Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business -- June 2019 by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times

June 2019

Volume 18 • Issue 6

State pitches new pay rules Proposal would up minimum salary for exempt eligibility BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Hundreds of thousands of workers could earn overtime pay under a new proposal from the state Department of Labor and Industries. The proposed changes would significantly increase the minimum amount employees

Inside

Focus magazine: Agriculture and Viticulture in the Columbia Basin

Retirement

Kennewick chiropractor retires to return to welding career Page 11

must earn before they can be exempt from receiving overtime pay and could impact more than 250,000 workers, according to the agency. The changes, which affect executive, administrative and professional workers, as well as outside salespeople, across all industries, could mean some employers will have

High-end living near Vista Field on the way

to provide minimum wage, overtime and paid sick leave or increase salaries to those who were previously considered exempt. The state’s proposal also updates the test used to determine who qualifies for the overtime exemption and more closely aligns the state rule with federal standards. Washington employers currently are using uPAY, Page 47

Wanted: Construction workers

Developers planning luxury apartments with an ‘edge’

BY ELSIE PUIG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Real Estate & Construction

Demolition planned for Richland’s Parkway eyesore Page 17

Food Processing

Agriculture fuels area’s food processing industry Page 49

Longtime Tri-City commercial developers are planning their most ambitious project to date: a luxury apartment complex on 8.25 acres adjacent to Vista Field, across from Lawrence Scott Park in Kennewick. Although the project is in its very early stages — the Chavallo family currently is looking for an architect — the vision already is there. They hope to build an urban oasis featuring multi-level buildings. “We’d like to have a pool inside and outside, a volleyball court and a place to have barbecues, a clubhouse with a theater,” Jose Chavallo said. “If we can attract the right people, it could be a real fun place to live.” Tammy and Jose Chavallo started out flipping houses when Jose was a firefighter and gradually made their way into commercial development. They own New Environment Corp. uAPARTMENTS, Page 35

Courtesy Elite Construction & Dev. Finding skilled workers for construction job sites continues to be a challenge across the industry, as many building projects are underway across the Tri-Cities, including Pasco’s Elite Construction & Dev.’s work on a new multi-level building for Chicago Title Co. of Washington at 8009 W. Tucannon Ave. in Kennewick.

Lacking laborers

Construction companies face shortage of skilled workers BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

ri-City construction companies must try harder than ever to recruit skilled workers. Amos Construction recently stationed an employee holding a “now hiring” sign on a busy street in Kennewick. “I’ve run radio ads, placed ads on Craigslist in three cities, done the signage, done logos, I’ve Facebook advertised, and I still can’t find enough employees,” said company owner Steve Amos. Take a drive anywhere around the region and it’s apparent: new homes and businesses going up. Though business is booming, constructions companies say job openings are hard to fill. “Some companies have to pass on bids

because they don’t have enough people,” said Joel Bouchey, regional coordinator for Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors. “The other part is the workforce in construction is aging.” And those older workers are not being replaced with a younger workforce. “Mainly, there is a lack of desire,” said George Booth of Booth and Sons Construction Inc. of Kennewick. “In (young people’s) minds, it’s no longer respectable to do this. Some of the guys I have, at the end of the day, they go home and clean up before they go to the grocery store because they’re afraid of being looked down on.” So where are the younger workers? Many have gone to college. “A large point is the fact public education has told everyone you need to go to college after uLABORERS, Page 45

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Kennewick entrepreneur files for bankruptcy I-3 Global president faces nearly $2M in lawsuits BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Multiple agencies, companies and former employees are trying to figure out “where all the money went,” and whether they’ll ever get paid by a Kennewick businessman who has filed for bankruptcy after three lawsuits were filed against him and his company i3 Global. “If you figure out how to get the money, let me know. I’m not happy about it,” said Opris “Vince” Kristopher Lapp King, an engineering subcontractor for i3 Global, a Kennewick company once headed up by Kristopher Lapp. The company and its former president are now the target of an investigation by the state Department of Labor and Industries for non-payment of wages and potential misappropriation of withholdings. Over a span of less than six weeks this spring, Lapp laid off all staff, was named in three lawsuits seeking nearly $2 million and filed Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, citing more than $1 million dollars in business debts. Lapp and i3 Global made headlines from the start, including when the company was named the U.S. Department of Energy’s Protégé of the Year for fiscal year 2016 and was honored by the TriCity Regional Chamber of Commerce with a Business on a Roll award. The DOE award was presented in spring 2017 and by spring 2019 operations had come to a halt when i3 Global laid off all

direct employees and ceased operations. The three lawsuits came in quick succession, alleging breach of contract, fraudulent spending and intentional misrepresentation. They were filed separately by Integrated Global Staffing, Columbia State Bank and E2 Consulting Engineers Inc. Lapp filed for personal bankruptcy in mid-May, citing extensive business debts. Federal bankruptcy paperwork required filers to check a box listing the value of their debts. Lapp chose the option ranging from $1 million to $10 million. He listed assets between $500,001 and $1 million and did not itemize either his debts or his assets, but did provide the names of creditors. The three companies that sued Lapp are listed among the 13 creditors owed, along with Lapp himself and his personal bankruptcy attorney. In addition, Lapp said he owes money to a credit card company, an online financial services broker, the Internal Revenue Service, a Seattle attorney and one other bank. Lapp and his bankruptcy attorney did not return requests for comment, and Lapp has since placed a restriction on incoming calls to his cellphone. His company held federal contracts with Mission Support Alliance, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co. and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Fluor Federal Services also is named by Lapp as a creditor and described itself as a feesharing subcontractor to CHPRC. The other creditors listed include two local engineers who subcontracted for i3 Global, including King. Through his company, VKing Tech LLC, King said he began contracting with i3 Global in fall 2018 and stopped doing work at the end of April 2019. He declined to say exactly how much he is owed, but confirmed it is in the “thousands.” At least three wage complaints have been filed against i3 Global by employees

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who used to work at the company’s headquarters on West Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick. A letter to i3 Global from the state Department of Labor described a “worker rights complaint alleging unauthorized deductions and unpaid final wages” in the thousands of dollars. Half a dozen employees confirmed they still are owed wages for their final four days of work, and a few of those also complained 401(k) contributions were taken from their paychecks but not deposited in their accounts. The state Department of Labor did not respond to requests for information or comment on the investigation, but i3 Global had until mid-June to respond to the wage complaint. If the state determines the wages are owed, i3 Global could be issued a citation, ordered to pay the outstanding paychecks with interest and face other potential penalties. Washington state’s Department of Revenue filed a tax warrant for $44,000 against i3 Global in early April for unpaid taxes. The business’ tax account was closed April 11, the same day all employees were laid off. The state confirmed the warrant is still outstanding and said it will work to recover the money by attempting to receive full payment or by offering the use of a payment plan. If this is unsuccessful, the next step would be enforced collections, which could include “garnishing receivables or bank accounts.” The lawsuit from E2 Consulting Engineers alleges i3 Global violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by certifying to government contractors that its subcontractors had been fully compensated and says its “unfair, unlawful and deceptive” acts have the ability to deceive other contractors into performing work they won’t be paid for. Since the lawsuits filed by both IGS and E2 are connected to federal contracts, the proper use of taxpayer money could

be reviewed by the Office of the Inspector General. The OIG could not confirm an investigation of i3 Global was underway. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor could not confirm it was conducting an investigation into the company, though at least one employee reported filing a complaint with the U.S. Employee Benefits Security Administration. The lawsuit from IGS specifically named action related to contracts i3 Global held with Mission Support Alliance, and accused Lapp of taking money for his own use instead of paying invoices. MSA said it has since terminated all contracts with i3 Global. Shortly before filing for bankruptcy, Lapp listed for sale his 4,200-square-foot home on West Payette Avenue in Kennewick for $850,000. The listing was withdrawn from the Multiple Listing Service within weeks. Lapp, a co-founder of Solar Spirits Distillery, reviews local restaurants online. He described himself on Twitter as a business professional, entrepreneur and international jet-setter. Lapp also had served as a board member at-large for the Columbia Basin College Foundation. “The CBC Foundation Board and Kris Lapp have agreed that he is taking a leave from serving on the board while he works through his current situation,” said Kevin Rusch, CBC’s vice president for institutional advancement. Lapp remains an active member of Richland’s Economic Development Committee, though he did not attend a June meeting. Trial dates for all three lawsuits filed against i3 Global and Kristopher Lapp are scheduled to be heard in Benton County Superior Court in spring 2020. The first public action in Lapp’s personal bankruptcy is set for July at the Richland Federal Building.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Port of Benton executive director retires

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Commissioners created process to find successor, search firm will be hired BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

The Port of Benton’s longtime executive director has retired, effective June 1. Scott D. Keller started working at the port 30 years ago as the airport director and assistant executive director before being promoted to executive director 17 years ago. “I’ve done everything I wanted to do, now it’s someone else’s turn,” Keller said when asked why he was retiring. Port of Benton commissioners met June 12 to outline a process to find his successor. Commissioners were expected to set a budget to hire a consultant to oversee a search for possible candidates, said David J. Billetdeaux, the port’s attorney. Commissioners are expected to select a search firm at a future meeting. A job description and salary range for Keller’s position have not yet been determined, Billetdeaux said. Keller earned an annual salary of $168,429. Because of Keller’s long tenure in the position, the port is “relearning how to do” an executive director search and “reaching out to other agencies that have done it recently,” Billetdeaux said. “It’s going to be a process and we’re

Scott Keller

going to do everything by the book,” he said. Diahann Howard, the port’s director of economic development/government affairs, has been appointed as interim executive director. Howard told the Journal of Business that she’s interested in the job. Under Keller’s watch, the port’s total assets have grown from $10 million to more than $80 million. The port also was named Port of the Year in 2007 by the Washington Public Ports Association. Since joining the port in 1989, Keller worked to improve the Richland and Prosser airports and was instrumental in bringing annual events to each airport. Under his leadership, both airports have grown, with the Richland Airport welcoming an additional 150 planes on site, according to a port news release. Keller was selected to be the executive

director when he succeeded Ben Bennett on June 1, 2002. He earned his professional port manager’s certification in 2011 from the American Association of Port Authorities. He oversaw the establishment of Vintner’s Village and the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center in Prosser and helped to boost the economy in Benton City with five economic development buildings. In 2011, the port bought the Tri-Cities Enterprise Center in the Horn Rapids area and turned it into a destination brewpub hub. Keller also has been involved in TriCity civic activities, including serving as board of director for Visit Tri-Cities and Washington Airport Managers Association, as well as several chambers and economic development organizations. In 2017, Scott received the Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Award from the Richland Rotary Club for outstanding economic development in the region. Billetdeaux said Keller had talked about retirement for a while and wanted to spend more time with friends and family. During his retirement, Keller can be found at his hangar at the Richland Airport, where he’s building an experimental plane, and also spending time with his two daughters, sons-in-law and soon-to-be two granddaughters, according to the port.

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UPCOMING July Focuses: • Banking & Finance • Tourism & Travel August Focuses: • Science & Technology • Nonprofits Young Professionals: Deadline to apply for our annual Young Professionals award is July 31.

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tcjournal.biz/yp The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, a publication of TriComp Inc., is published monthly and delivered at no charge to identifiable businesses in Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Prosser and Benton City. Subscriptions are $27.10 per year, including tax, prepayment required, no refunds. Contents of this publication are the sole property of TriComp Inc. and can not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of staff, other contributors or other advertisers, nor do they imply endorsement by staff, contributors or advertisers. Every effort will be made to assure information published is correct; however, we are not liable for any errors or omissions made despite these efforts.

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The PORT OF PASCO invites YOU! To take a FREE tour of Port Industrial sites on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The tour begins in the Port’s Administrative Ofﬁce, 1110 Osprey Pointe Blvd., Suite 201, Pasco. Tour includes: • Presentation about the Port and its current projects. • Bus tour showcasing Big Pasco Industrial Center, Osprey Pointe Business Center, Intermodal Train Terminal, Marine Terminal and Pasco Processing Center. • Lunch Reserve your spot today: visit www.portofpasco.com/ about-us/vip-tours or call 509-537-0519. VIP Tours are held by the Port of Pasco for those interested in seeing how a port works. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019 uBUSINESS BRIEFS Partnership helps Hanford contractor close data center

The U.S. Department of Energy has retired an old data center and installed a new, more efficient system that reduces information technology costs by up to a million dollars over the next 10 years, thanks to a partnership with the Benton and Franklin County public utility districts and the Northwest Open Access Network, or NoaNet. “Not only did we avoid an upgrade of $750,000, but we’re saving the department over $100,000 a year in ongoing costs,” said Mike Eddy, the IT infrastructure manager at the Hanford site. “Each organization made a unique contribution to this project to make it successful.” As a part of the closure, DOE’s Hanford site services contractor Mission Support Alliance moved out of a nearly 5,000-square-foot building and into a 500-square-foot room at a Franklin PUD facility with space allocated specifically for Hanford. The closure of the old data center supports DOE’s goal to reduce operating costs at the 580-square-mile government site. “We continually strive to partner with organizations benefiting our community, and this certainly worked out well for everyone,” said Ben Hooper, Franklin PUD Broadband manager. “In today’s fast-paced world, we need to partner with our local community, government entities and businesses alike for effective deployment of wholesale broadband networks and technology services. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved.” MSA manages Hanford’s computer network, which includes a primary and backup data center. With changing technology, MSA bought updated equipment and was able to downsize the amount of space needed to operate the old data center. Franklin PUD has available facility space and NoaNet is providing the telecommunication services. MSA is leasing the fiber from NoaNet and the facility space from Franklin PUD. “We look forward to growing this partnership as a way of developing broadband solutions that benefit MSA, DOE, and the Tri-City community,” said Rich Nall, network coordinated services director with NoaNet.

Board OKs $5.87M in grants, loans for rural improvements The Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board recently approved $3.2 million in low-interest loans and $2.67 million in grants for public infrastructure projects targeting rural broadband, business growth and job creation. Yakima County received a $975,000 loan and $325,000 grant from the CERB “Committed Private Partners” program to give to the Port of Sunnyside to prepare for a multimillion-dollar construction project at Ostrom’s Mushroom Farms. CERB funding to the port supports design, procurement and construc-

tion of a gas purification system, underground gas and electrical conveyance lines to Ostrom’s Mushroom Farms and a new genset unit with enclosure and waste heat recovery unit. Ostrom’s is investing $45 million in the project, which is expected to create 156 jobs and retain 270 jobs within five years. Other agencies receiving money were Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Public Utility District No. 1 of Kitsap County, Mason County Public Utility District No. 3 and the Port of Bellingham.

Jacobs Radio launches new country station

Jacobs Radio has launched a new country station that focuses on country hits from the 90s and 2000s with artists like George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride and Rascal Flatts. The new station is called Tri-Country 102.3 FM. “We decided to create a new radio station with a huge song library where you already know all the words and can sing along with every song,” said station owner Jeff Jacobs.

Chamber offers grants to small-business members

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and Washington River Protection Solutions have teamed up to offer grants to area small businesses through the small business incentive program. Winners receive up to $2,000 each for various items to enhance their company and grow their business in the community. The program launched in 2011 and since its inception 268 grants have been given to small businesses, totaling $240,000. Previous grants have helped businesses buy software, website design, professional training, new signage, computers and more. To be eligible: u The company must be an established small business and a member of the TriCity Regional Chamber. Non-members that have been in business at least 18 months may still qualify for the program upon joining the chamber prior to the application deadline. u The company must be organized as a for-profit business and demonstrate potential for success. u All applicants must complete the entire application and sufficiently demonstrate how the item will strengthen their business. u Applicant businesses must have 30 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and annual revenue less than $3 million. New this year, members can apply through an online application at tricityregionalchamber.com. Printed applications also will be accepted; they can be turned into the chamber office at 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Suite C, in Kennewick. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. July 26 to be considered. For more information, call 509-7360510 or email info@tricityregional chamber.com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

CALENDAR

VISIT TCJOURNAL.BIZ AND CLICK ON EVENT CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS

JUNE 17

• Red Cross Blood Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kiona-Benton City High School, 1205 Horne Drive., Benton City. Call: 800-733-2767 or go to redrossblood.org and enter KIBEHS to schedule an appointment.

JUNE 18

• Solutions at Sunrise: 7:15-8:15 a.m., CG Public House, 9221 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Featured speaker: Dr. Roger Stark, Washington Policy Center health care analyst.

JUNE 19

• Family Night at Library - Juneteenth: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive.

JUNE 20

• Community Lecture Series “From Mexican to Mexican-American: A Family Immigration Story”: 7 p.m., Franklin County Historical Museum, 305 N.

Fourth Ave., Pasco. • Dust Devils Chamber Night: Gates open at 6:30. Includes admission, dinner and drinks. Tickets: pascochamber.org/dustdevils-chamber-night.html • West Richland Hogs & Dogs: 4-10 p.m., Bombing Range Sports Complex, 3200 Bombing Range Road, West Richland. Information: 509-967-0521. • Reach Foundation Day’s Pay Annual Fundraiser to benefit the Reach Museum: 5:30-8 p.m., Reach Museum, 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland. Tickets: 509-943-4100 or diannam@visitthereach. org. • Live at 5 Summer Concert Series: 5-9 p.m., John Dam Plaza, Richland.

JUNE 21:

• Family movie night: Grease: 8-11 p.m., John Dam Plaza, George Washington Way, Richland • Sunset at Southridge:

5:30-8 p.m., Southridge Sports Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick. Information: sunsetatsouthridge.com.

JUNE 20-23

• Cool Desert Nights: Information: https://cooldesertnightstc.com/calendar/

JUNE 23

• Mariachi & More Festival: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Columbia Park, 2701 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick. Call: 509-542-0933. JUNE 26 • Business Plans Made Easy workshop: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Port of Pasco, 1110 Osprey Point Ave., Pasco. Information: Janice Vesper 509-735-1000, ext. 235. Free but reservations required: https://conta. cc/2WAh4mi • Tri-City Regional Chamber monthly luncheon: noon to 1:30 p.m., Red Lion Columbia Center, 1101 N. Columbia Center

APBA Boat Race: Howard Amon Park, 600 Amon Park Drive, Richland. Nwpba.com

Blvd., Kennewick. Registration: tricityregionalchamber. com • Port of Pasco tour of industrial sites: 11:30 a.m., meet at Port administrative office, 1110 Osprey Pointe Blvd., Suite 201, Pasco. Reservations: 509-537-0519.

JULY 4

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JULY 10

• West Richland Chamber Monthly Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chandler Reach Vineyards, 9506 West Chandler Road, Benton City. RSVP: 509-9670521. • Ask the Experts – TriCities Business & Visitor Center: 3:30-5 p.m., Bectel Board Room, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd. Ste. C, Kennewick. Tickets: tricityregional chamber.com

JUNE 27-30

• Wings of Freedom Tour: 2-5 p.m. June 27; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. other days, Pasco Aviation Museum, 4102 Stearman Ave., Pasco.

JUNE 28

• Free Fuse Friday: Use space like a member for free, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fuse SPC, 723 The Parkway, Richland. Information: fusespc.com • Family movie night: Lego Move 2: The Second Park, 8 to 11 p.m., John Dam Plaza, George Washington Way, Richland

JULY 12

• Family move night: Captain Marvel: 8 to 11 p.m., John Dam Plaza, George Washington Way, Richland

JUNE 28-30

• Richland Regatta DUST DEVILS BASEBALL… IT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!

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Sunday - 6/16 Grand Slam Night - Granite Plus Monday - 6/17 Coca-Cola Monday - Coca-Cola Tuesday - 6/18 Trivia Tuesday Wednesday - 6/19 Fantasy Baseball Night - D-BAT Thursday - 6/20 Viñeros de Tri-City Friday - 6/28 School Night - Pahlisch Homes Family Feast Night - CO-Energy Saturday - 6/29 Post-Game Fireworks - HiLine Engineering & Fabrication

& Uniform

Thursday - 7/11 $21 An Out Night - Andrea Gathwright & Ginger Hudson with Century 21 Tri-Cities

Friday - 7/12 Star Wars Night - Gesa Credit Union Family Feast Night - CO-Energy Saturday - 7/13 Post-Game Fireworks - Cascade Natural Gas Scout Night - Big 5 Sporting Goods

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Paterson farmer making water from wine Sandpiper Farms creates Water from Wine nonprofit to fund clean water work BY ARIELLE DREHER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

In a way, the family behind the local nonprofit Water from Wine is bringing the first miracle of Jesus turning water into a wine into a modern-day context, leveraging the rich wine-growing potential in the vineyard at Sandpiper Farms with the global need for clean drinking water. The nonprofit’s name, Water from Wine, is the eventual outcome of the organization’s process. Pat Tucker, the owner of Sandpiper Farms, came up with the model and idea, merging his work at the farm with his desire to give back. Tucker grows grapes on the six-acre vineyard and then has local winemakers make the wine. The nonprofit sells the wine and donates proceeds to clean water charities working in communities around the world. The idea for Water from Wine, Tucker said, came from his involvement with his church’s mission in rural Honduras. A member of Hillspring Church in Richland, Tucker has been to Africa twice and said his trips exposed him to

Courtesy Jamie Ssenkubuge/Water from Wine Pat Tucker and his daughter Jamie Ssenkubuge stand outside their Paterson tasting room for their nonprofit Water from Wine, which donates wine sale profits to organizations working to bring clean water to communities around the world.

the global need for water. “It was very profound to me,” he said. Tucker has been a farmer in the region for decades, starting Sandpiper Farms in 1974, and he sees Water from Wine as a part of God’s plans for him after being abducted and tortured by two former employees in 1996. Tucker survived and experienced a spiritual conversion that night. He cred-

its his life and work today to that purpose. In 2014, he was struggling with the vineyard on his property and considering different options for it, from selling it to tearing it out. Then he got an idea. “It kind of just dawned on me that if I did something good with the proceeds from that vineyard, that I’d take better

care of it, and that’s in fact what happened,” he said. He had never made wine from the vineyard’s grapes before, and he knew he would need help. He didn’t have to look much further than his own kin. Jamie Ssenkubuge, the executive director of Water from Wine, is Tucker’s daughter. With a background in global nonprofit work and a degree in global development, Ssenkubuge moved back to the Tri-Cities in 2016 after a five-year stint living abroad and working for several nonprofits. Water from Wine has a fairly straightforward model. The Sandpiper Farms vineyard is six acres and its grapes can produce 1,000 cases of wine. Tucker grows grapes that can be made into cabernet sauvignon and rosé, and soon he plans to donate the vineyard to the nonprofit, too. Each fall, volunteers come to harvest the grapes, and the fruit is sent to different local wineries. Volunteers enjoy a meal in the aptlynamed Cana Lodge at the vineyard for their efforts. Water from Wine then sells the rosé and the cabernet sauvignon, made by Horse Heaven Hills Winery, with 100 percent of the proceeds from each bottle sale going to nonprofits supporting clean water globally. uWATER, Page 9

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Generating station’s 24th refueling project nears end

Columbia Generating Station disconnected from the Northwest power grid on May 13 to begin its 24th refueling. Owned and operated by Energy Northwest, the station, located 10 miles north of Richland, is scheduled to be offline for no more than 40 days. It’s expected to restart and reconnect to the Northwest power grid in mid-June. Refueling is an opportunity to add fresh nuclear fuel to Columbia’s reactor core, as well as perform maintenance projects that can best be accomplished only when the reactor is offline. Energy Northwest and the Bonneville

Power Administration time the plant’s biennial refueling to coincide with spring snow melt and runoff that maximizes power output from the region’s hydroelectric dams and minimizes the impact of taking the nuclear station offline. Nuclear and hydro are the region’s only full-time clean energy resources. During refueling work, crews replace 260 of the 764 nuclear fuel assemblies in the reactor core. Every two years, fuel that has been in the reactor core for six years, about a third of the assemblies, is removed and placed in a used fuel pool for dry-cask storage at a later date. During the refueling, workers install a 34-foot, 133-ton refurbished low-pressure turbine rotor as part of Columbia’s life-cycle plan to satisfy the plant’s

license extension to 2043. In addition, workers will use robotics to perform a generator inspection, and upgrade the plant fire detection system. In all, regular and temporary employees will complete 1,300 work orders involving more than 7,500 tasks. The total budget for refueling, maintenance and capital investment work is about $127 million. Planning efforts begin two years prior to the start of each refueling. More than 1,200 temporary workers were hired locally and from across the country to support maintenance projects at Columbia. The added workers join Energy Northwest’s normal work force of about 1,000 employees. According to a study by the Nuclear Energy Institute, Columbia’s operation

contributes about $690 million annually to the regional economy and will contribute $8.9 billion to the state economy between 2018 and 2043.

Pasco chooses name for new middle school

Pasco School District’s newest middle school will be named after military veteran and longtime educator Ray Reynolds. A joint groundbreaking ceremony for the $46.5 million Reynolds Middle School and $28.5 million Columbia River Elementary was held May 23 at the construction site of the two new schools at 9011 Burns Road, near the intersection of Springer Lane and Burns Road. Both schools will open for students in the 2020-21 school year. Reynolds attended Pasco High School in 1945 before moving to Idaho for further education. He eventually joined the Army and served in the Korean War. He continued his service in the Army Reserves from 1953-87, when he retired as a major general. Reynolds attended college at Kansas State University, where he played football and basketball. In the years following the Korean War, he attended the University of Montana, before graduating from Eastern Washington College, now Eastern Washington University. From 1955-61, Reynolds served on the Washington State Patrol, and from 1961-68 he taught and coached at Eastern Washington College. In 1968, Reynolds began his tenure with the Pasco School District, and over the next three decades, he worked as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and director of secondary education. He retired from Pasco School District in 1999.

