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

February 2017

Volume 16 • Issue 2

TRIDEC’s Petersen reflects on 52-year career in Tri-Cities BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Banking & Finance

Meet new director of state’s Division of Banks Page 15

Real Estate & Construction

DNR auction brings in $8.1 million Page 31

Viticulture

Wine Science Center providing fertile ground for research page 43

She Said It

“Our employers would love to give every employee paid family leave, but they can’t afford to do so.” - Holly Johnson of Washington Food Industry Association Page 23

The Tri-Cities’ longtime champion of securing federal dollars to clean up Hanford and invigorate the local economy plans to retire next month. Gary Petersen, Tri-City Development Council’s vice president of federal programs, leaves his post March 3 after 14 years with the agency. The 76-year-old Richland man came to the Tri-Cities in 1965 to join Battelle and the national laboratory, and except for a short stint at the Nevada Test Site with the Atomic Energy Gary Petersen Commission, he’s TRIDEC lived in Richland the entire time. He worked for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the International Nuclear Safety Program, visiting Chernobyl and Soviet-designed nuclear reactors in several countries, before retiring in April 2003. TRIDEC is in the process of screening applicants to replace Petersen and hopes to have his successor identified by the end of the month and on board in early March. There will be big shoes to fill as the position has been held by only two people, Petersen and the late Sam Volpentest, a longtime champion of the Tri-Cities. “The institutional knowledge can’t be replaced, nor can all of Gary’s personal stories. We didn’t think Sam could be replaced and Gary has done a fine job, so I am optimistic that whoever replaces Gary will do a great job also — different, but great just the same,” said Carl Adrian, CEO of TRIDEC. Petersen has had a unique front-seat view of the Tri-Cities’ biggest projects, so we thought it would be good to get him on the record before he retired. uPETERSEN, Page 21

The new $200 million Lamb Weston french fry processing plant under construction on Saint Street in Richland is one of the two biggest commercial construction projects cited by economic development officials as a boon to the region along with the $38.9 million AutoZone distribution plant in Pasco.

Region’s economic outlook full of ‘rainbows and unicorns’ BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

The Tri-Cities’ economy appears to be all “rainbows and unicorns” judging from all the upbeat updates provided at TRIDEC’s recent economic outlook conference. That’s what Jeff Losey, president of the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities, said during his report on residential construction during the Feb. 1 event. “We’re a very affordable place to live and that’s why people are coming here. We just need more land to build here,” he said. Kennewick issued 319 single-family

home permits last year, Pasco 387 and Richland 273 — these cities’ highest number in the past four years. West Richland issued 80 single-home permits. The city’s biggest challenge is land and lot availability, Losey said. Benton County recorded 216 permits and Franklin County 97. That adds up to a 25-percent increase over the previous year. Losey said the winter’s frigid temperatures have been affecting the construction industry. “Nothing is being built. Our next challenge we have is to catch back up,” he said. uECONOMIC, Page 4

Port of Benton to break ground on $2 million business incubator in Prosser BY JESSICA HOEFER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The Port of Benton plans to kick-start a new 21-lot development with a $2 million incubator building in Prosser designed to attract boutique businesses to complement the neighboring Vintner Village. Construction on the new building, which will include three bays for businesses, as well as an adjacent office building for a nonprofit, is expected to begin in midMay. The port’s popular Vintner Village development already is home to a number of wineries just south of Interstate 82, including Martinez & Martinez Winery and Willow Crest Winery, as well as Yellow Rose Nursery.

Tourists can enjoy walking paths and stay at a 1900s farmhouse that’s been restored as a bed and breakfast. “Tourism is huge in Prosser,” said Port of Benton Director Scott Keller. “They get thousands of (tourists). People come over from Seattle. They want to get out of the rain.” More than 50,000 people visit the area’s wineries and attend local events annually, according to the Prosser Economic Development Association, or PEDA. The 32-acre Vintner Village has been successful and the development “went like a ball of fire,” Keller said. “We ran out of land, so we bought the land to the south of it.” uINCUBATOR, Page 48

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Trios Health launches virtual doctor house calls hard, especially if you’re not feeling good,” she said, adding that another benefit is not spreading or picking up germs Lois Evanson knew she needed to see a from doctors’ office waiting rooms. doctor when she couldn’t stop coughing. Trios Urgent eCare offers wait times of So she drove to an urgent care clinic up to 30 minutes with a board-certified only to find she would have to wait about provider and a $39 flat fee per visit— four hours before she could see a pro- regardless of insurance coverage. vider. She returned home and asked for a Patients with additional coverage for house call instead. telemedicine services can submit claims Trios Health in Kennewick recently for reimbursement to their insurance carlaunched a new service called Urgent rier. If a person is referred for in-person eCare, which allows patients to consult care within the first three minutes of with providers by phone or via Skype or their Urgent eCare visit, the fee is FaceTime for $39. The service is avail- waived. able 24 hours a day, seven days a week, The eCare service is provided by to treat common minor illnesses. Seattle-based Carena. Founded in 2000, Trios Health employees took the sys- Carena has partnered with more than 120 tem for a trial run a month before the hospitals, offering virtual care to more program’s January launch, and Evanson, than 15 million people, according to its a Trios Health food service coordinator, website. was among the first to try it. Virginia Mason, University of After her initial call to Urgent eCare, a Washington School of Medicine, CHI nurse practitioner called back within 10 Franciscan Health and Swedish Medical minutes via FaceTime and spoke with Center are among other providers using her for about 15 to 20 minutes. Carena’s telemedicine services. “She was just a realm of questions. Providence Health & Services, which After we were all through, she called in is affiliated with the Kadlec Health a prescription and was able to help me System, also offers $39 doctor virtual right there. It was so easy,” said Evanson, visits throughout the state via Providence who has worked for Trios Health for 12 Express Care Virtual at https://virtual. years. providence.org. Its providers are Evanson’s husband then picked up her employees of Providence. prescriptions for cough medicine and As part of Trios’ service, Urgent eCare antibiotics at their pharmacy. providers can make additional care refer“If you’re not feeling well, the last rals, as well as sending prescription thing you want to do is go sit in an office, orders—with the exception of narcotics, for an hour and a half sometimes. … I anti-anxiety medications, stimulants and was lying in bed talking to her. She was refills—to a patient’s local pharmacy of really thorough. I would definitely use it choice. again,” she said. The eCare users do not need to be an Evanson, 59, said she sees this new existing patient of any other Trios Health service as “the wave of the future.” provider or service to use the service. “It was better than going somewhere… “This is an important service that many I’ve been with kids where you some- communities across the nation are starttimes have a 45 minute wait and it’s ing to adopt,” said Dr. Wassim Khawandi, BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Trios Health has begun offering a new telemedicine service allowing patients to consult with a board-certified provider via telephone or web chat technology, such as Skype or FaceTime. Trios Urgent eCare is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A virtual office visit costs $39.

medical director of Trios Medical Group, in a release. “We understand that our patients want as many primary care options as possible, including the ability to see a provider without an appointment in cases of common, non-emergency medical conditions that require same-day attention. Trios Urgent eCare is intended to fill the gap when your primary care provider is unavailable on short notice or urgent care facilities are closed or otherwise inconvenient to access.” Urgent eCare visit records for those who are current Trios patients automatically will be sent to their primary provider for follow-up. More information about how Urgent eCare works, including frequently asked

questions and an instructional video, is available at trioshealth.org/UrgentEcare. Community members may request a virtual appointment through the website, or call 888-TRIOS-03 (888-874-6703). Trios Health is the Kennewick Public Hospital District’s system of care serving the greater Tri-Cities. The district operates two hospitals, Trios Women’s and Children’s Hospital in downtown Kennewick and Trios Southridge Hospital. Trios Medical Group, comprised of nearly 100 physicians and providers, serves as the core of a growing medical staff network of more than 325 providers throughout the Tri-Cities and includes practices and services at eight care centers and three urgent care centers.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

CBC’s Cummins resigns to serve as chancellor of WGU Washington 509-737-8778 8919 W. Grandridge Blvd., Ste. A1 Kennewick, WA 99336 tcjournal.biz

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STAFF

Shawna Dinh

Design/Production 509-737-8778 ext. 4 ads@tcjournal.biz

Mike Haugen

Advertising Director 509-737-8778 ext. 2 mike@tcjournal.biz

Melanie Hoefer

General Manager 509-737-8778 ext. 5 melanie@tcjournal.biz

Kristina Lord

Editor 509-737-8778 ext. 3 editor@tcjournal.biz

Chad Utecht

Columbia Basin College’s president has retired after nine years overseeing the Pasco school to serve as chancellor for Western Governors University Washington. Rich Cummins will oversee the nonprofit online university, taking over from Jean Floten, who recently retired from the chancellor post she had held since 2011. WGU Washington has more than 10,000 enrolled students and nearly 7,400 graduates throughout the state. It conducted a national search before

c h o o s i n g Cummins. Cummins, who has worked at CBC since 1990 as a faculty instructor, dean and vice president, Rich Cummins became the college president in 2008. Cummins is credited for leading CBC’s charge for improved and expanded programs and facilities. The Social Sciences and World Languages Center, Wortman Medical Sciences Center and

the Student Housing Center are or will be completed this year. In addition, he worked with the city of Kennewick to propose a culinary education center in Kennewick. CBC offers seven bachelor degree programs with an eighth pending. Cummins led CBC’s efforts to increase fall-to-fall student retention from 47 percent to 60 percent. The CBC Board of Trustees is exploring options for an interim president and plans to engage a search firm to begin the process, with the goal of having a new president on board by September. Cummins’ last day at CBC will be March 30. He starts April 10 at WGU.

ECONOMIC, From page 1 Dave Retter, owner of Retter & Company Sotheby’s International Realty in Kennewick, called 2016 a record year for home sales in the Tri-Cities, beating a previous record set in 2007. But Retter said a lack of housing inventory is the Tri-Cities’ biggest challenge. “There just isn’t any,” he said. He said the Tri-Cities should have 1,200 listings for a market this size but had just 476 listings at the end of 2016. “We have a real shortage of houses right now,” he said. The region’s number of home sales totaled 4,423 in 2016, an uptick of 6.5 percent from the previous year, with a

median sale price of $225,000 compared to $204,000 the previous year, according to data from the Tri-City Association of Realtors. Commercial construction totaled $552 million as 2016 drew to a close. The two biggest projects cited by economic development officials as a boon to the region are the new $200 million Lamb Weston french fry processing plant under construction in Richland and the $38.9 million AutoZone distribution plant in Pasco. Kris Watkins, president and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, highlighted the TriCities’ strong growth in tourism, citing $432.9 million in visitor spending in

2015. She said tourism generated $16.5 million in taxes for local use and 5,900 tourism-related jobs in 2015. Once the The Lodge at Columbia Point opens this spring, the number of new hotels in the Tri-Cities added since 2015 will be seven. This has increased the number of guest rooms available by 833, for a total of 4,191 available rooms, an increase of 25 percent. The Tri-Cities also welcomed 214 conventions and sporting events that brought in 128,866 visitors and an estimated $38 million in visitor spending in 2016.

BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Advertising Account Manager 509-737-8778 ext. 1 chad@tcjournal.biz

C Pri ash zes *

DEPARTMENTS

Around Town................................... 63 Networking...................................... 37 Business Profiles........................ 54-55 Public Record.................................. 57

UPCOMING March Focuses: • Hospitality • Insurance April Focuses: • Going Green • Transportation The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business accepts original columns from local professionals, educators and business leaders. The goal of these pieces is to share useful business tips and knowledge with other area professionals. It is best to contact the TCAJoB office for a copy of contributor guidelines before submitting anything. Although we cannot publish every submission we receive, we will keep columns that best fit the mission and focus of the TCAJoB for possible future use. All submissions to the TCAJoB will be edited for spelling, grammar, punctuation and questions of good taste or libel. If there is news you’d like the TCAJoB staff to report on, or if there are any topics you’d like to read about, please contact the TCAJoB at editor@tcjournal.biz. 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, prepayment required, no refunds. Contents of this publication are the sole property of TriComp Inc. and can not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of staff, other contributors or other advertisers, nor do they imply endorsement by staff, contributors or advertisers. Every effort will be made to assure information published is correct; however, we are not liable for any errors or omissions made despite these efforts.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017 uBUSINESS BRIEFS ASQ March meeting to tour Manufacturing Services Inc.

The March 14 meeting of the American Society for Quality Columbia Basin Section 0614 will be a site visit and tour at Manufacturing Services Inc., 1023 N. Kellogg St. in Kennewick. Check-in begins at 5:45 p.m., followed by the tour at 6 p.m., which will last about an hour. This site visit is free for ASQ members and others, but space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged. RSVP by March 8 to panda_2@charter.net with your name, phone number and company affiliation. For more information about ASQ Section 0614 and upcoming events, visit asq614.org.

Second round of Economic Gardening program launched The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is launching its second round of the Tri-Cities Economic Gardening Program. The program launched in 2015 when five local second-stage companies were selected as part of the pilot program. Five additional qualifying businesses will be selected as part of the second round. Economic gardening is a new way of thinking about supporting growth companies and letting business owners know how critical they are to local economies. Rather than offer traditional incentives, tax credits or real estate discounts,

the program offers CEOs valuable strategic information that is gathered with their guidance and input and customized for their business. The program is held in partnership with Michigan-based Edward Lowe Foundation, which houses the National Center for Economic Gardening. For more details about the program or to submit an application by the March 31 deadline, visit tricities.nationalcentereg. org. Call Austin Neilson, the chamber’s government and economic affairs director, at 509-736-0510 or austin.neilson@tricity regionalchamber.com.

Colleges streamline pharmacist path

Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Heritage University have signed two agreements to make it easier for Heritage students to become pharmacists. The WSU doctor of pharmacy Save-ASeat program will allow up to seven Heritage freshmen per year to reserve a spot in the Pharm.D. program at WSU’s Spokane campus or its extension program at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences campus in Yakima once they complete their undergraduate requirements. The second agreement guarantees graduates of Heritage’s master of arts in medical sciences program an admission interview for the Pharm.D. program in Yakima as long as they meet WSU admission requirements. Contact Tyson Miller at Heritage

University at 509-865-0421 or Lindsey Friedly at WSU College of Pharmacy at 509-358-7702 for more information.

WSU Tri-Cities enrollment climbs by 21 percent

Washington State University Tri-Cities spring enrollment increased by about 21 percent from last spring, according to official numbers recently released. Enrolled students, including undergraduate, transfer and graduate students, total 1,825. WSU experienced its highest spring semester enrollment ever, registering 28,240 students statewide, up two percent from the 2016 spring semester. The enrollment increase occurred across nearly all WSU campuses, with WSU Tri-Cities registering the largest growth. WSU Tri-Cities continues to be the most diverse campus in the WSU system, with 35.8 percent of students identifying as minorities, 57.4 percent female and 36.6 percent first generation. In addition to students, the campus continues to increase facilities and programming. The WSU Tri-Cities student union building under construction will be open in the fall. Recently, the campus also added undergraduate degrees in biology and fine arts.

WSU wins $365,000 grant

Washington State University received a $365,000 Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant from the Walmart Foundation and U.S. Conference of Mayors for research

on recycling cotton waste products into high quality regenerated fibers for consumer goods. WSU will develop an environmentally friendly and economically viable solvent system for cotton waste dissolution and fiber spinning. WSU is one of six universities receiving nearly $3 million in grants to create new manufacturing technologies and reduce the cost of producing goods in the U.S.

HomeStreet Bank continues hydroplane sponsorship

HomeStreet Bank will continue its role as sponsor of the team for H-1 unlimited hydroplane, Miss HomeStreet. Miss HomeStreet and driver Jimmy Shane won the 2016 H-1 Unlimited National Championships, the Hapo Columbia Cup, Indiana Governor’s Cup and Bill Muncy Cup. Miss HomeStreet is the only community-owned unlimited hydroplane, owned by the city of Madison, Indiana. The Miss Madison Racing team has competed since 1961 and has the greatest number of wins for any active H-1 unlimited racing team.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

CBC invests in simulator for truck-driving program BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The No. 1 job needed in the area is truck driving. That’s what Janese Thatcher, Columbia Basin College’s dean for Computer Science, Engineering and Technical Programs, said she recently learned when looking at the top jobs that companies were hiring for in Benton and Franklin counties. “People running many companies in this area said their greatest need is truck drivers. That’s because the current work force is aging,” Thatcher said. That’s why CBC has invested in a $111,000 full motion truck simulator to help with the training. Columbia Distributing’s Kennewick branch kicked in $10,000 toward the purchase. “There is a huge need for this kind of investment,” said Columbia Distributing’s Kent Nelson, a general manager with the company who presented CBC with the check on Jan. 26. CBC and Columbia Distributing also are working to create recruitment, training and professional development opportunities for students. That includes holding classes on-site at Columbia Distributing to engage in real-world distributor operations. The college’s Commercial Driver’s License certification program ended in 2009, but was revived last fall. “We have eight students in our night class, and in the day class we have 10,”

Thatcher said. “Right now, we can have as many as 12 students in each class. Night class is a great option. It’s 22 weeks for people who have full-time jobs. The cost of getting a CDL is $3,500. That includes the permits and the tests.” Program instructor Bud Stephens says the school has access to two semi-trucks. But students will be able to get more seat time with the new simulator. As an added bonus, Thatcher said the simulator will be made available to the public when it comes to driving a recreational vehicle for the first time. Stephens recently demonstrated the simulator, sitting in a driver’s seat and looking at three separate screens – a headon view and two side-mirror windows. “This can bring up a lot of different scenarios,” Stephens said, who demonstrated windy conditions while driving in an urban environment. Numerous cars are seen driving by and around the big rig. “This simulator has an 18-speed transmission,” he said. “There is one mode to double clutch. Many of our tests are with 10-speed transmissions.” Each time a student drives a certain segment, the simulator will provide statistics of the good and bad things the driver has done. “Anything you do that is a fail or unsafe, you fail for that segment,” Stephens said. “You hit the cross line, it’ll disqualify you for running the stop light.” The student won’t be failed for the

Bud Stephens, Columbia Basin College’s commercial driver’s license instructor, demonstrates the school’s new $111,000 full motion truck simulator. CBC revived its CDL program last year to meet demand for skilled drivers.

course, however. They can continue to practice until they pass that segment of the course. Virginia Tomlinson, CBC’s vice president of instruction, was impressed with the simulator. “We’re preparing students for jobs that already exist,” she said. “This machine can simulate just about every environmental factor on the road.” And one of the biggest factors of using the simulator is safety, Thatcher said. “This gives students training situations and practice without using fuel or damag-

ing trucks,” she said. Many studies have confirmed that up to 80 percent of collision incidents result from making poor decisions, officals said. Using the simulator transfers well into reality, Stephens said. And that’s good, because the final test involves driving an actual semi-truck. “It’s a seamless transition (from using the simulator to driving an 18-wheeler),” he said. “The backing maneuvers are very realistic. There are none like this simulator anywhere else.”

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

DATEBOOK

VISIT TCJOURNAL.BIZ AND CLICK ON EVENT CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS FEB. 21

• Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber Membership Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. RSVP 509-542-0933.

FEB. 22

• Trios Foundation annual breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-222-5776. • Tri-City Regional Chamber Membership Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-736-0510.

FEB. 23

• Reaching for Rock-Solid Relationships presented by the Tri-City Regional Chamber: Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-736-0510.

• Dine Out for United Way: All day, various restaurants. Contact unitedway-bfco. com.

FEB. 24 – 26

• Home & Garden Show presented by Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities: TRAC, 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. Contact hbatc.com.

FEB. 25

• Museum Advocacy Day: 10 a.m. – noon, The Reach museum, 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland. Contact 509-943-4100.

FEB. 28

• Kennewick Man & Woman of the Year: 6:15 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-491-1291.

MARCH 1

• National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association lunch meeting: 11:30 a.m., Red Lion Hotel, 1101 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. Contact narfe1192.org. • West Richland Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon: Noon – 1 p.m., Sandberg Event Center, 331 S. 41st Ave., West Richland. RSVP 509-967-0521.

MARCH 3

• History Through the Vines: 6 – 9 p.m., Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center, 2140A Wine Country Road, Prosser. Contact 509-786-1000.

MARCH 7

• Prosser Chamber Luncheon: Noon – 1 p.m., The Barn Restaurant, 490 Wine Country Road, Prosser. RSVP 509-7863177.

MARCH 9

• Lampson International Friends of Scouting Leadership Breakfast: 7:30 a.m., Red Lion Hotel, 802 George Washington Way, Richland. Contract Rich Szymanski, 509-735-7306.

MARCH 10

• Honky Tonk Hoedown, a Benefit for Rascal Rodeo: 5:30 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. RSVP 509-528-5947.

MARCH 13

• Pasco Chamber membership luncheon: 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. RSVP 509547-9755.

MARCH 14

• WPC Legislative Lunch Box: Noon – 1 p.m., TriCities Home Builders Association, 10001 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. RSVP washingtonpolicy.org.

MARCH 15

• TRIDEC Annual Meeting: Noon – 1:30 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. RSVP 509-735-1000.

