Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business -- December 2017 by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times

December 2017

Volume 16 • Issue 12

Food plant linked to listeria to reopen under new name BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Family Owned

Triplets find success at Richland salon Page 11

Real Estate & Construction Fuse plans move to The Parkway

Page 21

Year in Review

Ports look ahead to plenty of projects in 2018 page 39

She Said It “If we focus on science tourism like we have the rivershore and sports council, we can take Tri-Cities to a whole new level in terms of visibility.” - Kris Watkins, president and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities

A former Pasco vegetable processing plant will reopen in spring under new ownership and a new name following a shutdown after a listeria outbreak last year. The food processing facility at 1825 N. Commercial Ave. was previously owned by CRF Frozen Foods. An overhaul, expansion and new joint venture to operate it is now in place between J.R. Simplot and CRF’s parent company, R.D. Offutt. Though Simplot is taking over CRF’s building, it did not buy the company in the 25-acre property sale. In 2016, CRF Frozen Foods was linked to listeria contamination in four states that sent nine people to the hospital and caused one death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. J.R. Simplot and R.D. Offutt’s overhaul and expansion is targeted for completion in spring 2018. The company’s new name will be Simplot RDO. How do the new companies plan on avoiding future food contamination? “We’re doing a significant remodel and rebuild that includes refitting the factory to include the latest in sanitary methods and processes ensuring the highest levels of food safety. … We’re also having ongoing consultation with the (Food and Drug Administration) to ensure the facility meets or exceeds the highest levels of their food safety requirements,” said Josh Jordan, J.R. Simplot spokesman. Drivers on Highway 12 can see the busy hub of activity at the former home of CRF just west of the Pasco-Kahlotus Highway. The building is being remodeled, rehabbed and expanded to more than 100,000 square feet to provide dayto-day processing and distribution of local crops like corn and peas. uSIMPLOT RDO, Page 19

Page 42

The new Kennewick Chuck E. Cheese will incorporate many of the design elements featured in this corporate-owned restaurant. (Courtesy Chuck E. Cheese)

A new house for the mouse Chuck E. Cheese to open in Kennewick

BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A new design for Chuck E. Cheese’s will roll out in the Tri-Cities next fall when the Richland restaurant reopens in a new location and a new city. Construction is underway at 6340 W. Rio Grande Ave. near North Kellogg Street in Kennewick, about a block south of the McDonald’s that faces West Canal Drive. Owners John and Kathleen Corbin currently have a permit to clear the lot, but are waiting on building permits from the city of Kennewick to move forward with construction of a new $2 million restaurant. “My goal is to be in business in Kennewick in 2018. All my hopes and

aspirations are pointed in that direction – along with all my cash,” joked John Corbin. The Richland restaurant known for its pizza parties and kids’ games has been in the same spot at 2610 N. Columbia Center Blvd. since it opened in 1982, not long after the company was founded in 1977. “We’ve done well where we’re at, and I think the new location’s better,” John Corbin said. The Richland restaurant is expected to close in September 2018. There will be a break in operations while equipment is moved, with the new Kennewick restaurant opening in October. Equipment that won’t be making the trip will include the eatery’s famous animatronic mouse crew. uCHUCK E. CHEESE, Page 22

Tri-City housing market already topping last year’s numbers BY JESSICA HOEFER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The number of home building permits issued in Benton and Franklin counties grew six percent in 2017—despite a slow start to the year. “We couldn’t pour concrete; the ground was freezing,” said Jeff Losey, executive director of the Tri-Cities Home Builders Association, or HBA. “For two straight months, we had to play catch up.” The market did catch up and eventually exceeded 2016 growth, racking up a total of 1,370 single-family residence permits issued through Nov. 30. For the same period in 2016, 1,289 permits were issued. Pasco continued to see growth, increasing 25 percent over last year, which is equivalent to 87 new homes. The city’s schools also have

been feeling the growth. “That goes to show how big of a deal this school bond was. They’re still growing—still busting at the seams,” Losey said. Pasco School District voters approved a $99.5 million bond in November that pays for several projects to address overcrowding, including two new elementary schools, rebuilding and replacing Stevens Middle School and building a fourth middle school. While the cost of land is starting to catch up in Pasco, Losey said it’s the quality of land that’s the growth driver. “It’s really easy to develop in Pasco because most all of it is sand,” he explained. “It’s not really rocky, so it’s easy to develop.” But while Pasco saw double-digit housing growth, Kennewick took a dip, dropping to 202 permits issued through Nov. 30, compared to 301 permits from the same period last year. uHOUSING, Page 4

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

American Cancer Society closes Kennewick office

Fate of Tri-City-based Relay for Life, Making Strides fundraiser walks uncertain BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

The Kennewick office of the American Cancer Society ended its 25-year run in the Tri-Cities. The nonprofit shuttered its doors at 7325 W. Deschutes Ave. on Dec. 8. The closure was part of a larger regional downsizing to be more cost-effective, said Christina Kelly, a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society. “When you’re supposed to be a steward of donor dollars and with dwindling, smaller numbers and some of things we were doing, it made sense to economize,” she said. “We would be remiss or in some ways responsible if we didn’t do that.” Three people worked in the Kennewick office. Two were laid off and one will continue to work remotely in the region. The Kennewick location is among five office closures in the western region and the only closure in the state. Most of the others were in California, Kelly said. The 104-year-old American Cancer Society isn’t abandoning the region, she said. As more people search for information online and turn to digital resources at Cancer.org, the Kennewick office wasn’t utilized much, Kelly said. “All the information nowadays is online. It didn’t make sense anymore,” she said. The cancer society’s toll-free helpline, 800-227-2345 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help cancer patients and those seeking information, resources and support. About 75 percent of the American Cancer Society’s budget goes to cancer research, patient support, prevention information and education, and detection and treatment. The remaining 25 percent is spent on management and general expenses and fundraising expenses. The future of the Tri-Cities’ two major American Cancer Society fundraiser walks — Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer — isn’t certain as the agency re-evaluates how to best operate

them. The Relay for Life of Columbia River announced on its Facebook page that decisions about next year’s event have yet to be made, but if the event is to continue, it needs volunteer support. “We need to look at how efficient can we be. We’ve already combined a couple of them in Central Washington because it made more sense,” Kelly said. “We’ve looked at this from an economic standpoint and we’re trying to be smart about how we spend our dollars. And when we put out a lot of money and that doesn’t have return on investment, it just doesn’t make sense.” Kelly said the American Cancer Society is trying to figure out how to be smart stewards of the dollars. “Spending money to make less money doesn’t make sense to us anymore,” she said. Nationwide, the Relay for Life walks have faced a decline in participation as well as donations. Public support to the American Cancer Society in 2016 totaled $779 million, down $31 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to a steady decline in the participation of Relay for Life events, according to the nonprofit’s 2017 Financial Stewardship report. Support from the public mostly comprises Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, other special events, planned giving, contributed services and other in-kind contributions and general public contributions. In 2016, the society implemented changes to the Relay for Life operating model, including merging or discontinuing underperforming events, rolling out a platform to help volunteers stay engaged and empowered and enhance the Relay experience and piloting alternative staffing models, according to the report. The walks are big money makers for the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life raised $258,000 million at 4,500 events in 2016. Making Strides raised $60 million in 2016 with 400,000 participants nationwide.

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HoneyBaked Ham restaurant, store to open in Kennewick BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

A HoneyBaked Ham restaurant and retail store known for its smoked, glazed spiral hams will open in the TriCities this month. HoneyBaked Ham and Café will be at 731 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Suite 122, in the Columbia Summit shopping center in Kennewick, just south of the JoAnn store and adjacent to Dutch Bros. Coffee. The store is scheduled to open Dec. 19. The HoneyBaked Ham Co. specializes in glazed hams, turkey breasts, whole turkeys, savory side dishes, desserts and a variety of main dish proteins. Hams and turkey breasts will be glazed on site. Customers can come to the store to pick up their meats, along with a variety of side dishes and desserts that can be heated up at home.

HoneyBaked Ham also will serve lunch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The lunch menu includes sandwiches, soups, salads and side dishes. The Kennewick franchise is owned by Vivian Terrell, who has been a resident of the Tri-Cities since 2006. Founded 60 years ago, the Georgiabased HoneyBaked Ham Co. has 400 locations nationwide as well as an e-commerce site. Requirements to open a franchise include having a net worth of at least $350,000 for a single store, $100,000 in liquid assets and a strong credit history. The initial franchise fee is $30,000 with overall franchise investment, including fees, ranging from $299,000 to $546,000. HoneyBaked Ham is in eight other cities in Washington with the closest in Spokane.

Habitat hires interim director, kicks off fundraiser Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity has named Theresa Richardson as the organization’s interim executive director. She previously served as the executive director from 2002-12 The nonproﬁt’s goal is to build 10 more homes in 2018, but is in “urgent need of help from the community,” according to a news release. To help achieve this, the organization is kicking off its “Give Something That Means Something” holiday fundraiser. Donors are encouraged to buy a gift (ﬁnancial donation) in honor of a friend

or loved one. In turn, Habitat will send a holiday thank-you card to the honoree on the donor’s behalf with a personal message. Gifting starts at $35. Donors can select from a variety of gifting-levels. Additional information on contributing to the campaign is available at habitatbuilds.com under the “Donate” link or by calling 509-943-5555. Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity has a net worth of about $2.3 million and is committed to creating better lives by building both homes and hope for families.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

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A LOOK BACK December 2002

Battelle Performing Arts Business Center opened Dec. 6 at 716 Jadwin Ave. in Richland. The center was funded by donations from Battelle and managed by the Mid-Columbia Symphony.

UPCOMING January Focuses: • Legal & Taxes • Health Care

February Focuses: • Banking & Finance • Viticulture 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.

HOUSING, From page 1 Losey said lack of available land is partly to blame, but the Bob Olson Parkway that connects the Southridge area to Steptoe Street is going to help growth. The fivelane road links Highway 395 to Highway 240. “And of course there’s Hansen Park, so there will be more homes going in,” Losey said. “The reality is, there are some new lots becoming available, so there’s opportunities for us to have more homes being built in 2018. There’s going to be enough new lots to help the builders moderately keep up with demand—barring interest rates. At least through 2018 we don’t think interest rates will have that much effect on the market, so we’ll be a little bit bullish.” Richland showed a 10 percent uptick in the number of single-family housing permits issued this year — 274 through Nov. 30 compared to 248 from the same period last year. Along with the growth in permits in 2017, Jeff Smart, the i n c o m i n g president of the T r i - C i t y Association of Realtors, said the value of homes Jeff Smart has gone up as well. In 2016, there were 4,423 homes sold with an average price of $244,035. For the nine-month period, between January to September 2017, 3,236 homes

The Tri-City residential building market continues to grow. It’s up six percent year over last year during the same period. (Courtesy Paul T. Erickson)

were sold with an average sale price of about $265,000. Smart grew up in real estate, driving around with his father on weekends looking at houses. He works as the designated broker and owner of Smart Realtors in Richland. Smart said the Tri-Cities’ appreciation growth is right on par with Washington state, reporting an average sold price increase of about nine percent from last year. While that’s good news for sellers, Smart said it’s getting tougher and tougher for people looking for their first home. “We’ve created an open space in the marketplace. New homes are on lots and land is getting more expensive. So because of the increase in lot prices, we’ve seen home prices go up with the starting point above the $350,000 to $400,000 mark— and it’s created a bit of a gap in the

$250,000 to $350,000 price range. So you have a lot of people who own a home, and they want to move up, but because we’ve made this divide, there are not a plentiful supply of homes that those people can jump to. They have to jump to a $350,000 to $400,000 home. When you have a big opening, you can’t jump across that divide,” said Smart, who hopes 2018 will bring more homes online in the $250,000 range. He’s watched the Tri-Cities grow to what he said could really be considered the “Five Cities.” “The sheer spread of the city has been interesting to see. Kennewick south has been amazing to watch. West Richland itself has grown immensely over a number of years. And Benton City is right behind it,” Smart said. “You have to take into account West Richland—they’re a force amongst themselves—and Benton City. We’re seeing builders out there and available lots and developments.” West Richland boasted a 38 percent increase in the number of single-family home permits issued through Nov. 30, or 99 compared to 72 during the same period last year. The Tri-City Association of Realtors has noted membership growing to more than 800. Smart said the group will be offering a lot of training in the year ahead to help educate realtors to assist clients, as well as reaching out to the public about how a buyer or seller can leverage a realtor to keep more money in their pockets. That’s especially important for buyers hoping to build since lots are getting harder to come by. “We’re seeing lot prices of about $75,000 to $100,000,” he said. “It’s tough to build a home that’s going to be $250,000 on a $100,000 lot.” There’s also a shortage of skilled laborers, said Losey, who explained that since the housing crisis started in 2008, the construction work force lost a million people as workers sought new employment. When the market picked back up, a third of those laborers didn’t come back. “There’s still a labor shortage, and everybody’s now a year older,” Losey said. “So even if there were 2,000 more lots (to build on), there are not enough construction workers available to step in.” To help ensure the market stays healthy as the housing industry moves into 2018, the home builders association will continue to work with Tri-Tech Skills Center and the Walla Walla Community College carpentry program to help foster the next generation of construction workers.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017 uBUSINESS BRIEFS Survey shows support for Columbia Generating Station

A survey found 87 percent of residents near Columbia Generating Station have a favorable impression of the nuclear energy plant and the way it is operated, which is slightly higher than the national benchmark of nuclear plants. The poll of 300 residents living within a 10-mile radius of the plant was conducted by Bisconti Research in October and November. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus six percent. One of the key survey findings is that support for Columbia, 10 miles north of Richland, comes from safe plant operations and favorable views of owner Energy Northwest regarding safety, the economy, jobs, the environment and community outreach. Columbia plant neighbors also show a deep favorability to nuclear energy in general. A full 94 percent favor its use in the U.S. That’s 13 points higher than the national plant neighbor average, which includes a total of 59 plant sites. Ninetytwo percent of Columbia neighbors believe nuclear energy will be important to meeting the nation’s electricity needs in the future. When it comes to the benefits associated with nuclear energy, job creation, clean air, reliability and advanced technology led the survey results. All results were higher locally than the national plant neighbor average, as were affordability, energy security and nuclear ener-

gy as a solution for climate change. Opinions about Energy Northwest were also favorable, exceeding the national average for operators. Ninety percent said they were confident in the agency’s ability to operate the plant safely and that Columbia is prepared to withstand severe natural events that may occur in the region. In terms of protecting the environment, 88 percent feel Energy Northwest is doing a good job in that area. That support could be one reason 86 percent of plant neighbors would like to see another nuclear energy facility near Columbia Generating Station. Nationally, 68 percent of plant neighbors support another nuclear plant being near them. Columbia Generating Station, with 1,207 megawatts of gross capacity, is the third largest generator of electricity in Washington state. All of its electricity is sold at-cost to the Bonneville Power Administration, and 92 Northwest utilities receive a percentage of its output.

Pasco, Richland, Kennewick ranked among safest in state

The cities of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick were ranked among the top 10 in the state for being the safest, according to an online ranking by a company that reviews home security systems. Pasco was ranked No. 3 and Richland claimed the No. 5 spot on the list compiled by Safehome.com. Kennewick landed at No. 7 on the list. The ranking calculates a “safety

score” for major cities in the state with a population of at least 46,000. Several different factors were examined including the FBI’s latest report of how many and what types of crimes occurred in a single year; the city’s crime trends; the number of law enforcement officers compared to the population; and demographic metrics such as population density, population trends, unemployment rate, median income and education level. Topping the list was Sammamish followed by Kirkland at No. 2. Seattle ranked No. 20, Yakima No. 21 and Spokane No. 25.

State’s tax rate notices issued to employers

The state Employment Security Department has issued 2018 tax rate notices to employers and updated its website with all the new information. Tax rates in all 40 rate classes remained the same as in 2017, ranging from 0.10 to 5.7 percent (not counting delinquency taxes). About 81 percent of employers will move into a lower rate class or stay the same in 2018. Other highlights include: • 25 percent of Washington employers will have a lower tax rate in 2018, 56 percent will remain the same, and 19 percent will move to a higher rate class. • The average tax rate will decrease from an estimated 1.21 percent in 2017 to an estimated 1.10 percent in 2018. The average total tax paid per employee will decline by $15 to $215 per year. • About 41 percent of all taxable employers are in rate class 1, taxed at

0.10 percent. Ninety percent of employers in rate class 1 have five or fewer employees. • The experience rated portion of the 2018 unemployment tax (paid by rate classes 2 and higher) will be based on benefit payouts from July 2013 through June 2017. • Unemployment tax collections are estimated to decrease from $1.06 billion in 2017 to about $952 million in 2018. Employers will pay unemployment taxes on the first $47,300 of each employee’s earnings in 2018. For an employee earning $47,300 or more, the total tax for the year will range from $61 (employers in rate class 1) to $2,706 (rate class 40).

Prosser students show off business plans in contest

Prosser High School students are learning about business in their own version of “Shark Tank.” A business plan competition during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November attracted 21 students who presented their business plans that were scored by judges on concept, business model, marketing and financial analysis. The $500 first-place winner was Lauryn Essary for a drive-in movie theater called Lunar Light Drive-In. The $250 second-place winner was the team of Naara Trejo, Evelyn Alvarez and Karter Coffman for E and N Auto Repair and Towing. The third-place winner, who won two $50 gas cards, was Eddy Lopez-Rojas for Eddy’s Taqueria, a mobile food truck.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Kennewick strip club on hold after city denies permit BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

An effort to bring a strip club to an industrial portion of Kennewick is on hold after the city denied a business license to City Stars Gentleman’s Club LLC. The city rejected the application because the club’s owners failed to complete required tenant improvements. One of the main improvements needed is a stage for the adult entertainment dancers to perform, which includes “proper separation” from customers. Kennewick City Manager Marie Mosley also said new address signage on the building was not posted, which would include potential suite numbers to separate the building at 101 S. Gum St. into two separate businesses. Those named on the business license application, Hector and Jennifer Salgado, have 20 days to apply for an extension of the license approval. “They have been working with us, they are just not yet in compliance,” Mosley said. When reached by phone about his future plans for the gentleman’s club, Hector Salgado referred all questions to his attorney, who could not be reached for comment. Besides a license for a sexually-oriented business at the building on South Gum Street, the Salgados and their business partner, Octavio Rodriguez, also have applied to the state for a liquor license to serve beer, wine and spirits at a separate business

using the address of 101 S. Gum St., Suite B. The building is the former location of Lucky Bride Casino, located south of the cable bridge. Washington state law does not allow alcohol to be served at strip clubs. The city of Kennewick does not yet have an application for a separate business to operate there, nor does it designate two separate suites. Mosley said a separate address would be required to serve alcohol in the building. The state is the regulator on liquor licenses but the city can provide feedback before a license is issued. Mosley expected Kennewick would request the state to deny the liquor license based on the current information and a lack of an additional business license application. “We’re just taking each step as we get it and evaluating appropriately,” Mosley said. Any business seeking a permit to operate must go through a city review process, which includes approvals from the planning, building safety and fire departments. Adult entertainment businesses usually require additional review and oversight by the city’s police department. Mosley said Kennewick denied a business license to City Stars for a few reasons, including no provision for a revised building permit for tenant improvements and a construction plan. Kennewick building code also requires a complete address on the business license application, and this was not included. Additionally, inspections

The city of Kennewick denied a business license for City Stars Gentleman’s Club on Dec. 8 because the applicants did not make necessary required improvements by a city deadline. The business can ask for an extension.

and approval of tenant improvements had not been scheduled or completed. “They’re just not quite there yet,” Mosley said. The only businesses banned from operating within the city limits of Kennewick, Richland or Pasco are those selling marijuana. Outside of that, each city uses zoning to regulate where businesses can go. The city of Kennewick reported receiving a lot of calls asking why the city would consider allowing a business like City Stars Gentleman’s Club. “The short answer is the city cannot legally ban this type of business and there isn’t a mechanism to change that. Adult use/sexually oriented businesses, such as nude or topless dancing cabarets, are considered a species of expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The city is prohibited from outright banning these types of land use,” according to a city email sent to all staff on Nov. 17. Strip clubs can operate in any part of Kennewick, as long as the property is not zoned for residential use. To limit these businesses to the least visible parts of town, Kennewick has city codes creating buffers around where the

business can set up shop. Sexually-oriented businesses cannot operate in Kennewick within 500 feet of any residential zone, school, church or other religious facility, as well as any park, public facility or open space zone. Additionally, there cannot be two adult businesses within 1,500 feet of one another. By setting up these buffers, it makes it more difficult for a business owner to find property meeting all of the requirements. While a city can set limits on where a business can operate, it cannot outright ban a strip club from opening in Kennewick, or any other location. Sexually-oriented businesses are protected under the First Amendment under the right to freedom of expression. The protection afforded to strip clubs under the Constitution does not extend to marijuana businesses since the recreational sale of marijuana was legalized by the state of Washington. When the law was approved by voters in 2012, it gave individual cities the ability to allow or ban the sale of marijuana within their jurisdiction. City councils in Kennewick, Richland and Pasco all voted to keep these businesses out of city limits, preventing the recreational sale of marijuana within the Tri-Cities.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

DATEBOOK

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

DEC. 21

• Community Lecture Series: “Dupus Boomer’s PREFABulous Richland:” 7 p.m., Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland.

DEC. 25 & JAN. 1

• Christmas & New Year’s days: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business office closed.

JAN. 3

• West Richland Chamber membership luncheon: Noon – 1 p.m., Sandberg Event Center, 331 S. 41st Ave., West Richland. RSVP 509-967-0521.

JAN. 8

• Washington Society of CPA’s Federal Tax Update: Noon – 1 p.m., Tagaris Winery, 844 Tulip Lane, Richland. Register wscpa. org.

JAN. 9 – 10

• Cropping Systems Conference: 7 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Register directseed.org. • Eastern Washington Ag Expo: 9 a.m., TRAC, 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. Register easternwaagexpo. com.

JAN. 11

• PTAC Workshop: “Developing Indirect Rate Structures:” 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-4913231.

JAN. 16

• Victory Medical Solutions Town Hall meeting: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 802 George Washington Way, Richland. Contact 509-202-4292.

JAN. 17 – 18

• Northwest Hay Expo: 8 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Register wa-hay. org.

JAN. 18

• Community Lecture Series: “Cycling Through Cuban History:” 7 p.m., Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland. • Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame: 5:30 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. RSVP 509547-9755.

