Business Profiles
West Richland clock repairman continues to see uptick in workload
Al Nihart took apart his first clock before the age of 10. Like his father, Nihart was a mechanic at heart. But that’s where their similarities end. “He was a watch repairman, and I hate watches,” Nihart said. “You don’t fix a watch. You open it up and take out a broken or rusty part…
Richland spiritual supply store offers tools, classes for self-discovery
A Richland shop that opened a year ago already has expanded its footprint and offerings with a goal of providing “spirituality for all.” Lotus of the Moon, a metaphysical and spiritual supply store, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. The shop opened in June 2017 using $5,000 in savings and donations inside a 350-square-foot space in…
Ki-Be Market owners encourage Benton City pride
One would be hard pressed to find bigger boosters of Benton City than Mark and Lori Loften. The couple have lived in the small town west of the Tri-Cities since 2006 where they own and run Ki-Be Market. Along the way, they’ve helped their community and employees, supporting citywide cleanup efforts, employees down on their…
Standard Paint & Flooring opens new stores in Richland, Sunnyside
By Dave Leder, Yakima Valley Business Times Standard Paint & Flooring has been busy this spring — busier, perhaps, than at any other time in its 64-year history. During the past month, the Yakima-based home décor chain not only opened two new showrooms in Richland and Sunnyside, but also improved its online ordering system to…
Benton City veterinary clinic under new ownership after 30 years
Sunrise Vet Clinic’s new owner has plans for building, technology improvements Sunrise Veterinary Clinic in Benton City kicked off the new year with a change of ownership, new hires and plans for several improvements. Dr. Sharon Molton took over the 2,800-square-foot, full-service practice for companion animals and the active customer base of 2,000 on Dec.…
Former employee runs two printing businesses under one roof
Ron Morris buys BIG Print Shop, Digital Image Tri-Cities in 2017 Ron Morris spent decades learning the ins and outs of the printing world and within a span of six months last year, he bought two printing businesses, both of which he used to work at. The tale of how he became the owner of…
West Richland whiskey, bourbon winning gold in wine country
Black Heron Spirits owner left established family business to run distillery Mark Williams is a one-man band with an award-winning distillery. He spends seven days a week at his business, making spirits at Black Heron Spirits in West Richland. Because his distillery is small and he is the only employee, Williams can use any help…
Tri-City Title and Escrow moving into new expanded office
Ground has been broken on a new Tri-City Title and Escrow office in the Grandridge Business Park in Kennewick. After learning their current office at 8131 W. Grandridge Blvd. had sold, owners Linda Denchel and Chris Willson decided to build their own office to better suit their workflow and customers’ needs. “We’re really excited and…
Macaron mania keeps Kennewick bakery’s business booming
Artfetti moves away from custom cakes to focus on petite sweets The demand for Artfetti’s delectable macarons has prompted the small Kennewick bakery to expand its offerings. “Some days we sell out by 4 p.m.,” said co-owner José Garcia, who opened Artfetti with his wife, Silvia, in June 2016. Not to be confused with macaroons, the…
Cigar aficionado’s Richland store offers nearly 600 varieties
Owner of The Educated Cigar & Wine can be found at festivals around region Local entrepreneur Rick Ornstein enjoys the simple things life has to offer, especially sitting down and puffing a premium cigar with friends. His enthusiasm for cigars, believed to date back to the ancient Mayans, is more than evident at The Educated…
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Around Town Photo Gallery
Area agriculture producers, processors and industry officials set a new event record by raising more than $91,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest on June 13 at the fifth annual Ag World Golf Classic at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick. Ag World Support Systems was joined by co-hosts Simplot, Lamb Weston, McCain Foods and Potato Growers of Washington to make the 18-hole scramble a success. (Courtesy Ag World Golf Classic)
A Pasco Fire Department uniform serves as a photo backdrop for youngsters at the June 30 Pasco Farmers Market. Department officials were on hand to discuss home fire escape plans, smoke alarms and hands-only CPR, a form of CPR that doesn’t require rescue breathing on adults. (Courtesy Pasco Fire Department)
Jason Lee of Richland, a Navy veteran and union recruiting specialist with UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 598, was busy chasing ducks and geese on a dream hunt in Saskatchewan while filming an upcoming episode of Brotherhood Outdoors TV. He was selected to appear on the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s television series to highlight his work ethic and commitment to the service of his country and community. The episode aired on the Sportsman Channel. (Courtesy Union Sportsmen’s Alliance)
Campers watch their rockets soar June 29 at Washington State University Tri-Cities’ middle school science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, camp in Richland. WSU offered seven camps, with many selling out, including Fantastic Flight, a camp to explore flying machines that included creating catapults, slingshots and rockets. (Courtesy WSU Tri-Cities)