MARCH 15 – 18

• Legacies of the Manhattan Project conference: Red Lion Hotel, 802 George Washington Way, Richland. RSVP cm.wsu.edu/ehome/220098/ 501356

MARCH 16

• Annual Fundraising Breakfast, a benefit for the Tri-Cities Cancer Center: 7:30 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick. RSVP 509-7373373. • Tri-Cities Community Lecture Series: Hollywood and the Homefront: Tinsel Town’s Contribution to WWII: 7 p.m., Mid-Columbia Libraries, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick. Contact: 509783-7878.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

uBUSINESS BRIEFS SARC volunteer training set for Feb. 21-March 9

The Support, Advocacy and Resource Center is in need of volunteers. The nonprofit agency serves Benton and Franklin counties, providing crisis services and prevention education for community members on issues regarding sexual assault/abuse and all non-domestic violence crimes such as child abuse, elder abuse, assault, homicide, robbery, identity theft and fraud. SARC relies on community volunteers to help run its 24-hour hotline for sexual assault/abuse, and this can be done from a cell or home phone. On-call hospital volunteer advocates are also needed. SARC’s 2017 Volunteer Advocate

training is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays Feb. 21 to March 9, for a total of 32 hours. Visit supportadvocacyresourcecenter. org, or contact JoDee Garretson at 509374-5391 or jgarretson@frontier.com to sign up or for more information.

Areva to supply refueling equipment

Areva NP recently signed a multimillion-dollar agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority to provide fully digital fleet-wide refuel equipment upgrades using its Stearns Roger Services’ refuel equipment. Under the contract, Areva will upgrade existing refueling platforms, manipulator cranes, fuel transfer systems and used fuel

bridge components. The modernization will help operators increase efficiency, strengthen performance and reduce time when receiving, moving and storing nuclear fuel used for electricity.

Ecology releases crude oil rail transport report

Statistics detailing how much crude oil is entering Washington are now available, thanks to the 2015 Oil Transportation Safety Act. The state Department of Ecology reported 618 million gallons of crude oil entered the state by rail during October through December last year. Collecting data about where when and how oil enters Washington by rail allows emergency responders to better prepare for potential spills, derailments or other incidents.

The state now requires facilities that receive crude oil by rail to notify the state in advance. The rule also applies to pipelines. The Department of Ecology then shares the information with emergency managers in potentially affected areas and publishes quarterly reports summarizing oil movement. The department will offer grants for oil spill response and firefighting equipment to help agencies prepare for oil-by-rail incidents. The department received 42 project proposals for the first round of funding, which will provide $777,000 to eligible projects.

IRS offers Free File tax prep program

The Internal Revenue Service has opened its 2017 Free File tax software preparation program that gives eligible taxpayers access to a dozen options of brand-name tax filing products at no cost. Anyone whose adjusted gross income in 2016 was $64,000 or less is eligible for Free File software. Taxpayers go to irs. gov and find the tax software preparation program that suits them best. People who earned more than $64,000 may still use the program’s fillable forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms, at no cost. More than 49 million people have used the program since 2003, including 65,000 Washingtonians who filed their 2015 taxes using the program. Free File is available exclusively at irs. gov/freefile.

SBA offers Emerging Leaders program

For the second year, the U.S. Small Business Administration Seattle District office Spokane branch is offering its Emerging Leaders training initiative for small businesses. The free “Mini-MBA” program aims to spur sustainable growth and job creation. The entrepreneurship education series includes 100 hours of classroom time during seven months. Upon completion of the course, participants have a three-year growth action plan and a network of peers and industry experts. To qualify, participants must be a small business owner or decision maker; have annual revenues between $400,000 and $10 million; have been in business for at least three years; have at least one employee, other than self; and demonstrate the business is on the brink of growth or transition. Since the program started 10 years ago, more than 2,700 business owners have been trained, creating 2,000 new full-time jobs. For more information or to apply by the March 1 deadline, visit sba.gov/ emergingleaders.

Kennewick launches app

The city of Kennewick recently launched its official mobile app, My Kennewick. The free app makes it more convenient for the city to connect with residents, businesses and visitors. The app provides convenient access to online services, city news and alerts, business opportunities, job opportunities and more. Call 509-585-4265 for information.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Richland nonprofit CEO, police detective honored with Athena awards BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Two community leaders recently were recognized for their commitment to professional excellence and community service at the sixth annual Tri-Cities Women in Business conference. The longtime CEO of SIGN Fracture Care International in Richland received this year’s Athena Leadership Award for her longtime work with the nonprofit during the Jan. 25 event at the TRAC facility in Pasco. Jeanne Dillner has helped grow SIGN, which is now found in 283 hospitals in 56 developing countries which have worked to improve more than 120,000 patients’ lives. SIGN manufactures stainless steel nails at its plant in north Richland, which Jeanne Dillner are used to connect broken bones in the injured poor living in developing countries. “Many of the countries she visits are considered high risk, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Iraq and Indonesia. She doesn’t allow danger to interfere with her goals to help those in need,” said Jim Hall, Kadlec’s director of executive and community relations, dur-

ing the award presentation. Hall said Dillner has a passion for nonprofit work, including her volunteer work with Rotary, Kiwanis, Richland Alliance Church and the SmartMap Expo. Richland police Detective Athena T. Clark received the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award, which is presented to a leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession. “Our 2017 Athena Young Professional Leadership Award recipient Athena T. Clark definitely exemplifies those qualities. The awards and recognition committee really had their work cut out for them as all of these women are so deserving of recognition for the tremendous work that they do,” said Emily Volland, Kadlec’s community relations manager, during the award presentation. Clark is a busy mother of two who dedicated countless hours to helping heal at-risk women and women in need, Volland said. She is a member of the Tri-City Coalition Against Trafficking and because of her leadership skills, she has quickly been recognized as the area’s expert on all matters of human trafficking.

Life coach Diane Rolston, left, poses for a photo with Patti Jansen Key of Community First Bank at the book-signing table during the Jan. 25 Tri-Cities Women in Business in Pasco. Rolston, a life coach from Canada, spoke during the conference about finding work-life balance and gave a free copy of her book, “Dynamic You: The Secret to being Confident, Wealthy and Sucessful,” to all who attended the conference. (Courtesy Rich Breshears of Breshears Photography)

She has been recognized by her department for the multiple programs she’s successfully developed and overseen, and much of the work she’s initiated and refined over the past five years are still considered best practices, Volland said. Clark worked closely with the Department of Corrections and Benton County to better monitor registered sex offenders. She’s also worked with the Every 15 Minutes program, a high school program that focuses on driving under the influence prevention and awareness, an

at-risk youth program for middle-schoolers and a summertime CSI Academy for high schoolers. She also provided expertise to Richland High School staff on dealing with crisis situations. Hundreds of women attended the oneday conference, which also included a variety of speakers on topics of interest to women, such as retirement, health, marketing to millennials, dressing for success, understanding business financial records and networking. uAWARDS, Page 10

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Nominations are being accepted through March 26 The Tri-Citian of the Year exemplifies the highest standards of community service, leadership and the voluntary contribution of selfless acts to positively impact community development, economic growth and the overall well-being of mankind. The foremost criteria for this nomination should showcase the candidate’s demonstration of public or volunteer service, for which no monetary compensation is received.

For more information visit www.tricitianoftheyear.org

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Three Rivers Convention Center 6 p.m. Social • 7 p.m. Dinner/Program

AWARDS, From page 9 Diane Rolston, a life coach from British Columbia, Canada, talked about the most common problem she said she sees in her female clients. “They try to balance work and life. This is the problem. Work is only one area of life,” she said, pointing out eight different areas, including fun and recreation, relationships, health and personal development. She said women frequently use success to measure all aspects of their lives. “The

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Customer electric usage up by 60 percent or more

Benton PUD reports seeing a dramatic increase in the average residential electricity used during December and January, with increases of 60 percent to 100 percent when compared to November usage. The average residential Benton PUD customer used 1,722 kilowatt hours in December, compared to 1,072 kilowatt hours in November. It should be noted that November was the warmest November on record. To reduce electricity consumption, Benton PUD encourages customers to turn off lights and electronics when not in use, wash full loads in the dishwasher, let dishes air dry, take shorter showers and to use cold water and run full loads when washing clothes. Energy tips are available at bentonpud. org or by calling 509-582-1234.

Port of Sunnyside receives state loan, grant

The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board, or CERB, recently approved a $400,000 loan and $300,000 grant to the Port of Sunnyside for the Varietal Beer Co. construction project. The private partner project consists of modifying an existing 5,500-square-foot

trouble with measuring life with success is you only feel good … in the moment of success. Success is short lived … it comes and it goes,” Rolston said. She gave each in attendance at the confernece a copy of her new book, “Dynamic You,” and encouraged them to focus on satisfaction over success. “A life built on satisfaction feels happy, fulfilling and successful. You’ll have energy, motivation and drive to create a deep and meaningful life,” she said. cement block building for use as a brewery, taproom and bottling facility. Varietal Beer Co. will invest $405,000 in a 10-barrel brewing system, creating 23 permanent jobs. CERB funds were matched by $300,000 in local resources. CERB has committed nearly $163 million to local jurisdictions across the state since 1982, generating more than 35,000 jobs.

Cancer center offers free pre-screening event

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is offering a free, by-appointment-only colorectal cancer pre-screening from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18. The screening includes a health assessment to determine the appropriateness for a colonoscopy. Qualifying participants will be scheduled for their colonoscopy before leaving the event, and appointments will take place within two to four weeks. The cancer center recommends men and women ages 50 to 75 be screened; those 75 and older or those with higher risk of developing colorectal cancer should consult their doctors. The program is offered in partnership with Kadlec, Lourdes Health and Trios Health. To sign up, visit behealthygetscreened. com or call 509-737-3420.

Save the date for this year’s exciting event, where another Tri-Citian will be honored for outstanding “Service Above Self ” and their commitment to “Building Community Through Service.” Reserve your table today. For reservations and information, visit the Reservation and Sponsorship page at tricitianoftheyear.org or contact Wendy King-Hastings at 509-531-1135, wendyking1270@gmail.com. Individual reservations are $50 per person.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Trios Foundation commissions bronze bust to honor Tri-City philanthropist BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

A bronze bust of a Tri-Citian known for a lifetime of community service will be installed in the lobby of the Trios Care Center at Southridge on what would have been his 100th birthday. George Jones’ legacy will be remembered and his likeness unveiled during a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 16. The Kennewick man’s long list of accomplishments include being named TriCitian of the Year in 1997, Kennewick Man of the Year in 1978 and El Katif’s Shriner of the Year in 1998. Jones died on May 4, 2016. “He’s second to none as far as his drive to make the Tri-Cities a better place, the community a better place. His service and his time and his money — well, he put his money where his mouth was. He gave to causes he asked others to give to. He led a life of service,” said Darren Szendre, president of the Trios Foundation, The foundation board unanimously agreed to commission the sculpture to honor Jones, a longtime Trios Foundation board member. “He’s just been such an integral part of our group and the Trios Foundation for so many years and has been instrumental in raising money for the foundation, which then directly supports the community, the hospital, the employees and doctors and nurses who work at the hospital. “He’s a phenomenal person; he’s been like a mentor to me as I joined Trios Foundation. He taught me and so many others there on the board. He’s just got a great reputation for his philanthropy and his service in the community,” Szendre said. The foundation raised money for the bronze by selling raffle tickets for a guided fishing trip, Szendre said. The money did not come out of the foundation’s budget, which Jones’ wife insisted upon. Pat Johnstone Jones of Kennewick pro-

Pat Johnstone Jones, left, views the clay original bust of her late husband, George Jones, as artist Tom McClelland looks on. The Trios Foundation will unveil the bronze on Thursday, Feb. 16 — Jones’ 100th birthday — to honor the longtime philanthropist. (Courtesy Trios Foundation)

vided several photographs of her late husband to artist Tom McClelland of Benton County for the sculpture. “I wanted to capture some sense of his humor and kindness because those were two things I heard over and over about him,” McClelland said. Johnstone Jones was overcome with emotion when she saw the clay original. “I knew when she saw it and she got teary eyed, I knew it succeeded in what I wanted it to do … She was so moved. That to me is gratifying because it means I’ve succeeded as an artist,” McClelland said. Johnstone Jones closely followed the progress of the bust, traveling to the T. Hunter Bronze foundry in Walla Walla and knocking off the ceramic material with a sledgehammer to reveal the bronze casting that immortalizes the life of the man who cared deeply about the Tri-Cities. “He was a very special man and I loved him so much. I’m so proud of George and all that he did, and the fact that the hospital foundation wanted to do this made me feel

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good,” Johnstone Jones said. Jones’ philanthropic efforts were well known in the community. His philosophy was always to be direct and ask, whether it was for donations, to join a service club or to volunteer time. Jones was a longtime Shriner, Kiwanian, Kennewick planning commissioner and Port of Kennewick commissioner. He helped raise money for the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, Kennewick General Hospital, Kennewick Family Medicine Clinic and the new Trios Southridge Hospital. He served as a board member for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce,

Tri-City Development Council, cancer center foundation and Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Tri-Cities. He and Gene Spaulding Sr. played a key role in getting the East Benton County Historical Museum built in Kennewick. He and Bright Bowe convinced Columbia Center mall officials to donate coins thrown into the mall fountains to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane. Each month, Jones picked up the coins to wash and sort them. Jones moved to the Tri-Cities in 1947 and built a frozen-food locker rental business in downtown Kennewick with his first wife Maxine, who died in 2001. He married Johnstone Jones in 2004. The Kennewick woman credits her late husband with changing not only the community but her life for the better. “I became a better person because of George. He taught me that you get out of the community what you put into it,” she said.

Unveiling ceremony

The bronze bust of the late George Jones will be unveiled during a ceremony from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Trios Care Center at Southridge, 3730 Plaza Way, in Kennewick. Jones would have turned 100 on this day. Special recognition and memories will be shared. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling 509-221-5776 or emailing mandy.wallner@trios health.org.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Tri-Cities ends year at top of job market, largest labor force BY SEAN BASSINGER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The Tri-Cities ended the year with the largest labor force ever and the fastestgrowing job market in the state. Kennewick, Richland and Pasco added more than 3,800 jobs in December, or 3.6 percent growth over the same month the previous year. The next fastest growth rates in the state include Wenatchee at 3.1 percent, followed by Spokane and Seattle at 2.8 percent. The state added 82,300 jobs for an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent, according to the Employment Security Department.

“There was very rapid growth for employment in the Tri-Cities during that time,” said Ajsa Suljic, the state’s regional economist for the Tri-Cities. Some 134,500 civilian workers made up the Tri-Cities’ labor force market in 2016, with an average annual growth rate of 3 percent, when compared to the 2015 annual average. “This is the highest labor force that we have had ever,” Suljic said. Manufacturing and construction were amoung the fastest-growing industries last year, with more than 1,100 jobs added, or nearly 15 percent. One of the region’s biggest projects is the construction of the AutoZone distribution center on Capitol Avenue, just

north of the King City Truck Stop in Pasco. The $38.9 million building will add more than 200 jobs to the area. The new ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston french fry processing plant under construction in north Richland also contributed to the growth. The $200 million Lamb Weston facility will add about 160 jobs to the community. Also, a new 1,000-square-foot Central Washington Corn Processors facility, at 3334 Longston Blvd. in north Richland, was completed to become the largest building of its kind in the area. Construction of these facilities alone added more than 300 jobs to the area, a 4.5 percent growth from the previous year.

“It’s very, very nice to see that,” Suljic said. “The state of Washington, as a labor force, is driven by Seattle and the (Interstate 5) corridor, but we’re one of the faster-growing than the rest.” The Hanford cleanup project has been another continued source of job creation and labor income for the TriCities, only slowing down in 2011 and 2012 when about half of the workers were laid off. “At the same time, they retained half, so very good retention rate if you look at it,” Suljic said. “We didn’t lose everything we gained.” Despite the growth, there have been some challenges. At least 700 jobs were lost in the business services sector, a decrease of 3.3 percent. The losses likely came from the decline of Hanford jobs, said Carl Adrian, CEO of the Tri-City Development Council. Diversification has been a top priority for TRIDEC as it looks for new ways as the community continues to grow outside of Hanford. Though they’ve seen workers come and go, Adrian said Hanford has been steady in terms of employment for the past 15 years. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland continues to be the largest private employer in the area with more than 4,300 staff. Other core areas of growth include health care, with Kadlec Health Systems alone tripling its employment in the past decade, Adrian said. Austin Neilson, government and economic affairs director at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the Tri-Cities will continue to see a lot of new diversification in the labor markets. He cited distribution warehouses, such as the new AutoZone facility, and the continued success of the agricultural industry. “That type of investment is really just a great sign that the Tri-Cities is moving beyond that traditional Hanford reliance,” he said. He described the economic climate as being poised for more growth in the months ahead. “I think it’s just a testament to the growth we continue to see here in the Tri-Cities,” Neilson said. This includes more support efforts to help new entrepreneurs and startups in the area. He said Washington was one of the biggest trade states with exports from Central Washington going around the world. Overall, Neilson said it’s great news to see the Tri-Cities being at the top of job growth for 2016. “It’s just another good sign that the community’s headed in the right direction,” he said.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

BANKING & FINANCE

Banking experts share concern over policies on immigration, trade BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

What does the new Trump administration in the White House mean to the banking industry and region’s economy? It’s too early to tell. But two banking industry experts have simple advice for local business owners: keep your eye on what you do best. “There’s lot of noise in the media. … Focus on your business and what made you successful,” said Steve Scranton, a senior vice president, chief investment officer and economist who has been with Washington Trust Bank since 1997. He’s based in Spokane. Scranton said his biggest concern is how national policies on trade and immigration will affect the Northwest economy. “Those are two areas that can truly have a negative impact for this state,” he said. Roddy Baze, vice president of Washington Trust Bank’s Kennewick branch, where he’s been since it opened in 2000, agreed: “In the Columbia Basin, we export a large amount of our crops around the world. We rely heavily on labor flow from Mexico. I think that’s

the major concern for our customers. The expectation is labor going to be tight and cost more.” Scranton said Washington “clearly has benefited from immigrants coming to this state.” He cited a New American Economy report that said 4 percent of the state’s population are undocumented immigrants. A majority of the state’s immigrants hold respectable jobs and this isn’t usually part of the conversation when discussing immigration issues, he said. The study showed: • 63 percent of agricultural workers are immigrants. • 45 percent of software developers are immigrants. • 42 percent of hand packers and packagers are immigrants. • 31 percent of computer programmers are immigrants. • 42 percent of maids and housekeepers are immigrants. Immigrants in the state also paid $590 million in federal, state and local taxes, according to the report. Despite the uncertainties ahead, business owners should take solace in the strength of the local and regional econo-

my. The Tri-Cities experienced a stronger overall job growth rate than the U.S., with 1.9 percent year over year job growth compared to the U.S.’s 1.5 perSteve Scranton cent growth rate, Scranton said, citing Bureau of Labor statistics. He said the Tri-Cities’ best industry growth came in the financial services sector with 5 percent growth followed by Roddy Baze education and health services with 3.3 percent growth. That compares to the professional and business services national sectors with 2.6 percent growth and education and health services’ 2.6 percent growth.

The Tri-Cities’ slowest industry growth was professional and business services at 1.4 percent. Nationwide, it was mining and logging at 10.5 percent. Scranton also noted the Tri-Cities’ favorable gross domestic product growth of 5.2 percent compared to the nation’s 2.6 percent rate. And nearly 20 percent of the state’s Washington GDP is export related, he said. “My view would be the Tri-Cities and the Northwest as a whole have seen good economic growth,” Scranton said. Baze pointed to the Tri-Cities’ stable local economy in construction, with both residential and commercial, seeming to do well. “Most of our commercial customers have had a very good 2016,” Baze said, adding that he doesn’t see anything on the horizon to prevent 2017 from following the trend. “We’re in an extremely fortunate position as we move forward,” he said, also noting that the Tri-Cities has “been on a pretty good run when the recovery started in 2011 and 2010.” Scranton also said he expects interest rates to gradually rise this year. uOUTLOOK, Page 14

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

OUTLOOK From page 13 “We believe the Federal Reserve is cautious about raising rates too much,” he said And how should investors position their fixed-income portfolios? “Investors should be diversified,” he said. Scranton’s advice for those considering buying a home this year is to buy one if they find one they like that’s affordable because mortgage rates are still close to historic lows. “From a historical perspective, it’s still a great time to buy a house,” Baze said. As the banking world transitions into a more tech-driven world, Washington Trust Bank plans to continue to spend time on fostering personal relationships — while offering the latest technology, Scranton and Baze said. “We’ve always tried to be innovative.

Banking & Finance

We’re always going to be fast followers. As technology evolves, we’ll be adapting that. Our primary focus has been and continues to be client service,” Scranton said, saying the personal touch and availability will continue to be the bank’s focus. Baze said his primary customers in the commercial and ag arenas like “face-toface contact when they talk about issues going on with their business,” he said. The bank must continue to offer mobile banking options, but “we still see a customer base that definitely wants the technology but wants to talk to a real person. That’s who we’ve always focused on,” Scranton said. Both men have been in the industry for decades and when asked what trends they’ve noticed over the years, their answers differ.

Baze said it’s the consolidation of farms over time: “There are more corporate farms.” The other change is the adapting to the competitiveness in the world. “As we get more competitive in the world, there’s continued pressure to be a low-cost provider with good quality,” he said. Scranton said he’s concerned about the closing of the small community banks and a trend toward consolidation, not necessarily because of financial problems. “With the regulatory burden, it’s made it impossible to be in business. I just worry that small businesses (who) rely on smaller banks” in a small community won’t be able to secure loans from larger, multinational banks, he said.