JAN. 20

• 19th annual Crab Feed Fundraiser, benefiting Benton-Franklin Humane Society: 3 – 7 p.m., St. Joseph Dillon Hall, 520 S. Garfield St., Kennewick. Tickets bfhs.com/events.

JAN. 24 – 25

FEB. 3

• Washington Oregon Potato Conference: 7:30 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Register potatoconference. com.

• St. Joseph Art & Wine Gala: 5 – 10 p.m., St. Joseph’s Catholic School, 901 W. Fourth Ave., Kennewick. Tickets stjosephkennewick.ejoinme.org.

JAN. 25

• Washington Winegrowers Convention and Trade Show: 8 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets wawinegrowers.org.

• High School & Beyond hiring event: 5 – 7 p.m., TriTech Skills Center, 5929 W. Metaline, Kennewick. Contact karen.suhr@ksd.org.

JAN. 29

• Community Awards Banquet: 5:30 – 9 p.m., Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center, 2140 Wine Country Road, Prosser. Tickets 509786-3177.

JAN. 31

• Women in Business Conference: 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-491-3242.

FEB. 6 – 8

FEB. 15

• Community Lecture Series: “The Good Game: On the Moral Value of Sports:” 7 p.m., MidColumbia Libraries, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick.

DEC. 2017 - 2018

• Science as Art exhibit, created at PNNL: On display through 2018 at the TriCities Airport, 3601 N. 20th Ave., Pasco.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Benton REA warns about door-to-door scammers

Benton REA is warning its members and residents of the Tri-Cities to be aware of door-to-door scammers attempting to collect payment on Benton REA electric bills. The electric co-operative received reports that the scammers were asking residents who wanted to pay by check to leave the “pay to” area of the check blank. Benton REA said its offices in West Richland and Prosser are open five days a week where payments can be made in person with the help of a Benton REA member services representative. If customers are ever suspicious of a phone call or a visit to their home from

someone claiming to represent Benton REA, immediately call Benton REA at 509-786-2913. Benton REA warns members to never give financial information to anyone they do not know.

Pasco, Franklin County seek input on Comprehensive Plan

Pasco and Franklin County are working to update their Comprehensive Plans and seek community input. The plans serve as a guidebook for providing services, facilities and amenities. Topics include land use, parks, economic development, transportation, housing and more. Beginning in December, the city of Pasco reviews and revises the plan every seven years.

Public input on the plan may be provided from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Pasco City Hall, 525 N. Third Ave. More information on the city’s plan update can be found at pasco-wa.gov/ compplan. Franklin County’s plan review will be finalized in mid-2018. The public can access information to view the project schedule, access draft documents and maps, see meeting notices and materials, and read and submit comments online at bit.ly/FranklinPlan. For more information, contact Franklin County building and planning director Loren Wiltse at 509-545-3521, 502 W. Boeing St., Pasco, WA 99301 or lwiltse@ franklin.wa.us. To be added to the update list, email planninginquiry@co.frank.wa.us.

WSU Tri-Cities offering wine business classes

An online wine business management certificate program, offered through the Washington State University Carson College of Business on the Tri-Cities campus in Richland, is set to begin with a second full year of online programming, offering six modules of wine business education. Students enrolled in the program can participate in two off-site, hands-on wine residencies. Because the program is taught online, students can complete studies at their own pace within each module. Participants also can opt to just enroll in individual learning modules, adding to the flexibility of the program. More information about the certificate program can be found at business.wsu.edu or by calling 509-335-5766.

Tri-City area artists open temporary Richland gallery

Five Tri-City area artists have opened a “pop-up” gallery space in Richland featuring a variety of photographs, paintings, postcards, calendars and glass art. The gallery, informally called Shooting Star Gallery because it will last just a short time, is at 450 Williams Blvd., Suite A in central Richland. It will be open through Christmas Eve. Five artists are featured at the gallery: Alice Beckstrom, who works in stained glass, mosaic and mixed media and repurposed glass art styles; Richland-based landscape photographer, Scott Butner; John Clement, an area landscape photographer, whose work can be seen in many public spaces around the state; Lene Kimura, who creates body art and otherworldly planet scenes in acrylic, watercolor and body paint; and Karen Powers, who creates composites of photographs, textures and colors. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Pasco scraps fingerprint rule, paving way for Uber

Uber soon will be able to pick up passengers in Pasco after the city council decided Dec. 4 to eliminate fingerprint requirements for drivers. The city’s new rule goes into effect Dec. 15. Ride-share company Uber launched in the Tri-Cities last year but couldn’t pick up passengers in Pasco because it couldn’t operate in a market requiring driver fingerprint checks. Uber is applying for its master business license with the city, but until the application is processed, the city can’t accept license applications for individual drivers, according to a city news release. The city said it will be expediting Uber’s license to get the ride-sharing company approved as soon as possible. To be a driver for hire in Pasco, applicants need a unified business identifier, or UBI, number from the state. Drivers must obtain a driver-for-hire licenses, be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. For questions, call city of Pasco business licensing department, 509-545-3402.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Columbia Industries closes year with new vision, new CEO BY AUDRA DISTIFENO

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The past six months have been a flurry of activity at Columbia Industries with the creation of a new vision and hiring a new CEO to execute it. “We’ve spent the past six months reinventing ourselves,” said interim CEO Bob Rosselli, who has volunteered and served three terms, or 18 years, on the nonprofit’s board of directors. “We now have a new direction,” which the board approved three months ago. The 54-year-old agency focuses on helping people with disabilities. Brian McDermott, who moved from Los Angeles to take the reins at the Kennewick nonprofit in early December, was previously a partner in a private equity firm with a focus on operations. His first day was Dec. 4. “I was at a point in my career where I wanted to combine my business experience with an organization that was clearly involved with and beneficial to its community,” McDermott said. “I’m excited to do that with Columbia Industries. It’s a terrific organization that serves its community very well.” McDermott managed four portfolio companies, worked with a variety of organizations, launched his own companies and led $300-million companies. Rosselli will work to bring the new CEO up to speed on the multi-faceted organization. Columbia Industries’ entire client services ecosystem has been analyzed and rebuilt, Rosselli said, with expansion planned in five key areas: a comprehensive community resource center, enhanced client placement, revamped job training and development, additional Community Center offerings and continued business operation growth. McDermott will be instrumental in

spearheading the efforts from this point forward, Rosselli said. “There is always opportunity to grow and add to the effects of a mission and organization. Right now, my focus will be determining what these opportunities are and what’s the best way to approach them,” McDermott said. The quest for an altered vision first began about three years ago when the state of Washington, along with some federal input, determined that CI’s thenfunctioning sheltered workplace wasn’t the best “fit” for persons with disabilities, Rosselli said. “They basically said we weren’t serving the client as much as we could be and that clients’ lives would be much more enriched out in the community, rather than just on-site,” Rosselli said. “The positives with the sheltered workshop approach was that (clients’) productivity could be efficiently gauged and managed more one-on-one here at CI.” Columbia Industries previously employed those with disabilities and life barriers at its on-site retail store, woodshop, laundry and more. Another challenge, however, was keeping the businesses in the black. “We couldn’t really compete with like businesses in the community,” Rosselli said. “We had to ask ourselves, ‘What can we do differently?’ ” And so the brainstorming began in June when the former CEO moved on and Rosselli agreed to fill in during the interim. One of the most exciting ventures, he said, is redeveloping the job training and development center. “We’ll meet with different employers to see if they have vacancies and ask what skills are needed for that position,” Rosselli said. “Then, we’ll take that information and develop hands-on work station props. For example, if it’s retail, we can build shelves and train clients to

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Bob Rosselli, left, interim CEO of Columbia Industries, stands with the Kennewick nonprofit’s new CEO, Brian McDermott, who joined the agency on Dec. 4. The 54-yearold agency focuses on helping people with disabilities. (Courtesy Columbia Industries)

stock those shelves like they would in the store. If it’s an office setting, we’ll build that area for training specific to the available position. If it’s packaging or fulfillment, such as placing wine bottles into boxes, we can build a prop and then recruit and train individuals for the specific skills needed in that position.” The work station props will give clients ample time to learn specific skills. Individuals will then be placed in the community, filling the positions they’ve trained for. “If for some reason the client is unable to train in sufficient time for the position, they’ll still have the Community Center. It’s a complete, integrated package,” Rosselli said. Three years ago, the CI Community Center opened to provide a safe, super-

vised place for people with disabilities to make social connections, participate in life enrichment activities such as computer/internet training, service projects, cooking classes, arts, music, dance, “how to” classes and basic skills training. Clients also can participate in community-integration activities such as being transported and assisted at local museums, parks, fairs, sporting events and more. About 60 people are currently enrolled in the Community Center program and attend either daily, twice daily, weekly, or whatever meets their needs and the needs of their caregivers. A three-hour session is offered in the morning and another in the afternoon. uCI, Page 12

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

FAMILY OWNED

Triplets expand Richland lash salon to include boutique In addition to eyelash extensions, waxing and microblading, sisters offer training, online sales BY AUDRA DISTIFENO

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Three sisters believe owning and operating a business together is triple the fun. Meet Laura Geertsma, Leslie MillerStidham and Lisa Olson — identical triplets who have always worked together. From their first teen job at Subway to working nights at a casino, to finessing their way through the same beauty school program to finally launching the successful small business, Flash Your Style, the three share a bond that makes them “not want to be apart.” The sisters grew up in Yakima, were pregnant at the same time, and continue to share their daily lives. “We have this bond where we can’t live without each other,” Geertsma said. “We all have 16-year-olds, we all have 8-yearolds and now two of us have babies.” They share children on the weekends when they rotate kids’ sleepovers, and the three pick up coffees and run errands for one another.

“I like to say that one is my left side and one is my right side,” Miller-Stidham said. “We’ve always had a vibe together. Sometimes we’re all here working together, but we’re so busy that we hardly get to talk to each other. So, then I’ll ask if they want to come over for dinner.” The decision to start a business together was a natural one. The three sisters were pregnant and working nights. Thinking of their families and the desire to be home with them in the evening, they decided to make a change. Olson decided to get eyelash extensions and when Miller-Stidham saw them — despite being a bit skeptical beforehand — she was an instant fan. She went and got her own. “They made me feel beautiful,” she said. The increased confidence and ease of looking “put together and less tired” in the morning spurred her to research credentials needed to provide eyelash extensions to others. She discovered a person had to be an aesthetician or cosmetologist and quickly called to inquire about classes at a

Triplets Lisa Olson, from left, Laura Geertsma and Leslie Miller-Stidham recently expanded the boutique within Flash Your Style, which offers eyelash extensions, microblading and more. The boutique boasts hand-selected clothing, shoes and accessories. The shop is at 118 Keene Road in Richland.

beauty school. Classes were starting the following week. She talked with her sisters and the three immediately registered for the program. They all earned their certifications and began working in other people’s businesses.

“We were working for someone else at first, but we really wanted to work for ourselves,” Olson said. Clients began hearing about them and business picked up in their initial location — a basement they rented from another Yakima business. uLASH, Page 17

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

CI, From page 9 The new vision includes revamping the program to provide lifelong learning and opportunities through creative arts, cooking classes, gardening and more while addressing clients with lower levels of functionality. “For example, we’re trying to arrange a relationship with an art studio where the owner would come in and conduct classes. We’d like our clients to progress from crayons to paint,” Rosselli said. Many clients attend Zumba classes and pet therapy sessions, which are led by volunteers. The Community Resource Center provides information for families and individuals with disabilities. New vision outcomes in this area include offering advice on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, employment options, residential, transportation and recreational options, producing

and maintaining brochures, classes and outreach offerings. “People who aren’t referred by the county or state knock on our door. We want to help people get adjusted and get the resources they need,” Rosselli said. In the client placement arena, Columbia Industries staff will now establish CI businesses for placement post-training, recruit new community businesses (in addition to Yoke’s Fresh Markets, Ice Harbor Brewery and Best Buy, all of which have been supportive for years, Rosselli said), expand into new fields and examine temporary on-call work possibilities. CI has contracted with Source America (previously AbilityOne) for more than 25 years, placing clients in janitorial and groundskeeping positions at Richland’s 700,000-square-foot Federal Building and its surrounding grounds and parking lot.

Family Owned CI’s clients have also contracted to sew more than 130,000 cloth welding hoods for the Bremerton Shipyard, also through a Source America contract. An average of 15 clients have been placed in these positions for each of the past two years, and 13 per year previously. Columbia Industries itself has 55 partand full-time employees who work in office, administrative and business operation capacities. “On the business side, we’re looking at starting a number of new operations,” Rosselli said. One is a pilot project, an aquaponics greenhouse, which should be operational by late spring 2018. “We’ll be using fish and water to grow vegetables in a greenhouse setting. It’s a great client work space for the Community Center because it involves planting seeds, harvesting, packaging, and finding restau-

rants or Farmers’ Markets to accept the produce,” Rosselli said. The 1,200-square-foot greenhouse is in the design/build stage and will be on the current CI property at 900 S. Dayton St. in Kennewick. “We’re also exploring a drive-through coffee shop that could be used as an outside training facility — another source of training and development for eventual placement at coffee shops throughout the community,” Rosselli said. This project is in the conceptual stage. Business operations now funding client service activities include Information Management, CI Shred and Records Storage. CI offers imaging services, hard copy records storage, shredding and destruction. The records storage facility is off-site and secure. It offers a safe storage facility for businesses to store confidential records without taking up office space. Shred and records has a strategic direction going forward. “We have performed small acquisitions in Yakima and Wenatchee. We have a real commitment to grow these departments as they support our program and mission services,” Rosselli said. Rosselli will help McDermott transition for a couple of weeks, but will finish before Christmas. “I’m grateful for the opportunities to help others. It’s been a really enriching experience for me,” Rosselli said of the past six months at CI. “We recognized change was needed, are adjusting and are driving toward our new vision.” The vision has started to take shape, with the basics in place by March, Rosselli said. “We have to find funding and are actively pursuing grants. We may also utilize crowd-funding and sponsorships,” Rosselli said. “I think Brian (McDermott) will do a terrific job and we may be entering our golden years with him leading CI.” Though retired, Rosselli will continue serving on four area boards — as president of Chaplaincy Healthcare, president of Friends of Badger Mountain, Alliance for a Sustainable Environment and Columbia Industries. He also tutors first- through third-graders in reading. “If I can help out, I do,” Rosselli said.

uBUSINESS BRIEF Exponential Ag matching donations to Second Harvest

Exponential Ag LLC of Moses Lake has partnered with Second Harvest’s Pasco distribution center to double the impact of donations made in December. The campaign runs through Dec. 31 and will match monetary donations up to $10,000. Typically, every $1 donated is used by Second Harvest to provide five meals for those in need. Because of the match by Exponential Ag, every dollar donated will have double the impact, providing 10 meals to those who need it most. Donations can be made through online at www.2-harvest.org/ExpoAgMatch.

FAMILY

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

OWNED

Family-owned bakery boasts loyal following in Pasco Nine family members work between Viera’s two bakeries BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Eulogio Zarate considers himself a fan of weather reports. The manager of Viera’s Bakery said he can tell when business is good based on the weather. “We always get excited as a business when it’s raining or cold,” he said while standing behind the counter at his Lewis Street shop in Pasco. “People want to stay indoors. So they’ll come by here and grab something. Those are good days for us. So yes, we do look at the weather report. So every morning when we’re going to see it rain, we’ll be successful.” But rain or shine, Viera’s Bakery has always been successful. It has been named the Tri-Cities’ top bakery the past five years running, according to a Tri-City Herald readers’ poll. Zarate said the bakery is popular because customers love their baked goods and sweets. “The customers are always in here, all hours of the day,” he said. “Everybody is waiting for the hot bread. They’ll wait 20 minutes for it if we’re making more.” But it’s more than bread. Walk into the bakery and customers can find hundreds of products at the popular family-owned business. “We have never sat down and counted the total number of products, because we’re always changing,” Zarate said. “If our bakers want to try something new, like something they remember having when they were young, they can do it. In baking, that’s what it’s about: creativity.” Zarate is married to Marisa Viera, the daughter of Manuel Viera – the man who started the company. “My father-in-law was working at another bakery around here,” Zarate said. “He’d always wanted to run his own bakery. The opportunity came up. He purchased all of the equipment, then put it in storage until he could find the right place.” That happened in 2004, when Manuel Viera found the old In-Home Medical building available at 430 W. Lewis St. in downtown Pasco, next to the Pasco Farmers Market. In 2009, the Viera family opened a second store in Pasco at 6411 Burden Blvd. near Gesa Stadium. “(The second store is) getting to where we want it to be,” Zarate said. “It has its own clientele.” For a bakery, Viera’s never seems to be closed for long. The Lewis Street store is open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The Burden Boulevard store is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. “Any time between 4 and 7 p.m., there will be a lot of people in here,” Zarate said. Business has been so successful, there is talk of another store. “A brother, Mario (Viera), is toying with the idea of starting another store — this one in downtown Yakima,” Zarate

said. That’s the other thing about Viera’s: it’s a family business. Zarate said that he and his wife were thinking about moving to Virginia in 2004 to take a job offer when Manuel Viera asked them to stay because he was almost ready to open the bakery. Zarate said they went to Virginia to look at the job possibility and the area, but opted to stay in the Tri-Cities and work in the family business. Currently, nine family members – brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces – work in the business. All told, Viera’s employs 30 people. And they make a good product. Zarate says there is no one popular item. “People come in for an assortment of everything,” he said. “But if we’re known for one thing, it’s our doughnuts. We’re known for having the biggest-sized doughnuts around.” Viera’s also makes cakes. “On any given weekend in summer, we’ll make close to 100 cakes,” Zarate said. “Our cake season slows down in late September or October until March. But then bread picks up during that period.” Viera’s reputation extends outside the Tri-Cities. “We’ve had people come down from

Viera’s Bakery opened in 2004 at 430 W. Lewis St. in downtown Pasco. The family opened a second shop at 6411 Burden Blvd. in 2009.

the Yakima Valley and from Walla Walla to buy our stuff,” Zarate said. “A guy drove down from Spokane, just for this. Other people drive in and buy things in bulk, then take them home and freeze them.” And then there was the woman who bought a massive number of empanadas from them. “She was going to ship them via UPS to her son in Alaska the next day,” he said. Working in a small family business isn’t easy.

For Zarate, it means getting to the store between 3:30 and 4 a.m. every morning and starting to bake. Maybe he’ll leave around 3 p.m. But he and Marisa will still be answering phone calls and taking orders from home. Even when they go on vacation, they’re never far from their laptops, thinking about work. Then there’s trying to keep yourself from enjoying your product too much. uVIERA’S, Page 16

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Family Owned

Business succession strategy: a gift followed by redemption BY BEAU RUFF

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Let’s assume that the patriarch of a local manufacturing business is ready to determine the best way to transition ownership of the business to his daughter. The patriarch, John, and his wife, Jane, are ready to hand over the reins and move into retirement. Still, the future success of the business is extremely important to the family and the parents want to make sure it succeeds. Though all three of their kids have worked in the business to some degree, the parents recognize that their eldest child of three, Kate, has worked the most and the hardest, and really contributed to the success of the business. At the same time, the parents want to reward Kate for her contributions to the business, the parents also want to somehow provide for the other two children as well. Simply gifting the business doesn’t work best. There are several constraints that impede the parents’ ability to freely transfer the business or its assets. These constraints fall broadly under the idea of gifting. Any gift of value greater than $14,000 is a reportable gift. This means that the parents would need to file a gift tax return and the amount of the gift would be subtracted from the parents’ federal Unified Credit. This gift could also expose the parents to the imposition of a gift tax. A “gift” can come in a variety of forms. But, in this transaction it could take the appearance of a simple gift (giving the assets or stock of the company to Kate) or a sale for less than fair market value (allowing Kate to buy the company at a sweetheart deal). There can even be a “gift” where the parents sell to Kate at a price equal to the fair market value of the business and allow her to pay over a term of years if the interest rate is too low. Indeed, the IRS publishes monthly the list of the Applicable Federal Rate which translates to the lowest allowable interest rate without incurring “gift” considerations. All of these scenarios are “gifts” under federal law. Plus, if the parents simply gift the asset, then the other children could be deprived of their inheritance which conflicts with the parents’ goals.

Drawbacks of straightforward sale A sale of the business to Kate at fair market value would accomplish several of the parents’ goals. It would move the business to Kate’s ownership. It would ensure other resources are available for the other children to inherit (the cash received from the sale). The gifting impediments wouldn’t apply. The problem for Kate, however, is twofold. First, she needs to come up with a sufficient down payment and installment payments to meet the terms of the sale. This could be a difficult proposition for Kate. Second, to make the payments, she needs to first take the earnings out of the business and subject those earnings to tax. Then, she would use the

after-tax proceeds to make the payments to her parents for the sale of the business. Plus, the straightforward sale does nothing to compensate Kate for her work in the business and her assistance in growing the business.

Combining best of gifting, best of selling

Suppose we combine the best aspects of the two approaches above. The parents decide to gift some amount of the business to Kate for two reasons. First, it recognizes that the value of the company was due, in part, to her Beau Ruff efforts. Second, it Cornerstone gives Kate a better Wealth Strategies possibility of making the required installment payments for the company. For discussion purposes, let’s say the parents gift 10 percent of their stock of the business to Kate. This gift could have the added benefit of substantially reducing the parents’ estate tax exposure (explored in other columns by this author). But, it also vests Kate with ownership to allow the second part of the transaction to occur: the redemption. Different from sale, a redemption is when the company itself buys back shares. So, instead of Kate directly buying the shares from her parents, she (as president) directs the company to buy her parents’ shares (of course with their understanding and agreement beforehand) with an installment contract. At the conclusion of the redemption, even though Kate only initially owned 10 percent, by virtue of being the last remaining shareholder, she is then vested with 100 percent ownership of the company. Though the company will need to use after-tax dollars to fund the purchase (redemption) of parents’ stock, the interest payments on the obligation are deductible by the company. Kate’s siblings are provided a cash inheritance provided by Kate’s cash payments for the company.

The small print

It is important for the redemption strategy to work and the sale to be treated as a sale (exchange and not a disguised “dividend” in IRS speak), the parents can have no further interest in the business except as a creditor collecting the payout amounts (Internal Revenue Code, section 302). It is noteworthy that this is one select strategy of many available and alternate strategies may work better. And, as always, be sure to consult a qualified attorney and tax professional to discuss your specific circumstances. Attorney Beau Ruff works for Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, a full-service independent investment management and financial planning firm in Kennewick, where he focuses on assisting clients with comprehensive planning.