Ex-Hanford workers get free admission to Dust Devils

Former Hanford workers may attend for free the third annual former Hanford Worker Appreciation Night at the TriCity Dust Devils baseball game. All former atomic workers are invited to attend the game, free of charge. The game is June 15 at Gesa Stadium, 6200 Burden Blvd. in Pasco. Gates open at 6:15 p.m. and the Dust Devils game begins at 7:15 p.m. A celebratory fireworks display follows the game. A local former Hanford worker will throw out the first pitch. Former Hanford workers will have the opportunity to participate in special giveaways and will be honored throughout the baseball game. For more information or to RSVP for free tickets, former workers may call 509-420-5222. Free parking passes are available for the first 50 people to RSVP. Nuclear Care Partners is sponsoring the event. It provides EEOICPA, or Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, benefits guidance and no-cost in-home care to former atomic workers who have developed serious illnesses due to the exposure to radiation and toxins they endured in the workplace. Founded in 2011, Nuclear Care Partners serves hundreds of former atomic workers across the nation.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019 WATER, From Page 7 Water from Wine coordinates and works with a handful of nonprofits whose mission is to bring communities fresh water globally. It had donated more than $300,000 as of May 2019 to various nonprofits, which Tucker says makes all the work worth it. “My most favorite thing of this whole job is signing the checks that go to those nonprofits. It makes me feel like it’s all worthwhile when I can sign a check and put it in the mail,” he said. Water from Wine has donated more than $230,000 to date to Seattle-based nonprofit Water1st International, its biggest partner, although the nonprofit partners with several nonprofits working in the water sector—mainly ones based on the West Coast. Ssenkubuge audits the practices of nonprofits Water from Wine donates to to ensure they are building sustainable water infrastructures in communities that will last. “I love knowing that they are not just going into communities and building a well or a water system, and then leaving never to be seen again, but they really invest their time in these communities and trust the local leadership to be involved,” she said. Water From Wine sells wine direct-toconsumer only, either online and in its two tasting rooms — one in Paterson and one in Leavenworth. Because their grapes only yield two types of wine, Ssenkubuge and Tucker

Courtesy Jamie Ssenkubuge/Water from Wine Water from Wine hosts a one-day volunteer harvest day event for volunteers to pick grapes that are made into the wines they sell. Proceeds from the wine sales are then donated to several clean water charities.

sell other Tri-City wines, including some white wines, as well as a variety of red wines, in their tasting rooms. While Paterson Cellars is a licensed winery, they do not make wine themselves. The Leavenworth tasting room opened last summer — and Ssenkubuge said that business is going well. “We’re happy with the way it’s going, but it would be great to just continue seeing more sales happen there, and the more sales that happen, the more we can give away,” she said. The Leavenworth tasting room has proven to be the busiest, as it is in a

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more touristy area with other wineries offering tastings and can attract customers from both the eastern and western parts of the state. The Paterson tasting room, connected to the actual vineyard, offers tastings by appointment. Water from Wine recently started a wine club that allows people to sign up for a subscription service to pay a set price and receive three shipments throughout the year. For as low as $50, the club memberships have discounts and tasting advantages. Ssenkubuge said many members give their wine away as gifts, including

those who aren’t wine-drinkers themselves. Currently all the profits from the wines made with the Sandpiper vineyard grapes (the Horse Heaven Hills cabernet sauvignon and the rosé) are donated to nonprofits, while Water from Wine sales of other local wines in its stores and wine club packages help offset operating costs. For now, Sandpiper Farms has taken on the overhead costs of maintaining the orchard, as well as paying for wine production but Tucker hopes to shift that model into a more self-supporting operation in the coming years. He is looking for companies or individuals to sponsor a row of his orchard for $3,000, which is worth the price tag for the outcome. Each row of grapes yields about 40 cases of wine, which means the retail sale (and eventual donation) is valued at about $14,400 per row. “You’re actually leveraging your donation by our efforts, marketing and volunteers and other donations because I do expect to continue donating overhead and staffing,” Tucker said. Water from Wine still is relatively small, due to the vineyard’s size and its current model. Its wine is not sold in stores; it can only be bought online or in the Paterson or Leavenworth tasting rooms. It does sell and ship wine through its website to Washington, Oregon and California. To volunteer for the harvest or learn more about Water from Wine and tasting times, go to waterfromwine.org.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

RETIREMENT Chiropractor moving to metal manipulation Practitioner to retire, return to first career as welder

BY GARY CRAWFORD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

When Bob Tollison, a Tri-City chiropractor, wants a workout, he doesn’t head to the gym. Instead, his preferred fitness routine is a visit to the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 598 in Pasco, where he dons his gear and perfects his welding skills. The skills needed to make an acceptable weld require flexibility, strength, concentration and hand-eye coordination and beat pumping iron, Tollison said. Welding is not just an after-work activity for the 65-year-old Tollison. When he retires from his practice after his next birthday later this year, welding will become his encore career. Or rather, a return to his first career. Tollison attended Columbia Basin College’s welding program in 1972 and his skills as a N stamp (that’s “n” for nuclear) welder were in demand to build key local projects, including the Plutonium Uranium Extraction Plant, known as PUREX, and the Columbia Generating Station. He also plied his welding torch throughout the Northwest and Alaska, working on pipeline projects and pulp

and paper mills during the construction boom in the 1970s. However, the big projects ended with the arrival of the 1980s, he said. That’s when Tollison began to consider alternate career paths. He became interested in chiropractic care as result of debilitating back spasms he experienced because of the long hours he logged as a welder. Standard medical treatments did not help and he only found relief after visiting a chiropractor, he said. In 1982, Tollison, accompanied by his wife and two young children, packed up and moved to Davenport, Iowa, to attend the Palmer College of Chiropractic. After graduating in 1986, he moved to Arizona to begin an internship and start his practice. But after a couple of years and wanting to be closer to family, the family moved back to Tri-Cities. Tollison has practiced in the Tri-Cities for 30 years and has seen thousands of patients. He currently maintains a small office off Clearwater Avenue, with his wife working as office manager. He works a reduced work week, seeing uCHIROPRACTOR, Page 12

Kennewick chiropractor Bob Tollison, 65, plans to retire later this year and pursue an encore career as a welder. Courtesy Bob Tollison

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CHIROPRACTOR, From Page 11

patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He’s looking forward to hanging up his white coat in August when he turns 66. He said the business side of running a practice has changed significantly in the last few years and thinks this is a good time to close his office. Tollison’s many interests include hiking, biking, kayaking, preaching and using his FCC amateur radio license. So why welding for his retirement? “I have vacationed across North America and Europe, so I don’t need to travel as part of my retirement,” he said. “My family and my children are in the Tri-Cities. My wife’s mother has dementia issues and needs our care. I

don’t plan on welding full time but instead I could consider it a high-paying vacation from my retirement,” he said. Like many who aspire to an encore career, Tollison’s plan was years in the making. For the past 10 years, Tollison has been spending time in the union hall welding booths to hone his skills. The muscle memory of using his torch to weave a stream of molten steel to fuse two sections of pipe together has returned. Recently he passed a union test for welding carbon steel pipes and he is now allowed to test to work for contractors who need welders. “The great thing about union is that it doesn’t matter how old you are. All that matters is how good you are and if can you do the job,” he said.

RETIREMENT

Pet owners can plan for their pets’ long-term care after their death with Our Forever Friends, a pet protection plan that enables pet owners to allocate money in their estate.

Humane Society teams with investment advisor to create pet care plan Forever Friends plan aids pets after their owners die BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Many seniors’ wills include provisions for who gets their dog, cat, horse, guinea pig or other furry or feathered friend when they die. But what if the appointed guardian for the surviving pets can’t or won’t take them? What if the pets unintentionally end up at an animal shelter or local Humane Society instead? Kennewick’s Benton-Franklin Humane Society has a no-kill policy, and the agency transfers animals to other no-kill Humane Societies throughout the Pacific Northwest and California if its facility becomes crowded, or if the animal might have a better chance of being adopted in another area. However, it still can be difficult to place pets in a new forever home. But what if those pets came with an incentive to adopt in the form of free food and veterinary care for life? What if that money supported pets during their time at the shelter and in their new home? That is what the Our Forever Friends pet protection plan aims to do for pets left behind after their owners die. The Humane Society teamed up with Todd Halterman, a Tri-City investment advisor for more than two decades, who saw a need for post-mortem care for orphaned pets, and founded Our Forever Friends. “Eighty-five percent of the time, the person designated to take care of the (orphaned) pet can’t,” Halterman said. “Three to 5 million animals are euthanized per year in the U.S., just from owners’ plans not working out.” Our Forever Friends allows people to create a financial plan so their pet can

maintain its lifestyle with IRA funds while bypassing the IRS c o m p l e t e l y, Halterman said. “Loved ones, charity and the IRS are who you Todd Halterman have to choose from for your estate to go to when you die,” said Halterman during a talk at the Humane Society’s recent Feel the Love volunteer recognition event. With a pet protection plan, owners designate who they want their pets to go to and set up a trust fund for their pets’ ongoing care from IRA funds, Halterman said. Plans range from free to $249. Halterman offers three options: A simple do-it-yourself pet protection decree, which is free, includes a video conference to learn how to complete the plan; complete pet protection plan, which is $89, offers a “turn-key concierge service” to develop the plan and assistance with guaranteed funding and adoption strategies; and the platinum plan, which is $249, guarantees the pet protection plan is complete and followed through with funding, and when needed, work with customers’ local legal teams. If their first-choice plan fails to entrust the pet to a friend or family member, they can specify in their will that their pet is to be surrendered to the nonprofit Humane Society, with the IRA funds set aside being donated to the agency in the form of a monthly stipend. The stipend reflects the average monthly cost for food and veterinary care, tailored to that specific animal. Halterman said the average is “$112 per pet, per month.” The Humane Society uses the money uPET, Page 16

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

RETIREMENT

Planning key to independence in retirement A recent Wall Street Journal column attempted to dispel the myth of an impending retirement crisis in the United States. It said most private sector employees are well prepared for retirement, having saved and invested for many years with both employer-sponsored plans and Individual Eileen L. Griffin Retirement Gesa Credit Union Accounts. Recent data indicates 61 percent of workers and 80 percent of married couples now participate in a defined benefit plan. Employersponsored plans and IRA accounts have been growing at record levels, according to the column. Employers have played a role in the improved overall retirement picture, as many have become more generous in their support of their defined benefit programs for their employees. With unemployment rates at historical lows, this trend is expected to continue as retirement programs have become significant influencers on recruitment and retention strategies for many employers. If this positive assessment is true, then why the hysteria about retirement? The World Economic Forum reports that 85 percent of the retirement gap in the U.S. is due to government underfunding public pensions. While Americans in the private sector have continued to increase savings and employers have expanded their support of 401(k) and other private retirement plans, the government-managed retirement plans are in disarray. While private sector employers have encouraged and trained their employees to use the 401(k) benefit, many public employees are not offered the same level of communication on saving and investing for retirement. They are expecting that their needs will be met through their government pension plan. As a result of the contrasting philosophies, we are expanding into two entirely different employment cultures where those employed by the public sector anticipate the “promise” of a pension and those used to managing their own

retirement planning are positioned to support themselves in retirement. This different mindset begins early and could result in different perspectives and expectations of government. One might question how employers became involved in the retirement of their employees, a point in time after they leave their jobs. What level of responsibility does an employer have to prepare their people for retirement? During market shifts from defined contribution to defined benefit, many employers accepted a role in offering retirement programs, but rather than providing an income, they have become the educator and trainer, leading employees toward conscientious retirement planning and building good habits along the way. Employers in wide-ranging industries often will offer training or access to financial and retirement planning information to guide their employees into making good finance and retirement decisions. They do this, not because it is mandated, but because it makes sense. It is good business to encourage selfresponsibility and independence, while providing tools to meet that end. While the private sector has continued to experiment with benefits that improve the lives of their employees, the public sector has largely depended on the antiquated, and unfunded, pension system. The concern this raises, of course, is that the unfunded liabilities will result in many not being provided with the retirement they were promised during their career. Alternatively, the private sector may be “asked” to participate in the support of public sector employees to ensure that there truly is no “retirement crisis.” Retirement is the wild card of the personal life cycle. No one can be certain what those years hold and there are more potential pitfalls than in the other stage of life. An evolved civil society should care for the weakest among us, including our elderly. Those in their earlier years still can recover from lost income or recoup after a broken promise. They can still go back to work and earn income. Many elderly people can not and have few options for increasing their income. While we can hope that public pensions will become funded at the neces-

sary levels in the future, it may be wise for all Americans to save and plan for their own retirement. Small employers, particularly, may find it difficult to provide life skills training and personal development when taxed with just keeping up with job skills and job training for their employees. Those employers in the private sector already leading in this area can be a resource for others who do not have the expertise or resources to train their employees on retirement basics. The difference between retirees in the future may be their choice of employer in the past. It may be that public sector employees will be expected to accept a partial amount of the income expected or they will need to work longer than planned. All retirees should have the opportunity to enjoy the fruit of their labors and the gratification after years of toiling. All retirees should benefit from their contributions with a safe and secure series of golden years. No one wants to see elderly people living in poverty. While no one person or employer can change the dire situation that the government pension system seems to find itself in, we can consider self-reliability and individual and community resources. To some degree, the public sector crisis can be mitigated by taking ownership of our retirement planning. Regardless of the support we think we should be getting from a government entity, Social Security included, it may be best to con-

sider our own accountability and prepare to be responsible for our own twilight years. That may take some serious discipline during early employment. The dependence on government retirement programs may be one of the factors influencing the population more willing to accept a system of control and dependence, contrary to our national culture. Before this outlook takes further root in our society, we should consider reflecting on the importance of independence and nature of freedom. Careful, thoughtful planning and a sense of self-responsibility may be the way individual Americans overcome the potential aggregate crisis. Employers of all sizes can influence the lives of their employees well beyond the years of employment. That employment bond can continue and dividends result in goodwill that can manifest itself in things like recommending the employer to friends, families and neighbors and speaking highly of the company in the community. Beyond the business benefits, just knowing that, as an employer, you guided your employees toward a fulfilling retirement can be gratifying in and of itself.  Eileen L. Griffin has more than 20 years of management experience. She holds a master’s in business administration and is a doctoral student at Gonzaga University, School of Leadership Studies. She serves as the director of wealth management at Gesa Credit Union.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Senior network marks year Tender Care Village needs volunteers before it can add new members

BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Marie Duncan has been living alone for 45 years and she’d like to continue to enjoy her “little view of the river” from her Kennewick home for as long as she can. The 92-year-old credits the Tender Care Village for enabling her to remain independent at her own home. “It’s just wonderful. I just can’t say enough about it. It’s impossible to imagine when you stop driving how many little things you need that car for,” she said. The Kennewick-based nonprofit is part of a national network to help establish and manage communities

wanting to offer aging-in-place initiatives called “villages” that pair seniors with volunteers. For an annual fee, village members can tap into a network of screened volunteers for non-medical assistance, like rides to the grocery store or doctor’s appointments, light home maintenance, seasonal yard chores or companionship. Since launching a year ago, Tender Care has assisted with 450 requests from seniors, with about 90 percent of those requests for transportation. The group has 30 members and 30 volunteers. But it can’t accept any more members until more voluNETWORK, Page 16

Retirement

Tender Care Village volunteers Susan Anfinson, left, walks with Marie Duncan. The nonprofit’s mission is designed to assist residents age 50 and older by offering help with chores, check-ins and transportation. Courtesy Tender Village

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

RETIREMENT

Estate planning too important to ignore Property owned by a spouse does not automatically transfer to the surviving spouse at death. Instead, something more is needed in the estate plan to accomplish this feat. In all the complexity of the estate plan, the community property agreement is one document in particular that offers simplicity, and yet still is a powerful component to an estate plan. It can be drafted on a single page and contain fewer words than this column. And, it provides (in this author’s opinion) the simplest, most cost effective and powerful method to transfer assets between spouses at death. “But Washington is a community property state, so why do I need a community property agreement?” Great question. The fact that Washington is a “community property state” carries with it a specific meaning. It means generally that all property acquired during marriage is community property, and it is owned one-half by each spouse. All property acquired either before marriage or during marriage but by gift or inheritance remains “separate property” (i.e., not community property). This is all that it means when we say colloquially that Washington is a community property state. It’s a statement as to the character or nature of the property acquired by a married couple. It does not

mean that the surviving spouse has an interest in all the property, and it does not mean that the surviving spouse is automatically entitled to the property at the death of the first spouse. It does not mean that the property vests in the surviving spouse automatically. The law requires something more to accomplish Beau Ruff all this. Cornerstone The concept Wealth Strategies of community property comes from Spanish civil law and is relatively unique in the United States. Just nine of the 50 states are socalled community property states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Most of those states are located in the western United States where the law was established likely for a couple of reasons. First, it was likely an enticement for women to move to those states (lured by joint ownership of assets). Second, it was likely established out West because those states that included community property concepts in their constitutions adopted them later than eastern states and during a time when women’s rights

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were advancing nationally. The community property agreement is between spouses concerning the character and disposition of community property. It is specifically authorized under Washington law and codified under RCW 26.16.120. It typically adds two important prongs to the general community property law outlined above. First, it provides that the spouses agree that all property acquired at any time be treated as community property. Even though a portion of a couple’s property may have been acquired before marriage or by gift or inheritance and therefore not technically community property, the couple are agreeing that it shall nonetheless become community property in character. So, the first prong changes all property, whether separate or community, into community property. The second prong says that at the death of the first spouse, all community property shall automatically vest in the surviving spouse. The community property agreement provides the means to accomplish what most people understand the basic community property laws provide: the vesting of all property in the surviving spouse upon death. This agreement is not right for everyone, however. It does not work well for couples who have an estate subject to the estate tax (for 2019, those are estates

valued at greater than $2.129 million for purposes of the Washington estate tax). It also doesn’t work well if the couple are planning on implementing specific creditor protection strategies in the estate plan. And, because it necessarily gives all assets to the surviving spouse, it doesn’t work where the plan is to not give all assets to the surviving spouse. For example, where a person has specific gifts outlined to children or where the couple has a blended family (think second marriage with “his,” “hers” and “ours”) and wishes to preserve the interests of the biological children in their inheritance, then the community property agreement may not work best. But for the average couple that simply wants all assets to go the survivor, the agreement could be the best way to transfer assets. Of course, it is always best to seek the advice of a skilled estate planning attorney to figure what works best with your unique set of facts. But don’t feel put off by the complexity of the estate planning documents or the estate planning process. It is important to have the estate plan in place and it need not be an arduous process, especially if the community property agreement is included.  Attorney Beau Ruff works for Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, a full-service independent investment management and financial planning firm in Kennewick.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

NETWORK, From Page 14

unteers sign on to help. “I think I’m even more passionate about it now because I see that it’s working. Some of these people wouldn’t have any social life at all,” said Traci Wells, director and president of Tender Care Village. Volunteers can pick and choose which “jobs” to do from an online list, from taking seniors to appointments, to grocery shopping to light housekeeping or yard work. Recruiting more active volunteers is the network’s most critical need going forward, Wells said, adding that retirees would be great candidates to help. “Finding volunteers is the hard thing. That is going to be the key to keeping this going,” she said.

RETIREMENT

Wells encourages anyone looking for a place to volunteer to send her an email at tendercarevillage@gmail.com. “Our volunteers choose the days and times they volunteer on a weekly basis. No set schedule,” she said. Tender Village also seeks donated office space and licensed providers willing to offer members reduced rates for yard work, window cleaning, or other referral services. But Wells emphasized the need for volunteers above all else. “I hate to bring in too many members if we can’t fulfill their needs,” she said. The network’s best niche is seniors who have just begun to lose their independence, she said. “Those who just lost their driver’s license or spouse, or they need that extra

Do You Have a Business Succession Strategy?

little help so they can be out in the community, but they just need a ride,” Wells said. The volunteer-member relationships tend to blossom into friendships. The group also provides opportunities for social interactions, like socials or exercise sessions like walks along the river. “I really do want it to be a community mixed with volunteers,” Wells said. Duncan heard about the program after reading about it in the Senior Times in April 2018. She said her membership allows her to maximize her time with family without her feeling like she’s a burden to them. “I tell you what. I have my family here, with their families, and I have really good relationships with them, but I felt like I was wearing them out and worried I was Member SIPC

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to consider using a trust or family limited partnership, both of which may allow you to control the business for as long as you want, while still receiving a regular income stream. • Selling the business outright – You can always sell your business outright whenever you like – right now, when you retire or some time in between. Of course, any sale brings tax considerations. • Using a buy-sell arrangement to transfer the business – Instead of simply selling the business in a traditional transaction, you could employ a buy-sell agreement. With this arrangement, you can generally determine when, to whom, and at what price you can sell it. If you would like to keep the business in your family, you may be able to fund the buy-sell agreement with life insurance, so family members could use the death beneﬁt to buy your ownership stake.

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• Buying a private annuity – When you buy a private annuity, you can transfer the business to family members, or someone else, who will then make payments to you for the rest of your life, or, possibly, for your lifetime and that of a second person’s. In addition to potentially providing you with a lifetime income stream, this type of sale can remove assets from your estate without triggering gift or estate taxes. These and other techniques can be complex, so before deciding on what is best for your situation, you’ll want to consult with your tax, legal and ﬁnancial advisors. By taking your time and getting the professional help you need, you can make a successful succession choice.

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making them dread coming by,” Duncan said of her requests for assistance. She said getting older requires more doctors’ appointments and errands. “The list goes on,” she said. “Every time I put in my request, (volunteers) let me know what time and who will pick me up,” she said. “It’s just wonderful. I have all kinds of appointments and need things done around the house.” Duncan said making friends with Tender Village volunteers has been a bonus. “They are such nice people. Friendly, accommodating and cheerful. They’ve become friends, some of them. At my age, most of my older friends that I have chummed around with are gone. It leaves a big hole in your life,” she said. Sharon Inscore of Kennewick signed up to be a Tender Care volunteer, as well as a member, about a year ago. “I live by myself and you never know when something is going to happen,” said the 72-year-old, who hasn’t had to tap into the volunteer network until recently, as her arthritis has been acting up, she said. Inscore recently asked for assistance with a 50-pound bag of salt for her water softener, flipping her mattress and moving her patio table and chairs. “It’s a good community,” she said. Inscore has helped those who need to get to their doctor appointments or with their shopping. She likes that she can select which jobs to perform. “It’s non-pressure, which is really great, as opposed to set hours and driving every day across town,” she said. “You also get to make personal connections — that’s good for me, as well as for them,” she said. » Tender Care Village: 509-290-0617; tendercarevillage@gmail.com; tendercarevillage.org.

PET, From Page 12

to ensure the pet’s health is up to date and could include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchips, flea treatments and deworming. Once the pet transitions into foster care or is adopted, the monthly stipend is distributed by the Humane Society to the new caretaker or owner in the form of ongoing veterinary care and food. When the pet dies, any remaining money in the trust is passed on to the Humane Society. Last year, the Benton-Franklin Humane Society took in 776 owner-surrendered animals, 99 strays and more than 200 transfers from other organizations and adopted out 1,116 animals. The local Humane Society is Our Forever Friends’ first nonprofit partner. “We’re going to take it national, but want to prove it here local,” Halterman said. “The average cost of housing and adopting a pet here at the Humane Society, if they have to stay in there because there’s medical issues, is $3,000 or $4,000. That is not sustainable.” » Our Forever Friends: ourforeverfriends.com; 509-713-9495. » Benton-Franklin Humane Society: bfhs.com; 509-374-4235; 1736 E. Seventh Ave., Kennewick.

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION Dilapidated Parkway property coming down High-end cocktail bar, coffee shop likely tenants in building near fountain BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Big plans are in the works for a building described as an eyesore in the heart of Richland’s The Parkway. A group of six local investors with Prospere Ventures bought the property and hope to begin demolition soon to build a new building valued at more than $1.45 million. “The building got caught up in a trust back in the day, and nothing’s been done with it,” said Kyle Kraemer, one of the investors with Prospere Ventures. Pieces of the building’s exterior are falling off and its current appearance doesn’t align with the revitalization and entrepreneurial efforts that have been apparent in The Parkway in recent years with the addition and expansion of new and existing restaurants and other businesses. Located at 702 The Parkway, the building backs up to George Washington Way and is immediately north of Greenies. It shares a courtyard with Frost Me Sweet, near the fountain.

Photo by Robin Wojtanik Local investors plan to tear down and rebuild a long-vacant building that sits near Frost Me Sweet and The Parkway’s fountain.

Longtime residents say the property was once the home of a fine dining restaurant called The Brass Door before it was a restaurant named Coco’s and also a nightclub named Porky’s. During its lifespan, some also knew the spot as “the red door” because it used to have a red, wooden door on the northern entrance that was a popular backdrop for high school students’ senior photos.

Prospere hoped to extensively renovate the building when it was first bought it for $288,000 in 2014. Once the group looked deeper into potential tenants and design, it determined the 1940s structure was too far gone to save and it would cheaper to tear down and start over. The group is finalizing the financing needed to begin the project, which would start with a teardown.

A 5,500-square-foot, single-story building is planned in its place that could accommodate three tenants. Kraemer said the group has one lease signed and two letters of intent. New designs drawn by Meier Architecture & Engineering include plans for a brick façade with metal awnings. The largest tenant would be a business or service organization, using about 2,000 square feet. Kraemer isn’t revealing names of businesses quite yet, but says a “high-end cocktail bar” is planned for the secondlargest space, bringing a “speakeasy” feel. The smallest tenant unit is designated for a coffee shop, amounting to just a couple of hundred square feet in size. “Some places in The Parkway serve coffee, but there’s not really a coffee shop,” Kraemer said. Prospere Ventures received a $30,000 grant for building improvements from the city of Richland through its commercial improvement program in June. The money is allocated for $10,000 per entry to help local businesses improve their exterior appearance. The city started with $55,000 in the program fund to spend during the 2019 uPARKWAY, Page 18

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

PARKWAY, From Page 17

calendar year, and at a June Economic Development Committee meeting, it awarded $30,000 for The Parkway project and $10,000 for improvements underway at the planned Dovetail Joint restaurant in Richland’s Uptown Shopping Center. The money comes with the stipulation that improvements must be made by the end of 2019. Kraemer’s team was familiar with the city program, having previously received $40,000 for the same building in 2015 for renovations that never materialized, and the allowance was relinquished back to the city’s fund. City funds also were previously used for exterior improvements at Fuse SPC in The Parkway, a building that Prospere Ventures also co-owns. Additionally,

Courtesy Meier Architecture Engineering A rendering shows the new $1.45 million building proposed for 702 Parkway in downtown Richland.

Prospere investors are co-owners of the Gravis Law building on the Parkway’s north corner along Knight Street. “We have a passion for the Tri-Cities, especially Richland and the Parkway,” Kraemer said.

Prospere Ventures’ intent is to have Booth & Sons Construction complete the shell of the building by the end of the calendar year and then have tenants take occupancy by spring 2020. “There’s several of us born and raised

here in Richland and we see the Parkway and the area down by the river as an iconic part of this town,” Kraemer said. “We want to make it the downtown of the Tri-Cities so that more people come down to experience Richland.”

