_width="300px"]Welch grew up in Pasco,...
By Andy PerdueEvery day since I suffered a stroke on Nov. 12 has been part of my long journey back to recovery.It wasn’t a massive stoke — my doctor gave it a seven on the 1-10 scale — but it left the left side of my body all but useless.Kadlec’s...
By Robin WojtanikTri-Cities’ real-life “Property Brothers,” David and Nathan Croskrey have found success as a team, building, buying and selling properties around the area for decades.[blockquote quote="We wouldn’t do it if it was not fun." source="Nathan Croskrey" align="right" max_width="300px"]But it’s not a business model they would recommend for everyone.The identical...
By Eleanor CumminsPreparing for retirement isn’t just about getting finances in order. Faith-based financial advisers, whose ranks are rapidly expanding in the Tri-Cities and across the country, say retirement is also a time to reaffirm commitments to family, friends and the causes you believe in.[blockquote quote="You can leave your money...
By Benjamin MessingerMy favorite economics professor started our first class by asking: “What is the purpose of a business?” A classmate called out, “To make a profit.” Our professor replied, “Wrong! The purpose of a business is to MAXIMIZE profit! Making a profit leads to golfing in Ritzville. Maximizing profit...
By Robin WojtanikTerry Chick is among a growing percentage of Baby Boomers who rely on a Social Security check every month as a main source of income. But it’s not a position he expected to be in after decades of full-time work.[blockquote quote="Don’t call me frugal. Call me cheap." source="Terry...
By Beau RuffFew words evoke such strong negative imagery as the term “probate.” For most people, they are not sure exactly what probate entails, but they know they want to avoid it at all cost. Beau Ruff,Cornerstone Wealth StrategiesContrary to conventional wisdom — and unlike other states — Washington has...