FAMILY

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

OWNED

Father, son run their separate insurance agencies as one business Jared Groth owns Pasco Allstate agency, his dad owns one in Richland BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Jared Groth didn’t plan to follow his father’s footsteps into the insurance business. But he’s glad he did. The young entrepreneur bought an established Allstate agency in Pasco in 2011 at age 25. “Since 2011, we’ve nearly doubled our clientele and grown twice the size,” said the 31-year-old. But it wasn’t the career he envisioned. “To be 100 percent honest when I first started, I didn’t like it. But as you meet more families and help protect and help take care of them when times are tough and when things aren’t going good, it changed. I love the business. It’s been good,” he said. He’s recently moved his Groth Family Insurance office to 4021 W. Court St., just down the road from his previous location. He wasn’t intending to buy a building but the former chiropractor’s clinic was ideal. “It’s tough to find commercial property that fits your size. But this has been awesome. The other office had parking issues and we wanted our own space and awareness and to invest in Pasco and in the TriCities,” Jared said.

Jared had to “gut the whole thing,” spending $80,000 on the remodel. He’s changed the entryway, added windows and better signs. His father Duane Groth, 61, recently relocated his Allstate office from Torbett Street to the Uptown Shopping Center and improved the storefront there. “We wanted professional buildings for our clients and to create more of an identity,” Jared said. His father has been in the insurance business for 19 years and Jared worked with him during the summers while attending to college. Six years ago, Jared bought the late Don Halvorsen’s Allstate agency in Pasco. “Jared came to work for me a year or two prior to opening his office. Then we groomed him and wanted him to buy an agency in Pasco and placed him with Halvorsen for six months,” Duane said. After Jared bought the business, Halvorsen worked for Jared as part of their agreement, staying on as an advisor, Jared said. “Don had a great client base and retention. For him, he could do things on his own terms. It was a pretty highly soughtafter book of clients. It just worked out well, him wanting to stay on. “He introduced me to clients over time

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Jared, left, and Duane Groth operate their separate Allstate agencies as one business. Jared recently bought and renovated this building at 4021 W. Court St. in Pasco and his father made improvements at his office in the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland.

and we still have good retention of those people,” Jared said. It was a great mentoring experience for Jared, according to his father. Customers loved Halvorsen, a longtime Allstate agent, because he was customer-service oriented, Duane said. “Don was a big part of Jared’s success. Don worked at Jared’s for three years until he got ill and passed away. Jared, he’s a hard worker and smart kid but one thing is he was fortunate because he had Don. There were two successful agents to men-

tor him,” Duane said. Though the Groths operate two separate agencies, they operate as one. “On our end, it’s family owned. We really do run them together,” Jared said. If customers call the Pasco office and can’t reach an agent because they are on the phone, Duane can pick up the call from his Richland office. They also share an electronic customer management system. “I do all the payroll for both offices; Jared does payables,” Duane said.

uALLSTATE, Page 16

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

uBUSINESS BRIEFS State AG files lawsuit against Uber for breach

Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a multi-million-dollar consumer protection lawsuit against ride sharing company Uber, alleging thousands of violations of the state’s data breach notification law. Uber discovered a data breach potentially affecting 57 million passengers and drivers around the world, including the names and driver’s license numbers of at least 10,888 Uber drivers in Washington. Under a 2015 amendment to the state’s data breach law, consumers must be notified within 45 days of a breach, and the Attorney General’s Office also must be notified within 45 days if the breach

affects 500 or more Washingtonians. This is the first lawsuit filed under the revised statute. The complaint, filed Nov. 28 in King County Superior Court, alleges thousands of violations of Washington’s data breach law by failing to notify affected drivers and the Attorney General’s Office within 45 days of the breach. Uber notified the Attorney General’s Office of the breach Nov. 21, roughly 372 days after discovering the breach. Rather than reporting the breach as required by law, the company has admitted to paying the hackers to destroy the stolen data. The office argues each day Uber failed to report for each individual qualifies as a separate violation under the law. Ferguson’s lawsuit asks for civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation, which

Family Owned should result in a penalty in the millions of dollars.

Port of Pasco named state’s port of the year

The Port of Pasco was named Port of the Year for 2017 by Washington Public Ports Association. The $43 million renovation and expansion of the Tri-Cities Airport was noted among the port’s major accomplishments. While the award committee noted the Tri-Cities Airport, the award also recognized other port projects, including the success of the Pasco Processing Center, at attracting world-class food processors to Pasco and the significance of the Osprey Pointe Business Park to enhance economic opportunities in Pasco.

ALLSTATE, From page 15 Since Jared bought the Pasco agency, it has been named a premier service agency by Allstate for outstanding customer service. He also earned Circle of Champions award in 2013 for finishing in the top one percent of Allstate agents nationwide and was recognized in 2016 for finishing in the top five percent. His father said one of the reasons his son is so successful is because Jared is continually looking for ideas on how to grow his business by investigating successful techniques other agents have used and modifying it for his business. “He doesn’t sit back. He’s communicating with agents all across the U.S.,” Duane said. Jared said the Tri-City insurance market is competitive. “But the advantage of Allstate is that it’s a brand and the trust that people put in a company,” Jared said. Jared and his father manage a fourplex in Pasco. Jared said his dad taught him a great work ethic. “We treat our customers like we want to be treated and handle their insurance as if it was ours,” he said. His father also taught him to think creatively. Buying his own agency was “the longest process ever,” because the challenges of his age and work history weren’t appealing to lenders, Jared said, who lives in Kennewick with his wife, a teacher at Kennewick High School, and their 2-year-old daughter. Jared said his father taught me about “taking an opportunity and making it very successful. He taught me to take risks.” Duane said giving Jared the space to do his own thing is what he’s done best and “knowing when it’s better to keep your distance and keep your hands off.” “We work closely together. It’s interesting to work with your kid. But it’s work. It’s nice to have that young energy and that motivation and competitiveness come in and take over,” Duane said. Jared said he and his father “always talk about how the Tri-Cities has been great to our family.” Duane said he knows the future of their business is in good hands. “It’s comforting to know I could step away and Jared can handle everything,” he said. VIERA’S, From page 13 Zarate says when he first started there, he weighed 185 pounds. “But I got up to 290 pounds,” he said. “I had to limit my eating and started exercising.” Now, he limits himself to just a few pastries a week. His employees know they must keep an eye on him if he tries to eat more. It’s one of the dangers of working in a place full of wonderful smells and great tastes. But there are many more rewards for what the Viera family does. “It’s just wonderful knowing that the people are going to enjoy what you make,” Zarate said.

Family

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

owned

LASH, From page 11 “When we first started school, I joked, ‘Let’s get so big that we have to move to Tri-Cities.’ A few years later (in 2011), we came shopping and negotiated a price on a five-year lease near Olive Garden,” Miller-Stidham said. At first, they kept their initial shop open and commuted to the Tri-Cities from Yakima. But that was short-lived. The trio moved their families to the Tri-Cities and focused on building their clientele here. After their first five years at the Louisiana Street location, they moved to 118 Keene Road, Richland, behind the Albertsons on Leslie and Gage. “I feel like we get a lot more traffic here; there’s definitely more exposure,” Miller-Stidham said. “We like the modern space and can also have a picnic out back on the grass near the pathway,” Geertsma added. The three business owners complement one another in day-to-day operations. Though they form a cohesive unit and can successfully operate all facets of the business, the triplets each have their individual strengths and passions. “I love to do eyelash extensions; I’m a perfectionist and I do each individual lash. It takes a lot of practice. For a new student, it takes about four hours to finish, but I can do it in an hour to an hour and a half,” Olson said. Miller-Stidham specializes in microblading, a semi-permanent tattoo in which the technician creates fine, brushlike strokes to create a fuller, thicker eyebrow, and training, while Geertsma focuses on social media, eyelash extension classes and “does lashes all day.” The three have managed to combine their strengths into a lucrative business in which they’ve trained about 500 cosmetologists, aestheticians and nurses in the art of microblading. They also offer popular wares at an ever-growing boutique, manage and fill Amazon orders for eyelash extensions and related products, and offer beauty-enhancing services to area residents six days a week.

The Amazon side of the business has been steadily growing. “It’s awesome; we ship throughout the United States and to other countries. Sales have stayed steady since we began, with an average of 15 to 50 items sold each day across the globe,” Olson said. However, because the triplets regularly forge into new territories to expand their repertoires, online sales are somewhat “old news,” they said. Instead, two new ventures are in the forefront. The first is the expanded boutique inside Flash Your Style. It opened with jewelry about a year ago, but six months ago, the trio expanded to also offer “hand-picked items that are fun” —clothing, boots, gift items and a barrage of accessories — that “sets us apart from the mall,” Miller-Stidham said. The second venture is an online microblade training video that MillerStidham spent about six months perfecting. “It’s a step-by-step tutorial for people to download and then people buy the products that come with the kit,” she said. “People from around the world are buying it.” The online training tool lessened the entrepreneurs’ travel schedules, a must in their busy lives. They’ve traveled to Hawaii, Idaho and other states to offer trainings, but agreed it’s hard to be away from their families — not to mention the time away from the business and expenses involved. The online training is efficient and increases the services offered locally with the three entrepreneurs in the shop each day. They generally offer two local microblade trainings each month, as well as monthly eyelash extension trainings. Microblading applications last up to one year, Miller-Stidham said. “When we first started, we worried about paying the rent. Now, we can make that in one day and we can pick more for the boutique and continually invest in the business,” Miller-Stidham said. “We aren’t rich by any means and

Sisters start charity to help families with adoption The identical triplets and Flash Your Style owners don’t limit their philanthropic hearts to the Christmas season. “We’re starting our new charity and are hoping to help a lot of people have children, who maybe couldn’t otherwise,” Leslie Miller-Stidham said. She and her sisters Lisa Olson and Laura Geertsma recently created and launched Adoption CARE, a 501c3, faith-based referral service to assist adoptive families throughout the United States as they navigate the often-challenging adoption process. “My two babies are adopted. They’re 2 now and we have extended families because of our babies. It’s wonderful,” Laura Geertsma said. Their mission is to educate and counsel guests through every step of the adoption journey, along with offering support. The networking and advocacy forum is meant “for those who value and support adoption and to support all members of the adoption triad”

with the main goal of “improving children’s and family’s overall wellbeing.” People are encouraged to donate to help make adoption simpler for all parties involved. “It costs from $30,000 to $60,000 to adopt through an agency,” Geertsma said. “We help people navigate the process so it hopefully only costs $5,000 to $10,000. The cost shouldn’t stop someone from becoming a family.” The triplets want to give hope and assistance to families wishing to adopt. Potential adoptive parents can apply for Care Grant Assistance, the funding program that seeks to fund up to $10,000 directly to the agency/lawyer or other entity completing the adoption. Other services are available to the adoptive family and birth parents. “We really like to help people,” Lisa Olson said. Those interested in learning more about the charity can visit adoptioncare.org

definitely work hard,” Geertsma said. “But we love doing it.” Many customers have become regulars, who the trio regard as “dear friends.” “We also get new clients every week and sometimes, every day,” Olson said. “We work 24/7, but we love what we do. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. We get to dress up, chat with clients, and they’re so happy with their lashes when they leave.” “And it’s awesome to work with family,” Geertsma said. The entrepreneurs estimate that the business has grown by 50 percent every year since opening in the Tri-Cities. Their immediate goal is to increase their employee base. “Our goals are to get four or five more part-time people working here. We’d

really like to add more lash specialists to our team,” Geertsma said. The three agree that their biggest lesson learned over the years is to pay commission rather than hourly wages. “We learned that commission is key; it gives everyone an extra push,” Olson said. The sisters employ a full-time receptionist and four part-time workers. They all agree that the key to success is being creative and trying new things. “We just stay positive and go; we don’t let anything slow us down,” MillerStidham said. Flash Your Style is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 509-572-2777 or visit www.flashy ourstyle.net to inquire about services and to make appointments.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Maryland company teams with Richland firm to land $400 million contract BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

A Richland-based engineering firm is teaming up with a Maryland-based company on a five-year $400 million contract with the U.S. Department of Energy and its National Nuclear Security Administration. DOE recently awarded Link Technologies Inc. with a technical, engineering and programmatic support services blanket purchase agreement. Under this agreement, Link Technologies, a woman-owned small business based in Maryland, leads a team of eight companies and is responsible for managing and administering any task orders awarded to its team. This is Link Technologies’ second time being pre-qualified through the blanket purchase agreement. All components of DOE/NNSA, including at headquarters and field offices, will be able to access Link Technologies and any member of its team through direct contracting. Each team member possesses its own contract identification number. Link Technologies’ team includes engineering and consulting firm NV5 Global Inc., which acquired Richland-based Dade Moeller & Associates in 2016. In addition to Dade Moeller’s reputation across the DOE complex in radiation protection, occupational safety, industrial hygiene and training services, NV5 also brings to the team expertise in facility and civil program management, complex project scheduling, building and civil engineering, systems commissioning, energy optimization, environmental permitting and remediation, and security and surveillance design. The potential scope of work under the

uHONOR • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Graham Parker won a lifetime energy efficiency leadership award from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. The Tom Eckman Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award recognizes Parker for a career spanning more than 40 years where he advocated for and

blanket purchase agreement spans the following critical mission areas: program management; nuclear engineering subject matter expertise and analytical support; training support; security management support; weapons data access system programmatic support; emergency operations support (domestic and international); aviation operations support; nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear material accounting; and environmental management. DOE/NNSA approved eight small business-led contractor teaming arrangements through this sourcing initiative. Headquarters and field offices are encouraged to use the blanket purchase agreement to take advantage of reduced costs, time and paperwork, according to the NNSA website. Link Technologies Inc., based in Germantown, Maryland, offers a broad spectrum of multi-disciplinary engineering, technical, safety, management and quality assurance expertise. Current and past work experience includes DOE headquarters and field offices, NNSA, national laboratories, federal agencies and the commercial nuclear industry. Personnel possess advanced degrees and professional certifications and are located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area as well as at several DOE sites, including Hanford. NV5 is a provider of professional and technical engineering and consulting solutions to public and private sector clients in the infrastructure, energy, construction, real estate and environmental markets. NV5 primarily focuses on the following business service verticals: construction quality assurance, infrastructure, energy, program management, and environmental solutions. advanced the cause of energy efficiency in the Northwest and beyond. Parker received the award Dec. 5 at the alliance’s annual meeting and awards ceremony in Portland. Graham Parker

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017 SIMPLOT RDO, From page 1 The 25,000-square-foot expansion is valued at $2.48 million. R.D. Offutt spokeswoman Anne Struthers referred all questions about the project to J.R. Simplot’s Jordan, who described the project as a “massive remodel” rather than a tear down and rebuilding of the current structure. Crews are already pouring the footing for the expansion. Jordan said the new facility will include state-of-the-art updates to process an increased demand for raw product. He said the company chose the location because of the import and export possibilities in the area, as well as the growing population and trained work force in Franklin County. “We like it for the access it provides and the distribution it provides, as well as the types of employees we have in Pasco,” Jordan said. Once fully operational, the processing facility will employ 150 full-time workers. Seasonal fluctuations could swell the payroll to 275 workers at certain points of the year. “The Tri-Cities really gives us access to a work force that is trained and able to do the work we need to do,” Jordan said. Positions available will be in management, hourly and seasonal. The initial recruitment for these jobs is expected to begin in early 2018. An initial recall on items made by CRF Frozen Foods affected frozen vegetables processed and distributed in fall 2015. The recall was eventually expanded to include all organic and traditional frozen fruits and

uHONORS

An overhaul, expansion and new joint venture to operate the former CRF Frozen Foods plant at 1825 N. Commercial Ave. is in place between J.R. Simplot and CRF’s parent company, R.D. Offutt. A 25,000-square-foot expansion is planned and valued at $2.48 million.

vegetable products processed at the Pasco facility since spring 2014. This included hundreds of products sold under more than 40 brand names, including Columbia River Organics, Northwest Growers Select and Organic by Nature. The recall is over, but the Centers for Disease Control has concerns customers may still have items in their freezer processed by CRF Frozen Foods. The latest “sell by” date for the items is April 2018. Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes. People usually become ill with listeriosis after eating contaminated food and the disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

The J.R. Simplot Co., based out of Boise, calls itself one of the largest privately-held food and agribusiness companies in the nation. Besides food processing, it also has farming and ranching operations in the Northwest and Nevada. This includes the management of about 40 farms, including Grand View FarmsPasco, as well as feedlot operations, also in Pasco. Simplot’s partner in the project, R.D. Offutt Company, is based out of Fargo, North Dakota, and its farming operations focus mainly on potatoes. It had been the parent company of CRF Frozen Foods before its shutdown in 2016. A list of recalled products for CRF Frozen Foods may be found on foodsafety. gov.

• The 2018 inductees to the 18th annual Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame will be honored at a Jan. 18 dinner at the Pasco Red Lion. Presented by the Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Pasco, the Hall of Fame honors families and agribusiness leaders in Franklin County and neighboring MidColumbia counties. Winners are: • Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame Pioneer Award: James and Ann Moore of Kahlotus, third generation wheat farmers who have lived in the Kahlotus area for more than 70 years. • Agriculture Advisor Award: Don Kinion of Pasco, an active volunteer with many organizations throughout the Tri-City region beyond his professional career with various roles in the ag industry. • Stewardship Award: Allen Olberding of Pasco for his involvement in the Washington Potato Commission and National Potato Council. • Visionary Award: David Roseleip, retired president of Washington State Agriculture and Forestry Education Program. For reservations to attend the gala, which features a full-course dinner, call the Pasco Chamber at 509-5479755 or drop by the office at 1110 Osprey Pointe Blvd., Suite 101, in Pasco.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

uBOARDS • New leadership has been named for Mid-Columbia Tri-Cities SCORE. Paul Casey will be the new chapter chairman, Doug Lemke will serve as vice chairman and Dan O’Conner will be treasurer. The national organization that started in 1964 focuses on helping people launch new businesses. • The Academy of Children’s Theatre has added Janice McIntyre, Chris Wagar and Stephen Miller to its board of directors. McIntyre, who works at Wild Birds Unlimited, has worked with ACT for many years as costumer, director and producer. Wagar is an instructor at Columbia Basin College and lends his expertise in business to his interest in performance.

Miller is a teacher at Leona Libby Middle School in West Richland, as well as an ACT alumnus and a longtime supporter. Each member will serve a four-year term. • Cheryl Dell, former Tri-City Herald publisher, has been selected to serve on the board of directors of the Kennewick-based Children’s Reading Foundation, a national nonprofit Cheryl Dell founded in 1996. Dell recently retired after spending more than 30 years in the newspaper industry. She spent the last 20 years with The McClatchy Co. Dell lives in Nevada City, California.

uHONORS • Fowler General Construction received the ENR (Engineering NewsRecord) Regional Best Project award for the Northwest region in the K-12 education category for the construction of Desert Hills Middle School in Kennewick. The annual program is dedicated to honoring the best construction projects. Entries are judged on overcoming challenges and teamwork, safety, innovation and contribution to the industry/community, construction quality and craftsmanship and functionality of design and aesthetic quality. The 110,400-square-foot school at 1701 S. Clodfelter Road features an exterior finish comprised of composite metal panels and concrete masonry veneer, sheet

metal and thermoplastic polyolefin roof. It opened in August 2016. Along with Fowler Construction (Jeff Durfee, project manager; Paul McElroy, superintendent; Eric Petersen, project engineer), Design West Architects served as the design firm, Lochsa Engineering was the structural engineer, DEI Electrical Consultants were the MEP Engineer, MSI Engineers was the mechanical engineer and The Land Group was the landscape architect. • Crazy Monkey Media Inc. in Kennewick received a Best of 2017 Marketing Agency award by Marketing Digest. The company is one of 14 across the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom to receive the award, which is given to local, specialized digital marketing agencies.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION Richland’s Fuse plans move to bigger building in The Parkway New location more than triples the space for the co-working community BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Richland’s growing co-working community will be moving into a three-story office that more than triples its space. Fuse SPC, which started in 2014, is moving from its current location at 710 George Washington Way, Suite A, across the street to 723 The Parkway. The new building should open Jan. 1, said Jess Stangeland, community manager for Fuse. Stangeland said the group backing the move “is made up of Fuse members and some outside investors. There is a 10-year lease with an option to renew the lease. The move costs $500,000 for the renovation and furniture.” Fuse’s current building is 3,000 square feet and the new facility is 10,000 square feet. Stangeland, who started working at Fuse a year ago, said that space difference will be a big deal. “This current building has nine small

offices, two conference rooms and two sets of bathrooms, a podcast booth that gets a lot of use with regular podcasts and audio book recordings,” Stangeland said. The new building, which has three floors, will be more open. “I’m an interior designer,” Stangeland said. “I love the space there.” The new Fuse space will have seven offices on the first floor, a total of 15 offices throughout the building, an expanded podcast studio and more space for the hot desk – a first-come, first-serve area for people using laptops for their business. “The hot desk costs someone $95 a month,” Stangeland said. “That comes with 24/7 access, and eight hours in the podcast booth, and free events.” Monthly memberships are tiered, based on space needs of the individual. And while Stangeland said there are still offices available for rent, Christian Diamond – Fuse’s operations manager – doesn’t expect that to be the case not too far down the road. “And yes, we expect to outgrow that

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Renovations are underway at the new Fuse SPC building at 723 The Parkway. The three-story building has 15 offices throughout the building, an expanded podcast studio and more space for a first-come, first-serve area for people using laptops for their business. The opening date is expected to be Jan. 1.

eventually,” Diamond said. That’s because Fuse is growing. “We currently have 150 members of Fuse,” Stangeland said. “It was 95 a year ago at this time.” As an added bonus, Diamond said Fuse is providing free WiFi for its Parkway neighbors.

What exactly is Fuse SPC? Imagine wanting to start a business, but not having the money to rent or lease office space or afford the necessary internet bandwidth. Or the new equipment. Fuse provides solutions to these barriers. The SPC in Fuse’s name stands for “social purpose corporation.” uFUSE, Page 33

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Construction on a new Chuck E. Cheese restaurant is underway at 6340 W. Rio Grande Ave., near North Kellogg Street, in Kennewick. The Richland Chuck E. Cheese on North Columbia Center Boulevard will close in 2018 when the new one is completed.