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DOE, Ecology seek feedback

The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations office and the Washington state Department of Ecology are accepting comments about proposed changes to the Hanford Facility Site-wide Dangerous Waste Permit. The proposed modification changes groundwater monitoring requirements for the 300 Area Process Trenches and the 183-H solar Evaporation Basins Treatment, Storage and Disposal units. Submit comments by March 24 to Washington State Department of Ecology, 3100 Port of Benton Blvd., Richland, WA 99354 or by email to hanford@ecy.wa.gov. A meeting to discuss the proposed modifications is at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Richland Public Library at 955 Northgate Drive.

Trade council upset over TPP withdrawal

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The Washington Council on International Trade and its members, which include manufacturers, farmers, retailers and service providers from across Washington, expressed disappointment to the news that the U.S. has withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement between the U.S. and 11 other Asia-Pacific countries. Council president Lori Otto Punke noted that WCIT has been a strong supporter of the TPP because Washington depends heavily on trade, and 40 percent of its jobs are tied to trade. She said that an Association of Washington Business study found the TPP could increase the state’s exports by $8.7 billion a year and create up to 26,000 more jobs. According to WCIT, the TPP would have allowed U.S. exporters to sell their goods and services in member countries on a more level playing field, simplified rules that make doing business abroad difficult, enabled cross-border data flaws, protected a free and open internet, and raised labor and environment standards. WCIT advocates for public policies that increase Washington’s international competitiveness and advocates for trade policies and investments that benefit workers and employers in the state.

Kaiser’s purchase of Group Health approved

Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler recently approved Kaiser Foundation Health Plan’s $1.8 billion acquisition of Group Health Cooperative. Kaiser filed its formal application to acquire Group Health in March 2016 after Group Health’s voting members approved advancing the proposed acquisition. Kreidler noted Kaiser met all legal requirements required for approval, and he was satisfied that Washington would retain a competitive health insurance market.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Banking & Finance

New director of state’s Division of Banks calls banking industry healthy BY JESSICA HOEFER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Roberta Hollinshead may be the first woman in the state’s history to lead the Department of Financial Institutions’ Division of Banks, but she credits her knowledge of the industry—both challenges and opportunities—for setting her apart. She spent more than 15 years as an examiner with the department, including the rocky period when the banking industry and economy plunged into a recession and many banks merged or shuttered their doors. Her department oversees an annual budget of $4.2 million and employs 30 people, most of whom are examiners. The Division of Banks’ goal is to promote a safe and sound financial industry through chartering, examining and supervising state-chartered banks and trust companies. The agency, which supervises 46 banks and 11 trust companies in the state, is selffunded, which means it collects assessment and fees from the companies it regulates. “Our mandate is to break even,” Hollinshead said. Although the banking industry is healthy today, Hollinshead said it continues to see merger activity. As a result, banks continue to grow in size. One of her goals as the new director is to ensure her staff is well equipped to examine larger and more complex financial institutions. “Also, as the leader of this division, the

Roberta Hollinshead, who worked for more than 15 years with the state Department of Financial Institutions, took over the helm of the agency’s Division of Banks in December. She is the first woman to hold the position in the state.

development of my staff is extremely important,” she said. “I want to foster a … culture that emphasizes continual development. I will work with our examination staff to ensure they have welldefined career paths and are supported as they learn and advance in their careers.” Despite what many people think—that they’re simply enforcing laws— Hollinshead said most people would be surprised to know the division’s goals are in line with the industry’s goals: to make sure the financial industry is healthy and

thriving. “One thing I learned from my predecessor is you can never fully prepare for some of the (economic) forces. I know enough to know there will be surprises,” she said. “But I’m ready for that. We’re doing our very best to watch for some of these key indicators to make sure that the risk is well monitored and controlled, so hopefully we don’t go through anything like (the recession) again.” The last bank in Washington state to be granted a certificate of authority was Liberty Bay Bank in Poulsbo in June 2009. While Hollinshead has not seen any parties interested in starting new banks—largely because of how competitive the industry is—she looks forward to chartering new ones as the economy continues to heal. “It would be an indicator of growth in our state. It would tell people we are open for business in Washington,” she said. She noted that the Tri-Cities has a healthy climate for banks. “The Tri-Cities fared very well through the economic downturn, and I could see it happening in the Tri-Cities.” The industry has come a long way since the Great Recession, she said. When Hollinshead worked as an examiner, she spent a lot of time in the field, visiting with financial institutions around the state. The department regulates a variety of financial service providers, such as banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, consumer loan companies, payday lenders, and securities brokers and dealers. She had several years under her belt

when the banking world took a dramatic hit. “The financial crisis of 2008 to 2013 was a very difficult time for our industry. Many banks closed, and many banks merged. And through that, there was often conflict,” she said. “You have to have really strong communication skills (as an examiner) to work through those conflicts, and at the end of the day, you have to have the same goal—for the industry to thrive. I worked with several different regulator agencies overseeing our banks, and we all have slightly different rules. We give new banks a charter, but we’re also responsible for closing them. And I was on the frontline as an examiner (during the financial crisis). I was the one having conversations with stakeholders and working through issues.”

An early interest in finance field

Hollinshead liked business and finance early on and had an inkling it would be her career path. “My mom was a financial adviser, and I learned the principles of personal finance at a pretty young age,” said Hollinshead, who added that a banking class at the University of Washington sparked her interest in community banking. “It was then that I learned how community banks fuel the economy and provide credit and financial services—often in the communities who need this access the most.” uHOLLINSHEAD, Page 19

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

BANKING & FINANCE

Chart course for your business to thrive for long haul BY BERTA GABBARD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

With the new year well underway and a new administration in the White House, many business owners in the greater TriCities area are looking to maintain their stride as we see how the markets respond and evolve. Several owners I work with are actively pursuing plans to grow or retool their companies. Whatever your goals and strategies for the year, I encourage you to prepare for the possibility of change affecting your company. Change is said to be constant, and I have to agree. As a business banker in our region for many years, I’ve seen how even positive changes such as a new opportunity can strain businesses of all sizes. The key is to be proactive, not reactive. Planning and organization can help you smooth out the bumps and ensure that your company not only survives, but also thrives. Of course, without a crystal ball, you might be wondering how to prepare for changes you can’t foresee. Here are a couple of scenarios at seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum: 1. You gain a client that doubles your production, or 2. You lose your best and biggest client. Either situation presents potential challenges. The apparent dream-come-true of landing a significant new client could turn into a nightmare if your company cannot quickly size up and meet new demand. The inability to fill orders could turn an

opportunity into a hardship and harm your company’s reputation. By the same token, businesses with few clients are smart to diversify and wise to have a plan in the event even one valued customer goes away. The solution in each scenario, and those in between, lies in your company’s ability to adapt in a timely, efficient manner. It’s important to be able to access and deploy the funds you need to turn on a dime or adjust during a downturn.

Keys to business agility:

1. Maintain access to current, relevant financial information. 2. Keep a handle on your company’s debt. 3. Have a plan to increase capacity to take on larger projects. 4. Improve cash flow. Depending on the size and structure of your company, you may have specialists on your internal team to help you tackle each step. For guidance, I encourage you to reach out to a banker you know and trust to assist you along the way. Business agility really comes down to knowing your numbers. In terms of financial information, being able to put together a timely profit and lost statement and balance sheet can help you internally measure profitability and improve company performance. These financial statements also are useful when talking with a banker about opportunities and risks, and determining your funding needs.

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By understanding your current debt, you’re in a better position to discuss options for paying it down and planning for increased capaciBerta Gabbard ty. Having debt Banner Bank is not a negative—it’s part of doing business as long as it’s in balance. Only by having a good grasp on your debt situation can you understand your capacity to borrow further if needed. When it comes to cash flow, look to an experienced banker for an independent analysis. That’s essential to making improvements through options such as lengthening your payment cycles or pursuing trade discounts. It may be as straight forward as determining where you can delay payment or accelerate receipts in a

uBUSINESS BRIEF Kennewick teachers receive STEM grants

Six teachers at five Kennewick schools have received grants totaling $4,800 from the Mid-Columbia STEM Network and Dreambuilders Educational Foundation to teach students engineering, computer coding, robotics and more. The grants were awarded to the following: Tamara Barcus of Mid-

pinch. Remember, your banker has a team of experts to draw upon in offering tailored solutions, from sweep accounts that help you leverage cash flow to interest rate swaps that can mitigate interest rate risk on long-term loans. I encourage you to take advantage of those resources—that’s the type of robust service you deserve. As you aim to improve your company’s resilience and adaptability, you should expect your financial experts to work hard every day to earn your business and help you succeed. Berta Gabbard is vice president and Tri-Cities Commercial Banking Center manager for Banner Bank. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 200 locations in five western states, Banner Bank partners with businesses and individuals to support their financial goals. You can reach Gabbard at 509-735-0815 or RGabbard@bannerbank.com. Columbia Partnership; Julie Rheinschmidt of Mid-Columbia Partnership; Christopher Becker of Hawthorne Elementary; Sean MacLellan of Washington Elementary; Martha Mather of Horse Heaven Hills Middle School; and Carrie Enriquez of Edison Elementary. The Mid-Columbia STEM Network is part of Washington STEM Dreambuilders Educational Foundation provides scholarships and financial aid to students.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Banking & Finance

Local financial advisers weigh in on new fiduciary rule BY ELSIE PUIG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

President Donald Trump’s delay of the new U.S. Department of Labor fiduciary rule requiring financial advisers to act in their investors’ best interests might not have its intended effect as some local financial advisers say many firms have already complied with the new standards. The rule would have gone into effect April 10, but Trump signed an executive order Feb. 3, halting the new regulation. The rule passed last June and has been rolled out in phases. The ruling would have prohibited advisers from concealing potential conflict of interest and states that all fees and commissions must be disclosed to clients before making any recommendation. Fees, in this scenario, are referral fees or kickbacks that financial advisers may receive for recommending one financial product over another. It’s an industry shift away from “suitability” standards, which only required advisers to recommend products based on what is suitable for the clients’ age, financial goals and income, but these products were not necessarily the best products for their clients’ individual needs. The Department of Labor issued a statement Feb. 3, saying it “will now consider its legal options to delay the applicability date as we comply with the president’s memorandum.” But taking such a route is a waste of resources, said Marnie C. Lambert, president of the Oklahoma-based Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association, citing recent federal court actions upholding the regulations. “The investing public and the industry should have certainty moving forward. What is now certain is that this is a good rule, a carefully crafted rule, and a rule capable of timely implementation by the industry,” she said in a statement.

But the U.S. Chamber of Commerce praised Trump’s executive order. “The flawed fiduciary rule’s rushed implementation would have jeopardized access to retirement advice and choice while its severe consequences and compliance burdens would have made it harder for small businesses to offer retirement plans,” said Thomas Donohue, president and CEO of the chamber, in a statement. Since the rule passed, many financial firms began revamping their systems to comply. The requirement wouldn’t have affected fee-only financial advisers, who charge their clients a percentage of a client’s total assets under management — sometimes anywhere from 2 percent to 5 percent. Financial advisers like Jeremy Hunsaker of Wells Fargo Advisors operate within these compensation structures and are already held to this fiduciary standard. Hunsaker said the new rule most likely will not have an effect on him or his clients, many of whom are about to retire or did retire and are seeking income from their portfolios. “I don’t charge per transaction, so there is no incentive for me to recommend one product over another. By charging per transaction, there could potentially be a conflict of interest there,” Hunsaker said. “If you’re trading more often or buying investment products, oftentimes insurance-based products have higher commission than trading stocks, bonds or mutual funds.” Hunsaker said Wells Fargo has invested heavily in ensuring the financial firm is ready when the new fiduciary rule goes into effect. “Wells Fargo has spent millions on getting up to date and ready for the new rule. … We’ve also done a lot of training on upcoming changes and how we can

Matthew Sweezea, financial adviser with Primerica, says accountability is a good thing, but said the fiduciary rule could eventually limit investment options and access to financial advice for a lot of middle-income households, already intimidated by investing.

all stay compliant. They’ve been really on top of that,” he said. Matthew Sweezea, financial adviser with Primerica, has mixed feelings about the new rule. Although he says overall transparency and accountability is a good thing, he worried that ensuring compliance will raise administrative costs for brokers which will get passed on to the consumer, eventually limiting investment options and access to financial advice for a lot of middle-income households, which are already intimidated by investing. He also said that it would affect many people who may not meet minimum ac-

count thresholds for traditional fee-only advisers. He said many investors may set higher minimums to offset the administrative and compliance costs. “With these new regulatory requirements, the access to fee-only advisers is not as available as people might think. It will leave more consumers trying to fend for themselves when it comes to accessing trustworthy advice,” Sweezea said. “In any industry, you’re going to have a few bad apples trying to cut corners, but the majority of the industry is focused on helping consumers and their clients accomplish their financial goals.” uFIDUCIARY, Page 20

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Banking & Finance

Follow these rules when lending money to family, friends BY BEAU RUFF

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Times can get financially rough. People go through difficult periods in life and might be strapped for cash and need an additional sources of money. Perhaps the cash is needed to buy a new house or to pay for a small business or an attorney’s retainer for a divorce or to tackle the mounds of consumer debt incurred during the holidays … or any other number of reasons. One simple and convenient source of money is family and friends. You just need a little and can pay it back quickly, so it makes sense, right? Family and friend, beware: these

loans are fraught with peril. Here are some rules to help guide you to avoid the worst of the perils. Rule No. 1. Don’t lend money to family and friends. That’s it. But, if you must lend, keep reading the rules below. Rule No. 2. Get it in writing. The promise to pay you back should be outlined in writing. This is important for two reasons. First, it allows the transaction to be more easily enforceable. Second, and maybe more importantly, it makes sure that both parties understand all the terms of the transaction. The document should fully describe the transaction and contain, at a minimum, the following: (1) the amount of money to be loaned; (2) the date of the loan; (3) the

rate of interest; (4) the repayment schedule; (5) whether prepayments are authorized (they usually are in this type of transaction); and Beau Ruff (6) what hapCornerstone pens when a Wealth Strategies payment is missed (usually that equals default with some specified default remedies). The writing is usually accomplished through a Promissory Note, which is a promise from one person to pay another

person recognized in the law as being similar to a check. Rule No. 3. Charge interest. At least, consider charging interest. If you provide money to a family member or friend and you do not charge interest, you could be making a potentially taxable gift. On a monthly basis, the Internal Revenue Service publishes in a Revenue Ruling the least amount of interest that is necessary to avoid gifting implications. The interest rate is called the Applicable Federal Rate and is based on the term of the loan. You can find the rate online. Rule No. 4. Consider collateral. The greater the amount of the loan, the greater amount of security you will need. Security is the collateral for the transaction that ultimately you may be able to seize. Let’s say you are going to loan money to help with a down payment on a house. This can be a considerable sum of money. The lender would be wise to consider the collateral (perhaps the house that is being bought) and take a security interest in the house through a mortgage or a lien. Without the security interest in the collateral, the lender is a general creditor and stands in line to receive payment after the secured creditors (those who have a mortgage in the house). The better position to be in as a lender is to be a secured creditor by placing a lien or mortgage on property. This moves you up the line to collect your money if some tragedy should befall that friend and repayment is unlikely. A lender can take a security interest (like a mortgage) in assets that are not the subject of the loan as well. For example, if you lend $20,000 for a wedding, you can still potentially take a mortgage in the couple’s house. Rule No. 5. Hire an attorney. An attorney can ensure that all the rules are followed and help make sure you are in the best position to protect your assets. Rule No. 6. Never lend more money than you are willing to lose. Despite all of the above rules designed to protect the lender, losses can and will happen. And, the reality is that the lawsuit to collect the sums owed can be long, costly and extremely emotionally taxing. And such a lawsuit is likely to cause grave harm to the relationship that existed prior to the loan. For these reasons, a person lending to family or friend should be willing to walk away from the deal without collecting a dime, even if all the other aforementioned rules (excepting Rule No. 1) are followed and the lender has a promissory note secured by a house with a market-rate interest rate and all of it orchestrated by a top-notch attorney. Rule No. 7. Don’t lend money to family and friends. Attorney Beau Ruff works for Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, a fullservice independent investment management and financial planning firm in Kennewick, where he focuses on assisting clients with comprehensive planning.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Banking & Finance

Increasing B&O taxes on this year’s legislative agenda BY JOHN STANG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

No one in Olympia appears to like the business-and-occupation tax — the state tax on gross receipts. But other than adding exemptions, Washington’s Legislature has been reluctant to do anything about B&O taxes. Each session, changes get proposed. Each session, those proposals die. “A silver bullet is not there because it is such a complex issue,” said Austin Neilson, government affairs director for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. The local chamber of commerce does not have a solid stance on what should happen to the state’s B&O tax. “We just want to make sure the B&O tax is fair and easy to understand,” Neilson said. Washington’s B&O tax has had a roller coaster history. The rate was 2.5 percent in the early 1990s, and then dropped to 1.5 percent in the mid-1990s under Republican legislative control. In 2010, Democrats bumped it up to 1.8 percent, a rate that sunset in 2013, dropping the tax to 1.5 percent again. The 2017 session continues the Democrats’ trend of the past several years of proposing increasing the tax. Right now, Gov. Jay Inslee has proposed to increase the B&O tax rate from its current 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent, while exempting all businesses making less than $100,000 annually from the tax.

That threshold would exempt roughly 38,000 of the state’s smallest services businesses — such as accountants, attorneys and other nonSen. Sharon manufacturing Brown and sales firms. Meanwhile, roughly 170,000 businesses would still be liable for B&O taxes. Inslee’s plan on B&O taxes is predicted to raise an extra $1 billion-plus annually for education improvements. So far this session, Republicans don’t want to tinker with B&O taxes other than a bill by Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, to make manufacturing and selling modular reactors exempt from them — a tax break that will likely apply to the TriCities if local plans to nurture that industry reach fruition. The Democratic controlled House has not yet unveiled its tax plans for the 2017 session, but proposed changes in the B&O tax structure are expected. The reason: The Democrats are seeking new revenue to pay for education improvements in grades K-3 because of the Washington Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling that underfunding certain school measures is unconstitutional. For years, the Democrats have routinely sought some of the needed funding by tinkering with B&O taxes, with the GOP defeating

such efforts annually. Instead, the S e n a t e Republicans r e c e n t l y unveiled a plan to greatly change the Sen. Mark state’s property Schoesler tax system, which would have the effect of increasing such taxes in the Seattle area and shrinking the same taxes in rural Washington. Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R- Ritzville, recently said overhauling the state’s B&O tax is highly complex as part of his caucus’ reluctance to embrace that idea on a major scale. And he argued that such a measure should be HOLLINSHEAD, From page 15 She graduated from University of Washington in 2001 with a business finance degree before joining the Department of Financial Institutions as an examiner. She took evening and weekend classes at Seattle University and completed her master’s in business administration while working full time. She was promoted to her new $118,500-a-year position in December.

revenue-neutral — meaning any increase in B&O tax income must be accompanied by a similar decrease in other taxes. Meanwhile, Mark Johnson, representing the Washington Retail Association, testified at an Olympia hearing that additional B&O taxes on service business will pass those extra costs on to customers. However, David Schumacher, director of the Washington Office of Financial Management, said the business-and-occupation tax has been routinely picked as a way to get new income as a large amount of money is needed to meet the McCleary requirements. Shumacher noted that the service industry’s role in the state’s economy has grown significantly. In 1974, it made up 11 percent of the state’s economy, while in 2015 it made up 23 percent. During the same period, the manufacturing and wholesaling sectors’ shares have shrunk. “The interview process was rigorous. We had an internal and external industry panel. In addition, I spent my career building relationships with stakeholders, groups, bankers, regulators and trade organizations. I think that really gave me an advantage,” she said, adding that her predecessor, Rick Riccobono—who retired in November 2016—was very supportive of her advancement. “He was a great advocate of me.”

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Banking & Finance FIDUCIARY, From page 17 Sweezea said Primerica offers clients two different fee structures. One is a retail platform in which the client pays a sales charge when investing in a mutual fund company, like Fidelity or American Funds. Although the sales charge for every fund family may be different, the compensation to the adviser is the same no matter which one they recommend. The second option is a wrap fee-based program calculated based on the assets under management. Sweezea said most firms have already adopted more stringent guidelines even if the fiduciary rule doesn’t end up moving forward through the Department of Labor. In October 2015, he and a group of other local financial advisers sat on a panel hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce to discuss how the rule could have a negative impact on small business retirement plans, such as qualified plans and Individual Retirement Accounts. “The biggest market it will affect is middle-income households, who may not have access to fee-based advisers,” Sweezea said. “We’ve always been driven to serve clients who are just like us — mostly middle-income households who are hardworking and want to make sure they can hit retirements at some point, or they’re trying to pay off student loans or just put away smaller amounts of money.” These clients, he said, may have $10,000 to $15,000 from a 401K and are trying to figure out what to do with those assets. For example, Sweezea works with clients who may start with only $50 invested in mutual funds — the minimum they’ve established with the fund company. The new change, he says, will create more administrative costs associated with filing fees. Some companies will charge $40 every quarter, which doesn’t cover advising fees. “The additional paperwork associated with meeting the new regulatory requirements will pass the cost on to advisers in terms of compensation, which will go down and will reduce the amount of qualified people in the industry for consumers who need investment advice,” Sweezea said. “When you put a blanket resolution on everybody, it can hurt some people. Specific clients will be affected from different financial status, making them less likely to take advantages of working with an adviser.”

uBUSINESS BRIEF Legends seeks nonprofit grant applicants

Legends Casino Hotel is seeking applications through March 31 for its 10th annual Yakama Cares grant distribution. Applications undergo three to four rounds of cuts before the final selection. In the past, applications addressing youth and educational needs, medical benefits to the community or assistance to senior citizens have been given preference. In 2016, the program awarded $430,000 to 200 area nonprofits, including 13 in Benton City, Kennewick, Pasco, Prosser and Richland. Apply at legendscasino.com under the “Community” heading.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017 PETERSEN, From page 1 Q: What do you consider your key accomplishments during your career at TRIDEC?