Community Health Plan of Washington opens Pasco ofﬁce BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Community Health Plan of Washington has opened an office in Pasco. The not-for-profit managed care plan’s Pasco office will provide area residents with a place to seek help finding answers to pressing Medicare and Medicaid questions. The agency celebrated the grand opening of its Greater Columbia regional office May 31 in Pasco. The office is located within the TriCities Community Health office at 800 W. Court St. and is part of an initiative to roll out three new regional offices across the state. “It is critical to be an embedded part of the communities we serve,” said CEO Leanne Berge in a news release. “We want to leverage the strengths of each unique community and are excited to expand our footprint in the Greater Columbia region. We look forward to deepening our existing partnerships with local providers and community health centers and continuing to focus on delivering an integrated care model to our members.” The new office will house employees focused on three categories of services: community liaison, care coordination and clinical quality improvement, and provider support. The Pasco office aims to expand connections to community services to address local needs and facilitate service integration. CHPW held an open house to celebrate the grand opening, which included a ribbon cutting and tour of the new facility. Founded in 1992 by a network of community health centers in Washington, CHPW serves about 270,000 members through Medicaid and Medicare programs across the state. Its mission is to deliver accessible managed care services that meet the needs and improve the health of the communities. » To learn more, go to chpw.org or find on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Real Estate & Construction

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Longtime Pennsylvania foundry opens in Pasco BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Most hours of the day, a lathe machine is hard at work in a Pasco warehouse, creating pipe fittings for a Pennsylvania company that recently opened its first West Coast shop. Latrobe Foundry Machine & Supply Co., based near Pittsburgh, picked the Tri-Cities to be closer to its customers. The company founder’s great-grandson moved his family to the Tri-Cities to manage the expansion of the aluminum foundry. “The Tri-Cities was a place that we felt comfortable living and raising our kids and it was somewhere that we could see growing the company,” said Michael Steiner, vice president of Latrobe Foundry and the sole employee working in the new Pasco warehouse at the King City Industrial Park complex. Steiner’s father is Latrobe’s president and had he floated the idea of opening a facility on the West Coast at some point. “We already shipped 20 percent to 30 percent of our product to the West Coast, and thought we really should set up shop out there,” said Steiner, who grabbed hold of the plan and began scouting potential locations, including Seattle, Portland and Boise. Thanks to a personal connection his wife had with a Tri-City resident, Steiner looked at the area as a possible expansion site and was intrigued by the easy access to rail, air and ground shipping. “It put the whole country in two to three days’ access for us,” he said. He said Pasco offers a similar cost of living and cost of doing business compared to the company’s Pennsylvania headquarters. He also finds Washington’s employment laws to be more friendly toward small businesses than California’s. Latrobe was founded in the early 1930s

Photo by Robin Wojtanik Michael Steiner, vice president of Latrobe Foundry, stands in front of a lathe machine used to manufacture aluminum pipe fittings at its Pasco warehouse. The 86-year-old family-owned company, headquartered in Pennsylvania, chose Pasco to open its first West Coast operation.

manufacturing cast iron and steel before shifting to aluminum in the ’60s, which is its exclusive focus now. “Aluminum was where we wanted to make our mark, and where we wanted to stay,” Steiner said. Manufacturers prefer aluminum in chilled buildings, like nearby food processors, because the metal gets stronger in colder temperatures. Latrobe remains a family-owned company with fewer than 30 employees. Steiner said most pipe fittings Latrobe makes are sold to industrial wholesalers and can be used for any number of purposes. Steiner said he knows of purchases used by the U.S. military, soda companies and irrigation outfits, just to name a few. Latrobe parts are shipped throughout the United States, Canada and the world. Lampson Crane installed Latrobe’s computer numerical control, or CNC, lathe machine and aluminum bar feeder in its Pasco warehouse, a unit about the size of a pickup. It cranks out a double-

threaded aluminum pipe fitting from a three-foot rod about once a minute. Thanks to 3D printing, all the fittings are identical. “Most patterns for a foundry used to be made from wood so you’d have these great woodworkers carving and making by hand to try to have 15 identical pieces on a board,” said Steiner, who explained the pipe fittings just need to seal and don’t need to be identical down to the millimeter. “Our pattern maker retired and it was a good time to move into the new technology. It’s been fun to see the

products change over time and see, ‘Oh, this is what it’s supposed to look like the first time, and every time.’ ” On average, the machine creates about 500 pieces a day and Steiner can manage operation by himself from his office within the Pasco warehouse. The machine has the ability to run for more than 24 hours straight if it doesn’t have any issues, but a typical load will run about four hours. Spiral aluminum scraps created from manufacturing of the pipe fittings can be recycled at a scrap facility. “There’s one machine now, but in the next 18 months there could be one or maybe two more machines,” said Steiner, who said more employees would be needed for an additional expansion. Adding a larger machine could create pipe fittings in half the time of the current one. Latrobe’s current investment is just the start of its plan to keep Pasco as its primary West Coast location. “We’re easily half-a-million (dollars) into the Tri-Cities right now,” Steiner said. The expansion has allowed the company to take on additional capacity that it had to outsource previously. “If you’re going to do something and put your name on it, you want to be in control,” he said. » Latrobe Foundry Machine & Supply Co.: 1430 E. Hillsboro St., Suite B-102, Pasco; 724-537-3341; latrobefoundry. com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

VALDEMAR ESTATES 3808 ROLLING HILLS LANE• WALLA WALLA

A five-generation Spanish winemaking family has built and launched a 22,000-square-foot production facility and tasting room restaurant in Walla Walla. Valdemar Estates’s wine production and barrel storage take up the ground floor level, and upstairs there’s a 2,000-square-foot tasting room, with an additional 2,000 square feet of patio featuring a waterfall, reflecting pool and a panoramic view of the Blue Mountains. The winery, which opened the last weekend in April, is at 3808 Rolling Hills Lane in Walla Walla, next door to Amavi Cellars and Revelry Winery on the south side of town. The $12 million project included the land, construction and machinery. The land was offered to Valdemar Estates by Norm McKibben, who founded Pepper Bridge Winery and also owns Amavi Cellars. The Valdemar family has been making wine in Rioja in Northern Spain since 1889 and

opened in Walla Walla to make the next five generations of wine, with grapes grown in two estate vineyards – one in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater and the other in the North Fork, which is a higher elevation vineyard, about an hour away. Valdemar Estates’ restaurant showcases traditional dishes from Rioja – “tapas,” or small plates to share with the table, and “pinchos,” or a little tastes, and these include charcuterie boards with cured meats, such as jamon and chorizo, manchego cheese, olives and even a flight of olive oil – all shipped from Spain. The dishes have been specifically designed and curated to pair with the Valdemar Estate wines from its sister winery in Spain, Bodegas Valdemar, as well as the first release of Washington wine: three syrahs, made by winemaker Marie Eve Gilla. The winery has connections to the Tri-City area. It does business with the grape growers

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

THANK YOU CONGRATULATIONS It has been a pleasure working with Valdemar Estates on their new winery. We build with devotion, honesty and inspiration to provide all clients with the highest level of professionalism and quality in every project.

and vineyard managers of Red Mountain. It offers three syrahs on its wine list, two of which are made with grapes from Tri-City’s adjacent vineyards: Red Mountain Vineyard and Klipsun Vineyard. Valdemar also buys grapes from Corliss Estates’ Red Mountain vineyard and Dubrul Vineyard in Yakima. Valdemar Estates will host winemaker dinners, corporate events and small celebrations to add to its roster of events that are open to the general public, as well as a smaller slate of more exclusive events, tailored to wine club members. Chervenell Construction Co. of Kennewick was the general contractor. Joe Chauncey of Boxwood in Seattle was the architect. Valdemar Estates is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. More information at valdemarestates.com; 509-956-4926.

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REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

BOIADA BRAZILIAN GRILL 8418 W. GAGE BOULEVARD• KENNEWICK

The Tri-City’s first Brazilian grill restaurant is open and serving up beef, seafood, poultry and pork tableside. Boiada Brazilian Grill opened to customers on May 30 at 8418 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick, across the street from Costco near Columbia Center mall. The cost to launch the 5,500-square-foot restaurant totaled $340,000.

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The restaurant owners, the Dicenzo and Ferriera families, are native to Brazil. Known in Portuguese as a churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse is unique in the way it serves meals. Meat servers rotate through the restaurant with large skewers filled with various types and cuts of charcoal-grilled meat and honey-glazed pineapple.

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Side dishes, salads, desserts and a full bar also are offered. Restaurant employees wear authentic south Brazilian attire, including meat servers dressed as a gaucho, or Brazilian cowboy. One Stop Construction Inc. was the general contractor; Dallas Dicenzo is the owner.

Real Estate & Construction

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Richland brewery owners to open dive bar The Dive to open in June at Shrub Steppe’s old site BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Business has been great since Mike and Dashia Hopp opened Bombing Range Brewing Co. nearly three years ago in north Richland. The microbrewery and restaurant at 2000 Logston Blvd. has loyal customers. People who live at nearby Horn Rapids and those commuting to the Hanford site are a large part of Bombing Range’s clientele. “We’ve only been open for 2½ years, and it’s far exceeded our expectations,” Dashia said. “But people are coming out here from Pasco and east Kennewick. It’s almost a destination place.” One person who seems to like the establishment is former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, a retired Marine general. The Richland High graduate has visited Bombing Range Brewing Co. a number of times. “He’s awesome,” Dashia said. That would be enough for most people — a successful eating and drinking establishment with a dedicated following. But the West Richland couple aren’t your normal business people. Come late June, they’ll open a bar in the same strip mall location, just at the other end. It’ll be called The Dive, and believe it or not, it’s been the big dream of the Hopps, who met each other years ago while both worked at the old Richland Red Robin on George Washington Way. “Our original plan was to open a dive bar,” Dashia said. “Both of us came from the service industry. Then we went in different directions.” Dashia started working for a local attorney, while Mike worked his way up

uBUSINESS BRIEF Numerica Kennewick branch closes lobby for renovations

Numerica Credit Union’s Kennewick branch at 3115 W. Kennewick Ave. is operating from a portable office unit adjacent to the branch while it undergoes remodeling. The work began May 13. The closure of the lobby is expected to last about four months. Drive through windows will still be operating normal business hours, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The remodel will result in an open design to allow for a more personal member experience, Numerica said. Numerica also offers a mobile app where members can transfer funds between accounts, deposit checks by taking a picture, pay bills and check balances. A 24/7, drive-thru ATM is equipped to deposit both cash and checks, make payments and withdraw funds. For renovation updates, go to numericacu.com or call 800-433-1837.

Courtesy Dashia Hopp Bombing Range Brewing Co. has established a following that includes famous people, like former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, center, standing between brewery owners Mike and Dashia Hopp. The Hopps plan to open a second bar called The Dive in the same north Richland building in June.

to become the assistant police chief in Grandview. “But Mike started brewing beer at home, and we changed directions (again),” Dashia said.

That was around 2015, and they got serious about beer. “Mike went to some Ice Harbor classes, toured some breweries. He had some good mentors,” Dashia said.

The Hopps’ beers really took off. So much so that they decided to find a brick and mortar building, stepping into the old White Bluffs Brewing location in September 2016 when it moved across the street. The short time in the Logston building has been an eye-opener for Dashia. “This area is still so far behind the times when it comes to craft beers. Portland, Bend and Seattle are way ahead of us here,” she said. “But we’re just now starting to gain ground.” Then about a year ago, Shrub Steppe Smokehouse Brewery — located on the other side of the building — was getting ready to close. “They approached us about buying their equipment,” she said. “We decided we were ready to do it. It’s right here, and we can offer something to everyone.” The Hopps bought all of Shrub Steppe’s equipment. “We’ve been busy trying to get it open,” she said. “It’s set to open in midJune. No concrete date. I’ll just turn on an open sign one day and go from there.” They’ve also made some changes to the building. “We put in a couple of garage doors,” she said. “We ripped out the flooring. We’ll have hard alcohol, wine and beer.” That’ll include a couple of Bombing Range Brewing beers on tap, but some outside taps as well.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;¢ June 2019

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Number of employees you oversee?

Brief background about your company: I started in 1979 in the business and opened our company in October 1992. In 2016, after 26 years with another franchise, we changed our franchise affiliation to Sotheby’s International Realty. We are a full service residential sales and leasing, commercial sales and leasing, and property management real estate office. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Must lead by example and not just words.

Q&A

Real Estate & Construction

DAVE RETTER

Broker/owner, Retter and Company Sotheby’s International Realty; SVN Retter & Co. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Think about if it’s really what you

want to do. Leadership is not position or title, it is action and example. Who are your role models or mentors and why? John Maxwell, Ken Hohenberg, Rufus Friday, Craig Eerkes, Bill Lampson. They all have core values of integrity above all else and help others succeed in order to have company success. They place others above themselves. How do you keep your team motivated? Lead by example every day in every way and every week we talk about what being a leader really means. How did you decide to pursue the career that you are working in today? I became too old at 25 to be a racquetball player and was convinced by a friend I might be good at helping people buy and sell homes. How do you measure success in your workplace? I have surrounded myself with quality individuals who have all the values leaders should possess, including humility. “Our success is measured in direct porportion to the number of people we serve on a daily basis and the value they place on our services.” This 1983 quote is from Ron Garland, a real estate teacher. What do you consider your leadership style to be? Hands-on leadership, providing tools, guidance and enpowerment. What’s the one thing about the TriCity real estate market you wish people knew? Regardless of what’s happening in the real estate market, relationships with quality Realtors can make a big difference for everyone. What is the biggest challenge facing the Tri-City real estate market today? Low inventory and some of the misinformation available on the internet about real estate markets nationally and locally. You recently were selected as TriCitian of the Year. What is it about this community that inspires your philanthropy?

Dave Retter

My mentors from the Tri-Cities are incredible leaders who give back unselfishly. They are always making the Tri-Cities a better place to live. Mom taught us kids to give to give, not to get. I see so many Tri-Citians living that example. How do you balance work and family life? I don’t very well. My family knows how important it is for me do my best with everyone that we work with on a daily basis. (There is a story about the cobbler’s son…) What do you like to do when you are not at work? I work so I can take a little time to be with wife Diane, my family and my friends at my Snake River house steelhead fishing or hanging out at Hills Resort at Priest Lake for a couple of weeks in July. What’s your best time management strategy? I love to help people in the greatest relationship business there is available. I try to not put off tomorrow what you can do today. Favorite book? John C. Maxwell’s “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes you Learn.” Best tip to relieve stress? Put a ball on the tee and hit it. I have a picture and poem from a 26-year-old girl in my office who worked for us for six months but passed away from an illness. It’s a good reminder because it’s like I have a friend sitting next to me reminding me that life is short and to treat people kindly and properly and not get caught up in the small stuff because it’s all small stuff. Stress is self-induced, and I don’t believe in it. Do you have a personal mantra, phrase or quote you like to use? “The harder we work, the luckier we get,” and from the 1973 movie “Papillon”: “Hey you bastards, I’m still here.”

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

RICHLAND CITY HALL 625 SWIFT BOULEVARD• RICHLAND

The new three-story Richland City Hall is open for business, combining three aging facilities under one roof to allow for a one-stop shop for residents. The merging of departments and business functions is expected to lead to improved communications, operations, efficiency, customer-employee relationships and safety, according to city officials. The 44,185-square-foot building with a partial basement is made of steel, brick, glass and a concrete panel exterior with a mid-century modern design influence. The building complies with Americans with Disabilities Act access guidelines. Total project cost, including land, was $18.5 million. The building at 625 Swift Blvd. is at the corner of Swift Boulevard and Jadwin Avenue just north of the Federal Building and down the street from Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Once vacated, the adjacent 60-year-old City Hall and annex building will be removed to make way for prime real estate property to further develop downtown walkable Richland. The new City Hall project is a long-planned component of the city’s Swift Boulevard Master Plan. Previous accomplishments include the Kadlec Tower expansion, the Columbia Basin College Health Science Building, the Richland Public Library expansion and construction of restaurants and private offices. Concurrent with the City Hall project, the city is redeveloping Swift Boulevard itself to include bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, rain gardens for water quality and street trees to increase community livability. The building was completed June 1. Leone & Keeble Inc. of Spokane was the general contractor. Architects West of Coeur d’Alene was the lead designer and architect, with Opsis Architecture of Portland serving as a design consultant.

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RICHLAND CITY HALL, From page 27

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Real Estate & Construction

Kennewick homebuilders plan new headquarters Infinity, Promade, RP Development owners building 31,000-square-foot building near Cottonwood school BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The owners of Infinity Homes of Washington, Promade Homes and RP Development are building a 31,000-square-foot building at 105609 E. Wiser Parkway. The new warehouse and showroom are under construction just south of Interstate 82 in unincorporated Benton County, near CSS Mini Storage, just a stone’s throw from Cottonwood Elementary School. The building will include a 24,000-square-foot warehouse for RP Development, named for owners Russ Golbatyuk and Peter Strijak. It also will feature 7,000 square feet of space for a showroom where clients may visit to pick out custom home features like cabinets, tile and trim, as well as a conference room and office space for both Infinity and Promade. The company currently is leasing a 2,000-square-foot space on West Deschutes Avenue in Kennewick, not far from the former Vista Field, where about 15 employees are based. General Manager Paul Lavrentiev said the company “is excited to have outgrown” the current office, as it builds about 150 to 170 new homes a year. This year’s goal is to complete 200 homes, and the effort will be boosted by the new location headquarters, set to open in the fall, he said. Infinity builds custom homes with price points starting in the upper $300,000 range. Its homes may be found throughout the Tri-Cities, including neighborhoods like Westcliffe and Southridge.

Photo by Robin Wojtanik A Kennewick homebuilding company is building a large warehouse and office that will serve as a headquarters for Infinity Homes of Washington, Promade Homes and RP Development in unincorporated Benton County at 105609 E. Wiser Parkway. Promade homes have a lower price point, ranging between $240,000 to $300,000, and a large number of Promade homes are near Road 84 and Chapel Hill boulevard in west Pasco. The new building on Wiser Parkway is valued at $2.5 million and the general contractor is P&R Construction LLC, also owned by Golbatyuk and Strijak.

The foundation is poured for the steel-framed building that will become the warehouse, with work on that portion completed by O’Brien Construction Co. Inc. of Kennewick. Other subcontractors used for the project are contracted by the company for work on its residential projects.

Real Estate & Construction

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Students who helped to build this year’s Team Pasco House stand outside it at 4118 Vermilion Lane during the May 29 dedication ceremony. Courtesy Pasco School District

Students build home that sells in 9 days Century 21 Tri-Cities program donates listing to student scholarships BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

A three-bedroom, 2,090-square-foot home built by Pasco high school students was under contract nine days after it went on the market. The home was listed for $333,500. Students, teachers and other partners celebrated the completion of the Team Pasco House at 4118 Vermilion Lane, south of Interstate 182 near Road 68, on May 29. It’s the district’s 21st house built since the program began 22 years ago. It was put under contract June 7, said Vicki Monteagudo, designated broker and owner of Century 21 Tri-Cities. Century 21 Tri-Cities donates the listing commission of nearly $10,000 back to the program to use toward student scholarships each year. The Team Pasco Homes project is a joint effort involving students from Chiawana, New Horizons and Pasco high schools. Originally called the Bulldog House, the name changed when Chiawana and New Horizons high school students joined the program. Construction trades students built the home under the guidance of teacher John Weatherby, with contributions from agriculture science, floriculture and metals and welding technology students. Some of the house sale proceeds also go toward buying the lot for the next home, or the materials, said Shane Edinger, spokesman for the Pasco School District. The Team Pasco Homes Foundation oversees the program through a partnership with the district and handles the program’s finances.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

SUNMARKET AND FIREHOUSE SUBS 10799 RIDGELINE DRIVE• KENNEWICK

The Tri-City area welcomed its second Firehouse Subs restaurant in May in Kennewick. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant is attached to a 3,000-square-foot SunMarket convenience store and gas station at 10799 Ridgeline Drive, near the roundabout at West Clearwater Avenue and Leslie Road. The restaurant, which has seating inside for 50 and on the patio for 30, features décor reflecting the franchise’s founding family’s decades of fire and police service. A custom, hand-painted mural by artist Joe Puskas showcases the Horse Heaven Hills in the background, with Kennewick Fire Department firetrucks from both

modern day and the early 1900s. Sun Pacific Energy Inc., a family-owned and operated business, opened the area’s first Firehouse Subs in Burbank in December 2017. Sun Pacific Energy plans to build another Firehouse Subs off Road 100 in Pasco later this year and then begin construction of a convenience store, fourth Firehouse Subs and car wash at Horn Rapids in 2020. Shawn Sanderson, district manager for Sun Pacific Energy and Firehouse Subs, said he’s excited to serve up good food while sharing the brand’s commitment to service and local public safety organizations through Firehouse Subs

Public Safety Foundation, which has donated more than $466,000 in life-saving equipment within Washington. The franchise, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, was founded by two firefighter brothers. The Kennewick project was completed May 9 and opened to the public May 14. A&R Feser Inc. of Kennewick was the general contractor. Bruce Baker of N2K Design in Richland was the architect. The restaurant is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR Thank you to Sun Pacific Energy for allowing us to be part of another SunMarket/Firehouse Subs, and thank you to all the subcontractors and suppliers who worked on this project.

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Real Estate & Construction

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Richland Taco Time plans move for drive-thru

BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A new Taco Time planned for south Richland means the closure of the city’s current Taco Time franchise in Richland’s downtown core. The newest restaurant will open at 2222 Keene Road, near the busy intersection of Keene Road and Queensgate Boulevard, next door to an Exxon gas station. A wooden sign is up announcing the restaurant’s arrival, but neither Taco Time’s corporate office nor its local owner confirmed a planned opening date, or when the Swift Boulevard site would close. The property is being developed by local investors Greg and Carla Markel under their business, Washington Securities and Investments Corp. The Markels also own and developed the current Richland Taco Time building on Swift adjacent to the

Photo by Robin Wojtanik Framing is underway at a planned Taco Time at 2222 Keene Road in south Richland that will replace the one in central Richland on Swift Boulevard.

new Richland City Hall, and a second location in Kennewick on West Clearwater Avenue near Columbia Center Boulevard. The Taco Time on Swift shares a building with Go

Green Salads and a Jimmy John’s, and was developed around the same time the Markels built Dupus Boomer’s Downtown restaurant on the corner of George Washington Way. That restaurant closed at the end of 2017 and the building remains vacant. Former Dupus Boomer’s General Manager Anthony Belsito spoke on behalf of the Markels and confirmed the plans for a new Taco Time. “We are relocating the location so we are able to have a drive thru,” he said. Taco Time restaurants in the Tri-Cities are overseen by Kahala Brands, the parent company for other national fast food locations, including Baja Fresh, Blimpie and Coldstone Creamery. All Taco Time locations throughout western Washington, Moses Lake and Wenatchee are owned by a separate company called Taco Time Northwest. Framing already is up on the new 2,500-square-foot building, valued at $600,000, on Keene Road. The general contractor is LCR Construction LLC of Richland.

APARTMENTS, From Page 1

They developed several well-known buildings, like Vista Engineering, Anderson Dental, Nouveau Day Spa, Tuscan Suites on Grandridge Boulevard and the Chavallo Complex on Deschutes Avenue. Most of their developments feature a Tuscan or Mediterranean style but the proposed apartment complex will be different. “We want something edgy, and new, and to be competitive,” Jose said. Plans to develop the land have been nearly nine years in the making. The Chavallos bought five acres in 2010 with the idea to build a $10 million veterans facility, but zoning restrictions at the time did not allow for it. They gradually added more acres and ideas about how to best develop the land. They’ve researched different commercial projects for the land, including a mini storage facility. They finally settled on a high-end apartment complex, which Jose said would complement the vision already underway for Vista Field — but they needed the city to amend its comprehensive plan and zoning requirements to allow for high-density residential development in the area. The area had been previously zoned for residential low. That came earlier this year in March. According to zoning restrictions, they can build up to 224 units.

Photo by Elsie Puig Jordan Chavallo stands with his father Jose on their home’s deck overlooking Kennewick’s Vista Field in the distance. The Chavallo family’s business, New Environment Corp., plans to build luxury apartments on 8.25 acres adjacent adjacent to Vista Field, where construction is underway to turn the former airfield into a pedestrian-focused urban center.

“We wanted to lead with this idea of creating a place where residents could work, live, and play, ride bicycles to work and be near shopping,” Jose said. “I’ve been joking with this idea that you want to live in the best but pay like the rest, be proud of where you live and enjoy Vista Field’s vision.” “We would just like to add something to their vision,” Jose said. “The port is already doing a great job.”

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Construction is underway to turn the fomer Vista Field airport into a 103-acre pedestrian-focused urban center. The first shovel-ready parcels are expected to be made available through the Port of Kennewick to private-sector developers by spring 2020. “We’re trying to develop a town center,” said Thomas Moak, president of the Port of Kennewick Commission. “The more density and opportunity to create a

town center within that district is a positive thing for the community and for Vista Field.” Moak said he had sent letters to the city in support of developing Chavallo’s property even before his role on the port commission and he’s excited to see more from the developer. “For potential shops and businesses, the more residents there are around with disposable income to spend in the area and can walk to businesses for (Chavallo’s) property, that is within the vision of the Port of Kennewick,” Moak said. Vista Field is listed as an opportunity zone or a special designated census tract where certain investments are eligible for preferential federal tax treatment. Jose moved here with his family more than 50 years ago from Sunnyside where his family lived and worked as field workers. After school, he joined the military and then worked as a firefighter for the Hanford Fire Department until 2000, when he and his wife decided to focus full time on building and developing. Both their children, Chanel and Jordan Chavallo, also have joined the family business. They have one employee and a civil engineer. They usually build about one to two commercial buildings a year and some custom homes. They hope to break ground on the project no later than the first quarter of 2020.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

MUSTANG SIGNS

10379 W. CLEARWATER AVE.• KENNEWICK A growing sign manufacturing business has constructed and moved into a bigger building on Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick. Mustang Sign’s space is a two-story unit with the top floor serving as offices overlooking the production bay. “It’s a great new and unique space on an otherwise bare strip of Clearwater. Hopefully it will spur additional growth in this direction to fill in the gap between us and Silo’s,” said Lauran Wang, company co-owner. The 12,000-square-foot space at 10379 W. Clearwater Ave. has Mustang occupying half — 6,000 square feet — and leasing out suites in the other half. One suite is left: a build-to-suit 1,700-square-foot office, with a lease rate of $20 per square feet The building, owned by Lauran Wang, Will Wang and Drew Westermeyer, neighbors the Tri-Cities Home Builders Association of Cities and Calvary Chapel. Mustang Sign focuses on signage — custom, electrical and banners — vehicle wraps, sign installations and print production and specializes in myriad styles of interior and exterior signs, LED message centers,

window graphics, wall and floor graphics and custom trade show displays. The company also offers sign repair and maintenance services. Mustang Sign Group opened in 2007. The Wangs bought it from the original owners in 2012 and worked out of a 1,500-square-foot garage with two

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employees. Today, they employ 11 full-timers. Company owners said they have plans for a second mixed-use building on the property. The project was completed May 6. Elite Construction & Dev. of Pasco was the general contractor.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

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Real Estate & Construction

Seattle-based HVAC contractor expanding to Kennewick MacDonald-Miller to open its Eastern Washington headquarters in fall after moving Moses Lake office BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A Seattle-based mechanical contractor is looking to expand its Tri-City customer base by opening a shop where customers can fulfill commercial needs for heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as other mechanical services. MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions has plans to open its primary Eastern Washington headquarters in Kennewick after relocating its small office from Moses Lake. The company declined to disclose the Kennewick location until it opens. MacDonald-Miller has 10 offices in the Pacific Northwest and has completed a number of high-profile projects in the Seattle area, including work at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Boeing’s headquarters and Seattle Aquarium. “We basically do anything that’s not a barn,” joked Nicole Martin, the company’s marketing manager. The company has been in business for more than 50 years and tackles commercial buildings of all types, not just large projects. These could include small businesses, as well as data centers, health care facilities and factories. Martin said the company is “ready to put down roots” in the Tri-Cities and expects to have a team of about seven to 10 employees when it opens the doors on the new facility by early fall. This includes current technicians who represent the company in the market and are part of its overall employee base of 800 staffers, with 1,000 employees expected to be on the job for MacDonald-Miller this summer. While the Tri-Cities already has several locally-based commerical HVAC

“We basically do anything that’s not a barn.”

- Nicole Martin, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions marketing manager

contractors, Martin said the company is excited to expand its reach. “There’s always room for more business. We are already there exceeding expectations. We’re excited to join the community, provide local jobs and make buildings work better wherever we go,” she said. MacDonald-Miller’s focus is on preventative maintenance by using smart technology. Martin said the company can establish a dashboard within the building’s controls that will provide data on its systems to allow for real time visibility, providing the ability to be preventative rather than reactionary. This service can be provided to any commercial client, not just during new construction. As a union shop, MacDonald-Miller also recognizes the need for a qualified workforce and offers a pre-apprenticeship program to high school graduates. It has worked with the West Sound STEM Network in the Seattle area to promote science, technology, engineering and math careers and the skilled trades so students know there are opportunities for hands-on paid learning that can while building their skills. Martin said the company looks forward to jumping in with Tri-City area STEM and career-connected learning.

MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions, a Seattle-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning or mechanical services company, plans to base its Eastern Washington operations in Kennewick. It anticipates an early fall opening. Courtesy MacDonald-Miller

Del Taco restaurant being built next to Fred Meyer in Richland

Photo by Chad Utecht A new Del Taco restaurant is under construction at 155 Wellsian Way, next to Fred Meyer, in Richland. O’Brien Construction Co. Inc. of Kennewick is the general contractor. The nearest Del Taco is in College Place.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

GR 1 BUILDING

8101 W. GRANDRIDGE BOULEVARD• KENNEWICK Construction of the final building that completes the original investors’ vision for the Grandridge Business Park in Kennewick is done. The new three-tenant 19,600-square-foot building has two tenants so far: CliftonLarsonAllen, a business providing wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax and consulting services, and Ticor Title, a title and escrow company. The building was substantially completed May 1.

CliftonLarsonAllen moved in May 1. Ticor’s space was scheduled to be completed for a June 1 move-in date. The third space is available for lease at $25 per square feet plus triple net. It also includes a tenant improvement allowance. Known as the GR 1 Building because the ownership entity is GR 1 LLC, the building’s name breaks down like this: “GR” stands for Grandridge and “1”

is for Lot 1 of the Grandridge Business Park. This single-story multi-tenant building is situated on the last of six lots within the business park, which was acquired 12 years ago as eight undeveloped acres with a vision to develop a Class A business park. The park has five buildings and more than 80,000 total square feet of office space. The project total was $5.5 million, including land. The investors’ vision was to develop a business park/campus with timeless building design standards, so, in applicable situations, investors could enjoy consistent appreciation of any owned assets within the development. Kirt Shaffer of Pasco’s Tippett Co. is managing the project. Over the years Tippett Co. has managed multiple commercial office projects, business park developments and light industrial business centers. The general contractor was Chervenell Construction of Kennewick. The architect was Archibald & Co. Architects of Richland. For leasing information contact Shaffer at 509545-3355 or 509-521-9183. uGRANDRIDGE, Page 40

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

THANK YOU CONGRATULATIONS It has been a pleasure working with GR1 LLC and Tippett Company. We build with devotion, honesty and inspiration to provide all clients with the highest level of professionalism and quality in every project.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

GRANDRIDGE, From page 39

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

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Real Estate & Construction

Kennewick playground, golf course clubhouse reopen BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Two popular spots in Kennewick’s Columbia Park reopened June 15 in time for summer. A dedication ceremony was held for the Toyota of TriCities Playground of Dreams and officials cut the ribbon for the new Columbia River Landing building at the newly renamed Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex. The playground replaces the weathered and deteriorating wood structure originally built by donors and volunteers in 1999. The rebuild ensures the legacy of the Toyota of TriCities Playground of Dreams continues for future generations, said Parks and Recreation Director Emily Estes-Cross in a news release.