Real Estate & Construction CHUCK E. CHEESE, From page 1 The national chain announced this summer that it was replacing the robot band with a dance floor at its new locations. This will be the case in Kennewick where the Chuck E. Cheese mascot will make an appearance on the dance floor to visit with guests, especially during birthday parties. This design is already in place in some locations nationwide. “It’s going well in other parts of the country, so we will bring the latest and greatest of everything to Kennewick,” John Corbin said. The familiar red and purple colors used throughout the restaurant will also be replaced by more muted tones, including a green exterior. The design is so current, the Corbins had to change building plans once the new model was unveiled in Texas in October.

“I like the design. I think it’s beautiful,” John Corbin said. The new building will be slightly larger than the current location, but will have a different configuration. There will be more floor space with a smaller, open kitchen so customers can see the pizzas being made. There’s also been a national emphasis on updating the menu. “We think the food is continually improving, with quite a few new menu items offered. I think we are serving a great product. Everything is fresh,” John Corbin said. This includes expanded pizza options like a cali alfredo and barbecue chicken, as well as ciabatta sandwiches and wraps. Additionally, the new Chuck E. Cheese will include “the most updated games and equipment” along with more games than currently available in Richland. John Corbin expects to offer new ride-on toys for the toddler set as well. The restaurant will undergo a slight name change when it reopens, from Chuck E. Cheese’s to simply Chuck E. Cheese. John Corbin said he and his wife are in the process of obtaining a Small Business Administration loan for the new restaurant project. Despite owning Chuck E. Cheese since 1982, it wasn’t their first foray as franchise restaurant owners. “I brought Wendy’s hamburgers to the Tri-Cities,” John Corbin said. The first Wendy’s location is the one still in operation on West Clearwater Avenue. The Corbins also built the restaurants on George Washington Way in Richland and West Court Street in Pasco. Once operating 12 Wendy’s franchises across Washington and Oregon, the couple sold the stores in 1985. A franchise of CEC Entertainment, the Richland’s Chuck E. Cheese is one of 607 nationwide. The company’s most recent third quarter financial statement included a $14.8 million revenue decrease year over year, with a $11.1 million net loss for the third quarter, blamed on a decline in company-operated venue sales and losses of property and inventory due to late summer hurricanes. Total revenue for CEC Entertainment for the third quarter was $213.3 million. John Corbin is optimistic he will need to add new employees when the new restaurant opens next fall. “I’m real excited for the future prospects. We’ve always tried to put money back into the business. It’s been our life’s work when you come right down to it,’ he said.

uPROMOTION • Joshua McKenzie of Desert Canyon Mortgage Company has been promoted to producing branch manager of the Kennewick branch. In his new position, he will oversee and support the production of branch loan originators, while facilitating Joshua McKenzie loan officer training, local outreach and managing quality standards.

Real Estate & Construction

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Gale-Rew Construction building big red barn for new headquarters

Richland remodeling company’s new offices will be complete by July BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A big, red barn will be the new headquarters of Gale-Rew Construction in Richland, providing a permanent home base for the home builder and remodeling company that completes hundreds of projects each year. Since merging Rew Construction with Gale Developments in 2008, owner and president Brad Rew calls his company “one of the largest remodeling companies in North America.” Completing 200 remodeling projects annually, the company also builds a small number of custom and spec homes each year. But it’s been lacking a permanent address since leaving its former location earlier this year and moving to a temporary storefront on Terminal Drive, a stone’s throw from the Richland Airport. Its new location at 1616 Terminal Drive is further south, at the corner of Van Giesen Street and the bypass highway. “We get to design a space that’s going to help us better handle our remodels, our additions and our custom homes. We’ve just kind of gone into spaces and haven’t been able to really design something that really will work for us and our clients,” Rew said.

Excavation and foundation of the big, red barn started recently and is targeted to be finished by July. A building permit filed with the city of Richland shows the project is valued at $869,605. The land was previously owned by Columbia Basin Racquet Club, which had intended it for future parking needs. Rew was able to work out a parking plan with the club to buy the lot. The new headquarters will incorporate the popular farmhouse décor style that’s a mainstay on HGTV and made “shiplap” a household word. For those who don’t watch home improvement shows, shiplap is a type of wooden board used as siding. “Our style is very coastal, bungalow and farmhouse. We do a ton of that style. So this is really encompassing that,” Rew said. The building will be about 7,600 square feet, which will include offices, conference rooms, a showroom and a children’s playroom for employees’ families and the children of customers visiting the barn. A space for lease also will be available. Gale-Rew maintains a storage site on Wellsian Way for its construction materials and will continue to use that space. Gale-Rew Construction employs just under two dozen people, with another handful of part-time workers who subcon-

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Brad Rew, owner of Gale-Rew Construction, said his company is building a 7,600-square-foot building at 1616 Terminal Drive in Richland. Construction should be complete by July.

tract for the company. To complete 200 remodels a year, Gale-Rew project managers have their own team of workers and subcontractors who focus on 10 to 18 projects at any one time. Rew said the company has 60 open projects currently and may call on up to 340 subcontractors as needed. Remodeling has been continually lucrative for the company, despite being founded while the country was in the throes of a national recession. The demand has only increased as of late. “The housing market has a lot to do

with what we see happening,” Rew said. “Right now there’s hardly any land available. There’s hardly any homes to buy. So remodeling goes up.” His company is tapped for more cosmetic makeovers, ranging between $25,000 to $30,000 versus larger expansions or overhauls that could require $150,000 to complete. Rew said he believes clients are biding their time with the makeovers until they can get the home they want when there’s more housing inventory available in the Tri-Cities. uGALE-REW, Page 32

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Real Estate & Construction

Franklin County farm adding $2.5 million warehouse BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Onions piled as long as a football field fill a Franklin County agriculture warehouse, and now two more warehouses are under construction to store the same amount of crops. Premier Seed is doubling its capacity to keep onions or potatoes in a climatecontrolled environment. The $2.5 million project is underJames Alford way at the comAlford Farms, pany’s location Premier Seed on Ione Road, north of Pasco, near the Sagemoor railroad. Just like the current warehouse, the new facility will be split into two halves totaling 67,000 square feet, with the ability to hold 20,000 tons of potatoes, or 12,000 tons of onions. Premier Seed stores the crops for other farmers in the region, as well as its own. On average, onions and potatoes can be held up to 10 months in a controlled-climate environment maintained by a computerized fan house. If necessary, the warehouse can be heated to 100 degrees or chilled to 32 degrees within a couple of days. The sea of dehydrated onions in the existing warehouse are kept just above freezing. This

particular onion variety is intended for onion powder. Construction on the warehouse got underway in October with a goal of finishing by February. Workers from contractor Teton West Construction of Rigby, Idaho, have been going at a fast pace, laying yards and yards of rebar and pouring an entire 380-by-70-foot concrete floor for one-half of the warehouse pair in a single day. The rush is to get critical portions of the building completed before snow or ice could put construction on hold. The Franklin County warehouse site is also the location of Alford Farms and JCAg, which both grow potatoes for french fry processors like Simplot. James Alford’s management of Alford Farms continues a family tradition that began with his grandfather, Clayton Alford, in the 1950s before being handed down to Alford’s father, Bryan. James Alford also owns JCAg with his wife. Both companies focus on growing crops, while Premier Seed is named for the cutting of potato seed to prepare for planting. Each year, the growers plant 2,000 acres of potatoes, with an average yield around 37 tons. Most of the crops from Alford and JCAg go directly to the processors without the need for storage on site. The new buildings won’t result in a direct addition of jobs at the farms. The companies employ more than 40 people during seed planting time, and maintain

The $2.5 million project to double capacity at Premier Seed is underway on Ione Road, north of Pasco.

about 15 workers year round. Employees tasked with monitoring crop storage keep an eye on ventilation run through the fan house, which adjusts for indoor and outdoor humidity. Built with a half moon-shaped metal roof, the agriculture storage warehouses include a catwalk positioned below the ceiling allowing employees to walk above the crops and look for any sagging spots. When full, onions may be stacked 12 feet high in the building, and potatoes 20 feet high. The smooth concrete floor includes ventilation slots throughout the length of the building that serve to aerate and cool the crops. Before the benefit of modern design, farmers used to store potatoes directly in the ground with a roof overhead, relying

on simple ventilation tubes and the cool of the earth to maintain the product. But this prevented extended storage, like the 10-month potential offered by Premier Seed. James Alford said the first warehouse he ordered from Teton West was built in 2012 and the farm’s property could fit at least two more. Teton West Construction holds the proprietary rights to the building’s design. Alford figures he will wait another five years before ordering his next storage facility, sharing with a laugh, “I don’t want to be debt free for too long. It gets boring.” Information: Premier Seed is at 380 Ione Road, Pasco; 509-545-4262; alfordfarms.com.

Real Estate & Construction

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Company planning to double warehouse size in Kennewick Gensco has applied for $4.95 million permit for new warehouse, showroom BY JESSICA HOEFER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A wholesale and regional distributor of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment plans to build a new 53,735-square-foot warehouse in Kennewick. The new building will be on three acres just off Deschutes Avenue at 314 N. Wilson Place. Vandervert Construction of Spokane has been hired to complete the $4.95 million project, and work is set to begin in early 2018. A permit filed Nov. 8 with the city of Kennewick indicates the building will include a 3,000-square-foot showroom for a total building square footage of 56,662. Knutzen Engineering and Wave Design Group, both of Kennewick, also will be working on the project, according to the permit. Gensco, which is headquartered in Tacoma, opened in Kennewick in 1994. The warehouse at 6425 W. John Day Ave. is 22,000 square feet. Gensco started in 1947 after Gene Walters noticed HVAC contractors were being underserved in the south Puget Sound area, according to the company’s website. Before opening his first location, Walters would fill his station wagon with inventory he picked up in Seattle, then drive to Tacoma to sell items out of the trunk of his car. Today, the company employs 600 people at 24 branches across five states, which include Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Washington. Half of the branches are in Washington, and the nearest location

uBOARDS • Steve Blodgett has been named the newest member of the Kennewick Public Hospital District’s Trios Health board of commissioners. The longtime Tri-City resident retired in 2014 after a long career in finance and accounting. Blodgett fills a vacancy left after Don Campbell Steve Blodgett resigned in August. • Kiwanis Club of Kennewick recently installed this year’s officers: Chuck DeGooyer, president; Cory Manley, president elect; Rick McKinnon, vice president; Maureen Bell, secretary; Penny Gardner, treasurer; and Cyndi Kittson, past president. Board Kiwanis Club board members are Russ Burtner, Amy Coffman, Kevin Gunn, Pat Johnstone Jones, Bob Kelly, Micki McKinnon, Steve Osborne and Gloria Seeley.

outside of Kennewick is in Yakima. The Register-Guard newspaper reported Gensco’s plans in 2016 to build a 32,000-square-foot warehouse valued at $3 million in Eugene, Oregon. Along with the distribution of HVAC equipment and supplies, Gensco manufactures sheet metal products sold under the Columbia brand name. Some of the well-known brand names it carries include Trane, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, American Standard and Honeywell.

Gensco’s current warehouse, at 6425 W. John Day Ave., is 22,000 square feet. The company has applied for a building permit for a new 56,662-square-foot building at 314 N. Wilson Place that includes a warehouse and showroom.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Company buys 35 acres, plans to build concrete plant in Finley Pronghorn expects plant to create 30 new jobs BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A North Dakota-based firm plans to build a concrete and asphalt batch plant in Finley that could create 30 new jobs. Pronghorn LLC recently bought about 35 acres in the Twin Tracks Industrial Park in Finley. The company bought the land, which is vacant and zoned for heavy industrial use, from the Port of Kennewick for $154,000, or $4,443 per acre. It’s west of

Piert Road and intersected by East Cochran Road. Pronghorn plans to operate concrete and asphalt batch plants, process and store aggregate products, and crush and process recycled concrete and asphalt. The new plant is projected to add about $4 million in revenue to the Tri-City economy and could create 30 new jobs, which will consist of administrative support staff, plant operators and truck drivers. In addition to the plant, the company plans to build offices, scales and a 50-car parking area. About 20 to 30 employees are expected to commute to work at the plant, and

20 to 30 business vehicles will be stored at the site. The company estimated its fleet would make 80 truck trips a day between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to documents from the Benton County Hearings Examiner about the project. The hearings examiner approved the company’s conditional-use permit for the plant on Nov. 27. A new business to the Tri-City area, Pronghorn LLC is the parent company to JMAC Resources, a privately-held, North Dakota-based firm started in 1972, which is a major supplier of ready-mix concrete, fly ash and other construction materials for residential, commercial and industrial use.

“JMAC Resources is an experienced and innovative heavy civil and energy services contractor with a strong commitment to customer service, quality, safety, and innovation and technology,” according to the company website. JMAC also provides services that support oil exploration and other extractive and construction-related activities, such as dams, roads and environmental projects. Company officials could not be reached for comment. Construction is set to begin in spring 2018.

AMOS CONSTRUCTION 106006 E. WISER PARKWAY• KENNEWICK

Amos Construction recently finished construction on its new business operations center at 106006 E. Wiser Parkway in Kennewick. The 4,200-square-foot building includes three warehouse bays, five offices, a conference room, kitchen and file room. The new stick-built building with metal siding provides much needed space for the operations of

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Amos Construction to keep up with the area’s fast growth, company officials said. The project cost $700,000, which included the land. The Kennewick company completed the work Nov. 30. Steve Amos, president of Amos Construction, oversaw the project.

Amos Construction is a third-generation company that’s been serving the Tri-Cities since 2000, according to the business’ website.

Real Estate & Construction uNEW HIRES • A 35-plus-year veteran of nuclear construction has been picked to serve as the next project director for Hanford’s vitrification plant. Brian Reilly will guide completion, startup and commisBrian Reilly sioning of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant project, a seven-story, sports arena-sized facility designed to treat 56 million gallons of nuclear waste for disposal at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in Washington state. Reilly succeeds Peggy McCullough, who will move to Bechtel’s operational headquarters in Reston, Virginia, to lead the company’s nuclear, security and operations business line. • Trios Health has announced several updates to its medical team. Dr. Lee Thorpe has joined Trios Medical Group – Hospital Medicine as a hospitalist. He will be providing patient care at Trios Southridge Hospital, 3810 Plaza Way, Kennewick. Family Nurse Practitioner Joseph Poston has joined Trios Medical Group—Urgent Care. He will provide outpatient care at Trios Urgent Care Center – Columbia Center, located at 7201 W. Grandridge Blvd., Suite 100 in Kennewick. Family medicine practitioner Dr. Marvin Roman is accepting patients at the Trios Care Center at Chavallo. 7211 W. Deschutes Ave., Suite B, Kennewick. • The Pasco City Council ratified the appointment of Craig Stillwill to serve as the newest Pasco Municipal Court Judge on Dec. 4. Stillwill has served in the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, as a defense attorney, a Benton County Court commissioner and as a Judge ProTem for the Pasco Municipal Court. Most recently, he has operated his own criminal defense practice in Kennewick and serves on the Franklin County Defense Panel.

uON THE MOVE • Trio’s Medical Group’s Dr. Elton Kerr now is seeing patients at his new practice at the Trios Care Center at deBit, 320 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick. His former gynecological practice at the Trios Care Center at Southridge closed Oct. 6. The deBit location is where the majority of Trios Medical Group’s women’s health providers are based, and is adjacent to Trios Women’s & Children’s Hospital. • Podiatry provider Robert Kiddy is seeing patients in his new practice space on the fifth floor of the Trios Care Center at Southridge, located at 3730 Plaza Way in Kennewick. Dr. Kiddy’s practice at the Trios Care Center at Vista Field closed Nov. 9.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Grocery Outlet, Planet Fitness, Dollar Tree under construction at Road 68 development BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

A new $5 million, 13-acre development off Road 68 will be anchored by Pasco’s first Grocery Outlet and Planet Fitness, as well as a Dollar Tree store. The Sandifur Crossing development is under construction at the corner of Road 68 and Sandifur Parkway, adjacent to Gesa Credit Union. Signed leases are in place for a 20,000-square-foot Planet Fitness, 18,000-square-foot Grocery Outlet and 10,000-square-foot Dollar Tree. The 12,000-square-foot space left in the strip mall neighboring the new stores and gym is available for lease. “The synergy we’ll have over the entirety of the center with retailers and service providers for the community — it’ll be an engaging place for the local shopper to go to,” said Chad Carper, a broker with Kiemle & Hagood Co. of Spokane. The first phase of the development will be complete by spring or summer 2018. Hogback Development of Yakima, which oversaw improvements at the new Starbucks coffee shop on Court Street, is the developer. Building permits filed with the city of Pasco list the Sandifur Crossing project total at more than $5 million. Developers expect to turn the build-

The Sandifur Crossing development is under construction at the corner of Road 68 and Sandifur Parkway in Pasco. Planet Fitness, Grocery Outlet and Dollar Tree expect to open for business in 2018.

ings over to tenants in April, said Lance Bacon, managing broker for Kiemle & Hagood Co. of Kennewick. Several small shop retail spaces also are available adjacent to the strip mall and three future retail lots are available to the north of the property. “There’s a boatload of interest on the pads — a hotel user on one end and various other retailers south of property,” Carper said. “It’s just a blank slate.” Two pads along Road 68 are available,

Carper said, who added that a quick-serve restaurant would be “great to put in there.” Prospective tenants can build, lease or buy a pad, Bacon said. “There’s spaces to lease for local companies. It’s not going to be all national (chains). We’d like to see Porter’s Barbecue and those kind of mom-andpops out there,” Bacon said. “The dream is a mix of local/national.”

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;˘ December 2017

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

DUTCH BROS. COFFEE 3918 W. CLEARWATER AVENUE• KENNEWICK

Dutch Brothers’ coffee fans can stop at the new store at 3918 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick anytime they want — it’s open 24 hours a day. “We are so excited to open our new location here in Kennewick,” said Jake Daniels, operator of Dutch Bros Kennewick, in a news release.

“This community has taken amazing care of us and we are excited to have the opportunity to return the favor with another location.” The shop’s grand opening was Nov. 29. Banlin Construction of Kennewick was the general contractor. Dutch Brothers began in 1992 in Grants Pass, Oregon, by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma who are of Dutch

descent. Today, it’s the country’s largest, privately-held drive-through coffee company. The company’s 290 shops are in seven states and it has more than 7,500 employees. The company also donates more than $2 million a year to local communities and nonprofits. Franchisees come from within the company. Applicants must have at least three years working in the company, and at least a year in management, Dutch Bros. officials said.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Real Estate & Construction

Columbia Gardens’ wineries settling into their new space

Bartholomew Winery to open before Christmas, Monarcha Wines in February BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A year after the Port of Kennewick announced that Monarcha Wines and Bartholomew Winery would be tenants in the new Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village on Columbia Drive in Kennewick, both tasting rooms are poised to open soon. “It looks and smells like a winery, but there’s no wine in here yet; we’re still in the permitting process,” said Victor Palencia, owner of Palencia Wine Co., a sister company to Monarcha Wines. The Port of Kennewick’s wine village has been a decade in the making and part of a bigger vision for a vibrant riverfront wine village. The two wineries have to acquire permits from the federal Tax Trade Bureau and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board before they can begin serving customers. Bart Fawbush, owner of Bartholomew Winery, is awaiting final approval from the state liquor board. He plans to open before Christmas. “Within the next week, week and a half,” he said on Dec. 5. As a new licensee, Palencia is planning a grand opening for Valentine’s Day weekend, featuring new rosés, though he hopes to first open to the public earlier in February. Palencia, who is recognized as a top winemaker in the state, has been crafting wines since he was 15 and currently operates out of Walla Walla. “I am looking forward to embracing (the Tri-City) community and offering a place to hang out and learn about wine,” he said. He said Monarcha has been fun to grow with. “It’s a tribute to the monarch (butterfly) and represents the diversity of the Tri-Cities community … the wings represent letting your dreams take flight, that they can happen.” Palencia is proud his grapes are 100 percent grown in Washington. “They are produced to compete with global regions,” he said. In addition to Monarcha’s tasting

room, the facility also offers a space that will serve as part wine storage, part event space. “We’re making wine country a lifestyle,” Palencia said. He plans to offer salsa and bachata dancing, wine classes and live music via a moveable stage that can be backed up to a rolling bay door. The facility offers an upstairs loft, which overlooks both the tasting room and event area. “We are excited to bring wines that are both affordable and enjoyable,” Palencia said. He also noted that more wines will be introduced as Monarcha becomes established. Fawbush is relocating the Bartholomew Winery operation to Columbia Gardens from where he started in Seattle’s South of Downtown district, known as SoDo, just over a decade ago. A tasting room will continue to operate in the historic Rainier Beer brewery building. Fawbush and his family decided to make the move after learning about Columbia Gardens in 2015. His son is a freshman in high school this year, so the timing and the opportunity were perfect, he said. Fawbush reported 95 percent of his equipment, wine and barrels are in place. “I feel at home already,” he said. “Now it’s time to get the tasting room set up and functional.” Bartholomew mostly produces red wines, but some whites as well. Fawbush said the winery is one of the only producers of Tannat wines in the state, making about 100 cases a year. “We’re already sold out,” he said. Fawbush invites customers to “taste the unexpected,” such as one of their most popular wines, which is a rosé made out of Carménѐre grapes. “People don’t understand how hard it is to be a winery, especially on a small scale,” he said. “We only have one chance to make wine per year … the grapes are only ripe once. I might only have 20 to 25 opportunities to make wine in my lifetime, and Mother Nature provides different challenges each time around.” uWINERIES, Page 36

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Victor Palencia shows his selection of Monarcha and Palencia wines from behind the counter of his new tasting room at the Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village on Columbia Drive in Kennewick. Palencia plans to open his doors in February.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

GALE-REW, From page 23 “We get calls all the time from people who say, ‘We’ve given up on the housing thing. We’ve given up on the land thing. We’re going to remodel,’” Rew said. Gale-Rew Construction visits 1,600 to 1,800 homes each year, with most clients deciding between one of three choices: remodel, buy or build. These are challenging decisions paired with a huge investment, and few people have that decision in place before meeting with Rew’s team. He says 70 percent of consulting visits are to help clients make an educated decision on those options, and he offers the ability to bid a remodel of their current home, bid a remodel of a home they’d like to buy, or to build a custom home. But the bread-and-butter of remodeling tends to be “lots of kitchens and lots of

additions.” Rew said kitchens are the most common remodeling project since homeowners often get the greatest return on resale value for their investment in a kitchen. Projects revamping bathrooms or a home’s exterior also are a common request. Rew also has worked to grow his business with the creation of an in-house publication called Tri-City Builders Showcase, published bi-annually to coincide with the Regional Home & Garden Show and the Parade of Homes. The magazine features Gale-Rew projects and clients, as well as suppliers who advertise to offset printing costs. The builder publishes 60,000 copies to be distributed across 100 locations in the Tri-Cities, including restaurants and medical offices. One of the main highlights of the maga-

Real Estate & Construction zine is to promote Blue Designs, a design company started by Gale-Rew in 2011. The key feature offered is the ability to estimate cost during the design process. This allows a client to redesign, using 3-D imaging, to get an understanding of how a space will be laid out, all while knowing the likely cost. This prevents the risk of wasted time and money by creating a plan that’s over budget, with the need to incur additional costs to re-draw a plan in hopes of aligning with the planned expense. The business model for Blue Designs has the interior designer, estimator and designer all working together. “That’s a big deal because if you go out into the marketplace, you have to go get three individually, and this is all one,” Rew said. “So if you you’re going to spend

Cyber Security Six best practices to protect your company’s finances online By Berta Gabbard, Banner Bank The ease with which businesses and individuals access information and process transactions today was unfathomable just a handful of years ago. Technology is so integrated with our business and personal lives, we often rely on it in ways that are now second nature. As much as most of us enjoy digital convenience, it Berta Gabbard carries the potential for others to access our personal and financial information with criminal intent. To counter this, banks are always on high alert when it comes to cyber security. As a bank, we invest millions annually in technology, monitoring and training to protect clients’ data. Of course, security only works in partnership. We need you to exercise good cyber practices. If you own or manage a business, the best way to avoid becoming a victim of a cyber-heist is to keep would-be criminals out of the computer you use for online banking. Here are six best practices to tighten security on your side of the equation: Digital Factors 1) Use a dedicated computer to access online banking – Your company’s designated machine or machines should be restricted from visiting all but a handful of sites needed to interact with the bank and manage your finances. This can be done using custom firewall rules and host files, or services like Open DNS. The dedicated system works only if you access just your bank’s site from locked-down, dedicated machines. Making exceptions—even occasionally—undermines the whole approach. 2) Patch software in a timely manner – Cyber criminals look for ways to exploit system weaknesses using viruses and malware, so it’s important to install patches and updates from your operating system provider and software vendors. If you’re not receiving notices, mark your calendar with reminders to routinely check for updates and patches. 3) Protect computers and networks – Install security and antivirus software that protects against malware, or malicious software, which can access a computer system without your consent.