Petersen: The “your” in the above question is simply wrong! There is not a single thing that I would consider a personal accomplishment. I only take credit for being smart enough to ALWAYS join, or work with others who actually wanted to get something done! Every item on the following list was accomplished by a group of individuals working together. • Worked with congressional offices to increase federal budgets in support of PNNL and Hanford cleanup, including funding for new facilities for PNNL. TRIDEC funding requests to Congress are made every year, with a consistent success ratio of more than 80 percent, and more than $1.4 billion in additional federal funding through the past eight to 10 years. • TRIDEC strongly supported DOE subcontracting to small businesses, with a result of more than $500 million per year going to local small business during the past 10 years. • Conduct an annual congressional staff tour of PNNL and Hanford. More than 100 congressional staff from at least three states have participated in these annual fact-finding trips. • Manhattan Project National Historical Park – signed into law in December 2015. Major credit goes to the B Reactor Museum Association, going back more than 20 years. Twenty-six individuals from across the country teamed together for nearly 10 years to gain broad political support for a national park at three locations – Oak Ridge, Los Alamos and Hanford. Congressional action was led by Congressman Doc Hastings, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, who drafted the language with very strong support by Sen. Patty Murray. • Yucca Mountain. Bob Ferguson, Bill Lampson and I were the original litigants in federal court on Yucca Mountain. Thank heaven that the attorneys general of Washington and Tennessee and Nye County joined this successful lawsuit, where the judges ruled that Yucca Mountain is the nation’s high-level waste repository – by law. • 1,641 acres of Hanford transferred from DOE to TRIDEC, and then on to the community (city of Richland, Port of Benton and Energy Northwest) at in

essence no cost. This team effort also took more than five years to achieve congressional authorization. • Public access to the top of Rattlesnake Mountain (not completely accomplished yet, but public access IS the LAW. Thanks Doc!) Q: You’ve played a key role in making sure Hanford issues stayed in front of congressional offices. What’s your most memorable conversation or interaction with an elected official?

Petersen: Meeting with Speaker of the House Tom Foley several times in late 1984 to gain congressional language authorizing the refinancing of more than $2 billion in Washington Public Power Supply System bonds. This language saved BPA and the region hundreds of millions of dollars over time. But, if you are speaking of while I’ve been here with TRIDEC, there are two: • In 2011 when Gov. Chris Gregoire, Sen. Cantwell and Congressman Hastings managed to bring Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to B Reactor for the first time. Sec. Salazar had an “Ahhh” moment when he walked into the B Reactor face. It was at that point that the secretary of interior, for the first time, got “onboard” with protecting and preserving B Reactor and forming the Manhattan Project National Park. Accompanying the governor, a congressman, a senator and the secretary of interior on a tour of B Reactor is a pretty amazing opportunity. • In summer 2013, Sen. Murray (who had been to PNNL and Hanford cleanup sites numerous times) wanted to take a tour of just the spots being recommended

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to be “in-the-park.” A small group of us were standing with her in what used to be the Hanford High School gymnasium, currently a shell, and Sen. Murray, standing there, said, “I think my father may have played one of the last basketball games in this gym, back before 1943.” Her father went to Kennewick High School. We were all struck silent! Q: How has the progress of Hanford cleanup changed during your tenure at TRIDEC?

Petersen: Even in 2004 no one realized the full breadth of the technical problems/ difficulties of cleanup, nor what the cost would be. The river corridor cleanup in the past 10 years has been an amazing success story managed by Washington Closure Hanford – ahead of schedule and under budget. Hanford cleanup is hazardous work – whether it is the Plutonium Finishing Plant, or K Basins, or the tank farm vapors. Through all that, Hanford workers have an outstanding safety record, particularly when recognizing the complexity and hazards of each job. DOE and Hanford contractors should be proud of the safety training provided at HAMMER. Personally, I am convinced that without HAMMER there would have been more accidents and possibly even deaths out on the site. TRIDEC has and will continue to support HAMMER as vital to Hanford worker safety and to the safety of firefighters, National Guardsmen,and other non-Hanford first responders fortunate enough to go through HAMMER Training.

Q: Has anything surprised you over the years? If so, what?

Petersen: It is the constant management changes at the top that is most surprising. When I tell DOE staff that there have been 38 different prime contractors at Hanford since 1965, they find it hard to believe. Or the fact that there have been 12 DOE managers (of the three DOE offices) in just the past 10 years (and this doesn’t count the four “acting” DOE managers). Then, when you look at the prime contractors, the presidents of contractor organizations typically “change out” every two to three years. DOE headquarters in D.C. has had similar and frequent change out – from assistant secretaries to the secretary of energy. Every new CEO who comes in, anywhere in the chain, brings with them some “new” idea for doing things better. Rebidding the prime contracts also brings change. Any new prime contractor requires about 18 months to completely grasp the job assigned, and then perform that assignment near 100 percent performance level. This particular job that I am in at TRIDEC has only had two incumbents in the past 53 years — Volpentest and myself. We have had the institutional knowledge that DOE and most of the contractors do not. Q: Who have your mentors been over the years and what advice of theirs did you use? Petersen: Dr. Bill Wiley – 1989 – “This is the molecular age.”

uPETERSEN, Page 22

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

PETERSEN, From page 21 We need to benefit from new technologies, new inventions and new ways to communicate. Bill had just hired me to be his director of communications for the lab. (That same year, I got my first desktop computer at PNNL. I personally didn’t get a cellphone for another 13 years – 2002). Volpentest – 2003 – right after he had asked if I wanted to work for him, and work “just 10 hours a week.” Sam said the trouble with his job (which I somehow simply acquired after Sam died at 101) is that “there will always be just one more thing you want to accomplish!” And, he was right. Q: How do you think the new Trump Administration will affect the Department of Energy and Hanford

objectives? Petersen: I think the Tri-Cities and our elected representatives are going to have to do a lot of educating of the new administration for both PNNL and Hanford cleanup. It looks to me that federal dollars for DOE will become much more limited, and we will have to fight even harder to maintain funding levels at close to what they have been. Q: What do you see as the critical issues for the region in the next five years?

Petersen: I would like to think of these as “opportunities,” not “critical issues.” • When the Manhattan Project National Historical Park fully opens to the public – meaning visitors can drive right out to B Reactor, the Bruggemann’s ranch, White Bluffs Bank and Hanford High School –

Let us clean up!

our community should/could see an influx of more than 100,000 visitors to the park each year and possibly more than a half million visitors. Last year, the park had 13,000 visitors. • Our Mid-Columbia region continues to grow. Hard to realize that 50 years ago there wasn’t a single winery within some 50 miles of the Tri-Cities. Our hospitals are world-class; tourism – from sports to scientific experiences – continue to expand; and education – from STEM schools such as Delta High to Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities are building the foundation for our future. Our Tri-Cities (all four) — two counties and three ports — need to collaborate on future planning more than ever, and I feel they are working toward this end. Q: What’s the Tri-Cities best kept secret?

Petersen: We have a number – from our wine to being the french-fry capitol of the world to the Columbia Generating Station (nuclear power plant) providing enough power to meet all of Seattle’s electrical needs, or to the fact that nearly 5 percent of the nation’s total energy production comes from nuclear fuel manufactured right here by Areva. But there are two “secrets”… that local residents don’t often think about: • The Columbia River rivershore. Because really nothing has been done to

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Areva recently advanced to phase two of the Department of Energy’s Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel Program. After completing the initial fouryear research phase, which identified promising technologies, DOE awarded the company a $10 million two-year grant, plus continued use and support of its national laboratory facilities to build on this work and develop and deploy an EATF concept for light water nuclear reactors. The grant also includes irradiation testing and licensing in preparation for the loading of lead test assemblies in a U.S. reactor in 2022. During phase two, an Areva-led team will design and develop a nuclear

the 34 miles of rivershore running through our three cities in the last 68 years. Trees, shrubs and trash bushes have simply grown up along the entire stretch of river, and it happened so slowly that we are all simply blind to the change. Five different studies have all said that the Tri-Cities rivershore is our crown jewel, and yet it is the most unkempt and underutilized property that runs through the community. • ENERGY! The Mid-Columbia region has it all, from the region’s only operating nuclear power plant to massive hydro facilities, to a national laboratory with strong capabilities in smart-grid, energy storage, management and production, and environmental protection. This region is a net exporter of carbonfree energy. We can become the Pacific Northwest’s crucible for energy policy and energy development — batteries to electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar generation, and smart appliances and smart manufacturing. Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

Petersen: Well, I am only barely past three-quarters of a century old, and while I do want to “re-learn” how to play golf, there are probably one or two items listed above that at least will keep me interested in keeping on-keeping on while trying to support the Tri-Cities!.

fuel concept using a chromium-coated zirconium alloy cladding combined with a chromia-doped fuel pellet. Areva is continuing research advancing a metallic-lined silicon carbide tube to achieve even greater benefits.

Visit Tri-Cities releases Shop & Dine brochure

Visit Tri-Cities recently released the latest edition of its Shop & Dine brochure. The complimentary guide provides information about area restaurants, retailers and specialty gift shops throughout the area. Shop & Dine is available at TriCities visitor centers, the airport kiosk, area hotels, chambers of commerce, TRAC in Pasco and wineries To receive a free brochure, call 509735-8486, go to visittri-cities.com or email a request to info@visittri-cities. com.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Chamber opposes ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to family leave legislation BY JOHN STANG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce opposes a “one-size-fits-all” approach on family leave legislation in Olympia. So far, the chamber has not taken an official position on the two plans that have begun their journey through the Legislature, waiting for more to unfold first, said Austin Neilson, the chamber’s government affairs director. “We’re definitely keeping an eye on them in terms of specific positions,” he said. The chamber does oppose a “one-sizefits-all” tactic due to differing circumstances faced by businesses of different shapes and make-ups, he said. It is relying on the Association of Washington Business to monitor the legislation. In Olympia, the individual plans of Republicans and Democrats are in the committee stage. The bills — a matching pair by Senate and House Democrats and one by Senate Republicans — are prompted by 2016’s passage of Initiative 1143, which increases the state minimum wage to $13.50 and mandates family leave for employees. The initiative passed by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin. The initiative requires employers to provide employees with paid sick leave — one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours of work starting Jan. 1, 2018. Tanya Neilsen, owner of a 39-employee fitness center in Maple Valley, noted, “The

recent minimum wage hike took $30,000 out of my business.” Paid sick leave may be used for the employee’s or a Rep. June family memRobinson ber’s injury, illness or health condition. Also, employees may use paid sick leave for absences due to closure of the employee’s work site or their child’s school or place of care due to a public health issue. Employers must pay employees using paid sick leave at their regular pay rate or the minimum wage, whichever is greater, according to a House labor committee staff memorandum. Both parties in Olympia are expanding those requirements with family leave bills. Ultimately, the Senate Republican bill and the House Democratic bill are almost sure to pass in their original chambers with the two parties likely facing negotiations on a compromise. In the House, Rep. June Robinson, D-Everett, introduced the Democratic bill. “It’s a benefit for all of us. No matter who you are, you will need this at some time in your lives,” Robinson recently told the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee. Robinson’s bill would:

• Allow 26 weeks of leave for birth or adoption of a child, a family member’s serious health problem or a military-related absence. • Allow a person to be eligible for sick leave after 340 hours of work. • Put the benefit amount at 90 percent of the person’s average weekly salary during that individual’s highest-paid six months of the person’s year of qualifying for sick leave. This applies if a person’s average weekly wage is less than under 50 percent of the average state weekly wage, which was $1,082 in 2015. A different formula is used if a person’s average weekly wage is more than 50 percent of the state average. The maximum benefit is $1,000 a week. • Require employers to pay a premium to a state fund for sick leave money of 0.255 percent of a person’s wages beginning in July 1, 2018, and then 0.51 percent on July 1, 2020, with annual adjustments later. The employer would be allowed to deduct half of the premium from a worker’s wages. So far, the Association of Washington Business has no position on this bill, other than seeking an exemption for businesses with few employees. At a recent committee hearing, medical officials and several employees supported the bill — as did the Main Street Alliance of Washington, the National Organization of Women and the Union of Food & Commercial Workers, or UFCW. The Washington State Farm Bureau, the

Washington Retail Association the Washington Food Industry Association and the Independent Business Association oppose it. “It’s embarrassing that we (the United States) are the last of 41 (top industrialized) nations to offer paid leave,” said Sarah Bird, CEO of the 160-person internet marking firm MOZ, which is based in Seattle. Lelach Rave, president of the Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatricians, said studies show that paid family leaves makes families healthier and less likely to need public assistance or hospitalization. Also, the more bonding a new mother does with her newborn child, means that mom is less likely to deal with maternal depression, she said. Single parent workers can be torn between caring for sick children and losing pay, which is a no-win situation, according to testimony. “As a low-wage worker, I cannot afford to take a day off,” said Karina Romero, a member of UFCW. Grocery and farm interests cited the tight profit margins of their industries being unable to deal with an extra premium payment for sick leave. “We’ve got a lot of businesses already complying with the minimum wage increases. … We’re concerned about how we’re going to layer this on,” said Carolyn Logue of the Washington Retail Association. uFAMILY LEAVE, Page 36

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;¢ February 2017

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

REAL ESTATE

Number of real estate agents in area climbs as housing inventory dwindles BY ELSIE PUIG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

In the Tri-Cities, it’s a seller’s market with homes listed in the morning having several offers that same afternoon. That’s good news for sellers, but not so good for buyers or real estate agents looking to pick up extra listings. With more than 800 real estate agents and fewer than 500 homes on the market, local real estate experts say there’s a bit of an imbalance. “We’ve definitely seen a significant jump and that has to do with a good economy. When business is good, you have more real estate agents who renew their license, get back in the game, and you have more people trying this as a second career,” said Steve Klaniecki, director of communications for Washington State Realtors. “But you have to remember that about 20 percent might not be actually selling homes, they just hold the license. You have commercial real estate agents, office personnel and property managers.” But Lola Franklin, president of the Tri-Cities Association of Realtors, says

the number of real estate agents has been climbing significantly for the past two years, while the number of available homes hasn’t grown to meet that demand. In December 2016, there were 459 residential listings compared to 991 listings in December 2014, according to Multiple Listing Service statistics. The association includes members from Benton, Franklin and Whitman counties and the lower Yakima Valley. “The number of listings is at an alltime low and the number of members is at an all-time high. What you get is a shortage of listings for the number of people looking to list or sell them,” Franklin said. Franklin said the association’s membership grew by 35 percent in 2015 and almost that many more last year. “It’s a fast growing area. The economy is booming, it’s attractive to many people, and mortgages have remained relatively low,” Franklin said. “The trend is likely to continue if the TriCities continues getting the positive press it’s been getting.” The state ranks No. 39 in the ratio of real estate agents to residents with one

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real estate agent for every 448 residents. By comparison, a state like Arizona — with a lot of retiring snow birds — has one agent for every 168 residents. “A lot of these new agents that are coming in don’t know it to be any different. They don’t Sara Morales Vicki Monteagudo know how it used to be before. They’re training to be successful in this new competitive market,” Franklin said. involved to make a transaction, to get “They know the amount of work the listing and to make the sale.” uREALTOR, Page 26

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

REALTOR, From page 25 There are so many brokers flooding the market that many cross over to commercial real estate without any previous knowledge on how to properly represent a client or how to negotiate a lease transaction, said Gayle Stack, designated broker, owner and commercial real estate agent at EverStar Realty in Kennewick. Although there are fewer people buying commercial properties and days on the market are lower, she said commercial real estate sales also have seen an uptick. “The homes are selling very fast,” Stack said. “I’ve worked in other markets and haven’t seen something like this. In Northern California and Denver, they always have an abundance of listings. The days on the market are longer

than what we’re seeing here.” The number of brokers flooding the market could also have a direct impact on the consumer — especially if they agree to work with an agent who might be trying real estate as a hobby or parttime job to supplement their income, said Cari McGee, broker at RE/MAX Professionals. “I don’t think the question is really if there are too many agents in the TriCities, I think the question is, ‘Are there too many part-time or hobbyist agents in the Tri-Cities?’ and the answer to that is, ‘Yes,’” McGee said. “If you have to wait to have your agent respond to your queries until their lunch break or after they get off work at 5 or 6, that’s not OK. If someone is doing it to pick up a few extra dollars on a part-time basis, it’s not

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION beneficial to the consumer.” McGee said she hasn’t felt she has needed to compete for listings since her business depends mostly on the referrals and business of loyal clients. Stack said many new real estate agents are attracted to the field by the relatively low upfront costs of becoming a real estate agent, the job flexibility and the appeal of high reward — but it’s not as straightforward it appears. “The business looks very appealing and easy for the average person, unfortunately. It’s very easy to get into, it’s relatively inexpensive and then it’s a matter of what happens after,” Stack said. “But it’s truly a full-time commitment. It’s getting up every day and getting to work. It’s putting in time and you get back what you put in. Sometimes you work on the

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weekends. You have to be super flexible.” Sara Morales, who has been a Realtor for about five years, says that she has seen a very competitive market in the last 12 months. “As a new agent, it would be hard coming in to the industry now. We can’t help but hear and be concerned about our low inventory numbers because there are so many of us in the area. You have to set yourself apart,” said Morales, an agent with Professional Realty Services in Kennewick. “It’s easy to be discouraged when there’s a new person getting their license here every day, some of them which do it part time.” She works primarily with first-time homebuyers or buyers looking for their second home — which can be a problem when there’s so little inventory to choose from, especially in the $250,000 range. Many home builders have stopped building new homes below the $200,000 range. Morales said although she has an established clientele, she still tries to set herself apart in the market — whether that’s upping the ante in marketing her services or going above and beyond for her clients. “You have to stay on top of your game. When there’s more inventory in the market, it’s a whole different ballgame,” she said. Vicki Monteagudo, Realtor and designated broker at Century 21 Tri-Cities, said there’s “two agents for every one listing, but I don’t see an issue with the amount of agents as much as we don’t have enough supply.” Monteagudo said builders are trying to overcome hurdles with land acquisition and rising prices for lots. “It’s not that they won’t build homes for under $200,000. The issue is land acquisition prices are not allowing us to build at those prices. It’s what’s driving the cost of construction and overall retail price,” Monteagudo said. But even so, there is still a lot of interest in a real estate career, Monteagudo said. Sometimes she will interview eight to eleven agents in a two-week period, but probably only one will make the cut. “Agents have to make a very deep commitment to their careers. They are putting in endless hours in a business that may not yield results. We focus on per agent productivity to make sure they are meeting their monthly goals. I am just as vested in their success,” Monteagudo said. But Monteagudo said 2018 will be better: “2017 will be a light year. We don’t have enough lots coming online, but in 2018, there will be ample supply to meet demand,” she said.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Copiers Northwest planning $1.3 million new building in Kennewick BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Copiers Northwest hopes to break ground in March on a new $1.3 million two-story building in Kennewick. The new nearly 12,000-square-foot building at 7035 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick will be next to the current Copiers Northwest office space. The company’s Kennewick office is currently in a strip mall on Clearwater, with 3,200 square feet of space. It has been there for 11 years, and it’s out of room. “We have three people in one office, two in another,” said Forrest Alexander, regional vice president for Copiers Northwest. “We have a need for more space.” Company CEO Mark Petrie and his officers have been searching for a place to expand. “It’s been about two years since we started looking for a new building,” he said. But there wasn’t anything to fit the company’s needs in the Tri-Cities, he said. Petrie said they considered leasing space but it didn’t pan out. When they found a solution, it was next door. “We bought land from the McCurley Auto Group,” Petrie said. “They don’t need the frontage on Clearwater.” “McCurley is a great customer of ours, too,” Alexander said. The “L” shaped piece of land is less than an acre, valued at $226,280 and located next to The Pub. The back part will be extra parking for the Mercedes-Benz of Tri-Cities, while Copiers Northwest-BluZEBRA Technologies will take the front portion of the property. BluZEBRA Technologies offers, among other services, managed IT ser-

vices. Petrie expects the ground-breaking to begin in March. “And it should take roughly nine months,” he said. “So it should be ready to go by the end of the year.” When completed, the new building’s ground level will be 7,600 square feet, including 2,800 square feet of warehouse space. The second floor will be 4,300 square feet. “So the total is just under 12,000 square feet,” Alexander said. Apollo Inc. is the contractor for the project. NAI Tri-Cities will work to get the upstairs portion of the new building filled with one or two businesses that will lease the space from Copiers Northwest. One of the key features of the new office building will be a loading dock to accommodate bigger delivery trucks. “We wanted something with office space, a showroom, and warehouse space,” Petrie said. Alexander said the warehouse space can serve as a mini-distribution center. “In the winter, with this location, we could deliver products down to La Grande, up to Moses Lake and over to Yakima,” Alexander said. It’s a new step for the company, Petrie said. “We’re thrilled and excited to build our own building,” he said. “Throughout the region, we’ve always moved into new buildings, or in older buildings. But we’ve never built our own until now.” Copiers Northwest celebrated its 30th year in business in 2016. The business and its sub-division, BluZEBRA Technologies, employ 252 people in 12 locations throughout Washington and Oregon. In the Tri-City-Yakima region, there are 26 employees.