“We’re grateful and wish to honor those that had the vision to build the first playground, and thankful to the community for its continued commitment two decades later to fund a safe, inclusive, dream-worthy playground,” Estes-Cross said. The 1,600-square-foot structure is constructed of durable materials that resist heat and splinters, includes custom elements iconic of the Tri-Cities, and features an inclusive design that enables kids of various abilities to play side-by-side with their peers. In addition to Toyota of Tri-Cities, the $1 million rebuild has been financially supported by the Tri-City Water Follies, Columbia Center Rotary, Port of Kennewick, Laborers Union Local 348, KVEW TV, Conover Insurance, Permobil Foundation, a donation fund balance from the original Playground

of Dreams construction and $325,000 from the city budget. Inscribed pickets bought by donors that made up the fence line of the original playground are available for pickup at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex during business hours through Aug. 6. More information is available at Go2Kennewick.com/ PlaygroundOfDreams. The 2,600-square-foot Columbia River Landing facility features a full-service kitchen and 1,200-square-foot patio with river views, in addition to hosting golf course operations. It replaces the original golf course clubhouse that was constructed in 1961. The rebranded Tri-Plex offers 18 holes of traditional golf on a 3-par course, foot golf and disc golf.

uBUSINESS BRIEF VA, HUD officials mark 75th anniversary of GI Bill

The GI Bill’s VA loan program backed its 24 millionth home loan in 2019. Officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the GI Bill on June 5 in Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson noted that veteran homelessness recently has been on the decline, with a 5.4 percent decrease recorded over the past year and overall figures cut in half since 2010. “The GI Bill has positively impacted millions of men and women through education, medical funding and home loans,” Carson said. “It is through this area that HUD is proud to have made such a profound impact in the lives of our nation’s veterans. And while the tremendous debt we owe to our brothers and sisters in arms may never be fully repaid, we can and will do everything in our power to leverage the GI Bill and HUD’s programs to provide affordable housing for all Americans.” The 24th millionth loan recipient was Army Sgt. 1st Class William Kopf, an active Guard Reserve soldier who turned to his home loan benefit for the third time after service requirements necessitated a move from Utah to northeastern Pennsylvania. “When you’re deployed, you’re not thinking about your next life steps; you’re not worried about a loan, you’re not worried about a home. You’re worried about that day’s mission and the well-being of the troops,” Kopf said. “But when you are (back home) and you’re trying to make that transition to the next part of your life, that’s where the VA comes in — and that’s where you need them the most. Knowing the VA has our back and that we can enjoy the American dream is absolutely something special, and it’s been a relief to my family.” Kopf noted that the major benefit of VA loans is that they do not require a down payment. The program also limits closing costs and prohibits the imposition of mortgage insurance. The VA currently operates more than three million active loans, with 2,000 guaranteed through the program every day.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Real Estate & Construction

Roasters Coffee eyes busy Richland corner Former Circle K site at Leslie, Gage being cleaned to prep for sale BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The owner of Roasters Coffee wants to build a drive-thru coffee stand at the busy corner of Leslie Road and West Gage Boulevard by spring 2020, as part of his long-range goal to open 25 shops by 2023. Formerly the site of a Circle K gas station and convenience store, the coffee shop would join more than a dozen Roasters in the Tri-Cities since the first opened in Pasco in 2009. The Richland gas station and minimart at 590 W. Gage Blvd. closed this spring, and the gas station pump area has been torn down. Circle K still owns the property and is working to remove underground gasoline tanks to prep the site for sale. Realtor Lance Bacon of Kiemle Hagood confirmed the property is under contract to an undisclosed LLC. He expected it will be at least three months before the sale goes through since the property must be readied for purchase first. “They’re not going to buy if it’s contaminated,” Bacon said. Circle K Stores Inc. has owned the property since buying it from Craig and Marilee Eerkes in 2012. Roasters owner Wes Heyden said he was approached about developing on the site, explaining “there’s not much you can put on that lot,” and has since signed a letter of intent for a 10-year lease, with a plan to add a coffee stand, including a single-side drive-thru window. Heyden said he’s working with the city of Richland on access points at the intersection. Right now, drivers can enter the lot from the southbound lanes of Leslie Road or westbound lanes of Gage. Heyden said he’d like to restrict access from the current Gage entrance and instead use the driveway just west of the corner lot, where customers turn in to the strip mall that’s home to Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza and Greek Islands Cuisine. This proposal would remove the barrier adjacent to the strip mall to allow easier access to and from the proposed coffee shop. “I’ve always wanted to do something on Leslie and Gage,” said Heyden, who is excited at the prospect of opening a store near an established Starbucks. “I like competing against corporate monsters. It keeps the fire burning.” The property was marketed to buyers with a daily traffic count of about 20,000 cars. For commuters concerned about the potential traffic increase a Roasters could bring, Heyden said, “We have refined our systems to push a lot of traffic through quickly.” Heyden said he’s on track to open the 12th and 13th Roasters later this year,

Photo by Robin Wojtanik The owner of the growing Roasters Coffee business wants to build a coffee shop at 590 W. Gage Blvd. in Richland, a property once home to a Circle K gas station and mini-mart. It’s part of owner Wes Heyden’s plan to open 25 total shops by 2023, including in Spokane and Yakima.

including one at Steptoe Boulevard and Center Parkway in south Richland and one at West 27th Avenue and South Vancouver Street, just east of Canyon Lakes. The south Richland location will be on an empty lot just north of West Clearwater Avenue that’s owned by Tim Bush. It was once advertised that a new car wash also was on the way for that site, but Bush said that’s no longer the plan. “It just didn’t make a lot of sense,” Bush said, when there’s one not far away on South Edison Street in Kennewick and a new one is coming to West Richland at Keene and Kennedy roads. The Roasters at Steptoe and Center Parkway will be on the corner in a freestanding building, with a single-side drivethru, next to a planned 10,000-square-foot strip mall. Heyden said both of these future locations fit with his business model to open where there aren’t a lot of current options for consumers. “If we can get in before the big box chains, it seems to work better,” he said. Construction is set to begin by July at the Steptoe site and open by the end of the year. The Kennewick coffee stand is

in progress and will feature a double-sided drive-thru when finished this fall. Roasters first opened a decade ago on North 20th Avenue across from Columbia Basin College in Pasco. “We came at the right time when the Tri-Cities was starting to become its own area,” Heyden said.

Since then, it replaced some Espresso World shops when that business closed, including one of its high-profile locations on George Washington Way in Richland. That spot recently underwent an extensive $300,000 remodel that required a brief closure. “It was busy, but the place was falling apart,” Heyden said. “It was hard to feel clean when you walked in.” The Richland shop reopened with Roasters’ new branding, which Heyden describes as “calm colors,” compared to the old red and black, that reflects “the maturity of the business and its structure to help set employees up for future success.” Future stores will feature the same look. “We wanted to make something beautiful for the entrance to Richland,” he said. Roasters added its first site outside the Tri-Cities last year when it expanded to Walla Walla, and it is preparing to open a store in Yakima on South 25th Avenue and Nob Hill. Roasters also is opening two shops in the Spokane area by next year, one in Airway Heights and one on Northwest Boulevard. “We are moving consciously but moving quickly to take advantage of opportunities as they’re there,” Heyden said. “We uROASTERS, Page 44

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

ROASTERS, From Page 43

want to keep on serving more people.” It’s a big change from the first five years of operations, when Roasters maintained one store in each of the Tri-Cities. Heyden said business really jumped with its expansion to Road 68, built in conjunction with a Bush Car Wash and Bruchi’s restaurant. It takes about three months to build one of the free-standing shops that average about 600 square feet. Heyden said construction costs have doubled since he first started. It used to cost about $200,000 and now they’re about $500,000, including ground work. For the shops under construction, Wave Design Group of Kennewick was the architect and O’Brien Construction Co. Inc. of Kennewick is the general contractor. Each Roasters employs about 10 to 15 workers, and Heyden recognizes that wages from his employees often go back into the community. This has helped fuel his effort to keep his vision local. “We’re very focused on the local community. The more we’re growing, the more we realize that’s our mission: to give back,” he said. If the deal goes through for the site at Leslie and Gage, Heyden said he hopes to open there about a year from now. He expects construction could start in early spring.

Polestar selected for mentor-protégé program BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

U.S. Department of Energy contractor CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co. has partnered with Richland-based Polestar Technical Services to further clean up the Central Plateau and along the Columbia River. DOE’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization recently approved a mentor-protégé agreement between CHPRC and Polestar, a small woman-owned business. To help provide a level playing field for female business owners, the federal government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the women’s contracting program, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Companies can qualify as a womanowned business when they are a small business, at least 51 percent of their company is owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, and women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. Through this agreement, CHPRC will provide technical assistance and capability development to expand Polestar’s business knowledge base, including identifying and marketing new clients, developing internal business processes and identifying subcontracting opportunities. “CHPRC looks forward to the opportunity to enhance Polestar’s business and technical expertise performing as a DOE subcontractor,” said Mike Wells,

Courtesy CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co. Kathy Miller, from left, managing director; Patty Bailey, director of project operations; and Bill Bailey, director of engineering and technical programs, are part owners of Polestar Technical Services.

CHPRC’s acting vice president of Business Services. “The mentor program will help prepare Polestar for future contract work for DOE, other government agencies and the private sector.” Polestar Technical Services specializes in strategy development, planning and management of complex deactivation, decommissioning and remediation projects, with experience in facility closure, remediation planning and execution. Polestar will be working in Hanford’s 100 K Area supporting the design development for interim safe storage of the reactors. CHPRC’s contract with DOE requires small businesses to perform at least 17

percent of the total contract price. Since the beginning of the contract in 2008, CHPRC has awarded more than $1.5 billion worth of work to small businesses. That means more than 27 percent of CHPRC’s $5.8 billion contract helped strengthen small businesses, 70 percent of which are locally owned. “Polestar Technical Services is proud to be a partner with CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company in the DOE mentor-protégé program,” said Kathy Miller, Polestar’s managing director. “This agreement aligns with Polestar’s longterm strategic goals of expanding our technical and management capabilities.”

uBUSINESS BRIEF Visit Tri-Cities seeks nominations for award

Visit Tri-Cities is accepting nominations for outstanding individuals or businesses that have enhanced the tourism industry through their excellent customer service skills. One person or business will receive the Excellence in Service Award, an acknowledgement that celebrates members of the Tri-City tourism and service industry for their ongoing commitment to go above and beyond in providing outstanding customer service. Visitor spending in the Tri-Cities hit $560.2 million in 2018, which sustains 6,370 jobs in Benton and Franklin counties. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 2. The winner will be honored at the Visit Tri-Cities annual meeting on Nov. 12, where they will accept their award, as well as receive a $500 gift card sponsored by Battelle. The winner of the 2018 award was Friends of Badger Mountain for its work establishing the Candy Mountain Preserve and working with the community to develop a public trail to the top of Candy Mountain. For more information or to fill out a nomination form, go to VisitTri-Cities. com/ExcellenceInService.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019 LABORERS, From Page 1

high school,” said Booth, 36, who has been helping with the family business since age 5. “There is a push to value the white-collar worker over the blue-collar worker. So it’s looked down on. There are a few of us who are college educated and we’re happy to get our hands dirty or sweaty.” Booth went to college after high school. “I did the whole college thing. My parents bought into it. ‘You need to get an engineering degree,’ they told me,” he said. But Booth also liked the family business, and he decided to stick with that after school. “It’s good, respectable work. And it keeps me humble,” he said. Brad Boler, a senior project manager for G2 Construction of Kennewick, said he has the same problem finding younger workers. “It’s a combination of things,” Boler said. “Since it’s kind of hard to find good help, you have to hold on hard to them, so they don’t leave.” That means paying a few dollars more an hour, he said. Or promoting them up the company ladder. But Boler says that still might not be enough. “Younger people find construction to be such a boring industry,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘It’s not for me.’ I find I have to go through 10 applicants to find two good workers. Young guys who know what they’re doing can shoot up the charts in the company.” Booth agreed. “If guys are skilled enough, we’ll move them up the ladder,” he said. “I’m trying to find the guys who couldn’t afford college, that are young, maybe trying to settle down, build a family.” Boler looks for the same demographic: the 26- to 28-year-old looking to settle down and establish a career. Boler said he recently was talking to a longtime contractor about the problem. “When I was younger, about 15 years ago, in the labor forces there were so many badasses,” he said. “Guys who could do everything. Now, there are just a few guys who are jacks of all trades.” The labor shortage isn’t just a Tri-City problem. It’s statewide and nationwide. According to a 2018 Associated General Contractors of America survey, 80 percent of contractors nationwide report difficulty finding qualified craft workers. Eighty-three Washington state contractors took the survey, and 83 percent said they expected to hire additional or replacement hourly craft personnel in the next 12 months; 89 percent said they were having a hard time filling salaried and hourly craft positions; and 51 percent said they’re having a difficult time hiring project managers and supervisors compared to the previous year. Many of those surveyed said they’ve had difficulty finding electricians, carpenters and installers. Forty-one percent said they believe it will become harder to hire qualified personnel in the next year, with half of those surveyed saying the current crop of craft personnel are poorly trained or skilled. Sixty-four percent said they’re losing

“I find I have to go through 10 applicants to find two good workers. Young guys who know what they’re doing can shoot up the charts in the company.” - Brad Boler, senior project manager, G2 Construction of Kennewick people to other construction firms. To that end, 58 percent said they’ve increased the base pay rate to try to fill those spots. Here are some other state survey highlights: u 49 percent have engaged with careerbuilding programs through high schools, colleges or other career and technical education programs. u 41 percent worked with unions. u 52 percent initiated or increased inhouse training. u 39 percent said they offered overtime. u 51 percent said projects have taken longer than anticipated and 48 percent said they have had to put higher prices into their bids or contracts because of the staffing challenges. Boler said there are so many avenues to advertise for openings, his company uses just a few. “You can’t get to them all,” he said. Amos said he recently spent $3,500 a month in advertising. “My staff spends time daily on this, about 30 hours a week,” he said. In comparison, he said five years ago it may have been just two to three hours a week. And even if you hire someone, that doesn’t mean they’ll show up, he said. “I spend two hours interviewing them, paying them $20 to $25 an hour, go over the employee handbook,” said Amos, who said he has seen it all in his 20 years as an owner. “I have them sign the paperwork. And then they never show up the next morning.” They’re money chasers, who flit from job to job to make a few bucks more an hour, he said. He’s also familiar with the baby dodgers, who owe back child support. Amos completes required paperwork, which includes the worker’s Social Security number. A few weeks later, he might get a letter about the back child support, but that worker has already left. Amos also has seen a tactic called tailgating. “Some contractors will pay these guys in cash,” Amos said. “They’ll say, ‘You’ve worked 60 hours this week. Put down 30 hours on your time card and I’ll pay you 30 hours in cash.’ It’s not legal. I play by the books. I pay all of my taxes. These LLCs get away with murder. They need to change the laws.” And then there are the poachers. “There are contractors who go to jobs to steal people,” he said. “I’ve seen it. It’s not moral. There is no integrity there. But I do believe in karma.” Staffing challenges also affect construction project timelines and their crews’ stability. “A company might have five projects you’re working on at the same time,” Boler said. “Those are supposed to start at a certain time. Maybe you don’t have enough jobs right now, so you don’t

need as many people. But maybe you land a job, and you’re going through permit hell. Some of the permits don’t come through in a timely matter, and that’s no one’s fault.” Boler’s company is going through that right now. G2 Construction won the bid to build three STCU credit unions in the Tri-Cities. “They were supposed to go six months, six months and six months,” he said. “We finished one in November, but we’re having permit issues. Now instead of 18 months to get all three done, it’s more like three in three years. All of these different factors come into place, and you have to be flexible.” Young workers, he said, get impatient and move on. Bouchey said there are many public works jobs to improve aging facilities, and the Tri-City construction industry is healthy. “The Tri-Cities economy has looked excellent for a decade and it’s not slowing down,” he said. “This is not a bubble. It’s not going away. And we want them (the young workforce).” Washington state’s construction industry is growing. From March 2018 to March 2019, there has been a gain of 10,000 construction workers throughout this state; this ranks No. 15 in the nation. At the same time, the state Department of Labor and Industries reports injuries are up. There were 175 cases of cuts or lacerations among teen workers in 2018. There were another 150 cases of sprains and strains, and 85 more reported cases

of bruises and contusions. “All of our members are truly dedicated to safety,” Bouchey said. Amos said he takes training seriously in his shop. “We started an in-house apprenticeship program,” he said. “We’ve picked up some good guys doing this. There are some young guys who want to learn.” Amos will put them into the field to work, then maybe the next week they’re in the office for training. The following week they’re back out on a project, returning the following week for more training. That goes on for a while. “A lot of contractors won’t take the risk,” Amos said. “It’s really hard for a young person to get into a trade. And we focus hard on the safety factor (in the program).” Bouchey said Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors also has apprenticeship programs. The organization also has started a website, whatwillyoubuild.org, which helps young people understand the construction industry and its benefits. “And we’re getting into the school districts,” he said. “We’ve done safety training with the Pasco kids, juniors and seniors, to get them workforce ready. We’d like to see them put wood shop back into school.” Bouchey’s group is talking to the Pasco School District to create a math course dedicated to applied mathematics for engineering. “So we’re starting to move the needle,” he said. “We want to see a willingness to work hard, work a full day and put the cellphone away.” And Amos, as frustrated as he is with the lack of candidates, believes things will come around again where people will want to work in the business. “The skilled trades are an awesome place to be,” he said. “You can make $80,000 a year, get retirement, health insurance, dental benefits. All of that. Anybody who says there isn’t money in this industry doesn’t know the industry.”

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Washington may be in tight spot at next downturn The 2019 legislative session was a busy one by any measure, with unprecedented challenges for Washington employers, and it led to dramatic growth in the state budget. One of the bright spots was watching thousands of hairstylists and salon owners rally in Olympia like never before to tell lawmakers how proposals aimed at restricting independent contracting and other laws would hurt their business. Hair salons and stylists support families and create jobs in every county. These professionals organized, lobbied and spoke up about how these bills

would impact their ability to make a living. Lawmakers eventually pulled back these proposals in the face of relentless hard Kris Johnson work by these Association of small business Washington owners. Business Today, this group is a political force in its own right and aims to

stay involved as independent contracting and other changes are studied by legislative committees in the interim. It’s a great example of what’s possible when Washington employers get involved in the democratic process and insist on being included. Other family-owned firms voiced concerns over a proposed capital gains tax, which could have dashed their retirement dreams and made transferring the business to the next generation riskier and more expensive. That proposal did not pass this year, but will come up again.

Other bright spots: Lawmakers invested in special education and created new pathways to graduation to help address workforce shortage concerns. Both moves will help our state stay competitive. But employers faced many challenges, including big tax increases. In the final hours of the session, lawmakers passed a 20 percent surcharge on top of current business and occupation tax rates for service-related businesses like accounting, law, engineering and many medical providers. This will increase costs for small businesses, from family-owned homebuilders to small town doctors, which will then be passed on to consumers. There was another proposal to establish a low-carbon fuel standard, which would drive up the cost of fuel without generating revenue for roads and another seeking to establish a cap-and-trade system that would drive up the cost of energy. Those measures, like the capital gains tax, did not pass this year, but likely will return. There’s also a new work group funded in the budget that will look at our state’s tax system, which many say is broken. Employers need to get involved in this conversation and remind legislators that while our system is not perfect, it is a factor in our state’s strong economy. The 5.7 percent gross domestic product growth in Washington last year led all 50 states. That leads to the biggest concern coming out of the legislative session — the dramatic growth of the state budget. State government will spend more than $52.8 billion over the next two years. This is an increase of about 18.3 percent over the previous two-year budget and one of the biggest increases in the last 25 years. It’s true there are many competing demands for resources, but lawmakers had $5.6 billion more to work with, before raising taxes. Rather than look for cost savings, they chose to raise more than $1 billion in new taxes. It’s a safe bet that most Washington families and small businesses did not increase their spending by 18.3 percent this year. This pace of expansion is unsustainable. When the tax collections drop, that usually means painful budget cuts and more tax increases. Lawmakers made progress on important issues this year, but it came at a high cost. As they work through the interim and prepare for the next budget, our hope is that lawmakers will tap the brakes and slow the growth in state spending. Washington has enjoyed years of strong economic growth, but we need to be prepared for the next downturn. 8 Kris Johnson is president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s chamber of commerce and manufacturers association.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019 PAY, From Page 1

the federal threshold, which allows salaried workers to be exempt from overtime if they perform certain types of work and are paid at least $455 per week, or about $24,000 per year. The current state threshold, which was last updated 43 years ago, sets a level that’s even lower, at $13,000 annually. The proposed rule calls for restoring the protections by setting higher salary thresholds, which would increase incrementally to 2 1/2 times the minimum wage by 2026, depending on the size of the employer. To meet the proposed new requirements, employers with 50 or fewer employees would have to pay overtimeexempt workers a minimum of $675 a week, or about $35,000 a year, beginning July 1, 2020, increasing to a minimum of $79,872 per year by 2026. Larger companies with 51 or more employees would have to pay overtimeexempt workers about $945 a week, or about $49,000 a year beginning in 2020, increasing to $79,872 per year by 2026 — the same salary level required for small businesses. The Association of Washington Business, which serves as the state’s chamber of commerce, isn’t a fan of the proposal, saying it goes too far and would have a ripple effect on every business in the state. “Requiring employers to pay salaried workers at least $79,872 per year by the time this rule is fully implemented and linking future pay increases to the state minimum wage is an astonishing increase over the current overtime rule and will likely catch many small businesses and nonprofits by surprise. If adopted, this rule will create a new super minimum wage that will impact every business in the state, even those that don’t employ exempt workers,” AWB President Kris Johnson said in a statement. Johnson agreed that the current rule needs updating but said the Labor and Industries proposal goes too far, saying it “risks a variety of unintended consequences including a reduction in program offerings at nonprofits, fewer opportunities for employees to advance into salaried management positions, and reclassification of employees from salaried to hourly positions.” Washington’s overtime rules, last updated in 1976, haven’t changed in more than 40 years. During that time, the percentage of white-collar workers who are considered exempt from overtime and other worker protections has grown substantially. Meanwhile, the minimum amount exempt workers must earn in the state has remained unchanged. As a result, some salaried workers can be paid less than minimum wage, don’t receive overtime and are not entitled to paid sick leave. “The current system is out of date. It’s at risk of failing tens of thousands of workers by broadly defining what a white-collar worker is, which allows businesses to pay salaries that may be even less than minimum wage,” said Labor and Industries Director Joel Sacks in a news release. “That’s especially true for employees who are expected to work well over 40 hours a week, but don’t get

To comment on the proposed overtime rule

The state Department of Labor & Industries plans several public hearings around the state and offers other opportunities for people to provide input on a proposed rule to restore overtime protections. The Kennewick public hearing is Aug. 6 at Springhill Suites by Marriott, 7048 W. Grandridge Blvd. in Kennewick. People also can comment by email, EAPRules@Lni.wa.gov, or by mail: Employment Standards Program, P.O. Box 44510, Olympia, WA 98504-4510. Comments also may be submitted by fax: 360-902-5300.

paid overtime. “We want to make sure that people who legitimately deserve overtime get paid for the extra hours they work,” Sacks said. “Washington’s minimum wage has been updated repeatedly for decades; this hasn’t been. This proposed rule links future salary thresholds to the minimum wage.” The formal proposed rule is the next step in a multi-year process that has involved two pre-draft rules, multiple public feedback sessions — including one in Kennewick — and several meetings with business, labor and nonprofit representatives to exchange ideas. Working Washington, a statewide workers’ organization focused on raising wages and improving labor standards, is in favor of the proposal. “It’s about time,” said Rachel Lauter, executive director of the group, in a statement. “The state’s plan to restore overtime protections will return millions of hours a year to people in our state. Hundreds of thousands of workers will get back the time they need to care for

their families, give to their communities, pursue their dreams, and just live their lives. It’s another example of how Washington state is leading the nation on workers’ rights and growing our economy because of it.” Gov. Jay Inslee said the state is frequently ranked among the top economies and best state for workers in the country and that the update is overdue. “Overtime protections ensure workers are fairly compensated when they work more than 40 hours in a given week — time that would otherwise be spent with their families and in their communities. The erosion of this threshold over time has left too many workers behind,” he said in a statement. By 2026, exempt salaried workers would have to be paid at least 2.5 times minimum wage and meet the job-duties test. Along with updating the required salary threshold, the proposed rule would change the method used to determine if an employee is doing work that allows them to be classified as exempt. The state

“The state’s plan to restore overtime protections will return millions of hours a year to people in our state.” - Rachel Lauter, Working Washington executive director

currently uses two “duties tests” to make this determination. Under the proposal, they’d be combined into one test that would align more closely with the method used at the federal level. The change would make the process simpler for employers, and increase the likelihood that workers are correctly classified, according to Labor and Industries. The public comment period ends Sept. 6 and Labor and Industries will consider all input received in preparing a final rule. The formal rulemaking process could take up to six months. Labor and Industries expects to adopt the rule in late 2019. “We know we’re proposing a significant change, and it’s important to have a serious discussion and hear all views,” Sacks said. More information about the proposal is on the lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRightsWages/ Overtime/OvertimeRules/default.asp.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;¢ June 2019

FOOD PROCESSING June 2019 In This Section

Food Processing

Ag processing keeps industry growing Page 52

Tri-Cities has hold on NW industry hub Today, many people do not know where their food comes from. But Tri-City residents can just look down the road and see some of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturing facilities. The Pasco-Kennewick-Richland area and its surrounding counties are a major hub of food processing. Local companies make products including french fries, apple juice, frozen fruit and vegetables, and much more. The fertile soil and sunny skies of Eastern Washington provide some of the best growing opportunities on the West Coast. Food Northwest, my employer, is proud to represent and support the food and beverage industry in Washington, Oregon and

Idaho. Established in 1914, our trade association’s purpose is to enhance the ability of the industry to deliver wholesome, safe food from the Northwest to the Mark Fountain world. Food Northwest Our membership has a robust presence in the Tri-City area. Some members you may recognize include Bolthouse Farms, Kerr, Lamb Weston, Milne, Reser’s, Seneca Foods,

Smucker’s, Tree Top and Twin City Foods. Strong regional presence is a driving factor in our decision to move our flagship event, Northwest Food & Beverage World, to Spokane for two years. On Feb. 17-19, 2020, thousands of food processors, equipment manufacturers and service companies will gather for the largest regional food manufacturing show in the country. Attendees can expect to see the latest equipment in action, hear expert speakers and educators, and network with colleagues on and off the show floor. The food and beverage processing indusuINDUSTRY, Page 50

FABREO expo on hiatus for a revamp

Business Profile

Richland clinic offers membership care Page 56

BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Courtesy Lamb Weston The Hermiston Lamb Weston processing facility is in the process of adding an additional french fry line, which will increase production to more than 700 million pounds of frozen potato products, from fries to hash browns.