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4) Back up important systems and data – Backing up the data on your work computers should be part of every company’s cyber management routine. Human Factors 5) Control access to data and computers and create user accounts for each employee – Limiting access or use of business computers to a small group of authorized individuals is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to heighten security. 6) Facilitate secure employee practices and training – Implement policies for your team on topics such as appropriate internet use, and set consequences for violations. Make sure employees, consultants or vendors who must access your network do so using a secure connection. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing your online banking. Train team members about the dangers of suspicious emails asking them to click on a link, open an attachment or provide account information, all of which can open the door to shady dealers. Encourage employees to validate email requests to wire funds. Cyber criminals have become adept at creating requests for funds that appear to come from inside the company, from the CFO or CEO. Let team members know it’s smart to question such requests without replying directly to the email. As you aim to fulfill these best practices, count on your bank to be a helpful resource. They should offer programs such as Positive Pay to safeguard your company from unauthorized transactions, tokens for heightened security when logging into business accounts, and security alerts in your online business banking. It’s also vital to educate yourself using a range of resources. You’ll find helpful publications collected by my colleagues at BannerBank.com. Simply click on the Business Solutions/Services/Fraud Prevention tab to access the information. Berta Gabbard is Vice President and Tri-Cities Commercial Banking Center Manager for Banner Bank. With $10 billion in assets, Banner Bank partners with businesses and individuals to support their financial goals. You can reach Gabbard at 509-735-0815 or RGabbard@bannerbank.com.

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$1.50 a square foot with an architect, with us you can spend the same $1.50 a foot and get the interior designer, the designer and the estimator all in one price.” The Blue Designs service can be used whether a client is building with Gale-Rew or not. The only guarantee on price would be with having Gale-Rew complete the project, whereas by using another builder it can serve as an estimate, but not a guarantee. As a Tri-City native, family and community are a priority for those with GaleRew Construction. Brad Rew’s father, Howard Rew, handles the company’s financials and serves as a board member, and his wife, Thera Rew, is responsible for all pricing on new construction. A team of three sisters, unrelated to Brad Rew, make up the office manager, designer for Blue Designs and a designer for the magazine layout. There are other groups of family members within their subcontracting teams. Brad Rew said he enjoys giving back to the community, having recently donated an outdoor gazebo to Jason Lee Elementary which can be used for a variety of purposes. His company has also been involved with designing a structure for the grassroots effort to provide energy-efficient playhouses to schoolyards throughout the Tri-Cities. Gale-Rew Construction has also served as a sponsor, and Thera Rew as a coach, for the nonprofit, Girls on the Run, which empowers elementary school students while training them to run a 5K. “We feel like we’re not just building relationships or building structures, we’re building a community,” Rew said. The business’ current office is at 1881 Terminal Drive in Richland. Information: 509-943-5171; galerew.com.

uDONATIONS • Second Harvest recently received $8,000 from Washington River Protection Solutions to support the Bite2Go program at Amistad Elementary in Kennewick and Virgie Robinson Elementary in Pasco. Bite2Go provides elementary schools students with weekend food kits to combat chronic food shortages at home. More than 95 percent of students at both schools are eligible for free and reduced meal programs. The kits provide four meals and several snacks that are nonperishable, easy to open, nutritious and don’t require cooking. Donations to the program can be made at 2-harvest.org/Bite2Go. • Pasco-Kennewick Rotary awarded $1,500 to Cami Oberman of the Blue Mountain Council Boys Scouts of America to support the June Cub Scout Day Camp Programs geared toward Cub Scouts ages 6 to 10. • Mission Support Alliance has made several recent donations to the Tri-City community. Included in its charitable giving is a pediatric stander to help with critical therapeutic care for the Children’s Development Center, a donation to Second Harvest Tri-Cities to provide 25,000 meals to those in need as well as gifts to Habitat for Humanity, Domestic Violence Services and the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.

Real Estate & Construction FUSE, From page 21 Fuse “brings together ideas, abilities and resources in a co-working community environment that supports and champions enthusiasm. It’s the cumulative passion of over 30 contributors in the Tri-Cities, including lawyers, accountants, designers, developers, photographers, entrepreneurs, telecommuters, and big business refugees (people who benefit from getting out of their traditional office environment to find inspiration and connection in a community),” according to Fuse’s website. Stangeland said the 30-plus contributors all met at a startup weekend event. “They made their minds up to put this together,” she said. “They were full of energy and it was an intense 72 hours. They decided, ‘We want more of this collaboration.’ So we’ve grown and grown, and we’ve helped launch 84 companies.” The co-working part is a collaborative form of working, where individuals work on their own businesses and projects in a shared environment. It’s a different way to look at the traditional work-place environment. People from different backgrounds working on different projects tend to bounce ideas off of each other. Kim Kessler has seen that. She and her husband used to work in the banking industry. “My husband quit to be a standup comedian,” she said. “I got into writing and editing and do it from my house. Then I connected with Jess. I loved the idea of this community. I didn’t know it existed. It’s just great to come here and work around people.” Justin Jones, a consulting architect in networking, security and open solutions for

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

VMware Professional Services, loves the helped him get to where he is today. Fuse environment. “Fuse provided a community of other “As a remote employee for a Silicon people who are really committed to entreValley company, I either work from home preneurship and all the great things it or travel on site to customer locations,” brings,” Roach said. “As well as the proJones said. “The first year I worked from gram itself, there has been an extremely home, I really loved the extra time around meaningful amount of learning and perthe house and being sonal development home when my wife that made me so “We’ve grown and and daughter both left much more confident and returned home. By about my ability to grown, and we’ve the second year, I reallead and grow a busihelped launch 84 ly missed the camaraness.” derie of being in the People who have companies.” same space as cofull-time jobs elseworkers. I also felt the - Jess Stangeland, where also come to need to get out, so I Fuse community manager Fuse, perhaps to went to the library or work on their dream coffee shops to work business idea. anywhere with free WiFi. Besides Wholestory, Fuse has assisted in “When I discovered Fuse, the commu- getting some other businesses off the nity aspect of it really appealed to me,” he ground. continued. “Some of my best friends in the That includes Solar Spirits, a distillery in Tri-Cities have come from Fuse, and I’ve Richland; Wildland Labs Inc., a software had the opportunity to work on some amaz- firm that started at Fuse and now has 20 ing projects. Having a dedicated space employees; Red Level Games Inc, a video which allows me to separate my work and game company that created Cash Crop, a home life has really helped me to maintain cannabis tycoon video game; Thrive a reasonable work-life balance.” Fitness Adventures, a guided hiking, campDiamond, who used to have his own ing and exploring company; Trutik, a business, said when he worked from home, trucking logistics software company; and he’d go to Walmart at 1:30 a.m. “just to be Gravis Law. around other people,” he said. The latter was started by Brett Spooner. Diamond works with Middlerock “My firm started in Fuse with just me Partners, a small consulting group that and one staff,” Spooner said. “And we have works top-down with CEOs and C-Suite grown to 18 employees. We recently management to fix the culture and process moved to a nearby building on The in their companies Parkway.” John Roach, who runs Wholestory SPC, Fuse also has a social purpose, reminda software company developing a product ing people to keep that in mind when makthat helps make hiring easier, said Fuse ing business decisions.

That doesn’t always mean it’s only about making money, but making the world a better place. Fuse does that by hosting a variety of events. They include fireside chats, where a guest speaker talks with a group of people; Launch University, in which people attend class to learn what they need to do to get their business idea going; and Ted X Talks, organized by Stangeland, is in its third year. A big highlight is Pitch Night for Launch University, where people with business ideas have two minutes to pitch their ideas to local entrepreneurs, who can either turn them down or invest in their businesses. “We’ve gone through 480 business ideas, and launched 138 projects,” Diamond said. And Fuse gets former standouts coming back all the time. “We see a lot of companies that move on come back,” said Diamond, who started working at Fuse in April. “They’ll sponsor events, do panel discussions. We see a lot of people come back and say, ‘I want to be part of the events.’ ” And it’s not age specific. “We have people in Launch University from early college age to people in their 50s and 60s,” Diamond said. Even the hot desk is diverse. “There are people of all ages there,” Kessler said. It’s not about the age. It’s about the thought process. “It’s a young mentality,” Stangeland said. Around Jan. 1, there will be more room for that in The Parkway.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

uNEW HIRES • James Atwood is now practicing financial services at Guild Mortgage Co. in Kennewick. He has been working in financial services since 2004 and mortgage lending since 2016. James Atwood • Robert TaylorManning has been hired at Ashby Law in Kennewick. He has more than 25 years in the legal field and focuses on family law. He graduated from the University of Washington

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Law School. • Curt Bell Sr. and Curt Bell Jr. have joined Copiers Northwest and BlueZEBRA Technologies in Yakima. The companies, with a location in Kennewick, recently moved into the former location of Cascade Copier in Yakima, which Curt Bell Sr. had coowned. • Amy Basche has been hired as Mission Support Alliance’s new chief operations officer. Basche has more than 25 years of experience across Hanford, and most recently served as the vice president for Project Support Services with Washington River Protection Solutions. She graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor’s in business and from City University with a master’s

in business administration. • Chad Foltz has been named principal for Kennewick School District’s new Elementary No. 16 under construction in the Clearwater Creek development. Foltz earned Chad Foltz his bachelor’s in elementary education from Washington State University and master’s degrees in school administration and professional development from Heritage University. He has been the principal of Cascade Elementary School since 2008.

• Jesse Smit has been hired by Banner Bank in Kennewick as a relationship manager serving agricultural clients in central Washington. Smit has been an agriculture banker in the region for five years and has 10 Jesse Smit years of agriculture management experience. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics.

2459 S. UNION PLACE KENNEWICK

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less than a block away from its previous office. Dr. Karl Czirr started his own private practice in September 2006. Swift Rehabilitation is in Suite 140. The clinic offers physical therapy services. Europa Italian & Spanish Cuisine applied for a business permit and liquor license to open in Suite 110. A $1 million business permit for the new commercial construction was requested in February. Archibald & Co. Architects of Richland was the architect. Don Pratt Construction of Kennewick is the owner/contractor of the project.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Longtime hearing clinic to combine offices at new Kennewick location BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Forty years after opening two separate hearing clinics, Columbia Basin Hearing Center will launch a combined clinic at the beginning of the year in Kennewick. Doctor-owners Shannon and Neil Aiello bought the old Center Vision Clinic building at 4015 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick. The Richland office on Van Giesen Street and the Kennewick clinic on North Edison Street will close the last week of December. The new office opens Jan. 2. “The hearing care we will now be able to offer by having our whole team in one location will be unmatched in the Pacific Northwest,” Neil Aiello said. Shannon Aiello said both offices were “pretty maxed out.” “We’ve outgrown both of our clinics in a big way,” she said. Expanding into a bigger 5,000-squarefoot building will allow staff to accommodate walk-in appointments, provide extended hours and house the team in one place. Columbia Basin Hearing Center employs 15 people in the Tri-Cities, including the Aiellos, a clinical audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist, and two others at its Walla Walla clinic. The Walla Walla office isn’t affected by the Tri-City changes. Neil Aiello’s father Francis Aiello opened the clinic in 1978. He has since retired. The Aiellos bought the Clearwater Avenue building. They currently lease the 2,200-square-foot office in Kennewick and the 1,600-square-feet clinic in Richland. The Aiellos have been married for seven years and they have a 6-year-old daughter. Their blended family also includes a 12-year-old son and two daughters, ages 23 and 21. Consolidating the offices also reduces other redundancies, Shannon Aiello said.

Shannon and Neil Aeillo, audiology doctors and owners of Columbia Basin Hearing Center, are consolidating their Richland and Kennewick offices into a combined clinic at 4015 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick in 2018.

“We will be able to provide better patient service by being under one roof,” she said. Shannon Aiello said she’s particularly excited about having a big conference room in the new facility. “Every month we do patient seminars on hearing health, or technology. Now we can host the public in our own facility,” she said. In the past, the center has held these sessions at Brookdale Meadow Springs retirement center. Columbia Basin Hearing Center serves up to 60 patients a day in the Tri-Cities. Most of the patients are senior citizens, though more Baby Boomers are starting to come in, Shannon Aiello said. Dal and Freeda Cervo visited the Richland office to adjust Dal’s hearing aid before the busy Thanksgiving holiday. The 88-year-old Kennewick man has been a patient at the center for about 20 years. The couple keep returning because “the staff is very nice,” Freeda Cervo said. “A business is built upon the front office people. They make you feel good,” she

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said. Michele Chappell, an audiologist assistant, said it’ll be nice to have all the center’s staff at one location to help with patient overflow. “It’ll be good for the practice,” she said. The clinic’s team of audiologists work to minimize the effects of hearing loss with early detection, correct diagnoses, proper treatment, and a commitment to solving the problem. Services offered include evaluations for hearing loss, tinnitus and cochlear implants, as well as hearing aid services, hearing protection devices, pediatric testing, aural rehabilitation, hearing aid repairs and hearing aid fittings and counseling. “With hearing, you have to retrain the

brain to process sound differently,” Shannon Aiello said. “Everyone likes to hear a little differently.” Medical insurance typically covers a hearing screening but not the hearing aids, which can cost $3,000 to $7,000. Giving back to those in need is important to Neil Aiello. He recently returned from a trip to the Phillippines, where he participated in his fifth international hearing mission with the Starkey Hearing Foundation. He and a team of about 10 other volunteers fitted hundreds of Philippines with hearing aids daily. The mission team expected to fit more than 6,000 people with hearing aids. “Many of the people we fit travel by foot for days to receive their hearing aids. Many have lived their entire lifetime without the opportunity to hear. To be able to be a small part of this process is life changing,” Neil Aiello said. He has previously traveled internationally with the foundation for hearing missions to Africa, Peru, Mexico and Indonesia. The Aiellos also have helped people closer to home through the foundation by fitting hearing aids for those living in poverty. To celebrate their new location, an open house is planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 27 that will include tours of the new office, free hearing screenings, free cleaning of hearing devices and a chance to win a digital hearing aid. A grand opening is planned in May, which is Better Hearing Month.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Bart Fawbush stands in his production room at Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village on Columbia Drive. The barrels of aging wine behind him will be bottled into about 1,100 cases within a single day next summer. Fawbush plans to open his doors before Christmas.

Real Estate & Construction WINERIES, From page 31 Fawbush said the community has been fantastic so far. Past experience has informed him that “you meet some of the most awesome people coming through your tasting room.” The port began buying property along Columbia Drive in 2007 and demolished seven structures in 2015 to clear the way for the village. One of the structures was in the old Cable Greens property next to the cable bridge and six were in the Columbia Gardens redevelopment property. The port launched a marketing campaign to attract boutique wine production operators to the wine village.

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We’ve reached the end of another year – which means it’s just about time for some New Year’s resolutions. Would you like to study a new language, take up a musical instrument or visit the gym more often? All these are worthy goals, of course, but why not also add some financial resolutions? Here are some ideas to think about: • Increase contributions to your employer-sponsored retirement plan. For 2018, you can contribute up to $18,500 (or $24,500 if you’re 50 or older) to your 401(k) or similar plan, such as a 403(b), for employees of public schools and some nonprofit groups, or a 457(b) plan, for employees of local governments. It’s usually a good idea to contribute as much as you can afford to your employer’s plan, as RYAN BRAULT Financial Advisor (509) 545-8121

your contributions may lower your taxable income, while your earnings can grow tax-deferred. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. • Try to “max out” on your IRA. Even if you have a 401(k) or similar plan, you can probably still invest in an IRA. For 2018, you can contribute up to $5,500 to a traditional or Roth IRA, or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older. (Income restrictions apply to Roth IRAs.) Contributions to a traditional IRA may be

tax-deductible, depending on your income, and your earnings can grow tax-deferred. Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but earnings can grow tax-free, provided you don’t start taking withdrawals until you are 59-1/2 and you’ve have had your account at least five years. You can put virtually any investment in an IRA, so it can expand your options beyond those offered in your 401(k) or similar plan. • Build an emergency fund. Try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money held in a low-risk, liquid account. This fund can help you avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for unexpected costs, such as a new furnace or a major car repair. • Control your debts. It’s never easy, but do what you can to keep your debts under control. The less you have to spend on debt payments, the more you can invest for your future. • Don’t overreact to changes in the financial markets. We’ve had a long run of rising stock prices – but it won’t last forever. If we experience a sharp market downturn in 2018, don’t overreact by taking a “time out” from investing. Market drops are a normal feature of the investment landscape, and you may ultimately gain an advantage by buying new shares when their prices are down. • Review your goals and risk tolerance. At least once in 2018, take some time to review your short- and long-term financial goals and try to determine, possibly with the help of a financial professional, if your investment portfolio is still appropriate for these goals. At the same time, you’ll want to re-evaluate your risk tolerance to ensure you’re not taking too much risk – or possibly too little risk – with your investments. Do your best to stick with these resolutions throughout the coming year. At a minimum, they can help you improve your investment habits – and they may improve your financial picture far beyond 2018. Member SIPC

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uHONORS

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• Owners of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Eastern Washington in Benton City, Dan, Jill and Shaylin King, received the Excellence in Leadership Award and Top Gun honors at the 2017 Dwyer Group International Conference. The award is presented to business owners who operate a model business and are willing to positively impact others in a proactive manner. The Top Gun award, inspired by the “Top Gun” movie, is given to owners who achieve operational benchmarks and represent the top 10 percent of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, which has franchises across the world. •Lamb Weston received the Toastmasters Corporate Recognition Award for Toastmasters District 9 region for continued support of its Tater Talkers Club. Toastmaster is an international nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. District 9 includes more than 60 clubs in Eastern Washington, Northeastern Oregon and the Idaho Panhandle. • Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, was honored with a City Champion Award from the Association of Washington Cities. Brown is one of eight state legislators recognized for work during this year’s legislative session. The awards are a part of the group’s Strong Cities, Great State campaign to bring cities and towns together to achieve greater results and stronger services. This is the fourth year the award has been presented to legislators. • The American Nuclear Society honored the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Radiochemical Processing Laboratory with the Nuclear Historic Landmark Award. The award recognizes the notable research and work in the areas of reactor safety, isotope isolation to cure cancer, environmental cleanup and the advancement of nuclear nonproliferation. It was established more than 30 years ago to commemorate nuclear facilities demonstrating outstanding accomplishments. • Kiwanis Club of Kennewick members Wayne and Maureen Bell received the Kiwanian of the Year award. Chuck DeGooyer received the Hixson Award. • Mid-Columbia Tri-Cities SCORE has been awarded platinum status and a Nation Builder Award for its success of helping launch more than 250 startups in the past three years, as well as mentoring to thousands of people and creating more than 2,500 jobs.

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Kennewick senior living community gets new name, managers BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

The senior living community formerly known as Charbonneau is now called Solstice Senior Living at Kennewick. The change is the result of a national joint venture between the property’s ownership group, NorthStar Healthcare Income Inc., and Integral Senior Living, a national provider of senior living management services. Terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed in the Nov. 16 announcement. “Living and working at Kennewick will only get better as we introduce new activities and culinary programs,” said Lori Taylor, Solstice’s regional director of sales and marketing, in a news release. “So, aside from getting used to a new name, residents, associates, family members and community friends should not expect any disruption in their day-to-day experiences.” Holiday Retirement Corp. of Portland, Oregon, began construction in 2002 on Charbonneau Gracious Retirement Living; it opened the following year. The recent joint venture, called Solstice Senior Living, has assumed management of 32 NorthStar-owned independent living communities nationwide. Each facility will be rebranded under the Solstice umbrella, with Integral Senior Living providing management and NorthStar maintaining business and real estate ownership of each property. Integral Senior Living, headquartered in Carlsbad, California, manages independent, assisted living and memory care properties in 22 states. NorthStar Healthcare Income Inc., a public, non-traded real estate investment trust focused on the senior housing market already has ties to the Tri-Cities. It completed a $98.9 million acquisition of the Bonaventure portfolio in February in

uHONORS • An independent media services firm that offers award-winning branding, marketing and communication strategies in both federal and commercial market spaces has received three Gold Awards in the 2017 MarCom Awards. The Kennewick-based firm i3 Global was selected in this international competition based on results achieved from an internal rebranding campaign for i3 Global, and for branding and website design for its client, Tri-City Water Follies. Hosted by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the 2017 MarCom Awards honor excellence in marketing and communications disciplines while recognizing the creativity, hard work and generosity of industry professionals. • Pasco School District’s School and Family Partnership program has earned a Partnership District Award from the National Network of Partnership Schools, or NNPS, at Johns Hopkins University. It is the 11th time the district has received the award.