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But Petrie, Alexander and Marketplace Manager Brian Fortney expect to add more. “I think for us, the local investment is amazing,” Fortney said. “The whole team (of salespeople) lives in the TriCities, and being able to give back to the community is great.” For Petrie, expanding the company in Kennewick just makes sense. “The economy is growing,” Petrie said. “We offer a really high level of customer support. And we have a super high retention rate with those customers.”

And the copy industry is growing with companies still needing copying services and products. “But the copy industry is growing much slower than IT services is growing,” Alexander said. “There is big growth in managed IT services.” For more information, call 509-7359795, email reception@copiersnw.com or visit copiersnw.com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

2620 S. WILLIAMS PLACE • KENNEWICK A new medical professional office building in Kennewick is home to an established physical therapy practice and new dental office. The one-story stucco building at 2620 S. Williams Place is home to Three Rivers Physical Therapy, which moved in August 2016, and Mid-Columbia Dental, which opened in late January. The 5,500-square-foot building includes two suites. The physical therapy clinic is in 3,500 square feet and features a large open gym area and four private treatment rooms. The dental clinic occupies 2,000 square feet and features six exam rooms. The project’s cost, including the land, was $1.4 million. Rob and Kimberly Kennell and Chad and Stefani Wilcott are the building owners, operating as RKSC LLC. The Kennells, owners of Three Rivers Physical Therapy, had gradually outgrown their former space at Cynergy Center. They began that practice in June 2006. Rob Kennell has been a physical therapist for 20 years in the Tri-Cities. Three Rivers Physical Therapy is having a patient appreciation day and open house from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 24. Dr. Tim McNamara is the owner and dentist overseeing Mid-Columbia Dental, which opened in late January. The clinic is a family, cosmetic and general dental

clinic specializing in providing patients a “five-star” experience in a relaxing atmosphere. Chervenell Construction of Kennewick was the general contractor for Mid-Columbia Dental. Gretl Crawford Homes of Kennewick was the general contractor for Three Rivers Physical Therapy. ALD Architects in Richland was the designer. JUB Engineering in Kennewick was the site engineer.

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REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Four of five Pasco parcels for sale in DNR auction have closed Bid fell through on 38 acres zoned for multi-family housing BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The sales of four of the five parcels of Pasco land auctioned by the Washington Department of Natural Resources in the fall have closed. A 38-acre parcel zoned for multifamily housing and appraised for $1.2 million did not close. The four parcels, appraised at $4.3 million, went for almost twice that amount at $8.1 million, said Bob Redling, the DNR’s public information officer for state lands, timber sales, land transactions and agency business. “It brought in a very good amount,” he said. The DNR auctioned 230 acres of prime real estate in November just south of Interstate 182 between roads 68 and 84 and Argent Road, and north of Chiawana High School. “We can’t just sell land. It’s public auction only,” Redling said. “And the state Constitution sets the limit of selling no more than 160 acres to someone.” But the land was subdivided to get around that. By the time the auction —run by Musser Brothers – ended, Pasco’s Fawn and Rosa Rupp had bought Lot 2 (102.72

acres) for $4.2 million and Lot 4 (38.9 acres) for $1.6 million. Richland’s Harold Alexander and his 7HA Family company bought Lot 5 (30.05 acres) for $1.2 million. Kennewick’s Ron Asmus won the bids for Lot 1 (37.86 acres) at about $2 million and Lot 3 (21.47 acres) at $1.1 million. But Redling said only Lot 1 which is zoned multi-family did not close. “We are considering our options in how to approach selling the remaining lot,” Redling said. Asmus did not return Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business phone calls or emails seeking comment. Redling said lots 2 through 5 are zoned residential by the city of Pasco, “but what the ultimate plans would have to be confirmed with the new land owners.” “I’ve seen plans for access roads, multi-family,” Redling said. “There’s a (possible) school-area plan.” But the other new buyers are keeping their plans close to the vest right now. “Maybe check back in a week,” said Rosa Rupp. “Right now, we don’t have anything to report.” Alexander said his lot is planned for a subdivision, and he isn’t worried about a lack of infrastructure.

The state fetched more than twice the amount of the appraised value of 192 acres just south of Interstate 182 between roads 68 and 84 that were auctioned in the fall. One of the bids — for the 38-acre multi-family zone lot— fell through. The state is considering its options for selling this parcel. (Courtesy Musser Bros.)

“Argent Road is right there, and water is available. It’s been short platted,” he said. And according to Redling, it’s the last land available from the DNR for a while. “DNR currently has no other properties in the area for sale,” he said. It’s the second time the land has been on the auction block. No buyers stepped up to buy it in 2015 because the land may have been priced too high, officials said. The minimum acceptable bids then

ranged from $512,000 to $2.66 million, but the 230 acres were divided into nine parcels compared to five parcels this time around.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;¢ February 2017

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

TRI-CITIES AIRPORT 3601 N. 20TH AVE.• PASCO

The $41.9 million Tri-Cities Airport terminal expansion project doubled the size of the terminal to 110,000 square feet. It added two new boarding concourses, reconfigured and modernized the airline ticket counters, moved the stairs and elevator to create a larger, more efficient security screening area, added a new space for Transportation Security Administration outbound baggage and screening equipment and expanded the secured boarding area to include a full-service restaurant, children’s play area and five new passenger gates. The expanded Pasco airport is a vital economic driver to the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities, allowing for new flights to new destinations and opening new markets to regional businesses. The airport itself is a big business. Commercial rents will generate about $1 million in revenue and employ 450 people The airport, a Port of Pasco facility, is the fourth largest commercial airport in the state, serving a “passenger catchment area” exceeding 1 million people. During World War II, it was a Navy air training station, and today, it is the regional gateway into the Tri-Cities.

The airport is served by four airlines that provide non-stop daily service for more than 700,000 passengers to nine major U.S. hubs, including Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Phoenix-Mesa and Las Vegas The terminal was built in 1966, remodeled in 1986, and the recent expansion is expected to serve the region’s needs for the next 20 years. The port broke ground for the expansion in September 2014 and the project touched every aspect of the airport terminal while the terminal remained open for business. The project was funded from locally-generated money and federal grants, including: • Increased fees for public parking, rental cars and airline landing fees • Passenger Facility Charge-backed airport revenue bond, $24 million • Airport cash reserve account, $6.8 million • Federal Aviation

Administration discretionary funds, $6 million • Airport Improvement Program entitlement grants, $6.9 million • TSA equipment grant, $7.8 million With the expansion complete, the port’s future plans include using a $750,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant to establish new daily air service to Southern California. The port, alongside the Tri-Cities Development Council, is marketing the route to potential airlines.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

FAMILY LEAVE, From page 23 “Our employers would love to give every employee paid family leave, but they can’t afford to do so,” said Holly Johnson of the Washington Food Industry Association, which represents independent grocers. Gary Smith of the Independent Business Association added: “It’s like having a ball and chain on your leg as you run a marathon.” Meanwhile in the Senate, Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, introduced a family leave bill that would affect companies with 50 or more employees who have worked at least 26 weeks at the firm. It would cover leave for the employee’s health and the worker caring for family members. Bill highlights include: • Covering 12 months of mother-newborn child bonding.

• Starting Jan. 1, 2020, the sick leave would have an eightweek maximum per year. The payment would be 50 percent of the employee’s Sen. Joe Fain weekly salary, with the amount not to exceed 50 percent of the average state weekly salary. • On Jan. 1, 2021, the bill would bump sick leave up to a maximum of 10 weeks per year. It would be 55 percent of an employee’s weekly wage, but will not exceed 55 percent of the state’s average weekly wage. • On Jan. 1, 2022, the limit would stay at 10 weeks per year, but the sick leave

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION wage would be 60 percent of the employee’s weekly salary, not to exceed 60 percent of the state’s average wage. • In 2023, the amount of sick leave would go up to 12 weeks a year. The weekly leave pay would be 67 percent of the employee’s average wage, not to exceed 67 percent of the average state wage. • The state would set the premium for a family leave insurance fund each year. “It’s important we have multiple options, Fain said. “This is going to be an opportunity to take some (minimum) wage gains, and put them into paid family leave. These are big issues we are grappling with,” Business interests mostly favored Fain’s bill at a recent hearing. Non-business interests tended to support Keiser’s bill at a Senate Commerce, Labor & Sports com-

mittee hearing. “Sen. Fain’s bill leaves many people out,” said Marilyn Watkins, representing the Economic Opportunity Institute, contending it does not address part-time workers and it has insufficient benefits. Alexandria Montoya of the state Board of Health said Keiser’s bill has better potential to improve economic security for workers While the Association of Washington Business took no hard stance on either bill at the recent hearing, Bob Battles, AWB’s government affairs director, said the organization leans in favor of Fain’s legislation. Dave Parker of Seattle-based Code Fellows voiced concerns about Keiser’s bill’s 26-week leave. “Everything that is mandated causes me to hit a ‘pause-andwait’ button,” he said.

MCDONALDʼS

2202 W. COURT ST.• PASCO The Pasco McDonald’s on Court Street kicked off the new year with a new look. The 6500-square-foot McDonald’s at 2202 W. Court St. features an upscale industrial contemporary theme in the main dining area, which includes comfortable variable height seating for groups, large families or individuals. The decor also features sparkle tables, tables with touch-sensitive interactive lights, televisions and an indoor play area separate from the main dining area. The Play Place features a gym-type obstacle course for the bigger kids and an area with music features for toddlers to enjoy. The area also has a coloring station and large booths for families and friends. Free WiFi is available in all the dining rooms. The Pasco eatery’s goal is to become a modern and progressive restaurant in the eyes of its customers. The building started as a standard design from the corporate company and then was individualized for the community and expected sales. Several modifications were made for customer and employee comfort and functionality. The interior portfolio also was selected and modified with customers in mind.

The renovated restaurant, which opened Jan. 2, has seating for 160 customers. It was rebuilt on the same site as the original Pasco McDonald’s, which opened in 1978. Company officials say the restaurant caters to the young, old and everyone in between to provide a comfortable atmosphere for a quick breakfast, business lunch or relaxing family dinner. McDonald’s offers healthy menu choices along with its iconic burgers and fries. The Adams brothers (Lee and Scott) have been operating the McDonald’s in Pasco since 1987, when their father retired. Adams Tri-Cities Enterprises will celebrate its 44th anniversary later this year as a franchisee of the McDonald’s restaurants in the Tri-Cities and is proud to be the local owners and operators of the No. 1 quick service restaurant in this area. Scott Adams oversaw the design modifications and construction layout.

Pasco’s McDonald’s features tables with touch-sensitive interactive lights called sparkle tables.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Real Estate & Construction uBUSINESS BRIEFS Lourdes offers bariatric, metabolic surgery seminars

Lourdes Medical Center is offering free monthly information seminars about its program providing metabolic and bariatric surgery. Call 509-416-8875 or visit lourdesbar iatrics.com to reserve a spot. Lourdes Health Network is a member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system.

Demolition of McCluskey Room underway

CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation recently began demolishing the Americium Recovery Facility, also known as the McCluskey Room, at Hanford. The facility is the second of four major buildings that make up the Plutonium Finishing Plant to undergo demolition. During plutonium production, the ARF separated radioactive americium for other uses until a chemical reaction and explosion inside processing equipment occurred in 1976, exposing worker Harold McCluskey to a dose of radioactive americium that was 500 times the amount deemed safe. He was seriously injured and died 11 years later of unrelated causes. The facility never resumed operations after the 1976 incident. CH2M crews began demolition preparations in the room in 2014. Demolition of the entire PFP complex is scheduled to be completed by September.

Applicants sought for city boards, commissions

The Pasco City Council is looking for community-minded residents who wish to play an active role in making Pasco a better place to work and live by serving on a city board or commission. For more information or to submit an application, visit pasco-wa.gov/boards, call 509-545-3404 or stop by the city manager’s office at 525 N. Third Ave. in Pasco. The deadline to apply is Feb. 24.

WSU Global Campus earns top ranking

U.S. News and World Report has ranked Washington State University Global Campus among the top 15 undergraduate online degree programs in the nation; its online master’s in business administration program 27th in the nation; and its online graduate engineering program 28th in the nation. The 2017 Best Online Bachelor’s programs report evaluated data collected from 311 schools in the categories of student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation and student services and technology. WSU’s Global Campus offers 10 undergraduate and 12 graduate degrees in many disciplines, as well as numerous minors and certificates. Global Campus enrolls students from the U.S. and the world. Visit online.wsu. edu for more information.

uNETWORKING Hildenbrand, Palm join Numerica Credit Union

Numerica Credit Union has added two staff members to its Richland operations. Deanna Hildenbrand has joined as assistant vice president for marketing and commuDeanna Hildenbrand nications. She has more than 21 years of experience, specializing in brand strategy as well as management in marketing and corporate communications. She serves on the Children’s Health

Council and was previously at a marketing and advertising firm. Chris Palm has joined Numerica as a senior loan officer. With more than 13 years of experience in insurance, he has spent the last two years in the financial industry. He has a degree in Chris Palm communications from the Masters University in Santa Clarita. Numerica Credit Union has more than 126,500 members throughout Central and Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, and $1.7 billion in assets.

Nettles joins Desert Canyon Mortgage

Jamie Nettles has joined Desert Canyon Mortgage Co. in Kennewick as a mortgage loan officer. Nettles previously worked in retail banking, including nine years as a branch manager. She will help customers with all aspects of the home ownership process, Jamie Nettles from first-time homebuyers to upgrading and reverse mortgages. Desert Canyon Mortgage has been locally owned and operated since 1998.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

A TO Z RENTALS

2901 W. SECOND AVE.• KENNEWICK A to Z Rentals has opened its first location in the Tri-Cities. The Spokane-based equipment rental company is on 1.25 acres at 2901 W. Second Ave. in Kennewick. The third-generation locally-owned company has seven locations, including three in Idaho. The company rents everything from earth moving equipment to landscaping equipment to party supplies. Company officials are “very excited” to bring the store to the Tri-Cities and be a part of the community. Hawley Construction is the general contractor. Designer is Martin Hill. For more information, visit rentatoz.com, call 509-579-0300 or find them on Facebook.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Water rights, education top new BIAW president’s priority list BY KRISTINA LORD

editor@tcjournal.biz

Water rights and education are among the top priorities for the new president of the Building Industry Association of Washington. Ted Clifton recently stepped into the leadership position of the Olympia-based association that represents member companies in the home-building industry. He was in the Tri-Cities last month to make sure he heard from local members about their concerns, because “it’s a different world than in Western Washington.” Clifton, 61, who lives in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, said the state association has 7,500 members, down from the 13,000 it had before the economic downturn. He joined the agency in 1993. Some members were lost from attrition, he said. “So much of our industry is 60-plus,” he said. That’s why training a younger work force is critical, he said. “We have kids looking at their devices saying, ‘I want to build one of these someday,’ and not looking up at tall buildings and saying, ‘I want to build one of these someday,” he said. Among his goals as president of the state organization is to improve the organization’s builder education program. More than 2,400 people attended 230 classes offered through the BIAW education program last year. “One of my pushes is to get our education aimed at the worker. The more my

worker knows, the less I have to explain three times,” Clifton said, who also said that when you “train a work force, you can start being profitable.” Clifton said BIAW is very concerned about the state Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Whatcom County v. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board, known as the Hirst decision. It’s a major blow to the residential building industry, he said. At the heart of the court ruling is water access in rural communities under the Growth Management Act. Prior to the case, the Legislature established that up to 5,000 gallons of water per day could be withdrawn from new wells for domestic purposes, according to Dave Main, BIAW’s immediate past president. “If they met the threshold, new wells were exempt from permitting and water right requirements for new homes, among other uses. While the law still exists, the Supreme Court decision issued on Oct. 6 effectively erases the exemption from the law — and brings the construction of rural homes to a standstill,” wrote Main in a recent issue of the agency’s magazine “Building Insight.” Clifton isn’t sure what the solution is but he doesn’t think there’s one to be had in the state. “There are too many morons in a position of power,” he said. “You can quote me on that.”

Ted Clifton, president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, spoke at a Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities meeting last month about his goals for the upcoming year.

Clifton expects appeals to reach the federal level. “Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness… it was put No. 1 for a reason. Water is life. It is the most fundamental building block. The federal government

gave unto itself certain powers but not to regulate water … It was passed on to the states. The states can regulate water but cannot deny water. I believe we can win that case in federal court,” he said.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

WALLA WALLA VETERANS HOME 92 WAINWRIGHT DRIVE• WALLA WALLA

The new Walla Walla Veterans Home welcomed its first residents Feb. 15. The $34 million center, on the campus of the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, features 80 nursing home beds. The facility will provide 24-hour nursing care, specifically for short-term Medicare A rehabilitative care, long-term nursing care and end-of-life care, including hospice. The center will draw residents from the nearest 10 counties, including Benton and Franklin counties, where about 50,000 veterans live. Of these, 20,000 are 65 or older. The state and federal governments are jointly paying for the project with 65 percent of the cost paid by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, or about $22 million, and 35 percent paid by the state, or about $12 million. The new home will serve veterans and in some cases their spouses or widows, and create 100 permanent jobs in Walla Walla. Ongoing operating costs are projected at $6.8 million for this fiscal year. However, the facility will operate without ongoing state appropriations, instead relying on Medicaid, VA per diem, Medicare and local contributions. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have served at any time in any branch of the Armed Forces; received an honorable discharge; live in Washington state; be the spouse or widow of an eligible veteran; or be a Gold Star parent, which is a parent of a service

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member killed in action. Veterans with a disability rating between 70 percent and 100 percent receive nursing home care at no cost. The center will dedicate one 10-bed house to care for veterans with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Washington’s other state veterans’ homes are in

Orting, Retsil and Spokane. The Walla Walla Veterans Home will celebrate its grand opening at 1 p.m. Feb. 18. To RSVP, call 800562-0132, then press option 1. For more information about admissions, contact Lonna Leno at 509-540-0312 or at lonnl@dva.wa.gov.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Pinnacle Pain Center rebrands to Lynx Healthcare after renovations BY SEAN BASSINGER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Mid-Columbia residents seeking relief from chronic back, neck, arthritic, cancer or other chronic or acute pain have more options available to them with Lynx Healthcare’s recent Kennewick expansion. Formerly Pinnacle Pain Center in Kennewick, the Tri-City pain clinic rebranded with a series of other clinics as part of Lynx Healthcare. “We wanted to kind of centralize our brand, so we just switched everything to Lynx Healthcare. ... You’re able to get the multidisciplinary approach within one group,” said Isaac Butts, director of physician relations and referral coordinator for Lynx Healthcare. The health care parent company completed its latest renovation at 741 W. Hood Place in Kennewick and on the sixth floor of the Trios Care Center at Southridge about five months ago. It also opened a new administrative center in the Benton-Franklin Title Company building at 3315 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick. The series of renovations at Lynx Healthcare clinics in Kennewick and Walla Walla cost about $185,000. The company saved roughly $80,000 on remodeling costs through tenant improvement incentives, since it leases out each of its properties. Some work was contracted while staff at the clinics helped with other parts of the remodel. “A lot of the stuff we did ourselves, which is crazy when you honestly think about it,” Butts said. “It definitely helps with savings.” The projects include the 7,500-squarefoot Hood Place clinic, formerly Pinnacle Pain Center; the 7,500-square-foot administration center on Clearwater Avenue; a 7,500-square-foot clinic on the sixth floor of the Trios Care Center at Southridge; and the 4,000-square-foot Walla Walla clinic. Roughly 60 employees work in the Lynx administrative offices in Kennewick and 11 physicians work between the two Tri-Cities clinics. Lynx Healthcare officials say they plan to hire more doctors, providers and people working at the front desk for the

Lynx Healthcare recently completed the remodel of the clinic formerly known as Pinnacle Pain Center at 741 W. Hood Place in Kennewick. The clinic was remodeled to make room for primary care programs as well as chiropractic, massage and pain management services. (Courtesy Lynx Healthcare)

newly renovated locations. Lynx Healthcare also plans to hire at least 60 more staff for their administrative offices. “We’ve loved the fact that we’ve been able to expand and provide many more jobs for the people here in the Tri-Cities. It’s just been extremely rewarding for me to be a part of that and play a major role,” said Dr. Daniel Smith, chief medical officer at Lynx Healthcare. The Hood Place clinic was remodeled to make room for primary care, chiropractic and massage and pain management programs. During the remodel, patient traffic was

redirected to the new Southridge clinic. This helped that practice get ready for the transition and hiring process when the Hood Place clinic reopened, Smith said. “Our staff was very understanding,” Smith said. “Luckily, it didn’t really interrupt a lot of patient flow.” Smith, who has a background in anesthesiology, arrived in the Tri-Cities in July 2015. He is a co-owner with Ian Evans, CEO of Lynx Healthcare. Evans bought the practice from Dr. Matthew Peterson in January 2015. “We came together and formulated a plan to take over for Dr. Peterson,” Smith said. “He accepted and we ran it from

there.” Their clinics have since added a variety of services to help with pain relief. Physicians at Lynx are among the 7 percent of doctors in the country with the accreditation to prescribe opioid painkillers, though they like to try other methods first, Butts said. “Some patients, that’s what they need,” he said. “But that’s not our go-to. We do offer it. ... They are board certified, legit pain specialists who can prescribe opioids obviously in a very professional and safe manner for patients when needed.” One of their most effective options is a spinal cord stimulator, which patients can get implanted into their back. Smith performs implants of the spinal cord stimulation, which connects to nerves that block pain. “It extends my abilities by utilizing medical assistance in that way,” Smith said. Smith said he finds the entire process very rewarding. These types of procedures have been helpful for patients who otherwise would’ve undergone major surgery, Smith said. The implants can take about six to eight weeks to perform. Patients have reported significant pain reduction, Butts said. “People go from having 95 percent pain to putting a spinal cord stimulator in and leaving with 5 percent, 0 percent pain,” he said. uLYNX, Page 42

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

uNETWORKING Wideman named director of HR at PNNL

Cheri Collins Wideman has been named director of human resources at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Wideman joins the Cheri Collins Department of Wideman Energy laboratory after serving in several key leadership positions at Philadelphia-based FMC Corp., most recently as director of its Human

Resources for Global Corporate Functions and Talen Acquisition. At PNNL, Wideman will lead a team of 65 and direct the lab’s compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, diversity, leadership and staff development, work-based learning, labor relations and other key HR functions. Wideman earned a bachelor’s degree in food systems economics and management from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University.