Prolific processing

Business Profile

Kennewick bridal shop owner realizes dream Page 57

Fertile ag area fuels food processing industry in Mid-Columbia BY ARIELLE DREHER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

T Local News

Kamiakin High School team wins business competition Page 63

Local News

Kennewick School District hires new superintendent Page 65

he Columbia Basin’s rich agricultural resources are well known at local dining room tables and restaurants. The confluence of the Yakima, Snake and Columbia rivers in the region, good soil for growing crops and a long growing season provide not just food resources but also fuel economic growth, jobs and sustainability for the local economy through the food processing industry. The Columbia Basin is a major producer of crops, as well as processed food, that is consumed nationwide and around the world. The Tri-City Development Council works to keep and attract businesses to the region, especially food processors

because, as CEO and president Carl Adrian said, the economic impact of the sector is incredibly important. “Agriculture and food processing is actually the largest employment sector (in the TriCity region), with everything from planting to processing, it really makes up the largest employment sector in the economy,” Adrian said. Three major food processors are on TRIDEC’s list of the region’s top employers, based on number of employees: Lamb Weston, Tyson Foods and Broetje Orchards. Lamb Weston employs about 3,400 employees, Tyson Foods 1,400 and Broetje Orchards 1,200 in the Tri-City region, according to TRIDEC data. Part of what makes the Columbia Basin attractive for food processors is the availabili-

ty of fresh product, which during harvest season, can go right to the processing plant the same day. It also has driven packaging and food storage companies to locate or expand operations in the region. Adrian said the region’s manufacturing sector has seen job growth, noting that wineries also are a part of the processing category. Besides storage, food processing requires transportation, including rail and trucking, options both available in the Tri-Cities. “Food processing is producing something and exporting it outside the community … and capital comes back into the community in the form of wages and profits and that then fuels the service sector of the economy,” Adrian said. uPROCESSING, Page 51

After a four-year run, the Tri-City Development Council won’t be putting on its annual FABREO conference this year. The Food and Beverage Retention & Expansion Opportunities program, which began in 2015, was held annually to bring food and beverage processors together with industry brokers, distributors, retailers, exporters and service providers from throughout the Northwest. “We are taking this year off from doing the expo to see how we can better serve the food and beverage processors of the region,” said Traci Jao, TRIDEC’s director of member services and communications, said in an email to the TriCities Area Journal of Business. TRIDEC’s Gary White, who helped to launch the trade-only expo, retired from TRIDEC as director of business retention and expansion in fall 2018. “With Gary’s retirement, we are looking at revamping the program,” Jao said. The 2018 expo featured 45 participating exhibitors and a dozen brokers and buyers, as well as a two-day agenda with sessions on food safety compliance, exporting, legal issues and product packaging tips.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY, From Page 49

Courtesy Lamb Weston Lamb Weston is among the food processors in the Tri-Cities and surrounding area that make up a major hub in the market.

try continues to be a mainstay of productivity in the Northwest. During the last major recession, food processing was one of only a few industries that did not experience a downturn. In fact, industry employment grew by 11 percent between 2008-14. It directly employs more than 47,000 people in Washington, with more than $2 billion in wages paid in 2016. Washington’s food industry wages are 1.5 times higher than the national average, providing family-wage jobs throughout the state. Although the industry remains successful, there are challenges our members face every day. Like many other manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest, our products are exported outside the

region and the country. The current administration’s trade policies have caused supply chain ripple effects throughout the industry. Not only is our export market affected, but the cost of inputs to process food, ranging from metal cans, plastics and equipment, have increased. Safety of the food supply is always our primary concern. Risks posed by cyberattacks have amplified the need for comprehensive cybersecurity and emergency response plans to assure that food remains safe from outside intervention. Under a new Food and Drug Administration program, food companies are installing equipment and procedures to prevent intentional contamination of food. The inability to find skilled workers is a major challenge for the industry. The decrease in numbers of young people pursuing technical education has led to a shortage of welders, electricians, mechanics and technicians. Further, the existing workforce is aging, and skilled workers are retiring. Many of our members experience constant vacancies that they struggle to fill. In fact, thousands of jobs go unfilled every year. To address this skills gap, Food Northwest now offers two types of scholarships: one for university students with food industry career goals and another for the current employees and families of member companies that also covers tuition at technical and trade schools. This year, we will award 10 scholarships. The association also is looking to develop partnerships between the food industry and local school districts, community colleges and state programs to advance interest in technical educations and food industry careers. Climate change, sustainability and the environment are major concerns. Food processors are aggressively taking actions to protect and enhance the environment. We are proud that as an industry we are on track to meet our goal to reduce energy use and carbon emissions by 25 percent in 10 years and are proceeding to work toward another 25 percent reduction. We also are proud that we have been a national leader in this effort. Food Northwest’s Board of Directors selected me as president in March 2019. Previously, I worked as vice president of operations at Oregon Fruit Products LLC. I began my career at the former Nestle Potato in Moses Lake and worked for several other food companies in the Northwest, including J.R. Simplot, Welch’s and Tree Top. I was born in Eastern Washington and lived in the TriCities for 30 years. My father owns a farm near the Tri-Cities. I have a strong connection to the region and am eager to support the food processing industry in my new role as president. Thank you for your interest and please let us know how we can help.  Mark Fountain, an Eastern Washington native, is president of Portland-based Food Northwest, a trade association organized to advance the ability of the food industry to produce and deliver wholesome, safe food from the Pacific Northwest to the world.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

FOOD PROCESSING

PROCESSING, From Page 49

The most recent expansion of a major food processor in the Tri-City area is Lamb Weston, a well-known international frozen potato product company, and known locally for free fry day; this year it’s July 13. A $250 million french fry processing line began operations in May in Hermiston. In 2017, Lamb Weston completed an expansion of its Richland operations plant, adding 150 local jobs. With the addition of another processing line, capacity is now at 600 million pounds of frozen french fries annually. Lamb Weston added another production line to the nearly 50-year-old plant in Hermiston. The new line is for more frozen french fry products to be made and largely shipped overseas. “Currently Lamb Weston is the leading producer of french fries in North America, with a lot of expansion and growth outside of North America,” said Carol Samoray, Lamb Weston vertical start-up manager. “So the work that’s being done in Hermiston, with the expansion, is to support a lot of that international ambition and growth that we see in the marketplace today.” The new 300,000-square-foot facility was built by about 700 people at peak construction times, with primarily local contractors in 2018 and 2019, said Brian Jackson, engineering manager and expansion project lead. “We receive raw potatoes; we unload trucks; we process the potatoes, freeze them, package them and ship them from this site, that’s basically what this new line does,” Jackson said. With the new line fully operational, the Hermiston plant will produce more than 700 million pounds of potato products annually — more than even the Richland plant. Samoray said the expansion of the Hermiston plant allowed the company to hire about 150 more positions. Lamb Weston’s Columbia Basin operations source from local farmers, and it’s not uncommon during harvest times for a potato to be harvested and onto the line in the same day. With storage and freezing technologies, however, Lamb Weston makes its products year-round. “It is our goal that you could sit down at any restaurant supplied by Lamb Weston and that you would not be able to tell the difference between product made from material pulled right out of the field and processed and product that has been in storage for six to nine months,” Samoray said, noting that Lamb Weston owns storage facilities of its own, as well as uses grower-owned storage facilities throughout the Columbia Basin. Statewide, food manufacturing is not a huge economic driver, but one look at the break-down of statistics by region, shows that food manufacturing is projected to continue to grow in Benton and Franklin counties in the coming years. Food manufacturing accounts for 5,528 jobs in the two counties in 2017, with an average annual wage at $44,005. Ajsa Suljic, a regional labor economist at the Washington State Employment Security Department, said the Columbia Basin’s location, rich

Courtesy Lamb Weston Crews broke ground on the new $250 million Lamb Weston facility in Hermiston in February. The majority of labor construction for the project was done by local contractors in the Hermiston, Pendleton and Tri-City area.

growing environment and climate make the region ideal for not just farmers and growers but also food processors. She also pointed out that the region’s transportation networks enable large companies to get their products out to customers quickly. TRIDEC receives leads from a consultant about food processing companies looking to expand. Adrian believes the sector has more room to grow. “We’re seeing new crops being planted. We’re seeing a lot of blueberries, for example, that weren’t grown here years ago, and we’re seeing more berry plantings and that kind of thing,” he said. One advantage of food processors being near a large quantity of fresh product is the ability to tailor to their customers’ specific needs. “(Food processors) customize products for whatever the customer needs,” Suljic said. “… They are not equally producing it the same for everybody, it’s for what the customer wants.” Beyond an abundance of crops and the production of new crops, Adrian also believes that as the food processing industry develops new technology for storage and preservation, that the crop

yields could be higher, leading to further processing, where raw product is used in more convenience or ready-to-eat foods, Adrian said. Of course, growth rarely comes without some pain. At a local level, this could mean potential infrastructure headaches and tension between enticing and creating environments for food processors to expand and grow where they are, while ensuring that residents’ quality of life and job opportunities remain. Take the city of Pasco, for example. Last fall, the city broke ground on a multimillion-dollar water pump station that eventually will serve more food processors than it does currently, treating their wastewater outside the city’s sewer system. The city currently has a public-private partnership that diverts food processors’ wastewater into an irrigation system on 15 crop circles on the edges of the city’s limits. The current water reuse facility treats five food processors’ waste water, and the new pump station and pipes will improve the connection to Simplot RDO and Freeze Pack, and add Grimmway Farms to the program. On May 21, the Franklin County

Commission voted to put $500,000 toward the project, for the second time in recent years. Some commissioners expressed concerns that the project needed to mitigate treatment plant odors for residents. Pasco Public Works Director Steve Worley said he was happy to prioritize the funding to work on the solid waste removal process to focus on odor. TRIDEC commissioned a survey of 71 food and beverage processors in the Tri-Cities region in 2014 and found that 67 percent said their sales were increasing, with 6 percent citing a decrease. Additionally, the food and beverage processing industry, based on TRIDEC’s survey, started in the region in the 1990s. State economic data shows that by 2021, food manufacturing in Benton and Franklin counties will increase by 1.23 percent. Suljic said that this can be attributed to several factors. “It’s extensions of companies here, new companies locating here to be closer to their supply. It’s producers as well as just in general the work flow for what consumers need as they demand more products,” she said.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Food Processing

Agricultural processing seeing rapid growth Manufacturing in the greater Tri-Cities is synonymous with agricultural processing. Out of the nearly 7,900 manufacturing workers in the two counties in 2017, more than 70 percent commuted daily to an agricultural processing facility. Unlike other Eastern Washington metro areas, manufacturing doesn’t rank in the top five by the number of people employed. In 2017, the sector claimed eighth place among the 19 large sectors characterizing the economy. Still, the 5,500 jobs in agricultural proD. Patrick Jones cessing represent a significant Eastern segment of the area’s workWashington force. University Importantly, the sector has been a rapidly growing one. From 2008-17, it added more than a third to its numbers. Over the same period, the local economy overall, the most dynamic in Eastern Washington, tacked on 19 percent more workers. The only sector that grew more rapidly over the decade was health care and social services, at 50 percent. Agricultural processing sits on two legs: food and beverage manufacturing. The bulk of activity, and therefore workforce, has been in food processing. In 2017, it made up 75 percent of the total. Chalk up that dominance to the U.S. consumers’ — and overseas buyers’ — love of meat and potatoes, dominant processing industries in the two counties, and to the longstanding tradition of Tri-City firms adding value to the bounty of the land. Yet, beverage manufacturing has grown faster. Ten

Courtesy Benton-Franklin Trends years ago, it accounted for only 15 percent of the total ag processing workforce; now it is 25 percent. This should not surprise the casual observer of the BentonFranklin wine and brew scene. Visit Tri-Cities currently counts more than 50 wineries, 10 microbreweries and two distilleries in the region. Clearly the local beverage sector is enjoying strong tail winds.

Benton-Franklin Trends data reveals the overall growth of the area’s agricultural processing. Over the past decade, the number of firms has grown by 20. One can also see how outsized area food and beverage manufacturing is compared to the state. The Tri-City uGROWTH, Page 53

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

FOOD PROCESSING

Herbal love can go beyond the stockpot What’s green and typically soft, smells good and blankets you, your plate or room with swoon-worthy fragrance? Herbs. I love herbs! Can’t get enough of them. Mostly because they’re often pretty, smell good and have lots of variety. Sounds like a good first date, right? And what appeals to the logical part of me is that they typically serve a host of functions. There’s something raw and earthy about squeezing the leaves of an herb, and — poof — an Marilou Shea aromatic elixir wafts out. You Food Truck don’t even have to respect it by Academy identifying the herb you’re giving a love-squeeze to – its aroma will automatically tell you. They’re so not coquettish and I love that too. My herbal garden, though traditional and a bit hohum, makes up for this in the extended culinary uses I find for those same herbs. I grow two different kinds of basil, two different kinds of oregano, tarragon, rosemary and English thyme, along with sage and chives. I adorn grill marinades, salad dressings and pastas with these herbs and dry and store them for year-round use. I must say I do enjoy a bit of satisfaction knowing I groomed the herbs personally as part of my fine fare. By most accepted definitions, herbs are plants with savory or aromatic properties used for flavoring and garnishing food, medicinal purposes or for fragrances. They exclude vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients. Culinary use typically distinguishes herbs from spices. Herbs generally refer to the leafy

GROWTH, From Page 52 share of the workforce in agricultural processing in 2017, at 4.6 percent, was three times as high as the statewide share. The conventional wisdom about agricultural processing is that its jobs don’t pay very well. That’s both true and false. In 2017, food manufacturing employers in Benton County paid an average of $55,400 per year. That represents a premium of 11 percent over the 2017 average annual wage for all sectors of the two counties. Franklin County food processors, however, paid considerably less, with an average wage of $41,500 in 2017. That pay represented a 17 percent departure from the regional economy’s overall annual wage. The number of food processing jobs in the area is evenly split between the two counties. So, on average, it seems fair to conclude that food processing in the Tri-Cities offers wages close to the economy’s average. The numbers from the beverage sector tell a different story. Here, the 2017 annual wage in Benton County was about $38,200. In Franklin County, the wages were lower yet: slightly more than $24,300. The size of the beverage manufacturing workforce in Franklin County is tiny compared to that in Benton County, so the area average is quite close to $38,000. That annual pay still represented a 23 percent departure from the average annual wage

green or flowering parts of a plant, while spices are usually dried and produced from other parts of the plant, including seeds, bark, roots and fruits. There’s a ton of folklore around herbs, and I’m amazed archaeologists date our love affair with herbs between 30,000 to 50,000 years ago. Herbs have cast their spell in a variety of ways — mystical implications, medicinal values, tea brews, culinary purposes, garden love and even Martha Stewart touts fresh herbs as a simple and elegant decorating solution. It’s a safe bet that sesame and sesame oil, garlic and onions were part of the ancient Greek and Roman diet. Then, as now, those Mediterraneans exemplify good culinary taste. Many other herbs appeared on the culinary landscape and have struck our hearts and stuck to our palates since then. The famous Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine and from whom medical personnel take the famous Hippocratic oath, was a huge fan of herbal remedies. Of course, Asia was at the forefront of setting trends in the herbal niche, too. “The Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica,” written about 2,000 years ago, lists 365 healing remedies. Take salicylic acid, for example. It’s a key ingredient of aspirin. It was first described by Hippocrates, who referred to a white powder derived from willow bark (the tree) which alleviated the symptoms of aches, pains and fevers. In keeping with my passion for herbs, I’ll share an ode to my favorites, with inspiration from poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:” u Basil: Smooth-talking leaves that render a mighty nice kick, distinct fragrance and wide variety symbolizing love, trust, prosperity and courage. For making life

brighter in a myriad salad creations and a true highlight in bruschetta, gazpacho or caprese salads. u Sage: Velvety texture and properties of healing, wisdom, health and protection; yummy as a brown butter sauce on orechetti or other scoop pasta. Fresh or dried, you’re out of this world in poultry dishes. u Thyme: Short, stumpy goodness and hearty structure signifying purification, healing and psychic cleansing. Remarkable in or on fresh vegetables, herbed polenta, bread, muffins, quiche and pork dishes. u Chives: Showering bulbs of purple splendor conveying your harvest time, delicate flavor and well-traveled use the world over. Your healing, protection and purification elements personify all good things. Adorn your favorite potatoes (in all their variations), salad vinaigrettes, omelets and various fish. u Tarragon: Flaky soft, feathery French leaves that pack quite a flavor punch despite your skinny anatomy. You epitomize cleansing, regeneration and transformation and make magic happen with chicken, chicken salad, creams, broths and whatnot. The curative effects are many and have been scientifically proved. Herbal applications are more popular than ever today, either in their natural state or in human-made active compounds. More than 25 percent of today’s drugs contain plant extracts as active ingredients and herbal preparations can be spied in stores, health food co-ops, boutiques and online in a variety of forms. Join me, won’t you, on this journey of herbal essence. Look for a deep dive into herbs in the future. What’s not to love?  Food Love columnist Marilou Shea is an adjunct faculty member for Columbia Basin College’s hospitality program and Food Truck Academy, as well as the creator of Food Truck Fridays.

of the two counties. A few factors might be at work behind this gap: less automation than food processors, smaller scale of operations and the likely presence of part-time workers. What is the future of agricultural processing in the area? This economist won’t hazard much of a guess. To the degree that overseas markets expand for U.S. food, the future seems reasonably bright. There is a big “if” in that statement, however. Trade wars have been onerous for U.S. agriculture. Growth in the beverage manufacturing likely will be rooted in local and regional trends, such as population growth, income growth and tourism. There are some who have made a prediction for the Tri-Cities. These are the labor economists from the Washington State Department of Employment Security who routinely forecast occupation and industry future. For the 2021-26 period, the group is projecting very slow growth for both food and beverage manufacturing in the two counties, or a total of 200 jobs. My hunch is that the results will surprise — on the upside.  D. Patrick Jones is the executive director for Eastern Washington University’s Institute for Public Policy & Economic Analysis. BentonFranklin Trends, the institute’s project, uses local, state and federal data to measure the local economic, educational and civic life of Benton and Franklin counties.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

uNEW HIRES • The TriCities Cancer Center hired Sonia Aranda as a health information specialist. She will assist in the processing of electronic mediSonia Aranda cal records, diagnosis coding, obtaining insurance authorizations, front desk coverage and coverage for other areas in the cancer center. She has more than 17 years of health care and customer service experience. Most recently she worked as front

office assistant at Kadlec General Surgery in Richland. Prior to Kadlec, she was a financial counselor and clerical coordinator with Trios Oncology. • The Academy of Children’s Theatre hired Lisa Howell as production manager. She will oversee all day to day aspects of staging ACT’s six annual mainstage productions, assisting with box Lisa Howell office sales and helping with community outreach programs. Howell brings a wealth of experience to her new

role, having produced nine ACT shows, coordinated property management on 13 productions and assistant directed two shows. • Chaplaincy Health Care has hired Daniel Lipparelli as the director of development. He manages all aspects of fundraising, development and philanthropic support, as well as developing strategic and annual plans for the development Daniel Lipparelli department. Before joining Chaplaincy Health Care, Daniel spent

three years as the executive director of the Edith Bishel Center for the Blind in Kennewick. He serves on the board of directors for ReAct Kenya and as a volunteer advisor for Rehema for Kids, a Washington-based nonprofit meeting the needs of children in Kenya. • Robert Sorensen will be the new principal of Lewis & Clark Elementary School in Richland. He is currently an assistant principal at Enterprise Middle School. He has worked in Richland schools for 16 years, startRobert Sorensen ing as a school psychologist. He began moving into administrative roles in 2014 and became an assistant principal at Enterprise in 2015. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Washington, a master’s in education from Central Washington University and administrator certification from Gonzaga University. Sorensen will replace Principal Liz Crider at Lewis & Clark. • Sean Langdon will be the new principal of Tapteal Elementary Schools. He currently is an assistant principal at Orchard Elementary. Langdon joined the district at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. He spent the bulk of his Sean Langdon 17-year career in education in the Wahluke School District, starting as a paraeducator and substitute teacher before becoming a dean of students, assistant principal and principal at several schools there. He earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Central Washington University, a master’s in education from Heritage University and his administrative certificate from Heritage. Langdon replaces Principal Rhonda Pratt at Tapteal as she becomes principal at Chief Joseph Middle School. • Dr. Mary Grace Hipolito has joined Trios Health. She is the provider of outpatient primary care at Trios Care Center at Chavallo at 7211 W. Deschutes Ave., Suite B. in Kennewick. Hipolito practiced at Kadlec Dr. Mary Grace Medical Center, Hipolito Providence Medical Group, Kennewick General Hospital and Miramar Health Center. She also has volunteered at the Grace Clinic in Kennewick. She studied at the University of the Philippines in Manila and completed her residency at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois. She is board certified in family medicine.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019 uNEW HIRES • Randy Jansons has joined STCU credit union, which has offices in Kennewick and Richland, as a commercial banking officer serving businesses throughout the Tri-Cities. He has nearly 25 years of experience in commerRandy Jansons cial banking, most recently as vice president and business banking officer at Bank of the West in Kennewick. • Kennewick construction group JUB Engineers Inc. has hired Ben Hoppe as Kennewick’s aviation and construction group leader. Hoppe has been with JUB since 2011 and has professional licenses in Washington and Oregon. He came to JUB from the Ben Hoppe Washington State Department of Transportation and has been working with the Kennewick Transportation Group since 2011. Lee Unterwegner, project engineer for Port of Benton and Tri-Cities Airport projects, will transition to the role of Kennewick construction manager. He has been with JUB since 2014.

uAPPOINTMENTS • Charlie Pearce, who joined Trios Health in January as interim chief financial officer, has been appointed as permanent chief financial officer. Prior to his arrival at Trios, Pearce worked in Kalispell, Montana, as a chief Charlie Pearce financial information officer at Kalispell Regional Healthcare. He has worked in hospitals in Florida, Arkansas, Texas and Montana. He began his career as an accountant at a hospital in Homestead, Florida, after attending

uDONATIONS • Stamp Out Hunger, an annual nationwide food drive held by the National Association of Letter Carriers, collected 31,908 pounds of nonperishable food locally, 2,752 more pounds than the previous year. The food will be distributed to people in need through Second Harvest partner food pantries in Benton and Franklin counties. The food will provide 26,590 meals for local kids, families and seniors who otherwise won’t have enough to eat. Tri-City letter carriers collected the food along their postal routes May 11.

uHONORS & AWARDS • The Tri-Cities Cancer Center has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. Modern Healthcare will publish a special supplement featuring ranked lists of all the winners along in its Sept. 30 issue. The Tri-Cities Cancer Center will be honored at the 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare awards gala Sept. 26 in Dallas, Texas. • Anneliese M. Johnson has qualified for the 2019 Waddell & Reed Circle of Champions conference, which recognizes the top financial advisors affiliated with the company. Selection is based on an analysis of investment, insurance and financial planning sales generated. More than 500 of Waddell & Reed’s national network of financial advisors qualified for this year’s event. This is the eighth time that Johnson has qualified. Johnson has worked in the financial services industry for 12 years, individuals and families throughout the Tri-City community with their personal, long-term investment goals. • Financial services firm Edward Jones, which has several offices in the Tri-Cities, ranked No. 7 on the 2019 Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. This year marks the company’s 20th year on the list. • The U.S. Small Business Administration named Banner Bank Washington, which has offices in the Tri-Cities, regional lender of the year for the Seattle/Spokane District of Asbury College in Kentucky, where he earned his bachelor’s in management and accounting. He later completed a master’s in business administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. • Washington State Reps. Matt Boehnke and Skyler Rude have been appointed to serve on the national conference of the state Legislature’s nuclear legislative working group. The group, which meets twice a year, provides state lawmakers from across the nation an opportunity to discuss nuclear energy and waste management policy, as well as meet with federal officials from the Department of Energy. Both legislators noted ongoing cleanup at the Hanford nuclear reservation site will be of particular interest as they meet with the working group. • The Kadlec Auxiliary has designated a $274,000 end-of-year gift to Kadlec Foundation to be used for the Kadlec Auxiliary Mammogram Assistance Program, mammography equipment, Healthy Ages After Age 50 program, Kadlec Academy, suicide prevention and community health. Auxiliary members help in a variety of areas throughout the Richland hospital, including assisting with sales in the Kadlec gift shops and sewing items for Kadlec patients. Members allocate money they earn through gift shop proceeds to programs, services and capital equipment for the hospital for the benefit of patients and families at Kadlec.

Washington. The SBA said Banner Bank originated the most loans last year among all banks serving Washington state, approving 174 loans totaling more than $40 million. The district includes all of Washington except for a small area that includes Vancouver, which is included in the Portland District. • Richland’s Water Treatment Facility received a Washington State Department of Health award for performing above and beyond federal water quality requirements four years in a row. Exceeding these standards means Richland is detecting contaminates beyond the Safe Drinking Water Act standards or limits. The Washington State treatment optimization program recognizes surface water treatment facilities which go above and beyond federal requirements for turbidity. Turbidity is the clarity of water. • The Bogert Group, which is an umbrella for businesses that make military equipment, hydraulic pumps, accessories for recreational boating and small aircraft and a line of jacks for safely lifting heavy equipment, earned a gold award for being an innovator in manufacturing. The Bogert Group operates as Bogert Aviation Inc., Bogert Manufacturing Inc., dba Safe Jack & Uncle Norm’s Marine Products, and Bogert International Inc. The company received the award in April from Seattle Business Magazine as the 2019 Innovator of the Year. Pasco Processing LLC, which is part of the Oregon Potato Co. family of vegetable and fruit proces-

sors, received a silver award for Food and Beverage Processor of the Year. • Two Baker Boyer advisors have achieved national certification: Rob Blethen, vice president family advisor manager, received the certified financial planner, or CFP, designation by the CFP Board, a nonprofit that fosters professional standards in personal financial Rob Blethen planning. Blethen has more than two decades of experience in business and nonprofit leadership, journalism and running a division of his family business. He manages family advisor team members who are the coordinators of Baker Boyer services and planning for businesses and high net worth clients. Olivia Loomis earned the qualified 401(k) administrator, or QKA, credential from The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries. Loomis has been part of the Baker Boyer trust and Olivia Loomis investment team for nearly four years, specializing in employee benefit accounts.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Business Profile

Richland doctor offers membership health care “It restores that original

Tri-City native offers nontraditional setting for personalized care

relationship of what we think about medicine, where 100 to 200 years ago, you knew your doctor and the doctor knew the family.”

BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A new membership-based health care clinic is available in Richland, the brainchild of a board-certified internist who wanted to offer more patient-focused care. Dr. Jessica Schneider, a Hanford High School graduate, decided to jump off the “hamster wheel” she said was inherent in traditional medical practices to open Empowered Health. She said she found herself facing two dilemmas: “One, just getting very burned out, with shorter and shorter appointment times being mandated from the top down, and feeling like the only time I had was to throw medication at patients. I became more and more frustrated, feeling like I had these other solutions. I had this huge toolbox to offer, and yet I had this very focused outcome. Most people are conditioned to medication, so that’s what it landed on most of the time.” Out of medical school for about a decade, Schneider said she first began experiencing burnout within two years of leaving residency. “I hit the crux of that about four years into practice. And unfortunately, all of my colleagues are in the same spot,” she said.

- Dr. Jessica Schneider, Empowered Health owner

Photo by Robin Wojtanik Dr. Jessica Schneider’s new Richland clinic, Empowered Health, breaks tradition to offer more personalized patient care.

Feeling like she might be pressed to leave medicine altogether due to disillusionment, the Tri-City native began investigating other options. “I found this blend of concierge and direct primary care membership,” Schneider said. “The idea is that you can step outside of the insurance model and hit on a lot of the pinpoints we have within the larger system right now, which is time, trust and transparency.” She opened Empowered Health in the Richland Parkway this spring in a corner

building on Knight Street, in the office space formerly occupied by Gravis Law before it moved one suite north. Schneider said her clinic benefits patients by working outside the typical “insurance model” that she described as rushing patients in and out in a limited time, allowing symptoms to be treated in a reactive fashion only. Instead, new patients at Empowered Health spend 90 minutes with the doctor, and this includes time mostly spent in her office, not an exam room.