Washington and Oregon. It included five independent and assisted living facilities totaling 453 units in five senior housing facilities. Bonaventure of the Tri-Cities is on Bellerive Drive in Richland. Gerald “Gerry” Jackson has been named Solstice’s senior vice president. He has more than 30 years of experience in senior living, assisted living and behavioral health, including leadership roles in training, operations, and program and staff development. “Solstice will create value for our residents by optimizing operations and programming, with the goal of taking our residents’ experience to a new level,” he said in a statement. Activity and culinary offerings are widely recognized as key factors in seniors’ selection of an independent living community, and Solstice’s goal is to enhance these services. Solstice Senior Living at Kennewick, and all other Solstice communities, will feature Integral Senior Living’s “Vibrant Life” activity program as well as a newly developed culinary program called Elevate. The activity program will focus on seven core components, ranging from inspiration and wellness, to adventure and community connections. The program aims to promote experiences and opportunities to connect residents with family, friends and the Kennewick community. Elevate aims to provide Solstice residents with flexible and changing culinary options. It will include monthly “Food for Thought” meetings, which have proved successful at other Integral Senior Living communities in engaging residents in culinary and menu-related decisions. Solstice Senior Living at Kennewick is at 8264 W. Grandridge Blvd. Information: solsticeatkennewick.com.

The NNPS also awarded Franklin STEM Elementary with a Partnership School Award for its annual Family Kite Engineering Challenge event. The district was among the partners selected to participate in the NNPS 2017 Leadership Institute in mid-October. • Washington River Protection Solution received the Project Management Institute’s 2017 Project of the Year for its work to remove radioactive waste from an underground storage tank at the Hanford site. The double shell tank AY-102 recovery project focused on removing and transferring waster out of the leading tank to a double-shell tank for storage. WRPS completed recovery of the 725,000 gallons of nuclear waste ahead of schedule, and the project completed $8.7 million under budget. WRPS is the Hanford tank operations contractor for the Department of Energy Office of River Projection. The award recognizes a project with a budget of $100 million or more that best delivers superior performance of project management practices, superior organizational results and positive impacts on society.

The Charbonneau retirement community at 8264 W. Grandridge Blvd. in Kennewick has a new name and is under new management. Solstice Senior Living at Kennewick is the result of a national joint venture between the property’s ownership group, NorthStar Healthcare Income Inc., and Integral Senior Living, a national provider of senior living management services.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

YEAR IN REVIEW

Tri-City ports celebrate milestones, focus on what’s ahead for 2018 BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The Tri-City’s top port officials talked about their agency’s recent accomplishments and goals for the new year at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Ports luncheon. Officials from the ports of Pasco, Benton and Kennewick participated in the Nov. 29 panel discussion moderated by Mike Gonzalez, evening news anchor and news director for KAPP-KVEW TV. Questions for the panel were submitted by luncheon attendees. Here’s a recap of what they had to say:

Port of Pasco

The largest project undertaken by the Port of Pasco to date resulted in it being named the Port of the Year by the Washington Public Ports Association. The $43 million Tri-Cities Airport redesign and expansion was cited as “an achievement that showcases what ports do best — taking a long view of improving key assets.” The port has more airport improvements in the works, including plans for a

new hotel near the airport entrance, ongoing negotiations with major airlines for direct flights to Los Angeles and automated improvements to Transportation Security Administration bag processing. Following this past year’s repaving of the World War II-era general aviation apron, the port will be investing $8 million in a taxiway realignment project, set to begin this year, which will open up more space at the airport for development. Randy Hayden, executive director of the port, said after success with its East Side Industrial Park, the port is in the process of buying 100-plus acres for a new industrial park in east Pasco from the Department of Natural Resources. The port is also looking at buying more water rights due to increasing water scarcity, Hayden said. Big Pasco has seen new tenants come into the industrial center this past year, including filling the site’s Osprey Pointe office spaces. There are still parcels available at the Foster Wells Business Park off Highway 395. The port recently launched Food Pointe, a Monday-through-Thursday gathering place for food trucks, next to

Randy Hayden, from left, executive director of the Port of Pasco; Tim Arntzen, chief executive officer for the Port of Kennewick; and Scott Keller, executive director of the Port of Benton, answer questions posed by audience members during the Nov. 29 Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting. (Courtesy Port of Benton)

Osprey Pointe. Hayden also reported a consultant recently has been hired to determine the best location for a daily, year-round, artisanal public market in Pasco. Two sites up for consideration are the old Marine Terminal by the cable bridge and in downtown Pasco near the existing farmers market. Hayden said the port will continue to work with the city and other organiza-

tions on the Somos Pasco initiative, which aims to develop a 20-year vision for Pasco’s future.

Port of Benton

After celebrating the completion of additional improvements to Crow Butte Park, the port is looking forward to new and ongoing projects on several fronts. uPORTS, Page 40

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

PORTS, From page 39 Development of the former Department of Energy mega site off Horn Rapids Road is currently being master planned. Part of the acreage is being scoped for a solar farm. In 2018, the port hopes to attract other supportive, renewable energy industries to the smaller remaining parcels of land. In Prosser, the port continues to promote available properties in the second phase of its Vintner Village project, as well as spaces coming in fall 2018 at its new, three-bay incubator building, which also will be home to the Prosser Economic Development Association. Scott Keller, executive director at the port, said a $2.5 million expansion project for Prosser’s Chukar Cherry Co. goes out for bid in mid-December.

Similar financial assistance has been provided to other burgeoning local businesses, such as Labrie Glass Studio in Benton City, throughout the port’s territory this past year. These economic development efforts are expected to continue, he said. Improvements continue at the Richland Airport. An extensive pavement rehabilitation project was completed this fall, which included crack sealing, seal coating and new pavement markings. In 2018, the port will focus on the new entrance planned for the airport, which will bring greater visibility. This project will include widening of the existing roadway, new signage and an archway. Prosser’s airport also will see updates. The Port of Benton is also looking forward to holding its next Young Eagles

Year day. This fall, volunteer pilots provided more than 200 free rides to kids ages 6 to 18 in their aircraft at the annual event at the Richland Airport. Initiatives which expand tourism efforts continue to be at the forefront of the port’s agenda. The Manhattan Project National Historical Park interim visitor center is at the port’s Tri-Cities Enterprise Center while the port collaborates with national park officials and other local groups to develop more amenities for park visitors. The port also wants to establish more interpretive resources at the USS Triton sail and conning tower site, including a visitor center. In 2018, the port will be looking into funding options for the project.

Review

Port of Kennewick

The port’s final project for 2017 was the completion of the Clover Island overhaul. The project involved shoreline restoration, the addition of several new sculptures, walkable paths and points of interest, including a lighthouse and installation of The Gathering Place interpretive area. Across Duffy’s Pond, ground was broken in 2017 for the Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village on Columbia Drive. Two new wineries are scheduled to open there this month and in February. (See story on page 31.) Tim Arntzen, the port’s chief executive officer, said the port is now moving into the second phase of the Columbia Gardens project. This phase will consist of the expansion of infrastructure and more sites available for sale or lease to small businesses, such as breweries, art galleries, restaurants and others businesses that complement artisanal culture. The $10 million, 20,000-square-foot Columbia Basin College culinary arts institute is in the planning stages, with a fouryear timeline currently projected. The proposed site is The Willows, next to Columbia Gardens. Columbia Gardens and The Willows are a part of a broader plan to revitalize Kennewick’s downtown area. Arntzen said he considers the Latino Heritage Mural scheduled to be installed on the new wine buildings to be one of the port’s greatest accomplishments of 2017. A Miami artist has been selected by the Latino community. Arntzen said the mural is intended to be a direct reflection of the contribution Latinos have made to the region and the wine industry. Other 2017 accomplishments include the private sector sale of several parcels along Columbia Park Trail in Richland, which the port helped to develop into the Spaulding Business Park. This undertaking has supported $50 million of private sector investment, the construction of 218,000 square feet of buildings and the creation of 595 local jobs. In 2017, the port also sold 12 acres to support the wine industry, completed a 93-acre light industrial park master plan for the site of the old racetrack, and partnered on the Yakima River Gateway Project to improve parkland amenities in West Richland. As for the much-anticipated Vista Field redevelopment, ground is set to be broken for the first phase in 2018.

uCERTIFICATION • Ashley Coronado, business counselor at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Washington PTAC, received certification as a certified procurement professional by the Professional Review ComAshley Coronado mittee of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.

Year

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Review

Visit Tri-Cities to kick off nationwide search for new CEO Retiring president hopes successor leads efforts on water taxi system, science tourism BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A nationwide search kicks off this month to replace the longtime leader of Visit Tri-Cities. Kris Watkins, president and chief executive officer of the agency that promotes the region as a destination for visitors, announced her retirement last month. “It’s very difficult to leave after 24 years because it’s a job I have loved. I have focused a lot of energy on the tourism industry, but it’s been a great journey,” she said. The position will be posted in midDecember and will be advertised nationally in industry publications. A selection committee has been formed that includes incoming and past Visit TriCities board chairs, three city managers, two hoteliers and board members. Watkins said the group hopes to conduct interviews by the end of January and name a successor by late February or early April. A precise salary has yet to be set, as Watkins said it will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. Watkins said the selection committee will be looking for candidates with a lot of experience. “This will pay off in the long run in bringing visitors in,” she said. The ideal candidate will be one who’s been in the industry, knows how to raise money, possesses good business acumen and strong public relations experience and preferably has a background in product management and marketing. “Tourism is a business,” Watkins said. “It is economic development and it takes a lot of focus and the community needs to keep supporting tourism and tourismrelated economic development. It’s the cities’ and (businesses’) memberships that will take it to the next level. “I would recommend the new president roll up their sleeves and come up with a strategic vision and plan, then revisit it every five years. That was my strategy. Pick one to two projects to work on each year, and stick with it until they’re finished or ready to be handed off.” Watkins’ advice to the new president and CEO: “You have to be the biggest cheerleader, but also the biggest business person and up on marketing and sales. We compete with destinations throughout the Northwest. There are many layers to the job, and you have to be a good coordinator.” “It’s more a way of life than a regular job,” she added. Watkins plans to remain on board until the end of first quarter in 2018 to oversee the leadership transition. “I will be with (the new president/ CEO) every step of the way to make sure it’s a smooth transition,” she said. When Watkins started in 1994, she had a $194,000 budget and 90 dues-paying business members. Today, she oversees a $2.4 million bud-

get and 812 members — the second largest tourism agency in the state only to Seattle. “I will miss the staff and volunteers,” Watkins said. “They have been fabulous to work with.” Watkins said she’s very optimistic about the future of the Tri-Cities and the tourism industry. “We have reached critical mass,” she said. “In a decade, I hope we have an organization two times the size, which would mean the tourism industry is doing really well.” In addition to wanting to see ongoing growth of the wine sector and efforts to put Tri-Cities on the map at the interstate and national level, Watkins has a couple of ideas she hopes the new president/CEO will see through to fruition. One vision is to continue to capitalize on the possibilities the river and shoreline have to offer. Watkins explained the concept of a water taxi system to convey foot traffic, cyclists and buses to major sites throughout Tri-Cities, serving as a new way to recreate and connect visitors and residents to Tri-City resources. “We need to continue to draw on our shorelines. There are very few places in the country and the world where they have three major rivers converging and the weather to complement it,” Watkins

Ron Foraker, from left, former director of the Tri-Cities Airport; Port of Pasco Commissioner Jean Ryckman; Port of Pasco Commissioner Jim Klindworth; Mark Lindholm of Washington River Protection Solutions; and Kris Watkins, president and CEO Visit Tri-Cities, attend a June event to dedicate an interactive information kiosk at the Tri-Cities Airport. A nationwide search for a new CEO for Visit Tri-Cities kicks off this month to replace Watkins, the longtime leader of the tourism agency. (Courtesy Visit Tri-Cities)

said. She also identified science tourism as the next big idea to develop in the TriCities’ repertoire of attractions. Science tourism is the blending of science, technology, education and mathematics with the visitor experience to create an attraction that will increase visitor spending. “If you can find a niche that no one else is doing — nowhere else in the world, to my knowledge — and package that and make it a very educational but fun experi-

ence, you can go a long way,” Watkins said. “The Tri-Cities is a unique place where science, industry, wineries and agriculture and the arts come together,” according to an eight-page Visit Tri-Cities paper on the subject. And science tourism wouldn’t be limited to the Manhattan Project sites, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory or the Bechtel National Planetarium. uVISIT TRI-CITIES, Page 42

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

VISIT TRI-CITIES, From page 41 “Consider the science of golf, focusing on the physics of a golf swing, the chemistry required to craft an awardwinning wine, the technology and science used by the agricultural industry,” the paper stated. “It keys into our brand of a ‘bolder, brighter future,’” Watkins said. “If we focus on science tourism like we have the rivershore and sports council, we can take Tri-Cities to a whole new level in terms of visibility.” Watkins made her start with the TriCities Visitor and Convention Bureau after serving as the project manager of the Canyon Lakes development. It was through that experience she realized the value of the tourism-business connection.

“Tourism helps build business; it helps businesses to meet their bottom lines. People coming in are spending a lot of money — $444 million — a huge impact. That’s what got me to be a believer,” she said. Watkins has had the opportunity to be a part of several major shifts in TriCities’ tourism profile. One of her first accomplishments was co-founding Leadership Tri-Cities when she began her role in 1994. The yearlong leadership program develops and educates a diverse group of skilled leaders who will be catalysts for positive change in the community. In 1995, she formed the Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council, which spearheaded projects like the completion of the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, the six-

Year foot levee reduction and establishment of the Playground of Dreams and Family Fishing Pond in Columbia Park. In 1996, Watkins formed the TriCities Sports Council, which has been the catalyst in attracting and promoting sporting events to the area — comprising a substantial portion of tourism revenues for the region. In 2000, she helped bring the Three Rivers Convention Center into being and assisted in making the Reach museum possible. In 2004, she worked with Spokane to get legislation approved for the Tourism Promotion Area Assessment, which approved a $2 per night assessment on all occupied guest rooms in the region. This move increased Visit Tri-Cities revenues by 60 percent.

Review

In 2007, she co-founded the Washington State Tourism Commission and served as its first president. In 2014, she helped obtain legislation for the formation of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. In 2015, she led the formation of the Tri-Cities Wine Tourism Council. As Watkins pivots toward retirement, she said she looks forward to having more time to travel with her husband. “I want to stay very involved in the community, but I want to be able to travel more,” she said. Watkins said she aspires to visit at least one new far-flung locale per year, and is investigating what shape her future work in economic development will take.

uHONORS • Columbia Basin Satellite & Electric received the “Premier Local Retailer” status for top DISH nationwide retailers. The award is DISH’s highest honor for businesses that demonstrate excellence in performance and customer experience. Five percent of authorized DISH dealers are in the premier program. • Edward Jones received the top ranking for full-service investment firms by The U.S. Investment Firms Customer Experience Index in 2017. This is the third year the company, with offices in Kennewick and Richland, has earned the highest spot on the index. The index is based on a survey of 118,000 customers of 314 brands, including 12 direct or discount brokerage firms and 11 full-service investment firms. • Elder Law Group PLLC, with offices in Kennewick and Spokane, was ranked No. 25 on the Law Firm 500 Award Committee’s second annual Law Firm 500 Honorees List. The list recognizes the top 200 fastest-growing law firms in the U.S. Elder Law Group had more than a 400 percent growth. • A photo by Tri-City photographer Sonja Yearsley was featured on the October cover of Professional Photographer Magazine. “Mother Nature” also was among 18 Sonja Yearsley images to represent the U.S. in the Photographic World Cup. • Shelley Kennedy, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Richland, has been invited to attend Barron’s Top Women Advisors Summit to be held in Palm Beach, Florida. The conference gathers the nations top female advisors and leading decision-makers in the industry.

YEAR

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

REVIEW

Journal of Business’ top web stories in 2017 BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Our annual list of the most-read stories on the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business’ website covered a range of topics — from restaurant sales, moves and closures and hotel openings to Trios Health’s financial crisis, float spas and supercars. A story we wrote last year about the opening of Panera Bread and a list of Tri-City holiday bazaars also proved popular with online readers this year. Here are the top stories of 2017, according to tcjournal.biz readers: 1. Retirement prompts owners to sell Cedars Restaurant (http://bit.ly/ kennewickcedars): This June story about Kennewick’s waterfront restaurant Cedars going on the market for $2.62 million topped the list. Dave and Darci Mitcham have owned the 40-year-old restaurant for 11 years. 2. Ethos restaurant moves from north Richland to south Richland (http://bit.ly/ethosbakery): Ethos Trattoria’s owners decided to move from north Richland to south Richland. We reported the move of the full-service service restaurant and its plans for a name change to Ethos Bakery and Café in January. 3. Trios Health cuts staff, considers bankruptcy, mergers in wake of ‘financial crisis’ (http://bit.ly/ trioscrisis): Trios Health has faced net losses of more than $29 million since 2013, including about $17 million last year, as well as a crushing debt load that’s crippled cash availability. This April story examined how the Kennewick Public Hospital District planned to address the financial crisis, which included laying off 25 staff. 4. Richland Fred Meyer begins

$12M remodel to bring new services, selection (http://bit.ly/freddysremod el): Richland Fred Meyer’s $12 million renovation included a revamped wine and brew shop, grocery pick-up service and a new Starbucks. It was the Wellsian Way store’s first remodel in more than a decade, transforming the inside of its current footprint. The store opened in November 1981. 5. Richland’s iconic Bomber’s Drive Thru closes (http://bit.ly/bomb ersdrive): Richland’s iconic Bomber’s Drive-Thru restaurant closed in September. The popular soft-serve ice cream, shake and burger joint was a Richland landmark since 1952, first operating as a Tastee-Freeze. Li’l Firehouse Coffee reopened its second location in the building. 6. Richland’s new waterfront hotel aims to provide unique hospitality experience (http://bit.ly/ LodgeColumbiaPoint): Our March story about the $8.5 million Lodge at Columbia Point in Richland reported it had been nearly 10 years in the making and a labor of love for owner Tom Drumheller. Construction on the boutique began in September 2016; it opened in May. A September story about Drumheller’s death shortly after the hotel opened also was among our most-read web stories of the year: (http://bit.ly/Drumheller64). 7. Six-story hotel opens at Legends Casino in Toppenish (http:// bit.ly/LegendsCasino): Each year about 7,000 people hop aboard the free shuttle buses in the Tri-Cities to travel to Legends Casino in Toppenish. They now can spend the night there with the opening of a six-story, 200-room hotel and conference center. The construction of the hotel anchors a $90 million Legends campus expansion.

8. Kennewick spa’s float therapy offers new way to heal, unwind (http://bit.ly/floattherapy): A new wellness spa in Kennewick offers floats in space-age looking tubs filled with warm, salty water dense enough to allow a person to float comfortably at the surface. 9. Vocational trade school to open in Pasco (http://bit.ly/citcpasco): A new trade school in west Pasco will provide classroom and laboratory space for apprentices pursuing careers in skilled trades, including future electricians, plumbers and sheet metal workers, all jobs in demand across the state. The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington, or CITC, plans to open its first dedicated schooling site in the Tri-Cities in time for the spring quarter in 2018. 10. West Richland sells land intended for supercar project for $1.15 million (http://bit.ly/shelbysc): West Richland land intended for a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing center, showroom and museum for exotic supercars recently was sold for $1.15 million to a Tri-City home builder, according to our November story. Despite years of delays and the sale of the nearly five acres to developer Ron Asmus in October, SSC North America LLC still plans to build the facility.

uHONORS • Gene Van Liew of Richland has been recognized with a special service award by the Washington Association of Conservation Districts. Van Liew has been a volunteer in conservation for more than two decades—maintaining wildlife guzzlers, servicing wood duck boxes and participating in bird banding and fish sampling. He also has fueled the growth of Benton Conservation District’s Salmon in the Classroom program from five to 180 classes.

uELECTIONS • The Pasco City Council swore in five new council members on Dec. 11. The 2017 council election was historic with all seven council seats up for election due to the January 2017 federal court ruling that changed the election process to a more district-based system. The new council members are: Blanche Barajas, District 1, elected to a four-year term; Ruben Alvarado, District 2, elected to a two-year term; Pete Serrano, District 4, elected to a four-year term; David Milne, District 5, elected to a two-year term; and Craig Maloney, District 6, elected to a fouryear term. Two incumbent council members retained their seats: Saul Martinez, District 3, elected to a fouryear term; and Matt Watkins, at-large, elected to a two-year term.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

Year

TRIDEC approaches new year with long to-do list Lobbying for federal funding, supporting entrepreneurs, adding new flights among its goals BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

After celebrating two major projects boosting the region’s employment in 2017 — the extensive Lamb Weston potato processing plant expansion and the opening of the AutoZone distribution center— the Tri-Cities Development Council is looking ahead to 2018. On the economic development agency’s to-do list for the coming year are lobbying for funding for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Hanford cleanup; reclaiming the Columbia River shoreline for local use; exploring opportunities for new flights at the Tri-Cities Airport; launching a task force to support local entrepreneurs; and re-opening the Small Business Development Center. Carl Adrian, president and CEO of TRIDEC, said economic development activity in Tri-Cities isn’t slowing after Lamb Weston and AutoZone together invested $250 million in new construction, resulting in the creation of 375 new jobs for the community. “We’re responding on projects all the time,” Adrian said. “But none are presently in the final stages … we celebrate successes like AutoZone and Lamb Weston, but economic development is a process.”