Dr. Washington joins Trios Medical Group

Neurologist Dr. Clarence Washington has joined Trios Medical GroupNeurology.

He previously practiced in Richland and has provided neurological consulting services to area hospitals since 1980. Washington received his medical degree from the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He comDr. Clarence pleted an Washington internship at U.S. Public Service Hospital in Staten Island, New York; medical residency at U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland; and neurology residency at

the University of Washington. He is board certified in neurology and internal medicine. Washington is accepting new patients to his practice at Trios Care Center at Southridge in Kennewick. Trios Health is the Kennewick Public Hospital District’s system of care serving the greater Tri-Cities.

Manley, Nelson named Focal Point partners

Thomas Manley and Derek Nelson have joined Theresa Long, managing partner, and Mitch Lewis, partner, as partners of Focal Point Marketing, a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Kennewick. Thomas Manley has served as creative director since the agency’s founding in 2010. Nelson joined the firm in Thomas Manley 2013 and is director of digital media. Manley has been crafting successful brands for more than 12 years. He attended the Art Institute of Seattle, School of Design. In addition to his new partnership role, Manley will continue to serve as creDerek Nelson ative director and brand strategist. Derek Nelson earned a bachelor’s in digital technology and culture from Washington State University. In addition to partner responsibilities, he will continue as digital media director, managing a team of marketing and advertising professionals who specialize in the implementation of a variety of digital and web advertising mediums.

LYNX, From page 41 The spinal cord stimulator and other types of injections usually are the best options compared to opioid painkillers, Butts said. “This can be seen as a much safer route,” he said. The Kennewick pain clinics also can use stem cell injections to help regrow cartilage. These procedures can serve as an alternative to knee replacement surgery, Butts said. “Essentially, you can take your knee and go back in time with it, which is phenomenal,” he said. Lynx Healthcare also offers platelet rich plasma treatments, epidural injections, nerve blocks, trigger point injections and Botox. More information on Lynx Healthcare can be found at https://lynx.healthcare or by calling 509-591-0700.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

VITICULTURE

Wine Science Center a boon to state viticulture, enology industry BY AUDRA DISTIFENO

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The region’s wine leaders realized several years ago that an investment in students and research would ultimately lead to a more lucrative statewide industry. The students have come and the research is underway with the opening of the Washington State University Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center in Richland. “Industry leaders said, ‘We have more than 900 wineries in the state, we need qualified people to work in our vineyards and wineries, and we need research,’ ” said Kaury Balcom, WSU public relations and communications coordinator for the viticulture and enology program. The center opened in 2015, thanks to more than $23 million in industry funding, Balcom said. Every worldwide wine area has a university for research, so it was a necessary and natural step, with Washington being the second largest premium wine producer and largest grape producer in the nation, she said. The 40,000-square-foot wine center in north Richland provides viticulture and enology professionals with a teaching

Hilan Piao, WSU research associate for the viticulture and enology program, takes samples of research wine for analysis at the Wine Science Center in Richland. The 40,000-square-foot facility boasts a state-of-the-art research and teaching winery, complete with labs, classrooms and meeting spaces.

winery, research laboratories, classrooms and meeting spaces.

Fertile grounds for research

But it’s the facility’s research that matters most, officials say. “Viticulture and enology research excellence is a strategic imperative for the continued successful growth of the Washington state wine industry. The …

Wine Science Center and the researchers at WSU are playing a starring role in our industry life story,” said Steve Warner, Washington State Wine Commission president. Nearly 25 percent of the center’s annual budget, or more than $1.3 million, supports viticulture and enology research, including a 10-year $7.4 million commitment to the construction of the Wine Science Center –

paid through grower and winery assessments. “We’ve completed two harvests here in the Wine Science Center – two entire productions of research wines,” Balcom said. “It’s the first time ever on-site, which is exciting.” Research varies, with 13 projects in progress, ranging from “Smoke Taint of Grapes and Wine” to “Spray Application Technologies” and “Grapevine Leafroll and Red Blotch Diseases in Washington.” The smoke taint project has gained international attention, Balcom said. “We’re measuring the effect of wildfires (and smoke) on the vines, the fruit and in the wine. They built a hoophouse shelter for vines and hooked a Traeger smoker up to simulate smoke damage from wildfires,” Balcom said. “We’ve seen wildfires increase like crazy over the past few years, not just in Washington state, but also in California and Australia’s wine grape growing regions. The research results could potentially help the industry worldwide.” Last year’s crown gall research project studied the disease’s effects on vines, Balcom said. “The research will continue, as funding continues to come in,” she said. uWSU, Page 46

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

VITICULTURE

Washington’s wine production shifts firmly into reds BY WINE SCIENCE NEWS

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Washington state has produced more red wine than white since 2013, a trend that appears likely to continue into the foreseeable future. (Courtesy Wine News Service)

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Politically, Washington’s Columbia Valley has been the red part of a blue state for decades. And when it comes to wine, Washington has shifted firmly to being a red wine-producing state. The last year Washington produced more white wine than red was in 2012, and it’s likely to be the last for the foreseeable future. When Charlie Hoppes of Fidelitas Wines in Richland started making wine in Washington 28 years ago, white wines – Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – made up about 90 percent of the production. “Reds were sort of a novelty thing I did,” he said. “People liked them, but they were so focused on whites, it was sort of an afterthought.” Hoppes noticed a shift toward reds in the early ‘90s, after he arrived as the red winemaker for Château Ste. Michelle. The company recognized the trend, too, and built a red-wine making facility in 1994 in the Horse Heaven Hills south of Prosser “We knew we needed to get on board and start making some red wine,” Hoppes said. It started with Merlot, one of the primary grapes of France’s Bordeaux region. By 1995, Washington was crushing 10,000 tons of Merlot each fall. Nationally, Washington was gaining a reputation for Merlot, a grape that did not grow so well in California. For the past four years, Washington winemakers have crushed in excess of 36,000 tons of Merlot each harvest, even as interest in the wine has started to wane a bit. In 1985, the first Syrah was planted in Washington in the Yakima Valley. It was virtually unknown before that because no one is quite sure how the tender Mediterranean variety would handle Washington’s occasionally harsh winters. But interest grew each year and, by 2008, more than 10,000 tons were crushed each harvest. Since 2013, Syrah production has hit 15,000 tons each harvest. While interest is slowing in Syrah, it is still being planted and turned into high-end wines. Global interest in Syrah has slowed in recent years, primarily from a glut of under-

priced Australian Shiraz (the same grape as Syrah) that flooded the market. Fortunately, high-end Syrah remains a viable market for top Washington producers. Perhaps surprisingly, the top wine grape in Washington is Cabernet Sauvignon – known among winemakers as King Cab because of its higher prices, quality of the wine and dominance in Bordeaux and Napa Valley. In 2000, Cabernet Sauvignon hit 13,000 tons harvested in Washington — passing the 10,000-ton mark for the first time. It increased in 2015 to 47,000 tons of Cabernet in Washington. The sweet spot for growing Cabernet appears to be the Horse Heaven Hills, primarily around the town of Alderdale. Of the nearly 11,000 acres of red wine grapes being grown in the Horse Heaven Hills, nearly 7,000 of them are Cabernet Sauvignon being grown primarily for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates which use the grapes for such brands as Château Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest and 14 Hands. Hoppes now focuses the majority of his production on red wines, making up to six different bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon annually. Nearly all of his grapes come from Red Mountain, the smallest American Viticultural Area in the state. Near West Richland, it is considered by many to be the top area in the state for wine grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the 2,000 acres of grapes planted on Red Mountain, more than 90 percent are red wine varieties. This trend toward red is mirrored in the Walla Walla Valley, where few white varieties are grown. Interestingly, this has occurred for very different reasons than Red Mountain. While Red Mountain is warm and conducive to red varieties, the Walla Walla Valley is a relatively cool area, more similar to the Yakima Valley, which is home to more white varieties. Walla Walla, however, developed into a red wine area primarily on the reputation of its early producers. Wineries such as Leonetti Cellar, Woodward Canyon and L’Ecole No. 41 gained fame in the early 1980s for red wines. As that fame grew, more red grapes were planted. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is the top grape. Of the 2,700 acres of wine grapes grown there, the top seven are red varieties. uTRENDS, Page 49

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

VITICULTURE

Cities build wine waste treatment plants to lure wineries grapes planted on about 53,000 acres. The overall state revenue from wine sales has been about $4.8 billion annually since 2015.

BY SEAN BASSINGER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Even the sweetest wine has waste. That’s why two Eastern Washington cities have invested in special wastewater treatment facilities to handle wine effluent. It’s not a glamorous piece of the wine industry, but it’s a critical part of a continued multimillion-dollar effort to draw more wineries to the Tri-City area. The $3.2 million West Richland industrial wastewater treatment plant, known as the I-Plant, opened before last year’s first crush. It treats all the effluent before any remaining waste gets processed through West Richland’s sewer system. It’s an expensive business and relieves wineries of building their own expensive on-site pretreatment facilities without taxing the municipal wastewater treatment plants. Kennewick’s smaller wine wastewater treatment facility at the Columbia Gardens Wine Village won’t be as visible as West Richland’s. The city will have a room for the controls and to monitor the effluent wastewater process, but the tank itself will be underground. The city of Kennewick is working on the installation as well as street improvements that include sidewalks, lights and additional work on the scenic nature trail by Duffy’s Pond near Columbia Gardens. “The city’s commitment was to do that so we could attract wineries to that area,”

900 Estimated

number of wineries in Washington state.

The $3.2 million West Richland industrial wastewater treatment plant, known as the I-Plant, opened before last year’s first crush. It’s a plant that treats all the effluent before any remaining waste gets processed through West Richland’s sewer system. (Courtesy city of West Richland)

said Evelyn Lusignan, public relations and government affairs director for Kennewick. “We were initially looking at full on-site treatment.” But the city and Port of Kennewick, which is developing the wine village, decided it would be much cheaper and efficient to just account for the first wineries coming in. “It’ll be significantly less than the $800,000 that we initially budgeted,” Lusignan said. So far, they’ve spent about $200,000 for the engineering and all the work to date. Kennewick and West Richland’s

efforts to lure wineries to town are an attempt to accommodate the state’s growing wine industry. Several similar localized projects are underway across the state, said Josh McDonald, executive director at the Washington Wine Institute. “We are the second-largest wine producing state in the country, behind California, of course,” McDonald said. “And we’re growing a lot faster.” The Washington Wine Commission estimates about four new wineries a month pop up in Washington, McDonald said. The commission recently reported that the state has about 900 wineries and

Two Washington wineries — Palencia Wine Co. and Bartholomew Winery — and another unannounced third are planned to open this year at Columbia Gardens in Kennewick, a 5.4-acre project that’s a partnership between the city and port. Kennewick’s modest pre-treatment facility will be 8-by-16 feet with a 5,000-gallon treatment tank. The city estimates the tank will discharge about 162,000 gallons annually. The city would receive about $2,000 a year for standard water and sewer utility service based on that usage, Lusignan said. “The wineries will dump their effluent into a holding tank, the city will continually monitor that and add substances to reduce the pH and then discharge it into their sewer system,” Lusignan said. uWASTEWATER, Page 48

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

WSU, From page 43 The viticulture and enology program received $278,000 earlier this month from Auction of Washington Wines, the fundraising arm of Washington State Wine. “The funds will strictly be used for research,” Balcom said. About 100 people are expected to participate in an upcoming symposium, “Climate Extremes: Is the Pacific Northwest Wine Industry Ready?,” on March 17 at the WSU East Auditorium, Richland. Researchers and industry leaders will discuss climate trends, effects of extreme weather, solutions for mitigating damage and resources. (See story on page 50.) “Many of the research trials are in the preliminary stages, but all have a goal of helping all our winemakers and growers,

VITICULTURE

Grape and wine research funding sources are a unique blend of public, private and industry u u u u

Washington State Wine Commission - $205,000 Auction of Washington Wines - $200,000 WSU-Ag Research Center - $215,000 State tax on all wine sold - $250,000

from our smallest to our largest, makes the best wines in the world. “Past research outcomes have been game-changers for the industry by helping growers conserve up to 50 percent in water savings, reduce chemical inputs, reduce wine spoilage and know when vines need cold protection, to name a few,” Warner said.

Research funding sources include public, private and industry groups. Research takes place at the Wine Science Center, WSU Pullman and the Irrigated Agriculture, Research and Extension Center in Prosser.

Program sees growth

The college’s viticulture and enology

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program has seen student enrollment growth and currently has 114 students registered. “We saw the largest (viticulture and enology) graduating class last spring and this year’s class is even larger,” Balcom said. Seven full-time and 23 part-time faculty oversee the program. Undergraduate viticulture and enology majors are part of the Integrated Plant Sciences Bachelor of Science Degree program, and undergrads have the option of seeking a viticulture and enology minor in combination with horticulture or wine business management, the first of its kind in the Northwest. The undergrad curriculum covers topics from grapevine physiology to vineyard and winery equipment systems and chemistry/biochemistry of fruit and wine. Graduate students can choose a master’s of science or doctorate degrees focused on viticulture, enology or grapevine diseases, and pests, soils, climate and engineering research. “Our enrollment has grown so much that we’re trying to finish building lab space. We need to finish spaces for more students to work,” Balcom said. “It’s already in the footprint, but the rooms are down to the studs right now. We are in the process of looking for funding and are actively looking for donations.” The Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology, or WAVE, event last year allowed researchers to report back to industry representatives about their project results. “We want to tell them (industry leaders) what we’re doing, so WAVE was a great way to do that,” Balcom said. This year, three separate WAVE events will be hosted – one in Walla Walla, one in Woodinville and the other in the Columbia Valley. The Wine Science Center helps to carry out research from vineyard to winery, berry to bottle, as the industry strives to improve wine quality, Warner said. “Research conducted at the Wine Science Center is industry-driven, with research priorities set by the wine industry, as a result of a strong partnership between the wine industry and WSU,” he said. “Researchers will help us identify locations for new vineyards, improve vineyard and winery management practices, manage grapevine viruses, and so much more.” Last year’s first research conference drew a sold-out crowd, validating the importance of world class research to the state’s wine industry, Warner said. “We’re lucky to have a state-of-the-art program right here in Washington and are committed to supporting research now and in the future, as we believe it will accelerate our growth and differentiate us on the global stage,” he said. The Wine Science Center already has paid large dividends for the industry, Balcom said. “We’re seeing student numbers rise, more research dollars than ever before, and are very well-supported. We’re in a great place and looking forward to what is to come,” she said.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Viticulture

State legislators keen on supporting state’s growing wine industry Wine growlers, wine at movies among proposed bills in Olympia

BY JOHN STANG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The state’s wine industry — with the Mid-Columbia at the center — is in great shape and getting better as several state legislators push bills to improve sales in Washington. The state has about 900 wineries — compared to about 300 in 2004 — with an average of four new ones sprouting up each month. Steve Warner, president of the Washington State Wine Commission, and Josh McDonald, executive director of the Washington Wine Institute, recently briefed the Senate Commerce, Labor & Sports Committee on the industry’s economic situation. The state has roughly 350 grape growers using about 53,000 acres, according to the wine commission. Washington’s 2015 wine grape production totaled 222,000 tons with the average price per ton at $1,145, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s been a steady climb for the Washington wine industry in the past decade. The state’s wineries crushed 156,000 tons of grapes in 2009, a total that grew to 210,000 tons in 2013. That trans-

lates to 10.9 million cases in 2009 and 14.8 million cases in 2013. More importantly, wine sales grew from $1.07 billion in 2009 to $1.5 billion in 2013. In 2015, the state’s wineries crushed 47,000 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, 44,000 tons of Riesling, 42,000 tons of Chardonnay, 35,000 tons of Merlot, 16,000 tons of Syrah, 9,000 tons of Pinot Gris, 6,000 tons of Sauvignon Blanc, 3,000 tons of Cabernet Franc, 2,000 tons of Malbec and 2,000 tons of Gewürztraminer. According to wine commission statistics, Washington produces the world’s largest percentage of wines scoring 90 or more, while also being the least expensive among those high-quality wines. Forty-six percent of Washington’s wines from 2009 to 2015 scored 90 points or higher in ratings by major wine publications. During the same period, 45 percent of Oregon wines scored 90 or higher, France 41 percent, Italy 34 percent and California at 32 percent. From 2009 to 2015, the average price of a Washington wine scoring 90 points or higher was $43. Other wines of similar quality in the same period broke down as Oregon, $49; Italy, $69; California, $73; and France, $95. State legislators are keen on helping to

Pinot Gris vines at Hogue Ranches in Prosser. (Courtesy WSU)

support the burgeoning industry. Here are some of the wine-related bills working their way through the Legislature:

Wine growlers

House Bill 1039 by Rep. Sharon Wylie, D-Vancouver, would allow restaurants and other non-winery establishments that are allowed to sell beer or cider in growlers to also be permitted to sell wine in them. “Wine has been sold this way in Europe for many, many years,” Wylie recently told the House Commerce & Gaming Committee. Bell, Beveridge and Jordan Rabinowe of Proletariat Wine Co. in Walla Walla support the idea, saying it would be another way for wineries to expand their

sales. “With growlers, we can increase the volume sold, which helps small businesses,” Rabinowe said. Bell said, “We’ve filled growlers for two years at our winery. There’s no reason we can’t do this elsewhere.” Beveridge added, “Now’s the time for wine growlers for Washington state. … The top restaurants in Washington state are pouring wine from the tap. They would be willing to use growlers.” However, McDonald and Katie Jacoy of the Wine Institute of California opposed the bill. Both argued that having wine sold in growlers presents quality control problems because their members’ labels won’t be on the containers leaving the restaurant or grocery. uBILLS, Page 52

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

WASTEWATER, From page 45 She said it’s uncommon for wineries to install such treatment facilities. “It can be very costly to build a pretreatment or treatment facility,” she said. “It’s not about size. It’s being designed for what the goal was — making it possible for these wineries to go in and be the catalyst for their wine village.” West Richland’s I-Plant can handle wastewater from the production of up to 2.5 million cases of wine annually. It can also treat wastewater from local breweries, creameries and distilleries. The city is seeking permits from the Department of Ecology to reuse the treated water, said Drew Woodruff, West Richland’s city engineer. Double Canyon Winery has broken ground on a 47,000-square-foot winemaking facility just across the street from Pacific Rim Winemakers on Keene Road in West Richland. It plans to be operational for this fall’s crush. West Richland and Double Canyon are negotiating on the winery’s plans to discharge wastewater into the I-Plant from the production of 45,000 cases of premium wine, Woodruff said. West Richland expects interest in the I-Plant to grow hand-in-hand with the burgeoning wine industry. “There’s land available (nearby) that could come up at any time with a new winery,” Woodruff said.