Schneider said most primary care doctors carry a patient load of up to 3,000, and with the prototype she’s following, she expects to max out at 600 patients. “It allows a lot more time and attention from the doctor. And for the doctor, it allows you to have a newfound caring and empathy for your patients because you can know them more and know what else is going on in their life,” Schneider said. “It restores that original relationship of what we think about medicine, where 100 to 200 years ago, you knew your doctor and the doctor knew the family and there was a lot more going on than the quick in and out.” Schneider believes lifestyle is often the root cause of chronic illness. “We’ve had so many advancements in medicine with life-sustaining treatments uCARE, Page 58

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

BUSINESS PROFILE

Boutique builds beyond the bridal basics Blueberry Bridal owner opens Kennewick shop as chain store alternative BY ELSIE PUIG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Blueberry Bridal Boutique — a concierge bridal store — opened eight months ago in Kennewick, but the path to its opening has been in the works for nearly eight years. Sitting on a teal tufted sofa inside the brightly lit interior of the carefully designed store, owner Amber Keller talks with tears in her eyes about the joy of accomplishing her life’s dream. “It’s more than I’ve ever expected or dreamed,” she said. The 1,600-square-foot store features floor to ceiling windows at the entrance and two private areas to try on dresses. Brides can commemorate the occasion of saying yes to their dress in the boutique’s photo booth. Blueberry Bridal carries a mix of dresses, from trendier brands such as Essence of Australia, traditional lines like Casablanca and Sophia Tolli, and more conservative picks like Modest by Mon Cheri. The shop also carries a selection of prom or formal occasion dresses and accessories. The dresses range from $900 to $3,000, although most of them fall between $1,200 and $1,600. “I wanted a variety of dresses. Not every girl has the same picture in her head about what she wants to look like. I didn’t want cookie-cutter dresses either. I wanted them to be unique,” Keller said. The Richland High graduate remembers the moment she knew she wanted to

Photo by Elsie Puig Amber Keller, owner of Blueberry Bridal Boutique in Kennewick, said helping brides find the wedding dress of their dreams fueled her passion to open her own shop at 8901 W. Tucannon Ave., Suite 155, in Kennewick.

“It came over me like nothing I had ever felt in my life. It was this powerful feeling of being absolutely sure this is what I wanted to do with my life.” - Amber Keller, Blueberry Bridal Boutique owner own her own bridal boutique more than eight years ago in Seattle. She had moved to Seattle after living in Tri-Cities for seven years after graduating from the

University of Washington. “I felt Seattle was calling me back. I was young and single and wasn’t finding much opportunity to do fun things, but it

was still so expensive to live in Seattle,” she said. Keller often was working multiple jobs to afford life in the city. One was as a part-time sales associate at a bridal shop. “On like the first or second day, I knew it. It came over me like nothing I had ever felt in my life. It was this powerful feeling of being absolutely sure this is what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. uBRIDAL, Page 58

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

CARE, From Page 56

and these brilliant, designer medications, but we’ve also gotten sicker as a population and a lot of it has to do with lifestyle. We’re spending all this time and we’re seeing people get worse because we can’t address the underlying issues, and your doctor doesn’t have time to talk about it,” she said. Schneider completed a fellowship in integrative and functional medicine, which encourages a proactive approach to treatment. “Instead of waiting for chronic illness to happen, we’re working with you, listening to your lifestyle, looking at advanced biomarkers to actually show you years before something might develop that you’re actually on the road to that,” Schneider said.

“For example, we look at markers of insulin resistance that aren’t routinely tested — fasting insulin is an example. If that’s elevated, your risk of diabetes within five years is significantly higher, but we (doctors) are often not checking that.” She sees her clinic as a practice for the future, which could keep more physicians in the field. “In this community, every time we turn around, there’s another doctor leaving practice. With this model, that’s not going to happen,” Schneider said. “From a fulfillment of a love and a calling as a career, this is much more satisfying for a physician. Now I see myself being able to practice for 20, 30, 40 years rather than counting the days until retirement, or burning out much quicker than that.”

BUSINESS PROFILE Empowered Health does not accept insurance and instead runs on a membership system. Prices start at $155 a month for those older than 18, which covers appointments, phone calls or online communication with the doctor. If any bloodwork, imaging, medication or screening tests are needed, these can be submitted for insurance coverage, but Schneider’s team also can create a “superbill” for insurance companies that could be incorporated into a deductible. Since Empowered Health will cost nearly $2,000 annually on top of insurance coverage, Schneider said those who join are more likely to be personally invested in maintaining their optimal health. “Any time we put money into some-

thing, we also put our energy into it. So if we’re going to put our money into it, we’re more likely to actually invest in the changes and be proactive,” Schneider said. As an internist, Schneider can handle a range of medical issues, but may refer out patients if needed. She intends patients to avoid “99 percent” of issues typically treated by urgent care visits since use of a patient portal allows access with the doctor within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. Patients are a good fit for Empowered Health if they want to prevent chronic disease, decrease medication burden, learn more about their own medical conditions and want to feel better next year, Schneider said. » Empowered Health: 503 Knight St., Suite B, Richland; 509-392-7047; empoweredhealthinstitute.com; Facebook; Instagram.

BRIDAL, From Page 57 “I just felt so happy being around the brides. They are at a point in their life where they are happy and excited, and I wanted to be around that while helping them find their perfect dress.” From that moment on, she worked toward her goal to open up her own bridal boutique. She decided to return to the Tri-Cities, to have the help of her family and because competition was fierce in Seattle. There’s also competition here — like David’s Bridal — but she remains resolute. “I have such a will and determination. I didn’t want that to deter me from opening up my own shop,” she said, “This goal has been my life for eight years. The Tri-Cities is growing and there will be more brides here.” She’s been preparing, from saving up, to taking classes on how to run a small business, to watching TLC’s “Say Yes To the Dress.” She stocked two binders full of inspiration and ideas for her boutique, including names. But when it came time to name her business, Keller said she didn’t like any of them. She and her mom had brainstorming sessions to think of names and they would start by thinking of names of different things, like flowers, trees or bushes. When her mom blurted out “blueberry,” it stuck, she said. Keller said giving clients individual and personalized attention is important to her. Brides can make an appointment anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week on the Blueberry Bridal website. Brides may bring up to four friends and family members. As soon as they walk in the door, a sign with their name greets them, signaling that this moment and this space is theirs for the next couple of hours to find the perfect dress. Most dresses in shop take about three to seven months to get in, but if brides are in a hurry, they can pick a dress off the rack in their size. In the next year, Keller hopes to add 80 more dresses to the selection. And in the next two to three years, she hopes to hire an employee to accommodate more brides. » Blueberry Bridal Boutique: 833-5683258; 8901 W. Tucannon Ave., Suite 155, Kennewick; blueberrybridalboutique. com; Facebook; Instagram.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019 uAWARDS & HONORS • Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland has earned the highest grade possible for quality and safety from the Leapfrog Group, which recently announced spring 2019 scores. The biannual grading assigns A, B, C, D and F letter grades to general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. Kadlec is one of 13 hospitals out of nearly 100 in the state of Washington to earn an A grade. • Trios Health recently announced that Christy Kuhn has been recognized as the hospital’s 2019 Mercy Award winner. The award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best Christy Kuhn represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded. Kuhn is the director of diabetes and nutrition education, nutrition services and environmental services at Trios Health. She received nominations for the Mercy Award from current and former co-workers, as well as a community member. In 2012, Kuhn and the Diabetes Education team spearheaded the effort to provide a camp for children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Camp Trios is a one-of-a-kind day camp that has grown from about 20 campers to 50 since its inception. Kuhn helps to organize diabetes education into activities that are fun and engaging for the campers, help them to create lasting friendships and teach them to manage their diabetes. In addition to her work with Camp Trios, Kuhn’s nominators also wrote of her willingness to volunteer, her cheerful attitude and her dedication to providing the highest quality care and excellent services to patients, visitors and staff, writing that she “is a tireless patient and staff advocate.” She has worked at Trios Health for 22 years. Each hospital winner will be considered for LifePoint’s 2019 companywide Mercy Award, which will be announced this summer during a ceremony in Nashville. • U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for his support of pro-jobs legislation. The award was presented at Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon May 13. • State Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, was given Washington Public Ports Association’s Compass Award for 2019. In its second year, the award was designed to recognize both a Republican and Democrat legislator who have shown special support of port districts. The recipients received an engraved compass – a symbol of heading in the right direction. The Democrat recipient was Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien. Chandler, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in the success of the Port of Sunnyside Ostrom’s Mushroom project,

which will bring more than 200 yearround jobs to the Yakima Valley. • Jason Lee, Lewis & Clark and White Bluffs elementary schools in Richland are being recognized by state education officials for student performance on the state’s smarter balanced assessments, or SBAs, for math and language arts from the 2017-18 school year. The schools were recognized at a June 6 ceremony in Spokane. • Andrea Clare of TMC Law in Richland was recognized as among the 10 best personal injury attorneys for client satisfaction in the state by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. • This year’s recipients of the John Goldsbury Award are Detective Jesse Romero of Pasco and Officer Jeremy Taylor of Kennewick. They received a stipend and $500 donated in their names to the charity of their Jesse Romero choice. The late Goldsbury, a Pasco-Kennewick Rotarian and TriCitian of the Year, was active in numerous charities throughout the Tri-Cities but his favorite two were feeding the hungry Jeremy Taylor and supporting

law enforcement. Upon his death, the Pasco-Kennewick Rotary wanted to keep his legacy alive by recognizing police officers from Kennewick and Pasco each year. Nominations are made by the respective departments and based upon outstanding career accomplishments. • The Trios Health Southridge Hospital operating room has earned the 2018 OR of the Year Award from LifeNet Health Pacific Northwest. The award was given in recognition of Trios’ work with LifeNet to help with tissue recovery and donations and for the cooperation, willingness, timeliness and flexibility to make accommodations for those recoveries to occur. In 2018, Trios operating rooms were used 19 times by LifeNet Health to recover tissue for donors. Each donor can enhance or save the lives of up to 150 people, and recoveries through Trios last year have already impacted more than 850 people in the Northwest and will continue to be used to enhance and save lives. • Mid-Columbia Libraries’ “Inspiring Latinos/Latinos Inspiradores” videos, a project of the Tri-Cities Latino Community Network, received a bronze award in the social video series’ culture and lifestyle category of the 40th annual Telly Awards, which honors excellence in video and TV across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, TV, streaming networks and production companies. The Latino network is a partnership of Mid-Columbia Libraries and the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which has a mission is to leverage the expertise of its members and

local leaders to activate positive influence in the community. The video series, produced by Mid-Columbia Libraries’ communications department together with videographer Ryan Scott of Firefly Solutions, showcases the leadership, talents, generosity and resilience of four inspirational Latinos who are making the Tri-Cities community a better place.

uGRANTS • Communities in Schools of Benton Franklin received $20,000 from Numerica Credit Union to provide integrated student supports for students experiencing homelessness and other barriers preventing them from learning in school and achieving in life. The multi-county, independent nonprofit works with school districts to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school. • The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust recently awarded $250,000 to the Columbia Basin College Foundation to support relocation and expansion of its new dental hygiene clinic in Richland. The clinic will be able to more than double the number of patients seen each year as well as increase enrollment by 30 percent over the next four years. CBC’s dental hygiene program offers students a bachelor of applied science degree and operates a low-cost clinic where students provide oral health care to an average of 2,100 low-income children, teens and adults each year. Construction of CBC’s new dental hygiene location is in process and will be complete in fall 2019.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

uELECTIONS • Columbia Generating Station stakeholders, representing 92 utilities in six states, elected member utilities and individual officers to the nuclear power plant’s participants review board during a May public meeting in Sacramento, California. The meeting was held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Northwest Public Power Association. The three utility participants elected for a three-year term to the nine-member board are: Inland Power & Light’s Garry Rosman, Kittitas County PUD’s Paul Rogers and Mason PUD 1’s Ron Gold. The PRB also elected Rogers as chairman; Susan Thraen, Missoula Electric Cooperative, as vice chairwoman; and Stu Nelson of Franklin PUD as secretary. Officers serve a one-year term.

uNEW HIRE Richland’s RC Engineering and Construction Management hired Kristin Mensinger as a project manager. Mensinger is a business marketing graduate who has been working in the federal contracting industry since 2009. Mensinger will be responsible for developing Kristin Mensinger new business relationships, promoting services and overseeing internal projects to ensure overall client satisfaction. Founded in 2007, RC is a small, woman-owned firm that provides engineering and construction management, cost engineering, and support services to the federal, public works, and environmental industries nationwide.

uBUSINESS BRIEF Day’s Pay fundraiser for Reach museum is June 20

The Reach Foundation’s annual fundraiser aims to keep the spirit of the Day’s Pay alive. About 51,000 employees from Hanford Engineer Works donated a day’s pay toward the purchase of a B-17 bomber in 1944. The annual fundraiser’s theme features 1940s theme and attire. Money raised at the event, which features a 1940s theme and attire and includes a buffet dinner and open wine bar, will go toward the operations of the Reach Museum in its ongoing efforts to share, educate and focus on the history of the Hanford area. The event is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 20 at the Reach is at 1943 Columbia Park Trail and Richland. Tickets are $45 a person, or $360 for a table. To buy them, call 509-9434100 or email diannam@visitthereach. org.

Courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ice Harbor Lock and Dam near Burbank is among the list of federal dams that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing.

Snake River dams key to economy There are some dams that should come down and those that shouldn’t. Hopefully, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts its review of the 14 federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers, that will become abundantly clear. That review is expected to be ready for public comment in late 2020. Here is the difference. Demolishing Don C. Brunell the two dams Business analyst on the Elwha River west of Port Angeles was a good thing. They were built in the early 1900s to bring electricity to the Olympic Peninsula at a time when salmon and steelhead were plentiful in other Pacific Northwest rivers. Neither dam had fish ladders. On the Elwha, the issue was clear: removing the dams allowed salmon and steelhead to move upstream to spawn. Neither could provide flood protection, irrigate farmlands or were navigable. But breaching the four lower Snake River dams is entirely different. For one thing, the billions of dollars paid by Bonneville Power Administration ratepayers to improve fish passage and spawning habitat throughout the Columbia/Snake river system is now paying off. It wasn’t always that way. In 1992, a single male sockeye salmon, dubbed Lonesome Larry, managed to swim 900 miles from the mouth of the Columbia

River to Redfish Lake in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. By 2011, the Idaho Fish and Game Department reported that 1,070 sockeye returned to Redfish to spawn. Of the 13 salmon and steelhead stocks in the Columbia Basin listed under the Endangered Species Act, only four migrate through the lower Snake River dams. The bigger problem has been young fish swimming downstream to the ocean where they are intercepted by hordes of natural predators such as cormorants. As for dams, Northwest River Partners reports survival through the Snake River dams for young salmon averages 97 percent. It is even better for juvenile steelhead at 99.5 percent. Salmon maturing in the ocean must dodge the engulfing nets from fleets of giant trawlers, many of which are foreign. The small percentage of mature salmon that return to the Columbia and Snake also must run the gauntlet of seals, sea lions, nets and fishing lines. While the Elwha dams produced very little electricity, the four Snake River dams can provide enough electricity for 1.87 million homes when generating at full capacity. On average, they contribute 5 percent of the Northwest’s electricity supply. A 2015 BPA reliability analysis concluded that replacement of the lower Snake Dams with natural gas generation would increase the region’s carbon dioxide emissions by 2 million to 2.6 million metric tons annually. The network of dams is the marine highway created on the Columbia and Snake rivers. It is the most environmen-

tally friendly way to move cargo from Lewiston to Astoria. A tug pushing a barge can haul a ton of wheat 576 miles on a single gallon of fuel. For comparison, if the dams were breached in 2017, it would have taken 35,140 rail cars, or 135,000 semi-trucks to move the cargo that was barged on the Snake River that year. Ten percent of all Northwest exports pass through the four lower Snake River dams, which include Ice Harbor Lock and Dam outside Burbank, Lower Monumental Dam south of Kahlotus, Little Goose Lock and Dam near Starbuck and Lower Granite Lake Dam 22 miles south of Colfax. These dams generate $20 billion in trade, commerce and recreation income. Water from their reservoirs nourishes thousands of farms, orchards and vineyards. “In the end, when the latest study and public hearings are done, the conclusion should be the same as the previous efforts: the Lower Snake River dams must remain,” Walla Walla’s Union-Bulletin concluded in a 2016 editorial. While Gov. Inslee got his appropriation of $750,000 for stakeholder input on Snake River dam removal, our money should be directed on how to improve, not remove, those dams. 8 Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He retired as president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and now lives in Vancouver. He can be contacted at theBrunells@msn.com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Libraries launch adult summer reading challenges

Mid-Columbia Libraries and the Richland Public Library kick off their summer reading programs for adults and kids in June. Adults who finish the Mid-Columbia Libraries’ summer reading challenge of reading or listening to an audiobook for 15 hours receive a book bag, while supplies last. All finishers are entered to win a variety of grand prizes. Kids who finish receive a free book. Beginning July 8, finishers may turn in their completed logs to their local branch library and collect their prize. Those who register by June 28 will be

entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Sign up for the Richland Public Library’s adult summer reading program at the help desk or at richland.lib.wa.us. Rather than logging reading hours, the Richland library rewards those who complete an activity grid and book reviews. The finished grid is submitted for a grand prize drawing and book reviews can be submitted all summer to be eligible for additional prize drawings. The grid is nine squares consisting of tasks like reading a book published in the last two years or attending a local program or event. Book reviews may be submitted in person or online. Completed entries must be received by Aug. 30. Several Tri-City businesses have donated prizes for finishers.

Signups for cancer-fighting cooking classes underway

Take a cooking class that highlights the cancer-fighting properties of common produce found at Tri-City area farmers markets. The Cancer Crushing Cuisine classes are a partnership between the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and Red Mountain Kitchen, both in Kennewick. Education on cancer-fighting properties of produce and other ingredients will be provided by a Lourdes Health dietician and Tri-Cities Cancer Center naturopath Dr. Lindsey Josephson. Participants will prepare a healthy dish to enjoy at the kitchen or to take home under the guidance of Chef Kyle Thornhill. Classes will coincide with the downtown Kennewick farmers market from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays on Aug. 8 and Oct. 10. The Red Mountain Kitchen is at 212 W. Kennewick Ave. Each cooking class will be unique, focusing on seasonal produce. An RSVP is required. To register, call 509-7373413. Cost is $50 per individual per session, which includes all supplies, with $25 going toward a donation to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation in honor of its 25th anniversary. For more information, go to tccancer. org/cuisine.

FUSE celebrates pride month with LGBTQ fireside chat

Fuse SPC celebrates pride month June 26 with a LGBTQ focused fireside chat at 6 p.m. The special guest is Carly Coburn, vice chair of PFLAG of Benton and Franklin Counties. PFLAG stands for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The primary focus of this free public event is to encourage inclusion and treating all populations with respect in the workplace. Coburn moved to the Tri-Cities in 2015 and joined the board of Tri-Cities Pride Festival as the communications director. Coburn has continued community organizing and became vice chair in April. Fireside chat features a live interview with some of the Tri-Cities’ most influential and interesting people. Free tickets are available at https://ti. to/fuse/fireside-chat-with-pflag-s-carlycoburn. Fuse SPC is a business and community accelerator started by local entrepreneurs four years ago that offers a membership-based coworking space at 723 The Parkway in Richland, which offers a mentorship program and small business workshops.

Hanford public comment periods deadlines near

Public comment periods are underway to comment on Hanford cleanup and budget priorities and modification to the Hanford dangerous waste permit. Here’s how to weigh in: Hanford cleanup and budget priorities: The DOE, Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Ecology invite the public to comment on Hanford cleanup and budget priorities

for fiscal year 2021. The public comment period runs through June 15. The three agencies held a public meeting on May 15. To review the presentation, project posters and Department of Ecology’s presentation, and submit comments, go to https://go.usa.gov/xmAPK. Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System: The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of River Protection is holding a 60-day public comment period to support a Class 3 modification to the Hanford dangerous waste permit. This modification is requesting approval from the state Department of Ecology to add a new operating unit for the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System. This operating unit will pretreat double-shell tank waste to remove cesium and filter out solid particles for subsequent vitrification in the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant’s Low-Activity Waste facility. The public comment period runs through June 30. To comment, go to https://go.usa.gov/ xmAmf. To learn more, go to Hanford.gov and see the events calendar.

AARP seeks community service award nominations

AARP Washington is accepting nominations for its 2019 Washington Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Washingtonians 50 and better who are sharing their experiences, talents and skills to enrich the lives of their community. In addition to receiving the award, AARP Washington will donate $2,000 to an approved and registered charity or nonprofit of the winner’s choice. For more information about the awards and the online nomination form, go to aarp.org/andrus or call AARP Washington at 866-277-7457 to have a paper nomination form mailed to you. Applications will be accepted through July 15.

Former governor, general to speak at fundraiser

Guest speakers at the Oct. 24 Washington Policy Center’s annual dinner in Spokane are former N.J. Gov. Chris Christie and retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Washington Policy Center’s annual dinner events are a way to bring people together to hear about how free-market solutions are improving lives not only in Washington state, but across the country. WPC’s annual dinner events in eastern and western Washington attract more than 2,500 elected officials, business and community leaders, raising more $1.4 million to support WPC’s work. Tickets cost $350. For more information, go to washingtonpolicy.org/events.

AWB seeks applicants for statewide business awards

The Association of Washington Business is accepting applications for its award programs. Companies are recognized for exemplifying innovation, community spirit and environmental stewardship. Application deadline is June 30. For more information and an application, go to awb.org/awards.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Kamiakin High team tops business competition BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

The winner of the 2019 Junior Achievement Titan Business Challenge, a business simulation contest, was a team from Kamiakin High School in Kennewick. The three-student team beat 11 others from area high schools and achieved the highest performance index at the May 14 event at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. Aiden DeVere, August Sarrazin and Jaren Matkowski took home a $300 cash prize, thanks to sponsor Washington River Protection Solutions. Kamiakin also gets to display the Titan traveling trophy for the next year. Olivia Clizbe was the host teacher for the Titan program. The CEO of Year winner was Salomon Martinez from Chiawana High School in Pasco. Salomon, a three-year veteran of the competition, represented his team with a three-minute presentation on their strategy for the competition and lessons learned as they competed. He was also a member of the winning team from the 2018 Titan Business Challenge. The seven-week in-classroom entrepreneurial program is taught by business mentors using lesson plans, administrator control and economic scenarios. The hands-on experience focuses on the concepts of research and development, charitable contributions, price and inventory as related to products and marketplace. Other competing students were from Kennewick and Richland high schools. All JA Titan students in the state also were invited to enter an essay contest for the opportunity to win a trip to Seattle to attend the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Gala and speak about their JA Titan experience. The winner was local and will be announced June 14.

(Above) Natalie Vega O’Neil, president of Junior Achievement of Washington, from left, Jaren Matkowski, Aiden DeVere, August Sarrazin, P.K. Brockman, executive vice president of Washington River Protection Solutions and Nathan Morgan of Washington River Protection Solutions and Junior Achievement Titan Board chairman. (Left) DeVere, from left, Sarrazin and Matkowski beat 11 others from area high schools and achieved the highest performance index at the 2019 Junior Achievement Titan Business Challenge in Kennewick. Courtesy Junior Achievement of Washington

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Insurance companies fined for mishandling appeals

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines totaling $401,900 against insurance companies, agents and brokers who violated state insurance regulations. Insurance companies receiving fines were: • Premera Blue Cross of Mountlake Terrace: Fined $50,000 for underpaying dental providers for certain anesthesia services by $182,766 on 1,008 claims from January through June 2018. The company will reprocess all underpaid claims within 90 days. Fined $50,000 after a consumer complained the compa-

ny denied a lifesaving specialty formula for a child. Kreidler’s investigation found Premera improperly handled the appeal, which should have included a review by an independent review organization. Premera subsequently reported that it improperly handled 59 appeals from June 2016 until July 2018. • Lifewise Health Plan of Washington, Mountlake Terrace: fined $25,000 after a consumer complained about a claim appeal that was mishandled by Lifewise, a sister company to Premera Blue Cross. Lifewise reported that it delayed 31 appeals to be reviewed by independent review organizations from June 2016 until July 2018. • Delta Dental of Washington, Seattle: Fined $15,000 for not maintaining dental provider directories in accordance with

state law. Violations included obscuring specialty providers, accuracy of the directories and reporting providers to Kreidler’s office. Fined $15,000 for overcharging and undercharging a total of 3,370 Washington consumers, affecting 4,624 claims. Overcharges totaled more than $13,000, which it refunded to customers. Fined $50,000 for selling unapproved policies to 6,140 Washington consumers. These policies contained language that was specifically disapproved by Kreidler’s office. The company also misrepresented the terms of its contracts in its confirmations of treatment and cost in 6,456 instances. • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options Inc., Seattle: fined $50,000 for improperly processing claims totaling nearly $213,000 for

42,036 consumers in 2017. The company’s plan stated that each policyholder’s first four visits of the year were not subject to the annual deductible. The company processed claims in the order they were received, rather than in chronological order. The result was that policyholders could be subject to higher out-ofpocket charges depending on how fast medical providers submitted claims. • Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., Lincoln, Nebraska: fined $50,000. In 2015, Kreidler denied a standalone combined vision and dental policy that the company wanted to sell. In 2017, it sold 1,552 of these plans to Washington consumers, generating $95,997 in premiums. Additionally, from January through July 2017 the company allowed insurance producers to sell the policies without being properly affiliated or appointed. Kreidler suspended $30,000 of the fine under the conditions that the company certify that all of its producers are appointed and affiliated every six months and commits no further law violations for two years.