“It’s like a marathon,” added Traci L. Jao, director of member services and communications at TRIDEC. A project like AutoZone’s was on the radar in 2014 as “Project Sunrise” until plans for the new distribution center were solidified. AutoZone’s identity wasn’t publicly revealed to TRIDEC and others until 2016. “When big companies make an investment in an area, it validates for others this is a good place to be,” Adrian said. The two projects helped boost the number of available jobs in the region. “We’re up 5,000 jobs from a year ago. We led the state in job growth in 2016, and it’s looking like we’ll lead again in percent job growth for 2017,” Adrian said. “People continue to want to move here and live here in the midst of a great run that’s going to continue,” he said, adding 2018 won’t be without its challenges. Adrian said despite increasingly positive trends, the high demand for available buildings and construction resources to develop land has made it difficult to get new companies in and up and running. “In a way, it’s good there’s no vacancy, but then we don’t get to compete for those new projects because of it,” he said. Another major impediment affecting future large-scale projects is the recent

zeroing out of the Strategic Reserve Fund by the state Legislature. “It’s what AutoZone and Lamb Weston used,” Adrian said. “Washington state offers a smaller toolbox of economic incentives, so those funds are important for Tri-Cities … it makes it more difficult to be competitive.” He said it’s part of what makes economic development a team sport. “We do have a very good team in TriCities and committed partners,” he said. One major project currently in the scoping stage is the development of a 100-plus-acre portion of the more than 1,300 Carl Adrian TRIDEC acres of land transferred from the Department of Energy to the Port of Benton, city of Richland and TRIDEC in 2016. Designated for the Mid-Columbia Energy Initiative, Adrian reported that in 2017, French renewable energy company Neoen expressed interest in buying part of the property for a solar farm. Adrian said soil testing and other preliminary work is underway to determine which part of the vast tract will be most suitable for the project. “We still need to find someone to buy

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the energy (produced),” Adrian said. “But the stars seem to be aligning.” Adrian reported that going into 2018, TRIDEC will continue its advocacy efforts on several fronts. “We have a long history of lobbying for funding for PNNL and the Hanford cleanup. We’re really the only group locally — outside of contractors and other communities — to get funding for programs for cleanup to progress.” Adrian said TRIDEC remains firmly opposed to the deconstruction of the four Snake River dams currently under consideration and will continue to advocate for their preservation. He also said TRIDEC will continue to be an active part of the effort to reclaim the Tri-Cities’ river shoreline from the Corps of Engineers, which currently manage it. Adrian said city leaders will be holding a meeting to determine what the next step is in the process and to discuss what Congress will need in terms of numbers and site assessment information to return these lands to the jurisdiction of local governments. Adrian also reported there will be another meeting held after the first of the year with major airline carriers to discuss how the Tri-Cities Airport can continue to improve, as well as opportunities for new flights — namely, direct service to Los Angeles and Phoenix, which the TriCities Airport currently doesn’t offer. uTRIDEC, Page 54

YEAR

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

REVIEW

Tri-City Union Gospel Mission expects to open facility next year Path to raise $10 million to build new mission is six years in the making Another five five-bed dorms, five more two-man rooms, and 15 one-man rooms are available to men who are able to Andrew Porter recently walked on the recover their position in life, trying to work cement around the steel beams at what will at new jobs and integrate back into the become the new Tri-City Union Gospel community. Mission next year, and tried unsuccessfully In all, the new building will have 154 to contain his excitement. beds for men. “It’s becoming more real,” said the The kitchen size will quadruple, and the executive director of the Pasco-based mis- dining room will be able to accommodate sion. 150 people. The quest to build the new mission — A chapel in the new building will be behind the Thunderbird Motel near Fourth able to seat 200. Avenue in downThere will also be a town Pasco — is day room, medical going on six years. office, reception desk, Ground was bro25 showers, two classken in August of this The number of rooms, and office space year, and the project people living on the for mission officials. — being built by streets in the Tri-Cities. The number of peoSiefken & Sons ple in need of help Construction of seems to rise every Richland — is year. expected to be complete by Oct. 1, 2018. “People make bad choices,” Porter said. “It’s been a battle raising $10 million,” Porter said. “But I knew that God called “But a lot of people are here because of me here for something. Back in the begin- medical situations.” The men’s inability to get medication ning, we estimated it would cost $6 million. Now it’s at $10.4 million. I didn’t let has put some in dire straits, Porter said. The average age of men living in the that dissuade me. It’s a huge undertaking. But if God was in it, I wouldn’t have to shelter is 30. worry.” Porter said the project is necessary to serve the community’s needs. “If I didn’t believe this was needed, I wouldn’t do it,” he said. The current mission is at 112 N. Second Ave., a few blocks away. It’s a 100-year old building built in 1917 as the Masonic Temple. In 1958, the UGM moved in, as a group of five local businessmen – noticing the large number of transients coming through town – paid $25,000 for the building. “It was paid off around 1966 or 1967,” Porter said. But a century-old building has its own problems maintenance-wise. It has 8,800 square feet, but the main floor – which is 3,000 square feet – is where most everything happens. The men’s dorm can sleep 105, with 55 getting beds and another 50 sleeping on mats on the floor. The current men’s dorm has about 22 bunk beds squeezed together with a foot of space in between beds. “We’ve had 95 men the last couple of nights,” Porter said. On cold nights, the mission has had to turn away some men, sending them to a cooperating motel. There are just a few showers for the men. The kitchen is tiny, and the dining area can seat only 30 people at a time. The new building will be 40,000 square feet, with the main entrance off Fourth Avenue. There will be four 26-bed rescue dorms. Those are for men in rescue mode. “Where will I sleep tonight? What will I eat tonight? That kind of situation,” Porter said. BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

1,000

Andrew Porter, executive director of the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission, stands at the site of the new mission on Fourth Avenue in downtown Pasco. The $10 million project is expected to be completed in fall 2018 to help serve the TriCities’ growing homeless population.

“But I have some guys in their 80s here,” Porter said. The Union Gospel Mission posted the following statistics on homelessness on its website: • More than 30,000 people in the TriCity area are living below the poverty line, with many a paycheck away from being homeless. • There are 2,082 unsheltered homeless individuals in southeastern Washington recorded on a single day point-in-time count. • There’s more than 1,000 people living on the Tri-City streets. • There’s more than 800 homeless children in Benton and Franklin counties.

• 644 people are considered chronically homeless. • About 232 have chronic substance abuse issues. • 158 people are homeless veterans. The mission has tried to help, providing 73,435 hot meals served over the past year; 33,567 nights of provided shelter; serving more than 3,000 men, women and children and more than 1,000 families. “Homelessness is a problem all over the state and country,” Porter said. “We have a homeless camp in Kennewick now. Homeless camps are a reality. They’re in Yakima, Walla Walla, and now Kennewick.” uUGM, Page 46

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

The Tri-City Union Gospel Mission current men’s dorm has roughly 22 bunk beds squeezed together with a foot of space in between beds.

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YEAR UGM, From page 45 When he joined the mission in 2009, he said he was the 10th employee there. “We now have 23 employees,” Porter said. “In comparison, Yakima has 50, and Spokane has 220.” Porter said the number of meals served a day has recently increased. “We’re up to about 300 meals a day,” he said. “And it’s trending to push up this year.” Andrew Porter, and his father Don – who was the acting executive director at the time in 2011 – decided to plan a new facility. The mission bought six acres of land from BNSF Railway. Don Porter retired in 2013, and his son took over as executive director. “Fundraising wasn’t what I do when I

REVIEW

came here (in 2009),” Andrew Porter said. “So I went to other missions to see what they’ve done. We started a plan, and our thought was as we continued to try to raise funds, we’d try to become more than a shelter. More of a life transformation center.” So Porter and his staff started the Rescue-Recovery-Restoration program. The idea is after the person is in rescue mode, he needs some time to get himself together. Then a case worker would work with him to help him find a job, update the mission with reports, and get him back into the community as a productive citizen. “It’s not just about housing more people,” Porter said. uUGM, Page 47

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

REVIEW

UGM, From page 46 “Right now, we have one case worker for 100 men. It’s mandatory when women come in, within five days they have to meet with a case manager.” So Porter wants to add a second case worker for the men by January, and when the new facility opens, add a third. The goal is to have a case worker-tomen ratio of 1-to-20 or 1-to-30. “The plan is for people to have goals,” Porter said. “Chop those goals up so they’re not so overwhelming. They meet with the caseworker and they work on those goals. It really has worked well.” The women’s and children’s building was built in 1914, next door to the current mission, at 110 N. Second Ave., but it’s not as full as the men’s building. “Women will stay there for a while,”

Porter said. “We want to build a new women and children’s building in Kennewick.” The mission already has a halfway house in Kennewick for women. As for the current men’s shelter, Porter wants to close out the bottom and top floors and use the main floor as a temporary women’s shelter for single women with drug problems or working as prostitutes. “We believe there is a need there,” he said. Seventy percent of the money needed for the new building has been raised with 30 percent coming through three grants. “It was a little of everything,” Porter said. “Some of it came through mailings. And I was talking to enough people.” An anonymous donor gave $2.2 million. The Community First Bank board of direc-

tors gave $900,000 of its own personal money. “McDonald’s had its 10 Tri-City stores donate 40 cents from every drink it sold between Dec. 1 and Dec. 24. That ended up being $127,000,” Porter said. “But a number of $25, $50, $100 and $1,000 donations came from the community after just talking to people.” The community has responded to the need and with construction underway, Andrew Porter can’t help but be excited. “We’re working on getting people back out in the community. Help get them a job,” Porter said. “And as many people as we can get through, that opens up beds.” To learn more about how to donate to the mission — either time, needed items or financially — visit tcugm.org/give.

uGRANTS • Washington State University Tri-Cities and the Pasco School District have received a $500,000 grant to support after-school activities. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program grant will aid before- and after-school programs at several elementary schools in Pasco including Emerson, Longfellow, Rowena Chess and Virgie Robinson schools. The money will help fund community learning centers that will provide academic enrichment opportunities outside of school hours.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

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 David Cornely, 3641 Dayton Road, Pasco. Veronica T. Tovar, 8307 Langara Drive, Pasco. Jose and Maria Escobar, 516 S. Hugo, Pasco. Florinda M. Sanchez, 1500 Swift Blvd., Richland. Yvonne Trevino, 9 S. McKinley, Kennewick. Roxanne Mederos, 219 E. Third Ave., Kennewick. Alfonso and Elizabeth Garza, 4307 Saint Paul Lane, Pasco. Larry W. and Betty J. Day, 3144 Lupine St., West Richland. Caren L. McElrea, PO Box 5351, Benton City. Diane G. Simon, 2201 S. Dennis, Kennewick.

Joseph A. and Elizabeth R. Renz, 1895 Birch Ave., Richland. James Kinner, 122 Center Blvd., Richland. Abel R. Castellon-Hernandez, 1725 N. 22nd Ave., Pasco. Cherish Rowe, 1114 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick. Jeff R. and Kristin A. Filcher, 6119 Candlestick Drive, Pasco. Kristen M. Phillippi, 532 Canyon St., Richland. Rolando G. and Yakelina A. Reyna, 702 N. Tweedt St., Kennewick. Kurt E. Modine, 99605 E. Reata Road, Kennewick. Zackaria T. and Allison S. Hill, 4411 Juneau Lane, Pasco. Jose L. Gomez, 307 E. Fourth Ave., Kennewick. Dixie L. Payne, 4728 W. Grand Ronde Ave., Kennewick. Mitchell and Mary Slough, 1406 S. Date St., Kennewick. Maria C. Diaz, 1908 N. 12th Ave., Pasco. Claudia O. Lopez, 327 W. Bonneville St., Pasco. Jesus R. Lozano, 5608 Sacramento Drive, Pasco. Pastor E. Colato, 8607 E. Studebaker Drive, Pasco. Ashley K. Anderson, 4225 W. John Day Pl., Kennewick. Ignacio A. Escalera, 528 W. Bonneville St., Pasco. Bakusa Dukureh, 2509 Jason Loop, Richland.

Susanne M. Horn, 15902 E. Ruppert Road, Benton City. Erik Mendoza, 2550 Duportail St., Richland. Jose L. Rodriguez Jr. and Alma Zambrano, 102 E. 15th Ave., Kennewick. Todd K. Lee, PO Box 4683, West Richland. Dawn M. Meyers, 891 N. 59th Ave., West Richland. Danielle D. Mathews, PO Box 3083, Pasco. Sharon L. Deyette, 187 Bitterroot Drive, Richland. Colin M. O’Neil, 9607 Percheron Drive, Pasco. Jessica L. Madden, PO Box 5044, Benton City. Charles W. and Alice C. Jones, 85 Wells Gap Road, Prosser. Spencer N. Oland, 1775 Columbia Park Trail, Richland. Yvonne C. Hollenbeck, 403 S. 25th Ave., Pasco. Maria A. Chicas, 902 S. Neel Court, Kennewick. Audrey A. Zoesch, 2423 Mark Court, Richland. James VanLeuven, 1924 Everest Ave., Richland. Christopher Tardiff, 2555 Duportail St., Richland. Robert J. Scholtes, 264 Thyme Circle, Richland. Conrad D. Stough, 725 N. Center Parkway, Kennewick. Lorenia A. Flores, 919 W. Agate St., Pasco.

CHAPTER 13 Raymond P. Case, 1523 W. Howard St., Pasco. Phillip G. and Michelle M. Rosenkranz, 2444 S. Arthur Court, Kennewick. Cassandra and Jared Starkel, 102 Jadwin Ave., Richland. Lisa R. Skinnell, 3320 W. Ninth Ave., Kennewick.

uTOP PROPERTIES

Top property values listed start at $500,000 and have been rounded to the nearest hundred figure.

BENTON COUNTY 82903 E. Sagebrush Road, Kennewick, 2,788-square-foot, single-family home on 0.6 acres. Price: $515,800. Buyer: Frank and Holly Sullivan. Seller: Hammerstom Construction. 6340 W. Rio Grande Ave., Kennewick, 2.85 acres of commercial land. Price: $962,100. Buyer: Springview LLC. Seller: Kennewick Irrigation District. 101 S. Gum St., 7,557-square-foot, commercial building on 0.73 acres. Price: $1,500,000. Buyer: 101 Gum Property LLC. Seller: Lucky Bridge LLC. 1454 Blue Mountain Loop, Richland, 2,2000-square-foot, single-family home. Price: $560,000. Buyer: Lisa and Raymond Lemmons. Seller: Shaunmarie Souve.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 50

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PUBLIC RECORD, From page 49 Undetermined location, 3,212-squarefoot, single-family home on 1.27 acres. Price: $606,900. Buyer: Niles and Katie Gale. Seller: Gale-Rew Construction. 1626 Genoa Lane, Richland, 2,832-square-foot, single-family home. Price: $579,700. Buyer: Jie Bao and Li Kun. Seller: Prodigy Homes. 702 Eighth St. and 712 Della Ave., Benton City, 1,531-square-foot, singlefamily home and 4.03 acres of commercial land. Price: $790,000. Buyer: Westward Home MHC. Seller: Grant and Catherine Smith Trustees. 93409 Holly Road, Kennewick, 3,584-square-foot, single-family home on 2.5 acres. Price: 669,500. Buyer: Mark and Cassie Carroll. Seller: Michael Pearce and Amy Simington. 1060 Jadwin Ave., Richland, 30,330-square-foot, commercial building on 1.1 acres. Price: 1,583,400. Buyer: SHS LLC. Seller: Jadwin Investments. 3627 W. 48th Ave., Kennewick, 3,454-square-foot, single-family home. Price: $615,000. Buyer: Katherine and Neil Malcom. Seller: Ron Asmus Homes. 305 S. 716 PRSE, Kennewick, 3,148-square-foot, single-family home on 0.57 acres. Price: $520,000. Buyer: Guy and Kellie Easley. Seller: Enif and Dana Michael.

77803 E. Badger Meadow Drive, Kennewick, 4,164-square-foot, singlefamily home on 2 acres. Price: $560,000. Buyer: Travis and Britt Peterson. Seller: Luzcel Tauzon. 1261 Plateau Drive, Richland, 3,961-square-foot, single-family home. Price: $670,000. Buyer: Steven and Mary Schubert. Seller: Tom and Gloria Cullins. 25407 S. Sunset Meadow Loop, Kennewick, 5,192-square-foot, singlefamily home on 3.2 acres. Price: $849,900. Buyer: Alan and Diann Firenzi. Seller: RSH Grant. Undetermined location, 8.62 acres of agricultural land. Price: $516,000. Buyer: Prosser Public Hospital District. Seller: Lixsandro Villafan Investments. N. Gap Road, Prosser, 24.4 acres of land. Price: $1,200,000. Buyer: Prosser Public Health Hospital District. Seller: John Gibbons. Undetermined location, Kennewick, 3.24 acres of land. Price: $509,300. Buyer: Hammerstrom Construction. Seller: Tri-City Development Corporation. 315 Goethals Drive, Richland, 2.9 acres of commercial land. Price: $595,000. Buyer: ABC Wellsian Way LLC. Seller: Evelyn Swezea Trustee. 430 George Washington Way, Richland, 12,428-square-foot, commercial building on 0.5 acres. Price: $775,000. Buyer: Timothy and Kathryn

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Bush Trustees. Seller: Cynthia Pacheco. FRANKLIN COUNTY Perga Drive and Ramus Lane, Pasco, 21 lots of undeveloped residential land. Price: $1,102,500. Buyer: Viking Builders. Seller: EE Properties. Bitterroot Avenue and Sandy Ridge Road, Pasco, 6 lots of undeveloped residential land. Price: $509,400. Buyer: Riverwood Homes Washington. Seller: Big Sky Developers. 6005 Burden Blvd., Pasco, 0.92 acres of commercial land. Price: $1,126,800. Buyer: Landstar NW. Seller: Landstar NW Investment. 7912 Sunset Lane, Pasco, 4,413-square-foot, single-family home on 1.83 acres Price: $780,000. Buyer: Jerry Cochran and Nancy Petronella. Seller: William and Cheryl Smyth. 6524 Nocking Point Road, Pasco, 1 lot of residential land. Price: $572,600. Buyer: Keith and Linda Hergesheimer. Seller: Alderbrook Investments.

uBUILDING PERMITS

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

BENTON CITY Kiona-Benton City School District, 1107 Grace Ave., $115,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: owner. Benton City, 1601 Dale Ave., Suite A, $35,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Albas Excavating. City of Benton City, 1000 Dinah Lane, $387,700 for solar. Contractor: Apollo Inc. St. Francis Church, 1000 Horne Road, $37,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Kiona-Benton School District, 1205 Horne Drive, $14,900 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Coeur d’Alene Service. King Beverage, 1601 Dale Ave., $5,500 for plumbing and $6,200 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractors: Mechanix and Americool Heating & Air. BENTON COUNTY

That’s what friends are for

Inspire Development, 101001 W. Foisy Road, $13,900 for commercial remodel. Contractor: owner. Zirkle Fruit, 895 PRSE McNary Bluffs Ranch, $48,000 for agricultural building. Contractor: Steel Structures America. Ormiston Orchards, 38002 N. Rothrock Road, $239,900 for an agricultural building. Contractor: owner. US Cellular, 176194 W. 249 PRNW, $15,000 for an antenna. Contractor: General Dynamic Info Telecommunications. Coventry Vale Wine, 51705 N. Wilgus

Road, $50,00 for a bridge. Contractor: Mountain States Construction. Growth Leasing, 43001 N. Griffin Road, $12,700 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Alba’s Excavating. FRANKLIN COUNTY T-Mobile, 2823 E. Vineyard Drive, $25,000 for antennas. Contractor: SAC Wireless. McGregor Co, 5251 Eltopia W. Road, $7,400 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. T-Mobile, 1221 Cemetary Road, $20,000 for an antenna. Contractor: SAC Wireless. Chubby Cherries, 4160 Burns Road, $19,600 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Palmer Roofing & Co. KENNEWICK Grandridge Investors, 8109 W. Grandridge Blvd., $271,500 for commercial remodel, $99,400 for a heat pump/ HVAC and $53,300 for plumbing Contractors: Booth & Sons Construction, Apollo Mechanical Contractor and McGee Plumbing. Tri-City Title and Escrow, 8109 W. Grandridge Blvd., $537,700 for commercial remodel and $33,900 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Booth & Sons Construction and Apollo Mechanical Contractors. City of Kennewick, 615 E. Columbia Drive, $356,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Anderson Roofing Co. The Archibald Co, 6902 W. Clearwater Ave., $25,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: owner. Vista Field Industrial, 6416 W. Hood Place, $164,000 for tenant improvements, $10,800 for a heat pump/HVAC and $7,500 for plumbing. Contractors: O’Brien Construction and Mechanix. Apple Washington, 606 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $8,000 for plumbing. Contractor: Roto Rooter Service. Bertelsen Commercial, $18,600 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Eclipse Heating & Air. Richard Valdez, 727 N. Hartford St., $15,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: owner. Madrona Watumull, 7011 W. Canal Drive, $805,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Fisher Construction Group. R&R Associates, 813 W. Columbia Drive, $40,000 for a sign. Contractor: Signs Plus. Jay Mueller, 1401 S. Union St., $25,000 for tenant improvements and $10,000 for plumbing. Contractors: Stephen Recker Construction and Three Rivers Mechanical. Gary Long LFIC, 1022 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $5,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: owner. Kennewick Properties, 3030 W. Fourth Ave., $51,000 for commercial construction. Contractor: Roberts Construction. Scott Tri-City Property, 3131 W. Hood Ave., $32,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: All City Roofing. The Archibald Co, 6902 W. Clearwater Ave., $300,000 for commercial remodel, $16,500 for a heat pump/HVAC and $5,000 for plumbing. Contractors: owner, Campbell & Company and Kohler Plumbing. Gary Long LFIC, 924 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $10,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Ridgeview Real Estate, 8503 W. Clearwater Ave., $160,000 for tenant improvements, $15,000 for a heat pump/ HVAC and $10,000 for plumbing. Contractors: W McKay Construction, Chinook Heating & Air and Progressive Design Plumbing.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 51

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017 PUBLIC RECORD, From page 50 Kennewick Public Hospital District, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., $67,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: MH Construction. Gayle Stack, 2500 W. Kennewick Ave., $5,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Kennewick School District, S Kent St., $30,000 for demolition. Contractor: Ray Poland & Sons. CHM Development, 24 Vista Way, $405,000 for commercial remodel, $22,000 for plumbing and $40,200 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractors: Clean Image, Riggle Plumbing and Dayco Heating & Air. Loren Sharp, 4123 W. 24th Ave., $18,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Legacy Telecommunications. JDCK, 1350 N. Louisiana St., $30,000 for a sign. Contractor: Mustang Sign Group. Tri-Cities Laboratories, 7131 W. Grandridge Blvd., $19,800 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Benton County, 5600 W. Canal Drive, $218,900 for commercial construction. Contractor: MG Wagner Co. G2 Investments, 309 N. Van Buren St., $50,000 for tenant improvements, $28,000 for a heat pump/HVAC and $8,000 for plumbing. Contractor: G2 Commercial Construction, Apollo and Progressive Design Plumbing. 731 Columbia LLC, 731 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $6,000 for a sign. Contractor: Mustang Sign Group. DCH Group, 3801 W. Clearwater Ave., $18,000 for commercial construction. Contractor: Integrity Construction. Ben Franklin Transit, 7109 W. Okanogan Place, $38,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: Elite Construction & Development. Double-L, 539 N. Edison St., $70,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Palmer Roofing. PASCO Oxarc, 716 S. Oregon Ave., $100,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: Romm Construction. Chapel Hill Blvd, 6615 Chapel Hill Blvd., $8,518,400 for new commercial construction. Contractor: G2 Commercial Construction. Virk Associates, 2100 E. Hillsboro Road, $23,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: Blue Star Gas Sea Co. Casa LLC, 3209 E. A St., $78,800 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Cascade Fire Protection. Genius Clinic, 4802 Clemente Lane, $12,000 for a sign. Contractor: Cascade Sign & Fabrication. A-1 Hospitality Group, 4525 Convention Place, $6,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Basin Investment Group, 1921 W. Court St., $5,000 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Oxarc. Hogback Sandifur, 5710 Road 68, $3,906,700 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Stephens & Sons Construction. CDSK 28, 3321 W. Court St., $30,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Palmer Roofing. Sohal Truck Wash, 3802 N. Commercial Ave., $12,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: owner. CRF Frozen Foods, 1825 N. Commercial Ave., $860,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: BNB Mechanical. Pasco School District, 1102 N. 10th Ave., $40,000 for a fire alarm/system.