INCUBATOR, From page 1 Along with the $2 million the port invested in roads and infrastructure for Vintner Village, private investments from businesses totaled between $30 million and $40 million, Keller said. The port bought the 25 acres to the south of the development for $1.2 million and invested another $1.5 million in infrastructure, and for the past three to four years has been working to sell the lots in Vintner Village II. However, commercial lending has tightened since the financial crisis and growth stalled. “We’ve got 15 lots that we’ve been trying to move, but things have slowed down a little bit,” Keller said. “We think once we build or start building there, it will be like Vintner Village.” Instead of waiting for businesses to build their own places in Vintner Village II, the port is creating a $2 million home for them to spur growth. Each of the bays in the new building will feature 500 square feet of office/retail space and another 2,000 square feet for manufacturing and storage. “What’s really cool is the entire infrastructure is built in. Walking paths between the lots, nice street lamps. It’s all set up for boutique operations,” Keller said. “Water, sewer and electrical is all set in. Even the irrigation.” The incubator bays won’t be exclusively for wineries, Keller said, though the port has “learned from past experience to put in floor drains. … We have one winery and a start-up brewery

Viticulture

An artist’s rendering of the planned Vintner Village II incubator building in Prosser. The Prosser Economic Development Association plans to occupy one of the spaces. Richland’s ALD Architects designed the building. (Courtesy Port of Benton)

ready to (get started).” Although Keller can’t elaborate on details yet because no contracts have been signed, he said the port has already received several calls since announcing plans to build the incubator. “We’ve had several wineries that want to expand to this area, and they want a tasting room here,” he said. Jason Archibald of ALD Architects in Richland designed the building, which will feature high ceilings and possibly a large garage door out back, Keller said. The exterior will be metal but will fit in well with the look of the surrounding businesses. The port plans to put the project out for bid within the next month. Along with the three bays, an adjacent building on the west end will add another 1,500 square feet of space and be used by PEDA. The association currently operates out of the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center building on Wine Country Road. PEDA works to recruit new business, retain existing business and promote the economic welfare in the greater Prosser area. Major public funding

partners include the city of Prosser, Port of Benton and Benton County. To help attract companies to the new development, Keller said they’ll price the bays with a lower rate for small businesses trying to expand or start up. Established companies will receive the existing business market rate, which has not been confirmed yet. Once businesses grow, Keller said the hope is the will build their own facility in the 22 remaining acres in the development, which will allow a new company to move into the vacated bay. Keller said he’d eventually like to see restaurants, specialty food retail stores, or any business that could complement the wine industry — such as a barrel manufacturing — move into the area. With construction set to begin this spring, the building likely will not be complete until the end of the year. Businesses interested in learning more about Vintner Village II can contact the Port of Benton at 509-3753060 or info@portofbenton.com.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Viticulture

New clean plant center director hired to protect Northwest crops BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

The top priority for the new director of Clean Plant Center Northwest in Prosser is to increase the region’s supply of virusfree fruit trees, vines and hops. “The front line of the battle against viruses is clean material,” said Scott Harper, who was hired Jan. 3 to run the center Scott Harper at Washington State University’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser. “Once viruses are in, it’s very difficult to slow them down.” Harper will help growers stop devastating crop viruses before they gain a foothold. The virologist and former scientist and regulator at New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center was hired following an international search that drew heavily on industry input. “Our goal was to find a strong scientist and effective manager who would partner with stakeholders to come up with solutions,” said Kate Woods, vice president of the Northwest Horticultural Council and search committee member. “With the center’s role providing quarantine services for imported plants, Dr. Harper’s regulatory experience is a valued bonus.” Founded in 1961, the Clean Plant Center Northwest safeguards more than 1,800 fruit tree, grapevine and hop selections from viruses in insect-proof greenhouses. Last year, staff distributed more than 13,700 grapevine cuttings, 6,500 fruit tree buds, 1,800 hop cuttings and

Charlie Hoppes of Fidelitas Wines in Richland focuses the majority of his production on red wines, making up to six different bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon annually. (Courtesy Wine News Service)

Scott Harper, a virologist, is the new director of Clean Plant Center Northwest in Prosser. He joined the center last month to oversee the center’s work to stop devastating crop viruses before they gain a foothold. These are Pinot Gris vines at Hogue Ranches in Prosser. (Courtesy WSU)

dozens of grape and hop plants to nurseries and growers across the country. “Scott has good ideas and is willing to collaborate for success,” said Rick Hamman, search committee member and viticulture manager for Hogue Ranches. Harper said he plans to expand the center’s diagnostic service, build research and develop a clean plant database for growers. “I want to build the program into one of the best in the country,” he said. He is meeting with growers across the state and encourages producers to share their plant health concerns with the center in advance of spring virus testing. “This is a big job that is important to growers, and that makes it important to WSU,” said Scot Hulbert, chairman of the WSU Department of Plant Pathology. The Washington wine grape industry’s access to clean plants is one of the single most important contributors to successful growth, said Vicky Scharlau, executive

director of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. Ann George, executive director of the Washington Hop Commission, said, “As we move into an era of uncertain federal support, we look forward to exploring new approaches to funding to maintain a strong and effective clean stock program.” For more information about the center, visit cpcnw.wsu.edu.

TRENDS, From page 44 Despite all this, plenty of white wine still is produced in Washington. This is driven by Château Ste. Michelle, the state’s oldest and largest producer. It makes more than 1 million cases of Riesling each year, earning the title of the world’s largest producer of the wine, even in Germany. Ste. Michelle also makes more than 1 million cases of Chardonnay. Without these, Washington’s divide between reds and whites would be even greater. Hoppes, who makes red wine his business, sees an important continuing role for white wines. “What are you going to serve with scallops?” he said. “Don’t tell me Merlot.” Seattle, he points out, is still a seafood restaurant town, so there’s still lots of room for white wine in Washington.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Viticulture

Symposium to focus on how climate extremes affect wine industry BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Heat and cold extremes can be damaging to grapevines and affect fruit and winemaking decisions. A research symposium, “Climate Extremes: Is the Pacific Northwest Wine Industry Ready?” will take a closer look at the issue from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 17 in the East Auditorium at Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland. Researchers and industry leaders will discuss climate trends, effects of extreme weather, solutions for mitigating damage and available resources. The symposium is hosted by the WSU viticulture and enology program. “It’s pretty important to our growers, plus we’re bringing industry leaders from California, Oregon and Germany to share what they’re seeing in their areas,” said Kaury Balcom, WSU public relations and communications coordinator for the viticulture and enology program. In the Northwest, recent warmer spring and summer temperatures have led to earlier harvests. The region also has experienced early fall frosts before vines are fully dormant, then generally mild winters (with the exception of several cold snaps this season), followed by sharp declines in temperature through early spring. Information presented at the symposium will equip growers to manage

How extreme temperatures — like this winter’s snowfall — affect the winemaking industry is the topic of a March 17 symposium at Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland.

vineyards amid these variable conditions. Speakers will include: • Hans Schultz, president of Hochschule Geisenheim University in Germany and international expert on grapevine physiology and climate. He has conducted viticulture research in Germany, France, Australia and California. • Greg Jones, director of the division of business, communication and the environment and professor and research

climatologist in environmental science and policy at Southern Oregon University. His research specializes in the climatology of viticulture, with a focus on how climate variation influences vine growth, wine production and the quality of wine produced. • Markus Keller, WSU professor of viticulture. His research focuses on developmental and environmental factors and vineyard management practices that influence crop physiology of wine

uNETWORKING Prosser’s Jenkin named assistant whip

Rep. Bill Jenkin, a first-term legislator, has been appointed to serve as the assistant whip for House Republicans during the 2017 legislative session. As assistant whip, Jenkin’s duties include Rep. Bill Jenkin helping ensure members of the caucus attend floor session and assisting

and juice grapes. • Roger Boulton, professor, chemical engineer, and Stephen Sinclair Scott endowed chairman in enology at the University of California, Davis. He studies the chemical and biochemical engineering aspects of winemaking and distilled spirits production. • Steve Ghan, climate scientist at the Climate Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland. His research has made important contributions to the influence of complex topography on microclimate and used that understanding to simulate the effect of climate change on mountain snowpack across the Earth. The symposium is a part of the Ravenholt Lecture Series, which brings grape and wine industry professionals to WSU to share their research and professional perspective. The series is made possible through an endowment from the Albert R. Ravenholt Foundation. Ravenholt, an early pioneer in Washington’s wine industry, was founder of Sagemoor Vineyards. Registration is $100 per person and includes a social reception to follow. Discounts are available to students on a first come, first serve basis with priority given to WSU viticulture and enology students. For more information and to register, go to wine.wsu.edu/home/climateextremes-symposium or email kaury. balcom@wsu.edu.

in caucus meetings to help maintain protocol. Jenkin also was appointed to three House committees: Business and Financial Services; Commerce and Gaming; and Community Development, Housing and Tribal Affairs. The 2017 legislative session runs through April 23.

Burch, Royal Carpet Care earn service award

Howard Burch, owner of Royal Carpet Care, recently earned the home service industry’s Angie’s List Super Service award. Angie’s List 2016 Super Service award winners met strict eligibility Howard Burch requirements, including an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. Winners must also be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines. Burch started Royal Carpet Care 19 years ago. Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017 uNETWORKING

Michael White, Mark Przybylski, Denis Devine

ARES promotes three to vice president

Michael White, Mark Przybylski and Denis Devine have been promoted to vice president positions for ARES Corp. White will serve as the vice president of Richland operations; Przybylski will serve as vice president and chief engineer for ARES’ Energy Services division; and Devine will serve as vice president for project delivery. Each of the trio has more than 25 years of experience. ARES was founded in 1992 and provides engineering, project management, facility management and safety/risk management across the Department of Energy Hanford complex and in the nuclear power industry.

Dr. Good performs robotic bariatric surgery

Lourdes general surgeon Dr. Wanda M. Good recently performed the first roboticassisted bariatric surgery in the Tri-Cities, according to the Pasco health network.

Bariatric surgery is noted for resulting in significant weight loss. It is sometimes the only way for individuals suffering from morbid obesity to decrease the likelihood of developing obesityDr. Wanda M. Good related metabolic illnesses, while also reaching their ideal healthy weight, Lourdes said in a release. Good serves as medical director of Lourdes’ Center for metabolic and bariatric surgery. After a five-year general surgery residency, Good brings extensive experience and fellowship training in robotic, metabolic and bariatric surgery to Lourdes surgical specialists. Lourdes Health Network is a member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system.

Zehrung joins legal services firm

Andrew Zehrung has joined Walker Heye Meehan & Eisinger PLLC as an associate. Zehrung graduated from the University of Washington with a juris doctor and master of laws degree in Andrew Zehrung taxation.

His practice includes estate planning, business and real estate, with an emphasis on taxation.

Gould was selected for his dedication to the strategic growth of Anthony’s over the past 40 years.

Yearsley earns master of photography degree

Unwin named wine alliance executive director

Sonja Yearsley of Sonja Photography in West Richland has earned a master of photography degree from Professional Photographers of America. The degree was presented to Yearsley at PPA’s annual Sonja Yearsley convention in January. The degree means Yearsley has met the standards of excellence set by PPA and recognizes her photographic competence. PPA is the largest international nonprofit association created by photographers, for professional photographers.

Anthony’s founder receives excellence award

Budd Gould, founder and president of Anthony’s Restaurants, recently received the 2017 Executive Excellence Award in the CEO of the Year category from Seattle Business Magazine. The Executive Excellence Awards program recognizes select Washington state senior executives who have demonstrated extraordinary, consistent leadership in guiding their companies or non-for-profit organizations.

Heather Unwin is the new executive director for the nonprofit Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, representing more than 150 winery, vineyard and partner members. Unwin replaces Duane Wollmuth, who died in July. Unwin has 20 years of management and 10 years of wine industry experience. She previously served as executive direcHeather Unwin tor for the Red Mountain AVA Alliance. In her new role, Unwin works with the board of directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plans. In addition to general operations, she is responsible for the financial success of the organization, collaboration with other community stakeholders, event management, member relations and awareness of public policy affecting wineries and growers of the Walla Walla Valley.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

BILLS, From page 47 “It takes away the winery’s ability to control the packaging,” Jacoy said. McDonald added, “We want to be able to control the quality of our products. … This quality control important to us.” But Rabinowe countered that beer and cider producers don’t have quality control problems with growlers. He and Wylie also contended that growlers decrease the use of glass bottles, meaning less glass ends up in landfills.

Off-site winery tasting rooms

Rep. Cary Condotta, R-Wenatchee, revived House Bill 1038 to increase the number of allowable off-site tasting rooms per winery from two to four under a domestic winery license. Condotta contends that wineries – espe-

cially small ones – need the extra tasting rooms to expand their customer base. That bill began its journey in 2015, but it stalled before a House floor vote. The House passed the same bill 92-6 in 2016, but it was never scheduled for a Senate commerce committee vote. In 2000, a change in state law allowed Washington wineries to open satellite tasting rooms. Before then, the only way a winery could operate an additional tasting room was to have wine production on the premises. The change in 2000 provided wineries with the opportunity to have up to two tasting rooms in addition to their main production facility. Wineries didn’t begin to take advantage of the new law until a few years later. “The wine industry is changing and evolving,” Condotta said. “This simply

adds to the number of tasting rooms.” Clusters of tasting rooms in Woodinville and near the Walla Walla Regional Airport offer small wineries the opportunity to market their products beyond their immediate locations, he said. Josh McDonald, executive director of the Washington Wine Institute, recently told the House Commerce & Gaming Committee, “Small wineries have a real challenge getting into the distribution market.” John Bell of Marysville-based Willis Hall Wines and Seattle attorney Paul Beveridge, who operates Wilridge Winery in the Naches Heights area near Yakima, echoed that concern at the same hearing. “It’s hard for a small winery to become a big winery, or at least become a profitable winery,” said Rep. Bill Jenkin,

R-Prosser. “This gives the small guy a chance.” Condotta’s bill also requires the state government to submit a report to the House Technology & Economic Development Committee every two years regarding the number of new wineries opening in Washington. The first report would be due June 30, 2019.

Wine specialty shops and spirits

Craft beverage producers are hoping lawmakers will allow a beer or wine specialty shop licensee to also sell spirits produced by a state-licensed distillery. House Bill 2010, introduced by Rep. Norm Johnson, R-Yakima, would apply to a store of less than 10,000 square feet in size, while the distillery must produce 60,000 gallons or less a year. Brad Tower of the Washington Liquor Store Association opposed the bill at a recent hearing before the House Commerce & Gaming Committee, saying that allowing beer and wine shops to sell hard liquor is unfair to liquor store owners who paid for an expensive state liquor license. “The way we survive … is to have stuff no one else has,” said Jay Smiley, a liquor store owner from Chehalis. The Washington Distillers Guild has been neutral on the bill. No one spoke in support of it.

Wine and a movie

Senate Bill 5006 is going through the Washington Senate to allow more movie theaters to serve wine and other alcoholic beverages. The bill by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, would remove two restrictions to theaters being allowed to serve wine, beer and other alcohol. Right now, to be eligible for a license to serve wine and alcohol, a theater must not have more than 120 seats per screen, be able to prepare and serve complete meals, and provide tabletop accommodations for in-theater dining. Also, if minors are allowed in such a theater, that establishment needs an alcohol control plan approved by the Washington Liquor & Cannabis Board. Nine theaters serve wine under the current law, said Rick Garza, executive director of the Washington Liquor & Cannabis Board. Keiser’s bill would remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit and the tabletop requirement. “This is an approach that I think will help a lot of local theater operations,” Keiser said. At a recent hearing by the state Senate Commerce, Labor & Sports Committee on Keiser’s bill, T.K. Bentler, an official with AMC Theaters, said: “Theaters are either dying or trying to make a comeback.” Frank Lewis, director of alcohol operations for AMC, said fewer teenagers are patronizing movie theaters, which are trying to rebuild adult attendance. Also, tabletops take up space that would normally hold seats. Meanwhile, A.J. Witherspoon, vice president of Galaxy Theaters, said movie patrons usually order just one drink for a film showing. “We’ve sold alcohol for nine years and never had an incident of someone having too much to drink,” he said.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017 uNETWORKING Reddout serves as wine competition judge

April Reddout, Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center wine program director, was invited to participate as judge at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in January. Reddout was one of 65 judges from the wine industry to participate. Reddout has been responsible for the Clore Center’s direction since before it opened in 2014.

Dave and Darci Mitcham recognized as ‘Friend of Port’ Dave and Darci Mitcham, owners of Cedars Restaurant in Kennewick, were named the Port of Kennewick’s 2016 Friend of the Port. Cedars celebrated its 40th anniversary in Darci & Dave 2016. The resMitcham taurant owners were recognized for their tenacity, efforts to help transform Clover Island and diligence in making Cedars a community landmark water destination.

Bekins Northwest earns service award

Bekins Northwest, Yakima and Richland, recently earned the home service industry’s Angie’s List Super Service award. Angie’s List 2016 Super Service award winners met strict eligibility requirements, including an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. Winners must also be in good standing with Angie’s List,

pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines. Robert Schmidt, vice president of sales and marketing for Bekins Northwest, said the award reflects the company’s efforts to provide the highest level of service to its clients. Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

Hart to serve as Chairwoman of NMA

Lisa Hart, longtime Tri-City resident and Mission Support Alliance employee, recently began her term as national chairman of the board of the National Management Association. Hart is the third chairwoman from the Mid-Columbia Leadership Development Association and its predecessor Lisa Hart chapters. Hart has worked at the Hanford site for 38 years and has worked in the training organization for more than 20 years. She is the training program manager with MSA for the computer-based Hanford Site general training program and training evaluation program.

Senior Life Resources adds board members

Dave Sanford, Kathy Patton, Bill Stahl and Nick Castorina recently joined Senior Life Resources’ board of directors. Sanford is a retired human resources executive with Lamb Weston and volunteer driver with Meals on Wheels. Patton is an executive director of a

local memory care facility. Stahl is a retired salesperson and business owner, and Meals on Wheels volunteer driver. Castorina is a local business owner, semi-retired project analyst and consultant, and volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels. Senior Life Resources also recently honored two long-serving board of director members, Tom Seim and Betty Sherman, whose terms of service were completed.

Trios names chief restructuring officer

The Kennewick Public Hospital District Board of Commissioners has contracted with Quorum Health Resources to lead the organization through a major project to return Trios Health to financial health. The agreement includes the hiring of a chief restructuring officer. Craig Cudworth began his assignment as CRO on Feb. 1. Since 1993, Craig Cudworth Cudworth has worked in transitional, change-management, administrative and operational capacities for several health systems across the country. He has a master’s degree in health care administration from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia in Richmond,

Virginia. Trios Health is the Kennewick Public Hospital District’s system of care serving the greater Tri-Cities.

PNNL’s Lieu named Battelle Fellow

Jun Liu, materials scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has been named a Battelle Fellow, the most distinguished research position at Battelle. Liu directs the PNNL-led Battery500 Consortium, a DOE effort to improve batteries that power electric vehicles. He has written more than 350 peerreviewed journal publications, Jun Liu received 55 U.S. and foreign-issued patents and won two R&D 100 awards. Liu is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Materials Research Society, is an elected member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences, and was named the Battelle Distinguished Inventor in 2007 and PNNL Inventor of the Year in 2013.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

Business Profile

Tri-City business taps into self-serve wine, beer market BY JEFF MORROW

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

When two Tri-Citians walked into a Boise bar two years ago, they weren’t expecting to walk out with plans to start a new business. But what Jason Sadler and Kendra Guzek saw in Idaho in 2015 amazed them: a self-service wine bar in which customers could try wines using a prepaid card that slid into a machine that provided 1-, 3- or 5-ounce pours. “I said, ‘Why don’t we do this in Wine Country?’ ” Sadler said. And that’s how it happened: Sadler and Guzek opened Tri-Cities Tap & Barrel at 112 Keene Road in Richland, across from the Albertsons parking lot on Gage Boulevard, in November. Sadler and Guzek had the wine experience. They both worked at Bookwalter Winery in Richland for at least five years, with Sadler working as director of retail operations, and Guzek as director of marketing sales. From the time they decided to launch their “urban casual wine and beer experience” to the day the business opened took 11 months and two weeks. “Our goal was to open within a year. And we did,” Sadler said. They also added a third partner along the way, Dan Vargo. “He owns Vargo Construction, and he has an eye for interior design,” Guzek said.

Jason Sadler and Kendra Guzek stand in front of two of their wine machines at Tri-Cities Tap & Barrel in Richland. The bar opened in November and serves 56 wines on tap.

The interior design is sleek, from the large bar table to the wine boxes and outdoor deck. “We picked out everything,” Guzek said. “We went with custom lighting and shelves. We wanted everything to feel different. We are a bar with good food, not a restaurant with a good bar.” The soft opening was Nov. 7, on a Monday. “I was so tired of not being open, I told Kendra, ‘Let’s open tonight,’ ” Sadler said.

“There were no printed menus,” Guzek added. “But by 5:30 that night, only a few seats were available. People had been curious all summer, out for walks and peeking into our windows.” “There’s been a very healthy response from the public,” Sadler said. “We’re bringing an urban-casual bar to the TriCities.” Tap & Barrel features a tapas menu, with soups and salads, bruschetta, flatbreads and desserts. Prices range from $5 to $15.