State’s average wage tops $65,000 in 2018

Washington’s average annual wage grew by 5.5 percent in 2018 to $65,301, according to the state Employment Security Department. This represents the largest percentage increase year over year since 2006. The average weekly wage rose from $1,190 in 2017, to $1,255 in 2018. These figures include only wages that are covered by unemployment insurance. Much of the increase was driven by an 8 percent increase in total earnings, which grew by nearly $15.8 billion in 2018. Overall, the average number of workers in Washington covered by unemployment insurance grew by about 75,800 in 2018. The industries with the largest average wage growth in 2018 were retail trade, up 16.9 percent; information, up 13.1 percent; and professional, scientific, and technical services, up 9.7 percent. The average annual wage is used to calculate unemployment benefits for jobless workers. The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 15 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $10 to $188, for new claims opened on or after July 1. At the same time, the maximum weekly benefit, which is the greater of $496 or 63 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $41 to $790. Currently, about 20 percent of unemployment insurance claims are paid the maximum benefit amount and 10 percent receive the minimum. In addition to unemployment benefits, the average annual wage is used in computing employers’ unemployment taxes. Beginning in 2020, employers will pay unemployment taxes on the first $52,700 paid to each employee—up from $49,800 in 2019. The state average wage also is used by the Department of Labor & Industries in calculating worker’s compensation benefits and Employment Security’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program in calculating benefits starting in January 2020.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

New Kennewick superintendent named BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

A longtime administrator from a school district in a Seattle suburb has been hired to serve as Kennewick School District’s next superintendent. Traci Pierce will work as deputy superintendent alongside retiring Superintendent Dave Bond, starting July 1. She will then take over the top school district post when Bond retires next year. The Kennewick School Board selected Pierce during a special meeting May 30. Dawn Adams, Kennewick School Board president, said Pierce brings experience as a superintendent in a large, growing district, a record of maintaining a focus on instruction, and a history of building positive, productive, functional relationships. “We look forward to working with her,” she said in a statement. Pierce spent 24 years in the Lake Washington School District, the thirdlargest district in the state with about 30,000 students. Kennewick has about 19,000 students. The two districts have very different demographics, with Lake Washington’s total student enrollment at more than 50 percent white, about 28 percent Asian and about 10 percent Hispanic, according to state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction data from 2017-18. More than 35 percent of Kennewick’s

Courtesy Kennewick School District Traci Pierce, longtime educator and school administrator from the Seattle area, was selected as Kennewick School District’s next superintendent.

total student enrollment is Hispanic and 55 percent are white, according to OSPI. Other differences between the two districts’ students: u Lake Washington, 9.6 percent English language learners; Kennewick, 15.3 percent. u Lake Washington, 11.9 percent from low-income families; Kennewick, 58.1 percent. u Lake Washington, no migrant students; Kennewick, 11.9 percent. u Lake Washington, 93.6 percent of students graduate within four years; Kenne-

Southridge sports center now Numerica Pavilion Deal between Kennewick, credit union gives space name, $680,000 injection BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

The Southridge Sports and Events Complex Pavilion has a new name, thanks to a corporate sponsor donation. The city of Kennewick and Numerica Credit Union have reached an eight-year agreement worth $680,000 that will change the 30,000-square-foot building’s name to the Numerica Pavilion. The agreement was approved by the Kennewick City Council at its May 21 meeting. Corporate partnerships help community assets to grow and thrive, said Kennewick Parks and Recreation Director Emily Estes-Cross in a news release. This partnership will allow the city to promote upcoming special events and programs on new signs at its Highway 395 location, making it easier for patrons to find the pavilion, which currently has no identifiable building signage, she said. For Numerica, the name change provides an opportunity for the credit union

to provide engagement opportunities. “It is important to us that we give to causes, charities and community partners who share our passion to foster wellbeing in the lives of our members, our neighbors, and our visitors,” said Carla Cicero, Numerica’s president and CEO, in a news release. “By supporting Kennewick Parks and Recreation and the Southridge Sports and Events Complex, we’re also supporting family entertainment, community events, economic growth and the creation of enjoyable memories that last a lifetime,” she said. Estes-Cross said the sponsorship will help the Southridge Sports & Events Complex continue to be one of the TriCities’ greatest assets. “Sponsorship dollars are reinvested in the complex to maintain facilities that attract a wide audience of users, and provide better communication of our events and programs to ensure that everyone in our community can take part,” she said. The name change comes on the heels of a name change at another prominent Tri-City venue: Franklin County’s TRAC facility. In March, HAPO Community Credit Union paid $1 million for naming rights over a 10-year period.

wick, 76.8 percent. u Lake Washington, 77.3 percent of students meeting math standards; Kennewick, 42.1 percent. u Lake Washington, 83 percent of students meeting English language standards; Kennewick, 56.5 percent. Both districts have about the same percentage of students with disabilities. Pierce was Lake Washington’s superintendent for six years, leading the district east of Seattle through a period of transformational enrollment growth while also shepherding it through a successful switch

to a K-5 elementary, middle school and four-year high school system and overseeing development of a long-term facility strategy and funding plan that led to three successful levy and bond campaigns. Pierce joined the Lake Washington district as a teacher, then became an assistant principal, principal, instructional technology coordinator, teaching and learning director, chief schools officer and deputy superintendent before moving into the superintendent post. Last year, she transitioned to director of college and career readiness. Pierce holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies and a superintendent certificate from the University of Washington, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from City University in Bellevue. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve Kennewick students and the community,” Pierce said. “I am honored to be selected and can’t wait to get started working with Mr. Bond and the leadership team.” She and her husband, Sherman, have been married for almost 27 years. Doug Christensen, Kennewick School District’s assistant superintendent of human resources, who has worked in the district since 1996, was a finalist for the position. He had previously served as the director of special services, an assistant principal at Kamiakin High, and a teacher at Kamiakin and Richland high schools.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Benton-Franklin retail sales reach $5.8 billion in 2018 Benton and Franklin counties recorded $5.8 billion in taxable retail sales in 2018, a 7 percent gain over the previous year. Franklin County recorded $1.65 billion in 2018, a 7.9 percent increase over the previous year, and Benton County $4.16 billion, a 6.7 percent increase. Continued gains in construction and auto sales sent statewide taxable retail sales to a record $170 billion in 2018, a 9.6 percent gain over 2017. Taxable retail sales are transactions subject to the retail sales tax, including sales by retailers, the construction industry, manufacturing and other sectors. Retail trade includes sales of items such as clothing, furniture and automobiles, but excludes other industries, such as services and construction. Statewide, retail trade, a subset of all

taxable retail sales in the state, increased by 7.2 percent in 2018 over 2017 to a total of $71.5 billion. The data is part of an annual report recently released by the state Department of Revenue. The agency reports on a quarterly and annual basis the total taxable retail sales reported by businesses on their Washington tax returns. The agency uses Census Bureau classifications to report the sales revenues by sector. Some statewide highlights of 2018 taxable retail and retail trade sales: • Construction rose 14 percent to $35.2 billion. • Taxable retail sales reported by new and used auto dealers increased 2.3 percent to $13.9 billion. • Sales of building materials, garden equipment and supplies rose 8 percent to $7.5 billion. • Electronic and appliance stores increased by 12.6 percent to $4.3 billion.

uBUSINESS BRIEFS

real estate agent will be at every home to welcome visitors and to answer questions.

BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Tri-City real estate agents join U.S. open house event

At a time when buyer demand is high, hundreds of homes will be open to the public as part of the Washington Association of Realtors’ 10th annual statewide open house weekend on June 22-23. The event started in Washington in 2009 when real estate agents across the state held an open house over a coordinated weekend. The event was so successful the concept went national in 2010 and nearly every state participated. Organizers intend for the event to be a fun, time-saving opportunity to pick neighborhoods and experience several homes a day. Tri-City real estate agents will be promoting the event widely through newspaper ads, social media outlets and their websites to notify the public about the weekend activities. Most participating homes will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Each open house will be marked by blue balloons with the trademark Realtor “R.” A

History professor gives talk on Mexican immigration

Learn about Mexican immigration from a University of Washington professor who will spotlight his own family’s experience in Southern California, including parallels with Washington, during a Humanities Washington talk. Professor Carlos Gil, an emeritus professor of history, is the author of “We Became Mexican-American: How Our Immigrant Family Survived to Pursue the American Dream.” He has taught the history of Latin America for more than 30 years at the University of Washington. Gil sought to understand immigration by tracing his family’s history from the 1920s to the 1970s. In the process, he discovered the excitement, culture shock, inter-family conflict, and questions of identity that many immigrants face when seeking a better life in another country. His free talk is available in English and Spanish. The event is at 7 p.m. June 20 at the Franklin County Historical Society and Museum, 305 N. Fourth Ave. in Pasco.

Taxable retail sales in Tri-Cities County/City

2018

Percent Change

Benton County

$4.16 billion

+ 6.7%

Franklin County

$1.65 billion

+ 7.9%

Kennewick

$2.2 billion

+ 8%

Richland

$1.3 billion

+ 5.6%

Pasco

$1.4 billion

+ 7.4%

West Richland

$129 million

+ 10.6%

Washington State

$170 billion

+ 9.6%

Source: State Department of Revenue

Ben Franklin Transit offers summer passes for kids

Ben Franklin Transit is offering reduced summer fare programs for K-12 students to stay connected this summer. BFT also offers a seasonal route that will run to and from the Reach Museum at the west end of Columbia Park. BFT is offering two reduced, seasonal youth bus fares, including a summer youth pass that gives students in grades K-12 unlimited rides through Aug. 31 for $25, and a dollar day pass for all youth boarding BFT buses to ride throughout the Tri-Cities for an entire day for $1. Buy passes at bft.org/Summer. The three-month passes also may be bought at any BFT ticket outlet location. A list of where these are can be found online. The new summer route will be an hourly seasonal route that originates at Three Rivers Transit Center and runs to the Reach Museum from about 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, from June 17 to Aug. 24. Children 5 and under always ride free on BFT buses.

Foundation seeks grants to address health issues

The Three Rivers Community Foundation is accepting online grant applications to address the health of the Medicaid population. Applicants should consider targeting the conditions in which people are born, grow, live and work, rather than an individual’s various health risk factors. Applications are due July 9. The foundation seeks creative projects – collaborative applications are encouraged – that address one if not more of the following areas: u Housing, with an emphasis in two areas: supportive housing for those living with addiction or mental health issues and alternatives to foster care for middle- and high school-age homeless. u Mental health, with emphasis on additional licensed practitioners to improve access, and supportive housing for those

living with mental illness. u Food insecurity, providing healthy food options for youth that expand school-based programs, and create free or low-cost feeding stations or cafés where youth gather. To apply, go to 3rcf.org, and click on “How to Apply for a Grant.”

West Richland library offers new curbside pickup service

Mid-Columbia Libraries’ West Richland branch is the first of the library system’s 12 branches to offer curbside pickup. The newly remodeled branch reopened April 27 and has offered the service since May 1. Customers who place holds online or by phone can park in the designated curbside pickup area to the west of the building, located at 3803 W. Van Giesen, and call the phone number on the sign posted at the parking stall. A staff member will collect held library items and deliver them to customers waiting outside. “It’s just one more way we provide excellent customer service at the new West Richland library,” says Branch Manager Tom Moak. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the library customer experience and jumped at this opportunity to pioneer this service for Mid-Columbia Libraries.” The service is available during regular branch hours, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Meals on Wheels seeks help for driving, packaging meals

Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers are leaving town for summer vacations and the agency is in need of volunteers. It has immediate volunteer openings for meal delivery drivers and meal packagers. Contact Penni Richter at Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels: 509-735-1911 or prichter@ seniorliferesources.org.

PUBLIC RECORD uBANKRUPTCIES Bankruptcies are filed under the following chapter headings: Chapter 7 — Straight Bankruptcy: debtor gives up non-exempt property and debt is charged; Chapter 11 — Allows companies and individuals to restructure debts to repay them; Chapter 12 — Allows family farmers or fishermen to restructure finances to avoid liquidation for foreclosure; Chapter 13 — Plan is devised by the individual to pay a percentage of debt based on ability to pay. All disposable income must be used to pay debts. Information provided by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Spokane.

CHAPTER 7 VeJohn C. Heinemann, 451 Westcliffe Blvd., Richland. Jasmine S. Guy, 1514 W. Fourth Ave., Kennewick. Hugo and Vivian Ramos, 2013 Riverview Drive, Pasco. Craig Sebring, 1625 S. Palouse Place, Kennewick. Lyndsay Lapierre, 475 E. 15th Place, Kennewick. Marisa L. Weiss, 451 Westcliffe Blvd., Richland. Sirena Valencia, 1803 S. Garﬁeld St., Kennewick. Kristopher J. Lapp, 3284 W. Payette, Kennewick. Diana Candanoza, 3713 Margaret, Pasco. Leticia M. Sanchez, 7803 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick. Tiffany N. Woodrome, 250 Gage Blvd., Richland. Sean R. Mundy, 1422 Marshall Ave., Richland. Stacy S. Sutherland, P.O. Box 4911, Pasco. Jared M. and Jennifer A. Lazar, 2963 Sawgrass Loop, Richland. Teresa R. Killian, P.O. Box 376, Richland. Bradley M. and Kathryn M. Hickson, 805 E. 27th Ave., Kennewick. Steven J. and Kaylea N. Nundahl, 714 S. Buntin St., Kennewick. Jarom M. and Brandy R. Trout, 1115 Sunset St., Richland.

Maya T. Charles, 1225 Covina Court, Richland. Jose and Candelaria Moreno, 1012 Burgundy Place, Prosser. Daniel L. and Briana M. Allen, 401 W. 21st Ave., Kennewick. David S. and Cathie Wallace, 235704 E. Lechelt Road, Kennewick. Lynzie L. Todino, 1205 S. Zillah St., Kennewick. Timothy A. Bucho, P.O. Box 7113. Robert D. McNeil, Jr., 9202 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick. Humberto R. and Anita M. Olvera, 636 N. Beech Ave., Pasco. Jesse W. Castillo, 26014 S. Dague, Kennewick. Diana B. Benites, 2421 S. Conway St., Kennewick. Sornsawan Kulaga, 4805 Desert Plateau Drive, Pasco. Jacob R. Hancock, 3819 S. Buntin Loop, Kennewick. Vanessa E. Rodriguez, 1915 Riverview Drive, Pasco. Kayn L. and Clayton D. Roark, 623 Brampton Drive, Caldwell, Idaho, and 6125 Sandhill Road, Irvine, Kentucky. Isaac Lara, 6616 Saddlebred Loop, Pasco. Cheryl L. Haken, 915 N. 15th Ave., Pasco. CHAPTER 13 Donna F. Ziegler, 163801 W. Old Inland Empire Highway, Prosser. Robert E. Mitchell Jr., 2414 S. Anderson St., Kennewick. Jose P. Contreras, 6113 Robert Wayne Drive, Pasco. Alberto J. Galvez, 4006 S. Lyle St., Kennewick. Tony D. Kubik, 304 E. Seventh, Kennewick. Hayes Grifﬁth, 3603 S. Caballo Road, Kennewick. Toree P. Young, 4711 N. Dallas Road, West Richland. Amy Vongvilay, 3908 Phoenix Lane, Pasco. Adrian and Dina Gonzalez, 1449 Paterson Road, Prosser. Nam Quoc and Nouansavan Truong, 5605 Sidon Court, Pasco.

Herbert D. and Judith J. Regalado, 6109 N. Sidon Lane, Pasco. Maira Torres, 2107 N. 19th Ave., Pasco. Isidro Chavez, 2312 E. George St., Pasco.

uJUDGMENTS The state can file lawsuits against people or businesses that do not pay taxes and then get a judgment against property that person or business owns. Judgments are filed in Benton-Franklin Superior Court. The following is from the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Tri-Cities Phone Repair, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 8. Fidel C. Valencia, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 8. Luke A. Redinger, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 8. Ramiro Sanchez, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 8. CTM LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 8. David S. McAdams, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 8. Vinicio G. Marin, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 8. Pacific King Relocation, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 8. Pedro A. Valenzuela, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9. Jonathon E. Rykowski, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9. Armando D. Villa, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9. Jose C. Ochoa, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9. Kyle Leach, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9. Alexis A. Ortega Verdin, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9. Guillermo Gonzalez, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9. Enedelia G. Silguero, unpaid Employment Security taxes, filed May 9.

Rivera Investments, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 9. MKW Construction, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 9. His & Hers Flooring Installations, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 9. From the Heart Homes, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 10. Kindra Bistra & Café, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 10. Roberto L. Torres, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 10. Lonestar Innovations, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 10. Josue I. Mejia, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 14. Javier Garcia, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 14. Gabriel M. Lopez, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 14. Barajas Auto Body, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 14. Speedy Angeles Concrete, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 14. C M Curbing, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 14. Fidel C. Valencia, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 14. Steven E. Syverson, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 21. Daniel Alvarez, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 21. Jesus A. Rebolledo, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 22. D&S Concrete, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed May 22. Miguel A. Perez, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 22. Alejandro Torres, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 22. DC Concrete & Construction, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed May 22.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 68

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Public Record Building permit values have been rounded to the nearest hundred figure.

uBUILDING PERMITS

BENTON COUNTY P&R Construction, 105609 E. Wiser Parkway, $2,566,100 for new commercial construction. Contractor: P&R Construction. Farmland Reserve, 32198 E. SR 14, $2,591,600 for an agriculture building. Contractor: Teton West of WA. Benton County, 102808 E. Wiser Parkway, $9,500 for a fire alarm system. Contractor: Moon Security. Wyckoff Farms, 166301 Lemley Road, $108,000 for commercial construction. Contractor: Columbia River Steel. Prosser Community Church, 5305 Hicks Road, $15,000 for a fire alarm system. Contractor: Advanced Protection Services. FRANKLIN COUNTY Virgil Burns, 241 Fanning Road, Pasco, $7,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: owner. KENNEWICK Port of Kennewick, 6600 W. Deschutes Ave., $125,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Total Site Services. C&C Investment Co, 3600 W. Clearwater Ave., $10,000 for a sign. Contractor: Mustang Sign Group. Stephen Felice, 2000 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $18,000 for a sign. Contractor: YESCO. FC4, 2909 S. Quillan St., $90,000 for a sign. Contractor: YESCO. Toner Properties, 6917 W. Grandridge Blvd., $5,400 for HVAC. Contractor: Dayco Heating & Air. Semi Bird, 1611 W. Kennewick Ave., $15,000 for commercial construction. Contractor: Patriot Builders. Vic Albertson, 118 W. Kennewick Ave., $150,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Enlows Construction. Robert Grazian, 1915 N. Steptoe St., $35,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Adair Homes. Fortunato, 6500 W. Clearwater Ave., $30,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: North Sky Communications. CBYW Canyon Lakes, 2802 W. 35th Ave., $25,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: YK Restoration Services. Craig Eerkes, 4810 W. Hildebrand Blvd., $20,000 for a sign. Contractor: Cascade Sign & Fabrication. GR1, 8101 W. Grandridge Blvd., $15,100 for a sign. Contractor: Chervenell Construction. City of Kennewick, 210 W. Sixth Ave., $8,500 for demolition. Contractor: Ray Poland and Sons. IBEW Local 112, 114 N. Edison St., $6,000 for a sign. Contractor: Inland Sign & Lighting. Epstein Wendover, 440 N. Volland St., $9,500 for commercial remodel. Contractor: JNM Construction. Ted Wong, 830 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $120,000 commercial remodel and $15,000 for HVAC. Contractors: Foreman Construction and Integrity Three Heating & Air. Kunpeng, 3617 Plaza Way, $9,400 for a sign. Contractor: YESCO. Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 628 N. Arthur St., $6,500 for HVAC. Contractor: Americool Heating & Air. WW Real Estate, 10379 W. Clearwater Ave., $10,700 for HVAC and $11,000 for plumbing. Contractors: Jacobs & Rhodes and Columbia Basin Plumbing. Mendoza Properties, 518 W. Columbia Drive, $6,200 for commercial construction. Contractor: owner. PM2 West Limited Partnership, 8915 W. Grandridge Blvd., $8,000 for HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Hamsko, 7704 W. Clearwater Ave., $10,000 for a sign. Contractor: Cascade Sign & Fabrication. Columbia Mall Partnership, 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $10,000 for HVAC. Contractor: Source Refrigeration. St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, 520 S. Garfield St., $10,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. PASCO Shiva Financial, 110 S. Elm Ave., $1,136,100 for new commercial construction. Contractor:

to be determined. Rowand & Associates, 1907 E. James St., $30,000 for a sign. Contractor: Mustang Sign Group. Quail Investments, 2325 W. Lewis St., $5,000 for a sign. Contractor: Cascade Sign & Fabrication. Pasco School District, 3901 Road 84, $13,000 for mechanical. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Tri-Cities Community Health, 715 W. Court St., $17,000 for fire alarm system. Contractor: Fire Protection Solution. Volm Companies, 5702 Industrial Way, $84,500 for tenant improvements and $30,000 for a fire alarm system. Contractors: Banlin Construction Co. and McKinstry Co. Port of Pasco, 2101 W. Argent Road, $175,000 for fire alarm system. Contractor: Inland Fire Protection. McCurley Subaru, 1230 Autoplex Way, $200,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: to be determined. Numerica Credit Union, 4845 Broadmoor Blvd., $884,100 for new commercial construction. Contractor: LCR Construction. Jodh’s Development, 2525 N. 20th Ave., $11,200 for commercial addition. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Port of Pasco, 3210 Swallow Ave., $88,500 for tenant improvements and $8,000 for a fire alarm system. Contractors: Conner Construction Co. and Camtek. Real Property Acquisitions, 4824 Broadmoor Blvd., $150,000 for a sign. Contractor: Cascade Sign & Fabrication. WA Industrial Properties, 355 N. Commercial Ave., $5,800 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Sunset Construction. Twin City Foods, 5405 Industrial Way, $7,700 for HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Jay Brantingham, 2920 Travel Plaza Way, $50,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: CRF Metal Works. Franklin County Irrigation District, 4320 Road 111, $8,200 for HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. T3 Group, 5210 Road 68, $46,200 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Crossroad Services. Court St. Holdings, 3603 W. Court St., $80,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: APC Services. Lakeshore Investments, 1113 W. Court St., $10,000 for commercial construction. Contractor: Western Equipment Sales. Mach Two Properties, 1224 N. California Ave., $5,500 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Horizon Construction. First Baptist Church, 1105 Road 36, $7,500 for HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. T3 Group, 5204 Road 68, $9,800 for HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. PROSSER Airport Ranches, 560 Merlot Drive, $7,000 for HVAC. Contractor: Bruce Heating & Air. Royal Holdings, 1303 Wine Country Road, $25,500 for a sign. Contractor: Signs Plus. RJS Grant Street, 1115 Grant St., $10,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Deacy Mechanical. RICHLAND Walmart, 2801 Duportail St., $20,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: UHC United Heating & Cooling. River Walk Village, 404 Bradley Blvd., $7,100 for HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Mallard Lake Properties, 2161 Henderson Loop, $19,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Fowler General Construction. WSU Tri-Cities, 2710 Crimson Way, $106,200 for plumbing. Contractor: McKinstry Co. Sharledan Properties, 701 The Parkway, $18,900 for HVAC. Contractor: Bruce Heating & Air. FGL, 1355 Columbia Park Trail, $7,700 for HVAC. Contractor: Bruce Heating & Air. Vatos Locos, 2670 First St., $1,015,900 for new commercial construction. Contractor: DGR Grant Construction. Ford Group, 1957 Fowler St., $70,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Western Equipment Sales. Jason Lee Swim Club, 1803 McMurray Ave., $7,500 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Palmer Roofing Co.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 69

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

PUBLIC RECORD uBUILDING PERMITS Croskrey Brothers, 2920 George Washington Way, $10,000 for demolition. Contractor: Northwest Construction Services. The Bridge Richland, 1916 Jadwin Ave., $45,500 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Elite Construction & Development. Petbo Properties, 79 Aaron Drive, $17,600 for HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. The Hill Companies, 155 Wellsian Way, $528,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: O’Brien Construction. City of Richland, 505 Swift Blvd., $340,000 for demolition. Contractor: Leone & Keeble. West Side United Protestant, 615 Wright Ave., $7,800 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Royal Roofing & Siding. WEST RICHLAND Lee’s Market, 5730 W. Van Giesen St., $9,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: owner. Benton REA, 6095 W. Van Giesen St., $9,200 for HVAC. Contractor: Delta Heating & Cooling. Richland School District, 6972 Keene Road, $12,000,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: to be determined.

uTOP PROPERTIES Top property values listed start at $500,000 and have been rounded to the nearest hundred figure. BENTON COUNTY 1470 Blue Mountain Loop, Richland, 2,006-square-foot, residential home on 0.65 acres. Price: $568,700. Buyer: David & Jessica Tanner. Seller: Stephen & Heather Unwin. 3905 N. Levi St., Kennewick, 1 lot of undeveloped land. Price: $501,600. Buyer: Gregory & Shannon Pace. Seller: Landmark Homes of Washington. 526 W. Columbia Drive, Kennewick, 1,980-square-foot, commercial building. Price: $900,000. Buyer: Virk Group 1. Seller: INP Corporation. 2360 S. Young Court, Kennewick, 2,579-square-foot, residential home. Price: $652,900. Buyer: Charles & Mary Frances Windisch. Seller: A&R Feser. 1686 Sicily Lane, Richland, 2,408-squarefoot, residential home. Price: $542,000. Buyer: Richard & Kathy Emery. Seller: Charles & Mary Frances Windisch. 1654 Sicily Lane, Richland, 2,995 -square-foot, residential home. Price: $590,000. Buyer: Joan & Shane Giese. Seller: Jonathan & Erin Dickey. 325 S. Union St., Kennewick, 4,375-squarefoot, commercial building on 0.98 acres. Price: $700,000. Buyer: Kennewick Bottle and Food. Seller: Danh & Houng Le. 104014 E. Heather Drive, Kennewick, 3,210-square-foot, residential home on 0.75 acres. Price: $521,000. Buyer: B.K. & Cheryl Bragg. Seller: Richard & Stacee Budzik. 83535 E. Reata Road, Kennewick, 1,935-square-foot, residential home on 1.5 acres. Price: $645,900. Buyer: Terry Lilly. Seller: Melanie & Jesse Billingsley. 644 Melissa St., Richland, 2,407-square-foot, residential home. Price: $727,000. Buyer: Michael & Joy Wiberg. Seller: Andrei & Tatyana Valsan. 336 Piper St., Richland, 3,620-square-foot, residential home. Price: $545,000. Buyer: Robert & Angela Kopenec. Seller: Davis & Jillian Haras. 924 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick, 12,463-square-foot, commercial building. Price: $3,247,400. Buyer: Columbia Center Partners. Seller: LFIC. 24807 S. Sunset Meadow Loop, Kennewick, 3,229-square-foot, residential home on 2.09 acres. Price: $585,000. Buyer: Caryl Dotson. Seller: Kevin Farmer. 4514 Reed St., Kennewick, 2,421-square-foot, residential home. Price: $520,000. Buyer: Kevin Farmer. Seller: Daniel & Letitia Christman. 5012 W. 19th Ave., Kennewick, 2,621-square-foot, residential home. Price: $515,000. Buyer: Brian & Susan Harvey. Seller: David & Doris Brown trustees. 2469 Woods Drive, Richland, 2,086-squarefoot, residential home. Price: $549,900. Buyer: Davis & Jillian Haras. Seller: Dmitri & Joy Olin. 1105 S. Tranquility PRSE, Kennewick, 3,167-square-foot, residential home on 2 acres. Price: $553,000. Buyer: Dennis Wright Jr. & Lorelyn Whitaker. 1616 Heidi Place, Richland, 2,382-square-

foot, residential home. Price: $599,000. Buyer: Jason & Kortney Porter. Seller: Sidney & Margarita Morrison. 425 Criterion Drive, Richland, 3,015-square-foot, residential home. Price: $599,900. Buyer: Clark & Michelle Olsen. Seller: Lance Hahn & Lisa Ulrich trustees. 8727 W. 11th Ave., Kennewick, 1 lot of undeveloped land. Price: $562,800. Buyer: Todd & Lori Hardy. Seller: Don Pratt Construction. 1780 Deanna Court, Richland, 3,062-squarefoot, residential home. Price: $616,000. Buyer: Dean & Carolyn Paxton. Seller: Kenneth Brown & Ann Lemieux-Brown. 2529 W. Falls Ave., Kennewick, 4,499-square-foot, commercial building. Price: $515,000. Buyer: Tri-Cities Monitoring. Seller: Eliguisz Kaczynski. Undetermined location, Prosser, 46.6 acres of agricultural land. Price: $832,400. Buyer: Brenton & Alicia Roy. Seller: undisclosed. Marysville Way and Cashmere Drive, Richland, 8 lots of undeveloped land. Price: $520,000. Buyer: Hayden Homes. Seller: Richland 132. 3910 W. 48th Ave., Kennewick, 1 lot of undeveloped land. Price: $575,000. Buyer: Suzanne Staudinger. Seller: TMT Homes NW. 108730 E. Pine Hollow PRSE, Kennewick, 5,902-square-foot, residential home on 5.73 acres. Price: $1,175,000. Buyer: Barbara Wonders. Seller: Salvador & Mia Mendoza. 3420 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, 10,495-square-foot, commercial building on 1.77 acres. Price: $1,200,000. Buyer: Arthur & Susan Jennings. Seller: Kennewick Building. 3601 E. Lattin Road, West Richland, 2,525-square-foot, residential home on 1.24 acres. Price: $585,000. Buyer: Peter & Katie Donofrio. Seller: Robert & Patricia Gregory. 7516 W. Deschutes Place, Kennewick, 5,498-square-foot, commercial building. Price: $910,000. Buyer: Sound Retina Properties Kennewick. Seller: Sarada. 718; 720; 722 N. Arthur St., Kennewick, multiple apartment buildings. Price: $3,475,000. Buyer: Red Pines Holdings. Seller: Riverhill. 4340 Highview St., Richland, 2,942-squarefoot, residential home on 0.76 acres. Price: $574,000. Buyer: Donald & Helen Andrews. Seller: Marco & Andrea Desantis. 418 N. Kellogg Ave., Kennewick, 11,934-square-foot, commercial building on 1.24 acres. Price: $950,000. Buyer: V&J. Seller: S&S Kennewick. FRANKLIN COUNTY Undisclosed location, 159.73 acres of agricultural land. Price: $7,800,000. Buyer: Creason, Moore, Dokken & Geidl, PLLC. Seller: Katherine Ashley Trust. Undisclosed location, 23.99 acres of undeveloped land. Price: $3,067,800. Buyer: Creason, Moore, Dokken & Geidl, PLLC. Seller: Paul & Leah Miller. 1740 N. Fifth Ave., Pasco, multiple apartment buildings. Price: $825,000. Buyer: 1740 N. 5th LLC. Seller: Double T&S Real Estate. 7425 Wrigley Drive, Pasco, 32,808-squarefoot, commercial building on 2.45 acres. Price: $13,961,000. Buyer: Wrigley Medical Center. Seller: Red Head Investments. Merlot Drive; Colombard Lane; Pinnacle Lane, Pasco, 12 lots of undeveloped land. Price: $972,000. Buyer: Hayden Homes. Seller: TSR Properties. 11329 Mathews Road, Pasco, 1,999-square-foot, residential home. Price: $3,985,000. Buyer: Bradley Staudinger. Seller: Erkki Kotilainen. 6813 Eagle Crest Drive, Pasco, 2,507-square-foot, residential home on 0.62 acres. Price: $600,000. Buyer: Casey Yeaton. Seller: Greg Senger Construction. 12102 Blackfoot Drive, Pasco, 2,920-square-foot, residential home. Price: $640,400. Buyer: Daniel & Rebecca Sauceda. Seller: Hammerstrom Construction. 12305 Clark Fork Road, Pasco, 3,068-square-foot, residential home. Price: $566,800. Buyer: Gerald & Anita Ewanick. Seller: Hammerstrom Construction. 12221 Clark Fork Road, Pasco, 2,388-square-foot, residential home. Price: $561,900. Buyer: Scott Largent. Seller: Hammerstrom Construction.