Contractor: Moon Security. CSS Potato Farms, 215 N. Venture Road, $99,700 for new commercial construction. Contractor: owner. Pasco Voc Building, 5009 Meadow View Drive, $28,300 for fence/brick/ retaining wall. Contractor: Four Seasons Landscaping. Quail Investments, 2325 W. Lewis St., $1,127,800 for new commercial construction. Contractor: owner. Stewart Lake Enterprises, 6715 Burden Blvd., $18,000 for a sign. Contractor: Wang Enterprises. K&S Family Enterprises, 1101 N. Utah Ave., $9,200 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Fire Protection Specialists. JMC Leasing, 224 S. Ninth Ave., $10,000 for mechanical. Contractor: owner. Robert Olson, 2811 N. 20th Ave., $16,200 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Campbell & Company. 598 Building Association, 1328 N. 28th Ave., $32,800 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Interwest Technology. City of Pasco, 535 N. First Ave., $14,900 for commercial addition. Contractor: 2F Enterprises. City of Pasco, 110 S. Fourth Ave., $37,500 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Glass Nook. CRF Frozen Foods, 1825 N. Commercial Ave., $2,481,600 for a commercial addition. Contractor: Fisher Construction Group. Oregon Potato Co, 302 N. Venture Road, $10,300 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Advanced Protection Services. Pasco Processing, 5815 Industrial Way, $250,000 for a commercial addition. Contractor: Teton West of WA. Farmers Un Central, 2525 N. Rainier Ave., $15,500 for a commercial reroof. Contractor: Royal Roofing & Siding.

Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th Ave., $25,000 for an antenna. Contractor: Mastec Network Solutions. Sandborne AIP, 645 Lockheed St., $8,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Casa LLC, 3209 E. A St., $196,900 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Chinook Heating & Air. Russ Dean, 9420 Sandifur Parkway, $95,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Harris-Hirsch Trustees, 2805 St. Andrews Loop, $87,500 for tenant improvements. Contractor: S&C Maintenance & Construction. Northwest Frozen, 1825 N. Commercial Ave., $60,000 for fire alarm/system. Contractor: Moon Security. Hogback Sandifur, 5710 Road 68, $6,000 for plumbing. Contractor: Cascade Plumbing. PROSSER Mercer Wine Estates, 3100 Lee Road, $40,000 for commercial addition and $329,000 for mechanical. Contractors: Pearce Moody Construction and Campbell & Company. Milne Fruit, 2200 Highway 221, $320,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Puterbaugh Construction. Port of Benton, 236 Port Ave., $1,900,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Banlin Construction. Donald Kessler, 811 Market St., $288,600 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Eric Stagg Construction. US Post Office, 1101 Meade Ave., $8,600 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: American Clean Air Systems. Methodist Church, 824 Sixth Ave., $178,000 for commercial reroof/remodel.

Contractor: Ken Bierlink Construction. G&R NW, 1230 Meade Ave., $7,200 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Elite Construction & Development. Benton County, 620 Market St., $90,600 for commercial reroof. Contractor: MG Wagner Co. Benton County, 1121 Dudley Ave., $43,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: MG Wagner Co. Les & Ellen Cole, 119 Merlot Drive, $450,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Banlin Construction. The Hogue Cellars, 3090 Wittkopf Road, $99,800 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Apollo Sheet Metal. RICHLAND Gale-Rew Construction, 1616 Terminal Drive, $869,600 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Gale-Rew Construction. Browman Development Co, 2750 Duportail St., $75,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Summit Properties & Development. Energy Northwest, 350 Hills St., $215,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Vincent Brothers. Atomic Body Shop, 520 Wellsian Way, $26,800 for a shed. Contractor: Hill Granados. Urban Environment, 1050 Gillmore Ave., Suite B, $49,200 for a heat pump/ HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. 723 The Parkway LLC, 723 The Parkway, $400,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Chervenell Construction. JLW Asset Mangement, 2372 Jericho Road, Suite A, $15,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 52

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

PUBLIC RECORD, From page 51 Uptown LLC, 1333 George Washington Way, $5,600 for plumbing. Contractor: Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Mad Anthony’s, 550 Columbia Point Drive, $65,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Leslie & Campbell. Horn Rapids Storage, 2701 Kingsgate Way, $450,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: LCR Construction. FGL LLC, 1355 Columbia Park Trail, $7,500 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Bruce Heating & Air. Port of Benton, 2345 Stevens Drive, $6,500 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Caster Enterprise, 2003 Saint St., Suite A, $795,800 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Teton West or WA.

HAPO Community Credit Union, 601 Williams Blvd., $150,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: owner. Battelle Memorial Institute, Third Street, $351,000 for demolition and $120,000 for fence/brick/retaining wall. Contractors: CH2M Hill Plateau and Watts Construction. Siefken Family, 1305 Mansfield St., $20,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Legacy Telecommunications. Phntus Richland, 770 Gage Blvd., $42,800 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Jimmy’s Roofing. WEST RICHLAND Jayne Steelman, 4400 S. 47th Ave., $103,200 for new commercial construction. Contractor: owner.

uBUSINESS LICENSES

Kennewick and Richland business licenses were not available at press time.

PASCO My First Step Day Care, 3411 Hawthorne Lane. Falcon Video Communications, 12405 Powerscourt Drive, St. Louis, Missouri. Plow-Now Snow Services, 923 W. Marie St. Duraglaze, 2814 W. Sylvester St. Nails Again, 2016 W. Court St. Tri-Cities Engineering, 5804 Road 90. Prestige Painting, 3310 Semilia Court. River Collision Auto Body, 1100 E. Columbia St. G&G Lawn Service, 1504 W. Bonneville St. NAI Group Property Management, 89 Gage Ave., Richland.

Whats4Dinner, 110 S. Fourth Ave. Petco #1289, 7160 Burden Blvd. Crazy Frog CA, 6223 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick. J&L Landscaping Maintenance, 5501 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick. Hair by Kandyce, 2420 W. Court St. Healthy Modern Nutrition, 1212 N. 20th Ave. Beacon Sales Acquisition, 1404 E Lewis St. Evergreen Mexican Grill, 1515 W. Lewis St. Shoe Love, 516 W. Clark St., Suite B. Dogz on the Run, 110 S. Fourth Ave. Shepard & Shepard Business Solutions, 4306 Stafford Drive. 509 Roofing Partner, 7807 White Bluffs Court. Blue Star Gas Sea, 10802 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila. AM Industrial Supply, 4241 S. Zillah St., Kennewick. New Era Homes, 6114 Cashmere Lane. Muzzy Construction, 1843 Sagewood Loop, Richland. Tenorio’s Roofing, 6508 Comiskey Dr. Stephens & Sons Construction, 417 S. 51st Ave., Yakima. The Chimney Guy, 3216 S. Gum St., Kennewick. WEST RICHLAND Aspire Detail Services, 407 Abbot St., Richland. IRS Environmental of Washington, 12415 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley. J+N Villegas General Contracting, 7 WA St., Pasco. Muzak, 3318 Lakemont Blvd., Fort Mill, South Caroline. Designed Life Chiropractic, 785 Canyon St., Richland. Hibiscus Transport, 4632 Hibiscus St., Richland. Total Restaurant Solutions, 248-A Williams Blvd., Richland. Montebon Cleaning Service, 2906 W. Seventh Ave., Kennewick. Widener and Associates, 1902 120th Place SE, Suite 202, Everett. Noni’s Custom Creations, 8811 W. Clearwater Place, Kennewick. West Richland Community Care Foundation, 3805 W. Van Giesen St. All Mobile Transporting & Repair, 2917 W. 19th Ave., Kennewick. Elite Concrete for Less, 814 Stanton Ave., Richland. Vagabundos Masonry, 4410 Tamworth Lane, Pasco. Weaver Exterminating Service, 926 E. Terrace Heights Way, Yakima. Community Thrift, 395 Wright Ave., Richland. Ruben the Tile Man, 818 S. Ninth Ave., Pasco. WF Consulting, 1528 Quartz Ave. RT Construction, 706 Rouse Road, Sunnyside. RMK Painting, 1505 S. Road 40 E, Pasco. C&M Plumbing, 99507 E. Ridgeview Drive, Kennewick. Flat Works WA, 5880 Alder Road, Pasco. Choose the Right Optics, 639 Cullum Ave., Richland. Evolution Flooring, 209613 E. Schuster Road, Kennewick. R&H Microgreens, 87003 W. Oie Highway, Prosser. Rad Towing West, 4771 W. Lattin Road. Testcomm, 2211 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane. Yazmin & Daughter’s Cleaning, 2021 Mahan Ave., Richland. Adventure Construction, 2906 W. Seventh Ave., Kennewick.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 53

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017 PUBLIC RECORD, From page 52 Booth and Sons Construction, 61212 E. PRNE, Benton City. Harcouture, 2900 S. 38th Ave. MC Roofing, 1026 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick.

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.

R&R Ag Inc, unpaid Department of Licensing taxes, filed Nov. 2. Jose A. Cantu, unpaid Department of Licensing taxes, filed Nov. 2. Luis E. Perez, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Nov. 3. V&A Construction, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Nov. 7. Luis E. Perez, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Nov. 7. Rojas Builders, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Nov. 7. Joseph E. Stocking, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8. John L. Sturdefant, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8. Yolan V. Edwards, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8. David Zuniga III, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8. Jesus M. Martinez, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8. Liem C. Duong, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8. Francisco J. Meza, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8. Jose J. Magana, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Nov. 8.

uLiquor Licenses BENTON COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS Cottage Market, 1825 Wine Country Road, Prosser. License type: grocery store beer/wine; direct shipment receiver in/out of Washington; spirits sampling; spirits retailer. Application type: added/ change of class. Jet Mart Conoco, 1001 N. Volland St., Kennewick. License type: grocery store beer/wine. Application type: assumption. Kennewick Inn, 4001 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick. License type: grocery store beer/wine. Application type: assumption. Casa Tequila Family Mexican Restaurant, 579 Wine Country Road, Prosser. License type: beer/wine restaurant. Application type: new. Green Oaks Brewing, 1427 Wine Country Road, Prosser. License type: microbrewery; beer/wine restaurant. Application type: added/change of class. City Stars Sports Bar, 101 S. Gum St., Suite B, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only; spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge. Application type: new. Zintel Creek Golf Club, 314 N. Underwood St., Kennewick. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge. Application type: new. APPROVED Bartholomew Winery, 421 E. Columbia Drive, Bldg. B, Kennewick. License type: domestic winery <250,000 liters. Application type: change of location. Barracuda Coffee Company, 320 N. Kellogg St., Suite B, Kennewick. License type: direct receiver in Washington only. Application type: new.

Seoul Fusion, 5011 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite A, Kennewick. License type: beer/ wine restaurant. Application type: new. FRANKLIN COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS Pasco Inn, 2811 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. License type: beer/wine restaurant; beer/ wine off premises. Application type: assumption. APPROVED Pizza Hut, 1921 W. Court St., Pasco. License type: beer/wine restaurant. Application type: seasonal closure. Amarilis’s Meat Market, 1825 W. Court St., Pasco. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only. Application type: new.

uMARIJUANA Licenses BENTON COUNTY APPROVED Randolph and Mortimer, 15505 Webber Canyon Road, Suite B, Benton City. License type: marijuana producer tier 3. Application type: added/change of class. Green2Go, 214307 E. SR 397, Kennewick. License type: marijuana retailer. Application type: change of location. The Forbidden Flower, 3902 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 101, Kennewick. License type: marijuana retailer. Application type: new. FRANKLIN COUNTY NEW APPLICATION Green2Go Pasco, 5804 Road 90, Suite D, Pasco. License type: marijuana retail-

er; medical marijuana endorsement. Application type: new.

ubusiness UPDATES NEW BUSINESS Atomic Dermatology has opened at 9221 Sandifur Parkway, Suite A, Pasco. The clinic provides services related to skin cancer, psoriasis, acne and other skin problems. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact: 509233-7546, atomicderm.com. Just Joel’s Café has opened at 1505 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick. The restaurant specializes in comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Contact: 509-396-3846, justjoelscafe.com, Facebook. Peterson Law Office PLLC has opened at 7103 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite D, Kennewick. The business offers services in worker’s compensation law, personal injury law and mediation. Contact: 509-947-9029, Facebook. Pura Vida Barre & Yoga has opened at 910 S. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. The studio offers yoga classes, barre workouts, reiki and pranic healing. Contact: 509-440-2112, puravidabarreyoga.com, Facebook. Rainier Flooring & Countertops has opened at 2160 Keene Road, Richland. The business offers flooring options including hardwood, carpet, tile, laminate, vinyl plank and countertops. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Contact: 844-316-7664, rainierflooring.com ADDITIONAL LOCATION Cinder’s Boutique has opened a new location in Columbia Center Mall near

JCPenney and Hairmasters. Contact: Facebook, cinders.shoptiques.com. Dutch Bros. Coffee has opened a new location at 3918 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Open 24 hours a day. Contact: dutchbros.com, Facebook. Numerica has opened a new branch at 4898 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Suite 120, Kennewick. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Contact: 509-734-6900, numericacu.com. MOVED All Climate Heating & Air has moved to 3511 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Contact: 509-396-9432, allclimateheatingnair.net, Facebook. Green2Go has moved to 214307 E. SR 397, Kennewick. Contact: 509-5917100, g2grec.com, Facebook. Recovery and Wellness Center of Eastern Washington has moved to 1950 Keene Road, Building G, Richland. Contact: 509-619-0519, recoveryandwellness.org. NAME CHANGE Charbonneau Retirement is now Solstice Senior Living, 8264 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Contact: 509-878-3052, solsticeseniorlivingkennewick.com. CLOSED Ares Athletic Gym at 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Suite B in Kennewick has closed. Fredy’s Bar and Grill at 3617 Plaza Way, Suite B in Kennewick has closed.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

TRIDEC, From page 44 He said direct service to Portland will be returning in March through Horizon Air. Adrian said a new task force will be formed whose focus will be on how to better support local entrepreneurs and help them to develop. The ultimate goal of the group will be to help retain the talent and business assets already present in the community. “We have a lot of bright people here and we want to encourage them,” Adrian said. The entrepreneurial task force will work on identifying quick fixes and

uHONORS • Visit Tri-Cities honored a community advocate and a Red Mountain business for their work to promote tourism around the region at its annual meeting and tourism showcase event on Nov. 13. Dave Bryant was recognized as the 2017 Tourism Champion of the Year, Visit Tri-Cities’ highest honor. Bryant served in the city of Richland’s Parks Department for 36 years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the development of many community infrastructure projects such as the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, the Horn Rapids Sports Complex, Badger Mountain Park, John Dam Plaza and HAPO Community Stage. He also played an important part in securing the Washington Trails Conference, which took place in October 2016. Bryant was selected for the honor by demonstrating leadership, enhancing

resources to improve the environment for these emerging businesses. As a part of this initiative, Adrian hopes to get the Small Business Development Center up and running again after a year of vacancy. A survey that TRIDEC conducted revealed those in the food and beverage industry wanted more hospitality training programs that covered equipment maintenance and relevant job skills. In addition to the desire for a culinary institute to be established in the Tri-Cities, local businesses said they wanted an event where they could showcase local products.

“Most of the manufacturing jobs in TriCities are involved in food and beverage manufacturing and production, so we asked ourselves how to help that grow?” Adrian said. In response to this survey feedback, TRIDEC created the Food and Beverage Retention and Expansion Opportunities, or FABREO, expo. The June event marks its the fourth year in 2018. FABREO is specifically intended for brokers and buyers in the food and beverage industry. This year, 75 companies attended, including Costco, Yoke’s Fresh Markets, and other retail chain and distribution center representatives.

Adrian said the event is a great opportunity for local companies to network with traditionally hard-to-connect-with buyers. The expo also offers a “boot camp” for 20 startup companies, which is designed to help business entrepreneurs hone their pitch and marketing tactics, while working with representatives from small businesses like their own, as well as more experienced companies. As the community grows and changes, TRIDEC stands poised to serve it. “We wake up every day thinking about how we can make our community a better place and we’re going to continue to do that,” Adrian said.

infrastructure and supporting the efforts of Visit Tri-Cities to elevate the region as a premier tourism destination. Red Mountain Trails, which offers guided horseback rides through Red Mountain vineyards, was recognized for providing outstanding customer service with the Excellence in Service award. The company earned the honor by providing exemplary customer service and creating a memorable visitor experience for its customers. •Ben Kravitz, a scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has led a study that shows a potential to limit Earth’s warming. The paper, published in a special issue of Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, shows through using a sophisticated computer model that a new research approach to geoengineering could be used to limit the Earth’s warming. The team also included researchers

at National Center for Atmospheric Research and Cornell University. The work was funded in part by the Ben Kravitz Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Science Foundation. • Kadlec Foundation recently recognized members of the community who volunteer and donate to Kadlec Regional Medical Center at its annual Celebration of Philanthropy event: Jane Powers, Volunteer of the Year; Columbia Basin Imaging, accepted by Dr. Sean Koskinen, Physician Philanthropist Award; Sam and Mary Volpentest, Sustaining Philanthropist Award; Dave Pearson,

Employee Philanthropist Award; and Garrett Electric employees, accepted by Mary Rosen, Philanthropist of the Year. Attendees of the annual event donated more than $72,000 toward breast imaging technology and mammograms for patients who could not otherwise afford the care.

uBOARD • Five new faces were elected to the Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors: Deborah Barnard, co-owner of Barnard Griffin Winery; Gloria Boyce, general manager of Ben Franklin Transit; Brian Lubanski, general manager of KAPP/ KVEW TV; Brent Miles, president of the Tri-City Dust Devils; and Steve Simmons, owner of CG Public House & Catering. The newly elected board members will serve three-year terms.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • December 2017

AROUND TOWN

The Tri-City Americans junior hockey teddy bear toss fundraiser game collected a record 3,875 stuffed animals that will be donated to area charities. The fans toss the toys onto the ice when the Ams score their first goal. The team ended the Dec. 1 game with a 5-1 loss to the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Michael Ridgel, left, local Toys for Tots coordinator, and Andrew Lacey, a superintendent at the Hanford vitrification plant, load toys into a truck for delivery at the plant on Dec. 7. Vit plant employees, together with Bechtel and AECOM, donated thousands of toys and nearly $24,000 to the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign. The vit plant, formally known as the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, has participated in the campaign for more than 10 years. Vit plant employees and Bechtel designated $11,000 of the total donation to the Local 598 pipefitters’ annual Bikes for Tikes campaign. This year, the pipefitters planned to buy and assemble 600 bicycles and helmets for Toys for Tots. (Courtesy Bechtel National) Richland’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory received the Association of Washington Business’ Achieve Award during the 2017 Evening of Excellence on Nov. 29 in Seattle. From left are Evangelina Shreeve, Steven Ashby, Paula Linnen and Karen Blasdel. PNNL supports education to improve business competitiveness and quality of life, according to AWB. PNNL led an effort to connect 50 groups and provide the backbone support to develop sustainable solutions to improve STEM education and work force needs. (Courtesy AWB)

International bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith spoke Nov. 14 at Mid-Columbia Libraries’ literary festival at Columbia Basin College in Pasco. The standing room-only crowd of more than 800 people listened and laughed as McCall Smith talked about his stories. (Courtesy Mid-Columbia Libraries)

Kennewick School District staff members Sarah Del Toro, left, and Kelly Bolson fill a food box from the district’s food pantry to be delivered to a school. Schools can request supplies from the food pantry to help students in need, thanks to a new partnership between Second Harvest and the Kennewick School District. The nonprofit now stocks the district’s food pantry, providing a steady flow of food and other items schools can provide to students who face food shortages at home. About half of the students in the district receive free or reduced-price meals at school. The district established a food pantry in the 2016-17 school year with $1,500 in proceeds from a charity basketball game between the Kennewick police and fire departments. That donation went far in helping students in need but more support was needed to keep the pantry stocked. (Courtesy Kennewick School District)

The Tri-City Herald celebrated its 70th anniversary on Nov. 13. The daily newspaper that printed its first edition in 1947 celebrated with cake at the Kennewick office. Past and present employees then posed for a group photo. (Courtesy Tri-City Herald)

Email Around Town photo submissions with captions to editor@tcjournal.biz

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;˘ December 2017