uMARIJUANA LICENSES

Information provided by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. BENTON COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS New Leaf Cannabis Company, 33907 S. Gerards Road, Suite A, Kennewick. License type: marijuana producer tier 2; marijuana processor. Application type: assumption. APPROVED Full Throttle Farms, 511 Wautoma Road, Sunnyside. License type: marijuana producer tier 3. Application type: change of corporate officer. Nexus, 47305 S. 2066 PRSE, Suite A, Kennewick. License type: marijuana producer tier 3. Application type: change of corporate officer.

uLIQUOR LICENSES Information provided by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. BENTON COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS Taqueria Coalcoman, 528 S. Ely St., Suite A, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only; beer/wine restaurant. Application type: new. Palencia Wine Company, 8011 Keene Road, Suite C, West Richland. License type: domestic winery <250,000 liters. Application type: new. Dovetail Joint Restaurant, 1368 Jadwin Ave., Richland. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge. Application type: new. Roxboro Vineyards, 590 Merlot Drive, Prosser. License type: domestic winery <250,000 litters. Application type: new. Los Vecinos Meat Market, 804 Sixth St., Prosser. License type: grocery store beer/ wine. Application type: assumption. MV Chrysalis, 458-C Columbia Point Drive, Richland. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant ship lounge; off premises sale wine. Application type: assumption. APPROVED Ethos Bakery & Café, 2150 Keene Road, Richland. License type: beer/wine restaurant. Application type: added/change of class. Naoi Cailini Oga, 100821 E. Brandon Drive, Kennewick. License type: domestic winery <250,000 liters. Application type: new. Restaurante El Asadero, 127 Gage Blvd., Richland. License type: direct shipment receiver in/out of Washington. Application type: in lieu. Powder River, 6215 W. Brinkley Road, Suite A008, Kennewick. License type: spirits distrib-

utor. Application type: new. Rockabilly Roasting Co., 101 W. Kennewick Ave., Suite A, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only. Application type: added/change of class. Pick A Pop 8, 526 W. Columbia Drive, Kennewick. License type: grocery store beer/ wine. Application type: assumption. FRANKLIN COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS El Jazmin, 430 W. Columbia St., Pasco. License type: grocery store beer/wine. Application type: new. Quiktrip Gas & Food, 221 S. 10th Ave., Pasco. License type: grocery store beer/wine. Application type: assumption. APPROVED Crazy Moose Casino, 510 S. 20th Ave., Pasco. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge. Application type: change of corporate officer. Multiservicios Colima, 917 W. Court St., Pasco. License type: grocery store beer/wine. Application type: assumption.

uBUSINESS LICENSES KENNEWICK Tri-Cities True Vine Church, 1921 S. Olympia St. Master Granite, 202144 E. SR 397. Freshpicks, 8373 W. Grandridge Blvd. D&R Communications, 80 S. Chehalis Ave., Chehalis. J7 General Contracting, 718 W. 25th Ave. The Ciao Wagon, 110 S. Fourth Ave., Pasco. K&C Floor Coverings, 1605 W. Eighth Place. Grade A Services, 3820 W. Margaret St., Pasco. Tri-Cities Model Railroads, 11 W. Kennewick Ave. MacDonald Accounting, 1030 N. Center Parkway. Columbia River Electric Maintenance, 6343 W. Brinkley Road. Integrity Painting Company, 2049 W. Bench Road, Othello. Haven Executive Services, 1500 S. Roosevelt Place. OSO Unlimited, 2016 S. Tweedt Court. D&S Drywall & Paint, 128 N. Wehe Ave., Pasco. TCG Hauling, 3914 S. Cedar St. Ambys, 3600 W. Clearwater Ave. TNMK, 6406 W. 20th Ave. Emily Mclaughlin Photography, 1202 S. Irving Ave.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 70

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

uBUSINESS LICENSES

Precision Configurations and Solutions, 9202 W. Gage Blvd. Trios Health, 3810 Plaza Way. Camko Construction, 28504 Shaney Road. Miss Haley’s Handbags, 622 N. Quillan St. Taqueria Coalcoman, 528 S. Ely St. Top Shelf Cleaning Company, 318 Douglass Ave., Richland. Reliable Transport, 51 N. Edison St. Southridge Dugout, 4810 W. Hildebrand Blvd. Posh Paws, 3902 W. Clearwater Ave. Equalizer Polygraph & Investigations, 8350 W. Grandridge Blvd. CROI, 5805 W. 14th Ave. Pina’s Roofing, 411 N. Palouse St., Walla Walla. Nutrition Al Natural, 404 S. Vancouver St. Guntner US, 170 S. Osborne St. Prodigal Painting, 1217 Stevens Drive, Richland. DR Services, 4903 W. 24th Ave. Magda Enriques Interpreting Services, 26 S. Yelm St.

Dougherty Maintenance, 3528 S. Cascade St. The Tri-Cities Parkinson’s Project, 5601 W. Clearwater Ave. Lyn’s Beauty Bar, 4018 W. Clearwater Ave. The Hexagon Creations, 2908 S. Dawes Place. Locker-Box, 403 E. Kennewick Ave. Torres Distribution, 601 S. Kent St. Bestest, 204804 E. Schuster Road. Checkout LLC, 215 W. 53rd Ave. Chapala Express II, 7704 W. Clearwater Ave. Fieldstone Grandridge, 7255 W. Grandridge Blvd. Armored Contractors, 3320 W. Ninth Ave. Gutter Girl, 6209 Robert Wayne Drive, Pasco. SM Produce for Less, 135 Vista Way. CRS Crossroad Services, 4825 W. Pearl St., Pasco. Grand Décor and Design, 3357 S. Vancouver St. Integrity Plastering & Stone, 206104 E. Finley Road. Arts Barberhouse, 4827 W. Clearwater Ave. Davis Photography, 8600 W. Arrowhead Ave. Columbia Basin Construction & Painting,

Public Record 3523 W. Hood Ave. Northwest Contractors, 936 N. Owen Ave., Pasco. Your Basic Stitch, 2501 W. 36th Ave. A&J Modern Designs, 211 W. Kennewick Ave. General Fire Extinguisher Service, 4004 E. Trent Ave., Spokane. Chervenell Thoroughbreds, 3710 W. Canyon Lakes Drive. NG Eagle Concrete, 2906 W. Seventh Ave. CM Banks Woodworking, 1537 W. 52nd Ave. Great American Powder Coating and Eco Blasting, 1620 E. Salt Lake St., Pasco. Badger Mountain Yarns, 830 N. Columbia Center Blvd. AAV Construction, 904 S. Union St. TWT Real Estate, 105106 E. Wiser Parkway. Jesibodywork, 7101 W. Hood Place. Profiber, 5507 Aloha Drive, West Richland. Greenhills Landscaping, 2917 W. 19th Ave. Mid-Columbia Integrity Roofing, 224227 E. Access PRSE. Arm & Hammer, 4780 W. Lattin Road, West Richland. Red Pines Holdings, 720 N. Arthur St.

Patriot Builders, 1005 Allenwhite Drive, Richland. Baby Lamb Daycare, 612 E. Ninth Place. American Eagle Family & Pyramid Painting, 3523 W. Hood Ave. Fieldstone Memory Care of Kennewick, 757 N. Young St. Sonpower Solutions, 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Suite A1-239. Clear View Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing, 3773 S. Lincoln St. Neighborhood Cleaners, 8903 W. Gage Blvd. CM Appraisal & Valuation Services, 4205 W. 17th Court. Mendoza Landscaping, 2208 S. Olympia St. The Salty Pepper, 703 S. Conway St. M&A Tire & Auto Repair, 4819 W. Clearwater Ave. Don Taco, 110 S. Fourth Ave., Pasco. Blue Mountain Microgreens, 2115 W. Hood Ave. Lucky Elephant, 3703 W. Kennewick Ave. Health Pulse, 8797 W. Gage Blvd. Shine & Clean, 5605 W. Melville Road, Pasco. Wine Country Media, 371 Cottonwood Drive, Richland. American Craftsman, 207206 E. Finley Road. Guzman and Sons Construction, 63705 E. Solar PRNE, Benton City. Taylor Residential and Commercial Consulting, 2679 Semolina Loop, East Wenatchee. Glacier Property Solutions, 1312 N. Monroe St., Spokane. Unhampered Laundry, 1817 Newhaven Loop, Richland. J Villegas General Contracting, 7 W. A St., Pasco. VS Custom Design, 1519 W. 33rd Place. Rain or Shine Residential Cleaning Company, 1174 Englewood Drive, Richland. Pacific Northwest Dairy Youth Camp, 6814 W. 23rd Ave. Tri-Cities Roofing, 518 ½ W. Columbia Drive. Desert Flower Herbs, 5214 S. Auburn Place. Ibarra Distribution, 3215 W. 13th Ave. Sunhills Lawn Mowing, 2511 W. Ella St., Pasco. Pro Auto Detailing, 705 W. 43rd Ave. Juice G’s Barbershop, 2110 S. Rainier St. Carin’s Janitorial, 29 E. Second Ave. Rick’s Construction, 2912 W. Hood Ave. Joel Office Cleaning, 601 S. Kent St. Desert View Construction, 2718 W. Seventh Ave. Tri-Cities Drywall, 1200 S. Penn St. K.J. Kustoms, 725 N. Center Parkway. RICHLAND Inveniam Technical Services, 409 Criterion Drive. St. Macrina Orthodox Academy, 283 Reata Road, Kennewick. Pro Quality Projects, 104 W> Corral Creek Road NW, Benton City. Bella Stitchery, 621 Cottonwood Drive. Blackstone Oil & Gas, 3234 Wild Canyon Way. New York Construction, 2310 W. Hampton Road, Othello. L&S Painting Services, 1714 S. Gum St., Kennewick. Cardenas All Around Construction & Remodel, 1204 11th St., Benton City. Massage by Miguel, 1386 Jadwin Ave. Columbia Point Charters, 1140 Apricot Road, Grandview. Jon Scott Floors, 1506 Cimarron Ave. Forget Me Not, 644 Chestnut Ave. Ultimate Roofing, 506 W. 19th Ave., Kennewick. Desert Grace AFH, 2212 Frankfort St. Royalty Pet Sitters, 4111 Messara Lane, Pasco. Yawh Development & Construction, 1030 N. Center Parkway, Kennewick. Richland Dugout, 99 Lee Blvd. Branches of Home, 644 Chestnut Ave. Artistic Curbing, 6513 W. Richardson Road, Pasco. Deric Orr Law, 1038 Jadwin Ave. Birch’s Lawn Care, 611 W. 24th Place, Kennewick. J L General, 4326 S. Anderson Place, Kennewick. RJK-Mile 401K Plan, 607 Camy Court. Bigdawg Hotdogs and Sausage, 3222 S. Quincy Place, Kennewick. Laura’s Cleaning Services, 624 S. Garfield St., Kennewick.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 71

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • June 2019

Public Record uBUSINESS LICENSES

GLD Consulting, 2417 Mark Ave. Tri-Cities Animal Shelter & Control Services, 1312 S. 18th Ave., Pasco. Blair Counseling, 6 S. Second St., Yakima. Smith Painting, 9601 W. Yellowstone Ave., Kennewick. Columbia Creative, 412 Adams St. Shoreline Sign & Awning, 12101 Huckleberry Lane, Arlington. 1st American Construction, 8220 W. Gage Blvd., Suite 185, Kennewick. Withrow Construction, 811 Game Ridge Road, Selah. Black Dog Media, 2955 Cashmere Drive. Raquel’s Loving Elder Care, 10018 W. Argent Road, Pasco. Tri-Cities Mobile Storage, 1501 N. Commercial Ave., Pasco. Laselby, 2624 Eaglewatch Loop. Tri-City Insulation, 90 S. Verbena St., Kennewick. King Custom, 8806 Sophie Rae Court, Pasco. Clean Energy Electric, 1512 Torthay Place. Columbia River Steel & Construction, 813 Wallace Way, Grandview. JV Homes & Design, 1528 W. Jay St., Pasco. 5 Star Cleaning, 4012 Des Moines Lane, Pasco. Jerry’s Construction, 200802 E. Game Farm Road, Kennewick. Family Home Care, 6855 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. JPow Services, 62 Timmerman Drive. Gladden Unlimited, 674 Tanglewood Drive. Bauder Mini Storage, 2453 Morency Drive. Tribe Choreography, 2736 Jason Loop. Fisher Management Company, 1452 Tuscany Place. Butterfly Cleaning Services, 4302 W. Hood Ave., Kennewick. JNH Communications, 3053 Bluffs Drive. King Cleaner, 407 W. Sylvester St., Pasco. Studio Rendevu, 1604 Venice Lane. Blossoming Lotus Art by Lisa McCoskey, 1838 McPherson Ave. Fredi’s Floor Care Service, 1509 Belmont Ave., Yakima. Internet and Company Worldwide, 1170 Plateau Drive. Speer Taps, 11914 325th Ave. NE, Duvall. C.L. Enterprises-GC, 430 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick. Cederbloom’s, 1436 Kimball Ave. Powder River, 323 Columbia Park Trail. West Fire Safety Solutions, 4602 S. Green Place, Kennewick. Johns Cabinets & Millwork, 635 N. Douglas Ave., Pasco. T&J Rental Enterprises, 132 Mountain View Lane. Khaos & Kosmos, 140 Gage Blvd. Ikon Marketing Group, 2034 Blue Ave. Unhampered Laundry, 1817 Newhaven Loop. Technically Correct Writing Services, 419 Ninth Ave. SE, Olympia. Queensgate Storage, 2373 Jericho Road. Rabo Diversified Services, 400 Columbia Point Drive. Miranda’s Flowers, 100 Helm Drive, Pasco. The Wet Palette, 1001 Wright Ave. Adam H. Berkey’s Northwest Pole Buildings, 3127 S. Caballo Road, Kennewick. JD Construction, 1265 SW Lost Trail Drive, Pullman. Shine & Clean, 5605 W. Melville Road, Pasco. Precision Anesthesia PLLC, 2938 Sunshine Ridge Road. Great American Powder Coating and Eco Blasting, 1620 E. Salt Lake St., Pasco. Columbia Basin Construction & Painting, 3523 W. Hood Ave., Kennewick. Pur Clean, 1360 Florida Ave. The Magical Touch, 1623 W. First Ave., Kennewick. Parkway Tattoo, 614 The Parkway. Kanine Kreations, 1370 Jadwin Ave. Fortech Services, 2550 Duportail St. Action Point Capital, 245 Riverwood St. Skyview Law, PLLC, 677 George Washington Way. Seen by Eileen, 1617 Alder Ave. Fire Protection Specialists, 3624 E. Springfield Ave., Spokane. Purcell Paint & Coatings, 6456 S. 144th St., Tukwila. O&E Concrete Services, 3612 W. Wernett Road, Pasco. Dollar Tree #07823, 1307 Jadwin Ave. Family Tree Counseling, 750 Swift Blvd. American Eagle Family & Pyramid Paint-

ing, 3523 W. Hood Ave., Kennewick. Desert Lion Lawn Care and Landscaping, 4421 W. Marie Court, Pasco. Brotherhood Trucking, 1206 Mahan Ave. Cima Services, 190 Frontier Drive, Pasco. Gjovani’s Masonry, 7911 Salmon Drive, Pasco. Stemcore Consulting, 2368 Easton Ave. Wasatch DC Builders NW, 10670 NE Ninth Place, Bellevue. Movement Athletics, 120 Keene Road. SJ Anderson Homes and Design, 405 Barth Ave. NWIA, 303 Bradley Blvd. Quality Lawn Service, 305 S. 26th Ave., Pasco. Compass Home Health Care, 2481 Tiger Lane. SK Transport, 308 Benham St. A Frick Take, 1728 Alder Ave. Edgewater Salon, 1629 George Washington Way. Jim Cleaning, 7471 Road 170, Mesa. PNW Home Team, 408 Birch Ave. Tri-Cities Drywall, 1200 S. Penn St., Kennewick. Rain or Shine Residential Cleaning Company, 1174 Englewood Drive. Columbia River Electric Maintenance, 6343 Brinkley Road, Kennewick. Hutchbug Solutions, 1933 Jadwin Ave. Team Car Care, 421 Williams Blvd. Techjoe’s Computer Services & More, 1329 George Washington Way. Dust Extermination Cleaning Services, 4101 Vermilion Lane, Pasco. Hotdiggidydogscatering, 4704 Hilltop Drive, Pasco. Johnson & Orr, 1038 Jadwin Ave. 2DG, 8400 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick. Pro Trusted, 1221 Columbia Park Trail. Casillas Lawn Care & Landscaping, 201 Gieiger Drive, Pasco. Don Taco, 110 S. Fourth Ave., Pasco. Macroberts Handyman, 221007 E. Game Farm Road, Kennewick. Top Cuts and Trims, 10312 W. Willow Way, Pasco. Mendoza Landscaping, 2208 S. Olympia St., Kennewick. Prodigal Painting, 1217 Stevens Drive. Excitant Health, 1788 Meadow Hills Drive. TWT Real Estate, 105106 E. Wiser Parkway, Kennewick. Eternal Hotels, 1903 Jadwin Ave. Huckaby’s Tree Services, 512 S. Owen Ave., Pasco. Greenhills Landscaping, 2917 W. 19th Ave. Kennewick. Ambys, 1301 Jadwin Ave. Swift Rehailitation, 299 Bradley Blvd. Sigma Science, 902 Battelle Blvd. Finish Right, 2611 S. Olympia St., Kennewick. Alpha Concrete, 149105 W. 47 PRNW, Prosser. J&J Plumbing, 9030 Ray Gray Road, Granite Falls. McClellan Construction, 3223 W. 22nd Ave., Kennewick. Lotus Apothecary & Body Essentials, 1236 El Monte Court. K.M. Schultz Earthworks, 305 N. Road 35, Pasco. YW Realty, 2313 Whitetail Drive. Geo Construction Services, 324 N. Arthur St., Kennewick. Black Wolf Business & Investments, 608 Hunter St. John Julian Consulting, 1101 Bridle Drive. Smith & Sage, 1946 Davidson Ave. Gutter Girl, 6209 Robert Wayne Drive, Pasco. K&C Floor Coverings, 1605 W. Eighth Place, Kennewick. Iron Star Industries, 100 Wellsian Way. Culinary Commissary, 608 Williams Blvd. TCG Hauling, 3914 S. Cedar St., Kennewick. Ashley Homestore, 24 Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham. J Villegas General Construction, 7 W. A St., Pasco. JMG Delivery, 222105 E. Perkins Road, Kennewick. Round Table Pizza of S.E. Washington, 1769 Leslie Road. JFoster & Associates, 1955 Jadwin Ave. MK Stucco, 2115 N. 19th Ave., Pasco. NG Eagle Concrete, 2906 W. Seventh Ave., Kennewick. Ascencio Counseling & Social Services, 1950 Keene Road. Cptn Zack Sparrow, 1903 Terminal Drive. Crystal Carrot, 196 Bitterroot Drive. Round Table Pizza of S.E. Washington,

1453 George Washington Way. Wood and Bones, 289 Adair Drive. Pro Auto Detailing, 705 W. 43rd Ave., Kennewick. Ken Holsten Productions, 1751 Bismark St. Focus Up, 626 Hunter St. Integrated Data Solutions, 50 Jadwin Ave. Clear View Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing, 3773 S. Lincoln St., Kennewick. Republic Refrigeration, 2800 Polar Way. BG Consulting, 16504 N. Tamarac Lane, Nine Mile Falls. Bright Now! Dental, 2764 Duporatil St. Reliable Industrial Group, 2440 Stevens Center Place. Nash & Associates, 1732 Horn Ave. Sonpower Solutions, 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Suite A1-239, Kennewick. Tattoos by Devin Brown, 614 The Parkway. Sanctuary Gardens Landscape Design Company, 204 Brookwood Loop. Johnny on the Spot, 351 Karria Lane, Mesa. Shogun Teriyaki & Sushi, 760 Dalton St. Jlingle Consulting, 2811 Copperstone St. Ameratech Holdings, 1303 Rochefontaine St. Traveler Mobile Espresso, 6007 W. Okanogan Loop, Kennewick. Homes by Vicki, 1945 Newhaven Loop. Pathfinder Business Planning, 1941 Everest Ave. Goalhand, 1421 Farrell Lane. J&M Auto Detail, 1523 Goethals Drive. Pressdoeswork, 647 Southwell St. All Trades Contracting, 3324 W. 19th Ave., Kennewick. Tri-Cities Roofing, 518 ½ W. Columbia Drive, Kennewick. Top Shelf Cleaning Company, 318 Souglass Ave. All Jacked Up, 321 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick. Di Cocco, 2235 Roverston Drive. Our Team Effort, 2753 Sawgrass Loop. NV5 Holdings, 1835 Terminal Drive. Stemcore Consulting, 2368 Easton Ave. G Hays Construction, 200 S. Union St., Kennewick. FedEx Office #2511, 2801 Duportail St. Affordable Painting Company, 4202 W. 34th Ave., Kennewick. Haylo Flower, 324 Rockwood Drive. Agape Nutrition, 616 The Parkway. Sprague Pest Solutions, 2725 Pacific Ave., Suite 200, Tacoma. Desert Long Range, 4708 Tulip Court. Aftershock Media, 925 Stevens Drive. Vision Inspired Planning, 3713 W. Margaret St., Pasco. Conquer Meals, 212 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick. NW Insurance Group, 750 Swift Blvd. Tinker Consulting, 513 Charbonneau Drive. Armored Contractors, 3320 W. Ninth Ave., Kennewick. B’s Birthing Services, 705 Abbot St. K.D. Steel, 7004 N. Altamont St., Spokane. Patton General Contracting, 2827 Monarch Lane. American Native Process Service, 1507 Jones Road. A+ Professional Cleaning Service, 207 N. Cedar Ave., Pasco. Areva, 2101 Horn Rapids Road. JFA-RC Technical Services, 245 Torbett St. Dollars Away, 359 Cottonwood Drive. Matt’s House of Cards, 1810 Talon Court. 3 Rivers Labradors, 1304 Sanford Ave. Book Mark Café, 955 Northgate Drive. Krazy Klean, 502 S. Elm Ave., Pasco. WEST RICHLAND Tru Blu Construction, 401 W. Trinity PRNW, Benton City. Benton City Taxi, 1305 Grace, Benton City. Quality Landscaping, 1402 S. Gum St., Kennewick. Maria’s Cleaning Services, 1740 N. Sixth Ave., Pasco. Sparkling Clean Services, 4400 Chelan Drive. Layne Change, 4764 Poppy St. JSH Custom Designs, 1337 Belmont Blvd. VS Custom Designs, 1519 W. 33rd Place, Kennewick. Guzman and Sons Construction, 63705 E. Solar PRNE, Benton City. S&D Construction, 1431 Kimball Ave. Master Granite, 202144 E. SR 397, Kennewick. Diamond Paint, 132. Vista Way, Kennewick. 2 Nations Entertainment, 357 E. 15th Place, Kennewick.

Clear View Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing, 3773 S. Lincoln St., Kennewick. Wine Country Media, 371 Cottonwood Drive, Richland. J&M Masonry and Construction, 504 W. 13th Ave., Kennewick. Huber Brothers, 411 Keys Road, Yakima. Great American Powder Coating and Eco Blasting, 1620 E. Salt Lake St., Pasco. Alpha Concrete, 149105 W. 47 PRNW, Prosser. Gutter Girl, 6209 Robert Wayne Drive, Pasco. Cima Services, 190 Frontier Drive, Pasco. Finish Right, 2611 S. Olympia St., Kennewick. Northwest Contractors, 936 N. Owen Ave., Pasco. Kait Stoker Photography, 5301 Blue Jay Lane. Pro Auto Detailing, 705 W. 43rd Ave., Kennewick. MK Stucco, 2115 W. 19th Ave., Pasco. Greenhills Landscaping, 2917 W. 19th Ave., Kennewick. Integrity Painting Company, 2049 W. Bench Road, Othello. American Eagle Family & Pyramid Painting, 3523 W. Hood Ave., Kennewick. MSM Floor Installation, 207 N. 69th Ave. CRS Crossroad Services, 4825 W. Pearl St., Pasco. TWT Real Estate, 105106 E. Wiser Parkway, Kennewick. Sonpower Solutions, 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Suite A1-239. The Salty Pepper, 703 S. Conway St., Kennewick. 2DG, 8400 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick. Comfort Living AFH, 536 Athens Drive. Red Mountain RV Park, 7300 W. Van Giesen St. Sterling Elite Investments, 4711 N. Dallas Road.

uBUSINESS UPDATES NEW BUSINESSES DownTown Mercantile has opened at 116 W. Kennewick Ave. in Kennewick. The store sells antiques, jewelry, custom signs, décor and more. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Contact: Facebook. Empowered Health has opened at 503 Knight St., Suite B in Richland. The health clinic offers a holistic approach to patient care using a membership model payment instead of billing insurance. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact: 509-3927047, empoweredhealthinstitute.com. Iplay Experience has opened at 8524 W. Gage Blvd, Suite B110 in Kennewick. The business is an indoor, interactive playground for entertainment and education. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Contact: 509579-5971, iplayexperience.us. ADDITIONAL LOCATION FedEx Office Print & Ship Center has opened an additional location inside Walmart at 2801 Duportail St. in Richland. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon – 4 p.m. Sunday. Contact: 509-820-4285, fedex.com. MOVED Benjamin’s Carpet One has moved to 207 W. Columbia Drive in Kennewick. Contact: 509392-8748, benjaminscarpetonerichland.com. House of Brows has moved to 140 Gage Blvd., Suite 104 in Richland. Contact: 509581-2002, Facebook. Legacy Jiu-Jitsu Academy has moved to 1324 Jadwin Ave. in Richland. Contact: 509438-6955, legacyjiujitsu.com. Unity Yoga of Tri-Cities has moved to 610 The Parkway in Richland. Contact: 509-7950359, unityyogatc.com. CLOSED Mid-Columbia Wine & Spirits at 1711 George Washington Way in Richland has closed. The location in Kennewick will remain open. Penny Pinchers Thrift Shop at 5401 W. Van Giesen St. in West Richland has closed. Stepframe Media at 640 Jadwin Ave. in Richland has closed. US Ag Analytical Services at 1320 E. Spokane St., Suite A in Pasco has closed.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;¢ June 2019