Of course, the draw is the wine. There are 56 rotating wines in the selfservice machines and another 125 types of wine to sell by the bottle. Guzek makes sure things are running well in their limited kitchen while Sadler handles the wine. They have three to 12 bottles of wines in the machine in stock. Sadler keeps track of what is selling, and changes it out when needed. But the real stars are the machines, made by a company called WineEmotion from Milan, Italy. Sadler and Guzek bought seven machines at a cost of $11,400 a piece. Each machine holds eight bottles. Here’s what to expect: Customers come in and buy a card. The card is preloaded and put into one of the seven machines, and customers can select their wine and how many ounces (1 ounce, 3 ounces or 5 ounces). The wine then dispenses into the glass. Right now, the state does not allow self-serve for wine, so a Tap & Barrel server takes the cards and then pours for the customer. The wine is served at a perfect temperature by the dispenser system. Sadler said they use an argon preservation system, so wines can stay in the machine for 30 days. “Argon serves as a blanket that keeps the oxygen away from the wine in the bottle,” he said. uBARREL, Page 56

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

BUSINESS PROFILE

Longtime Kennewick restaurant sheds old look, name for urban feel Country Gentleman remodels interior, changes name to CG Public House BY AUDRA DISTIFENO

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

CG Public House and Catering in Kennewick has seen an upswing in hungry customers despite experiencing the worst winter weather in recent memory, resulting in a 25 percent increase in profits over the same period last year. The owners credit the upswing to the restaurant’s rebranding after a two-week hiatus in early January. The temporary closure was anything but quiet, as work buzzed non-stop on an interior remodel of the building at 9221 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick. “We hired local companies to do all of the work. It was kind of like one of the reality TV shows where someone had two days to get a big job done and then another company had three days,” laughed Shirley Simmons, co-owner with husband, Steve Simmons. “Everything fell together very smoothly and quickly,” so much so that it reopened two days ahead of schedule. The restaurant was originally opened as Wyatt’s Pancake Corral by Simmons’ parents in 1978. Her sister and brotherin-law, Marge and Gerald VanZuyen, eventually bought it and renamed it Country Gentleman. Then, in 1996, the Simmonses purchased it, launching the catering arm of the business in 1997. With the help of son Kyle Simmons, who earned a degree in hospitality from Washington State University and who will eventually buy the restaurant, Shirley Simmons decided a rebranding was in order. “Kyle really wanted the restaurant to have a more urban look and to move away from what he considered ‘oldfashioned and grandmotherly,’ ” she said. So the new eatery moved to darker colors, wood-planked walls, a black ceiling and industrial elements. “The (American Viticultural Area) wall (highlighting the areas wine-producing regions) was done by a local gentleman and is the biggest he’s ever done. The directional signs to points of interest in the community have been big conversation pieces,” Shirley Simmons said. “We’ve already come up with more signs – Jump Off Joe, the Benton County Fairgrounds and Water Follies pits – to add later.” The restaurant attracts a multitude of visitors driving through the area on Interstate 82, so highlighting points of interest hopefully will entice them to stay in town to explore, Shirley Simmons said. Along with the new look is a new moniker — CG Public House “A lot of people called us CG and would say, ‘Let’s meet at CG,’ and the catering email has always been cgcater ing.com so we felt it would be an easy transition,” Shirley Simmons said. The menu also received a facelift, with several Southern flair dishes added.

“We took a hard look at what was being offered in some of our favorite Southern Portland-area restaurants,” Shirley Simmons said. “We don’t have a Southern restaurant here in the TriCities and we didn’t want to be completely that. But we chose to add items that work well with what we already have. We kept our customers’ favorites — chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy — and most of our other dishes.” The new additions include shrimp n’ grits, homemade pot pies, fried green tomatoes and macaroni and cheese, among others. “We offer some fun new things, all of which have been well received. We took the navy bean soup off the menu. It was really scary because when you have people coming in and ordering the same soup recipe for 38 years, you aren’t sure what to expect,” she said. The soup was replaced with a chicken and andouille gumbo, which has been “very well received,” Shirley Simmons said. Two soups are now offered every day, instead of a different soup each day of the week. It seems the stars have aligned and the addition of Southern flair was meant to be. This year’s National Catering Convention, which is consistently held

The former Country Gentleman restaurant in Kennewick was rebranded as CG Public House and Catering in mid-January, along with a remodel and enhanced menu. The upgrades are paying off with an increase in customers and profits over the same time last year. (Courtesy Shirley Simmons)

in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be in New Orleans next month. “Kyle and I will be going. It’s so cool and (the venue change) couldn’t have happened at a better time. We are excited to see the Cajun, Southern foods and look forward to bringing something back for the spring menu,” she said. Along with the rebranding, an allnew “prospect menu” has been added as an addition to the regular menu. “We include items we’d like to try on customers before we permanently place them on the menu,” Shirley Simmons said. “The fried green tomato BLT sandwich is on there and it’s tasty. It will definitely be moved to the full-time

menu based on customer feedback.” As always, restaurant staff are happy to accommodate special requests. “If we have the product, we’ll make it for you, even if it isn’t on the menu,” Shirley Simmons said, referring to grilled cheese sandwiches, BLTs and other commonly requested foods. The Beer Falls area in the restaurant, named after a nostalgic teen hangout formerly behind Basin Feed, offers a place for friends to gather, Shirley Simmons said. Recent changes include adding four taps, which took the total to eight. Seven are designated for specific local breweries, which seasonally change their offerings. uCG PUBLIC, Page 62

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

BARREL, From page 54 The idea is that customers can come in, sample the wines at a much cheaper cost than at any high-end restaurant, and maybe buy something to go. “Nowhere you can go can you get 56 different glass pours,” Sadler said. “We’re trying to capture to-go sales, and people are catching on.” “Say you come here to get a bottle of French wine for dinner at home,” Sadler continued. “You can try four or five different items, find what you like, then buy a bottle. And that $40 glass of wine at a highend restaurant might be $18 at Tap & Barrel.” The variety of wines is impressive. The current menu carries Washington, California, Oregon, Italian, French, Argentinian, Chilean, Spanish, Greek, South African, Australian and New Zealand

wines in the machines. “But Washington wines have been our fastest moving products,” Guzek said.

“Washington wines have been our fastest moving products.” - Kendra Guzek, co-owner of Tri-Cities Tap & Barrel The boutique winery also has a place at the table. “Some smaller area wineries, who need to keep their wines exclusive, are usually available at Tap & Barrel. They’re very

picky who they give it to,” Guzek said. Tap & Barrel also offers a wine club, available quarterly with three bottles not to cost more than $150. The first delivery will be selected by local winemaker Neil Cooper, with one of his wines, a Californian bottle, and a Chilean wine. In addition to the wines in the machines, Tap & Barrel offers kegged wines, and various craft beers on tap – plus the cult favorite Rainier, always on tap. “We’re getting a self-serve beer machine in a few weeks,” Sadler said. Washington allows self-serve beer, and Sadler hopes the state Legislature reviews its wine self-serve law. He planned to meet with state representatives in early February to ask for a policy review. “The owner of WineEmotion said if that happens, we’d be the only bar in the country to have both self-serve wine and self-

serve beer,” Guzek said. The fledgling business, which employs 11 people, has relied on Facebook, its website and word of mouth to promote their new endeavor and from what the owners have seen so far, it appears to be working. “It’s really been received well,” Sadler said. “And it’s been a ton of fun. We’re pulling in every demographic available as far as ages: early 20s to late 80s.” In fact, it’s going so well, they’re looking at expanding, both at the Richland location and elsewhere. “We’re expanding the deck this summer,” Sadler said. “We’ve also checked out Bend, Oregon. And we want to check out Yakima. We want to move fast.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Happy hours: 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday only.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 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 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 Bryan M. and Laura Haldeman, 6107 Wildcat Lane, Pasco. Carlos C. Reynaga, 505 S. Olympia St., Apt. K1, Kennewick. Diego Avilez, 1908 N. 12th Ave., Pasco. Virginia Owens, 22002 E. Sandstone Drive, Benton City. Joanna M. Pangelinan, 5820 Robert Wayne Drive, Pasco. John A. McDonald, 2711 Stone Creek Drive, Richland. Jeffrey A. and Hongmei Crisp, 3603 W. 20th Ave., Kennewick. Alma L. Martinez, 6306 Rocket Lane, Pasco. Vincentia K. Wilkinson, 903 Adams St., Richland. Alacrity Drywall LLC, PO Box 13613, Spokane Valley. Ronda Smith, 6 W. Sixth Ave., #502,

Kennewick. Jesse Irwin, 1525 S. Irving Place, Kennewick. Eric M. and Whitney M. Moody, 5230 N. Cortona Way, Meridian, Idaho. Francisco R. and Dayci J. Heredia, 1312 N. 37th, Pasco. Javier G. Farias, 621 S. WeHe Ave., Pasco. Karla Nunez, 219104 E. Bowles Road, Kennewick. Kylee R. Barragan, 1218 N. Edison Place, Kennewick. John D. and Amber R. Grossarth, 404 S. Dawes St., Kennewick. Karen Kroner, 7903 Quadra Drive, Pasco. Sean and Cassie Pringle, 3030 Iris St., West Richland. Donald H. Howell and Rebecca D. Fink, PO Box 144, Prosser. Marc J. and Jewell Y. Heyrman, 1820 W. 12th Ave., Kennewick. Dave K. and Shilowe A. Ensminger, 5600 Aspen Drive, West Richland. CHAPTER 13 Christopher Bridgmon, 26905 S. 903 PR SE, Kennewick. Maria I. Cardneas, 529 Cascade Court, Prosser. Thelma R. and Forrest L. Hedrick, 2455 Bay Court, Richland. Alfredo Valladares, Jr., 1524 W. Jay St., Pasco. Donald R. Jones, 185 Mattis Drive, Richland.

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Victor and Andrea Valle, 343 N. 62nd Ave., West Richland. Sean S. and Chrystie L. Bilow, 4119 S. Palouse St., Kennewick. Dylan and Sheri L. Miller, 5308 W. 23rd Ave., Kennewick. Tammy L. Prescott, 4006 S. Lyle St., Kennewick. Lowell E. and Jane Stenersen, 2574 Tilden Court, Richland.

uTOP PROPERTIES

Top property values have been rounded to the nearest hundred figure. At press time Benton County top properties were not available.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Description: 3,300-square-foot retail store, 4903 Robert Wayne Drive, Pasco. Price: $557,500. Buyer: Viera’s Bakery LLC. Seller: Windy River LLC. Description: 2,752-square-foot, single family residence on 0.5 acres., 10000 W. Court St., Pasco. Price: $713,000. Buyer: Todd and Linda Calvert. Seller: Robert and Mary Bradshaw. Description: 1,370-square-foot, single family residence on 108.1 acres of agricultural land, 7541 and 7543 Selph Landing Road, Pasco. Price: $1,500,000. Buyer: Lynn & Julie Olsen. Seller; Warren and Joan Luke. Description: 26 parcels of undeveloped land, Nauvoo Court and Northwest Commons Drive, Pasco. Price: $1,366,500. Buyer: Viking Builders LLC.

Seller: EE Properties LLC. Description: 41 acres of undeveloped land, undisclosed location. Price: $1,554,200. Buyer: Big Creek Land Company LLC. Seller: Lee Eickmeyer et al. Description: 3,024-square-foot, single family residence on 2.5 acres, 2721 Road 84, Pasco. Price: $490,000. Buyer: Patrick and Donna McBurney. Seller: Todd and Dawn Marie Pierce. Description: 1 lot of undeveloped land, 11404 Mathews Road, Pasco. Price: $425,226. Buyer: Jason and Amanda Yates. Seller: New Tradition Homes Inc. Description: 30 acres of agricultural land, undisclosed location. Price: $1,237,300. Buyer: 7HA Family LLC. Seller: Department of Natural Resources. Description: 38.09 acres of agricultural land, undisclosed location. Price: $1,568,300. Buyer: William and Rosa Rupp. Seller: Department of Natural Resources. Description: 21,47 acres of agricultural land, undisclosed location. Price: $1,102,500. Buyer: Ron Asmus Homes Inc. Seller: Department of Natural Resources. Description: 5,940-square-foot commercial building and 1,920-square-foot office building on 7.27 acres, 1336 Dietrich Road, Pasco. Price: $1,050,000. Buyer: Cittagazze LLC. Seller: Dwight and Sherree Leavitt.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 58

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

PUBLIC RECORD, From page 57 Description: 133.9 acres of aricultural land, various buildings and crops, 4041 Rangeview Road, Othello. Price: $2,625,000. Buyer: Othello Blueberry. Seller: Kyle Haugen.

uBUILDING PERMITS

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

BENTON COUNTY Ste Michelle Wine Estate, 187300 S 221 Hwy, $7,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Coventry Vale Vineyards, 51705 N. Wilgus Road, $2,840,700 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Mountain States Construction. Benton County Fire District, 48001

Prior Ave., $358,100 for a commercial addition. Contractor: owner. American Tower, 3551 N. 221 PR NE, $50,000 for an antenna. Contractor: Legacy Telecommunications. FRANKLIN COUNTY Alex MacGregor, 5255 Eltopia West Road, $233,500 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Haskins Co. BENTON CITY Powerhouse, 1405 Dale Ave., $1,682,600 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Elite Construction & Development. KENNEWICK Erwin L&I LLC, 3801 Plaza Way, $320,000 for commercial remodel,

$37,000 for plumbing and $55,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractors: Miranda Management, Columbia Basin Plumbing and A-One Refrigeration. SGC Development, 4504 W. 26th Ave., $6,300 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Jubee Properties, 8305 W. Quinault Ave., $14,000 for a sign. Contractor: YESCO. Washington Securities, 8901 W. Tucannon Ave., $20,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Signature NW Construction. Circle K Stores, 2105 W. Fourth Ave., $32,500 for tenant improvements. Contractor: W McKay Construction. John Hampton, 7525 W. Deschutes Place, $135,000 for tenant improvements, $8,500 for mechanical and $7,000 for plumbing. Contractors: D&S Installers and Riggle Plumbing. A to Z Properties, 2901 W. Second

Ave., $20,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Couture Investments, 911 S. Washington St., $12,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Fresno Valves & Castings, 103 E. Kennewick Ave., $29,100 for demolition. Contractor: C&E Trenching. Curtis-Cervo Trust, 500 N. Morain St., $120,000 for tenant improvements, $15,000 for a heat pump/HVAC and $15,000 for plumbing. Contractors: Miranda Management, A-One Refrigeration and Columbia Basin Plumbing. John Westford, 8101 W. Quinault Ave., $25,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Chervenell Construction. Highlands Center, 105 N. Ely St., $250,000 for commercial remodel and $15,000 for plumbing. Contractors: Alegis Construction and Columbia River Plumbing. Benton County, 7102 W. Okanogan Place, $45,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractors: Apollo Mechanical Contractors. Willowbrook Associates, 2459 S. Union Place, $1,000,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Don Pratt Construction. Bush Trustees, 5231 W. Okanogan Place, $32,000 for a sign. Contractor: YESCO. 3 Rivers Properties, 6821 W. Clearwater Ave., $30,700 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Palmer Roofing. Port of Kennewick, 211 E. Columbia Drive, $60,000 for demolition. Contractor: Big Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Construction. Stuart Sulman, 6509 W. Deschutes Ave., $2,000,000 for new commercial construction, $30,700 for a heat pump/ HVAC and $48,900 for plumbing. Contractors: Chervenell Construction, Campbell & Company and Evergreen Plumbing. Kennewick Associates, 131 Vista Way, $6,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: owner. Falcon Video Communications, 639 N. Kellogg St., $85,400 for a heat pump/ HVAC. Contractor: DIVCO. Lamb-Weston, 8701 W. Gage Blvd., $31,900 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Apollo Sheet Metal. Base Properties IV, 7035 W. Clearwater Ave., $1,300,000 for new commercial construction, $74,500 for a heat pump/ HVAC and $26,000 for plumbing. Contractors: Apollo Inc, Bruce Heating & Air and Josh Bray Plumbing. Walkers Kennewick, 205 N. Morain St., $749,000 for commercial remodel and $51,200 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractors: Vandervert Construction and Bruce Heating & Air. Word of Faith Center, 1350 S. Rainer St., $6,300 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Apollo Sheet Metal. Blue Pearl Coffee, 4311 W. Clearwater Ave., $20,000 for commercial remodel, $8,000 for mechanical and $7,000 for plumbing. Contractor: Bonanza Drywall. PASCO Okran Moon, 2221 E. Lewis St., $450,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: owner. Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th Ave., $2,659,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: to be determined. C&P Enterprises, 2318 W. Court St., $5,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: owner. CBC Student Housing, 2901 N. 20th Ave., $28,500 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Garrett Electric.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 59

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017 PUBLIC RECORD, From page 58 CTXK Enterprises, 217 W. Bonnieville St., $7,300 for gas piping. Contractor: Total Energy Management. 598 Building Associates, 1328 N. 28th Ave., $85,700 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Total Site Services. Port of Pasco, 2105 E. Ainsworth Ave., $48,900 for a dock/slab. Contractor: 2F Enterprises. SKD Farms, 620 N. Oregon Ave., $5,800 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Advanced Electric & Alarm. McCurley Subaru, 1320 Autoplex Way, $15,000 for antennas. Contractor: to be determined. Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th Ave., $15,000 for an antenna/tower. Contractor: General Dynamics Info. Maverik, 5505 Road 68, $117,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Kobalt Construction. Vander Pol Enterprise, 2300 E. Saint Helens St., $24,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Stellar Construction. Tri-Cities Retirement, 2000 N. 22nd Ave., $7,000 for mechanical. Contractor: Moon Security. PROSSER Loves Travel Stops, 680 Wine Country Road, $115,700 for a sign. Contractor: Hillis Outdoor Specialist. RICHLAND Powell Richland, 696 Gage Blvd., $6,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Salon Chic. First Richland LP, 2907 Queensgate Drive, $400,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Vandervert Construction. Port of Benton, 1925 Horn Rapids Road, $6,500 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Communication Infrastructure. American Tower Asset, 1565 Georgia Ave. #A, $20,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Excel Construction. AREVA, 2325 Horn Rapids Road, Suite A, B, C, $585,000 for commercial mobile structures. Contractor: DGR Grant

Construction. Lamb Weston, 2460 Saint St., Building A, B, C, D, $8,341,400 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Fisher Construction Group. Little Muss, 1752, Buckskin Lane, $224,400 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Musser Landscaping. David Black, 731 Gage Blvd., $30,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Knerr Construction. WEST RICHLAND City of West Richland, 3613 W. Van Giesen St., $35,400 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Moreno & Nelson General Construction. RSD-Tapteal School, 705 N. 62nd Ave., $21,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: to be determined.

uBUSINESS LICENSES

At press time, Pasco business licenses were not available.

RICHLAND Wheelhouse Community Bike Shop, 218 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick. Graham Parker & Associates, 467 Sundance Drive. Matthew E. Ockander, 888 Swift Blvd. PassionIt, 1127 E. 27th Ave., Kennewick. Miller Lawn Care, 1609 Thayer Drive. Evergreen Chiropractic & Health, 604 Williams Blvd., Suite A. 1st Choice Appliance Repair, 3902 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 103, Kennewick. Tektoniks Corp, 306 W. Moore St., Walla Walla. Atomic Plumbing and Mechanical, 5020 Hershey Lane, West Richland. Home Inspections Plus, 1108 W. 40th Ave., Kennewick. SHS Consultancy, 2430 Stevens Center Place. Gelfuzion, 2174 Morency Drive. Fur Baby Whisperer, 1784 Jadwin Ave., Apt. B. Protomachina, 922 Snow Ave. Fabulously on the Go, 1402 Potter Ave. Desert Breeze, 1218 Road L NE, Moses Lake.

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NW Kings, 1033 George Washington Way. DBNiceGirl Designs, 1784 Jadwin Ave., Apt. B. TwentyFold Accounting Services, 1472 Oxford Ave. Tulip Massage, 303 Casey Ave., Suite C. 509 Lawn Care, 24210 S. 2009 PR SE, Kennewick. Velocityehs, 222 Merchandise Mart Place, Suite 1750, Chicago, Illinois. Computer Power & Service, 11620 Airport Road, Building C, Everett. Horne’s Auto Sales, 272 Wellsian Way. Alexia Bickett, 1742 Bismark St. The Trendy Trailer, 12013 Grandview Lane, Kennewick. Eagle Signs, 1511 S. Keys Road, Yakima. Control Systems Software Consulting, 1630 Meadow Hills Drive. Wandering Stream Literacy and Publishing, 1327 Goethals Drive, Apt. 6. Morpheus Anesthesia, 4820 Forsythia St., West Richland. Geesta.com, 147 Spring St. Trigger Memory, 2395 Delle Celle Drive. Marta Jisa Independent Fashion Consultant with LuluRoe, 2267 Sky Meadow Ave. Tri-Cities Delivered Goods, 2410 Boulder St. A Humble Haven, 672 Cherrywood Loop. Brittany Jancovic Photography, 906 Sunvalley Way, Benton City. JRS Consulting and Building Services, 617 S. Nelson St., Kennewick. CB Smith Developments, 306 N. Idaho Place, Kennewick. Superfloors ISI, 6911 S. 196th St., Kent. JSCK, 4608 Valencia Drive, Pasco. Proper Home Inspections, 4848 Cowlitz Blvd.

Wendy’s, 930 George Washington Way. ICC Services, 4457 Highview St. Backstage Electric, 201 Coal Spur Lane, Ronald. Prater Electric, 3317 Welch Lane, Sachse, Texas. Gio’s Flooring Guys, 300 S. Johnson St., Apt. 4, Kennewick. Just Be Amazing, 9806 Bittnew Road, Yakima. Spohn Ranch, 24128 NE Alvas Road, Battle Ground. Kaseys Pawsh Pooches, 2165 Van Giesen. Smith McDaniel, 220 Tracie Road, Pasco. Unique Impressions, 300 Sunset Loop, Pasco. Vancouver Sign Company, 2600 NE Andersen Road, Suite 50, Vancouver. Ahlers dba RWC, 400 Bradley Blvd., Suite 301. PocketiNet, 45 Terminal Loop, Suite 210, Walla Walla. Healy Thurston, 2516 NW 29th Ave., Suite 10, Portland, Oregon. Nupark, 912 Petaluma Drive, Cedar Park, Texas. That’s the Word, 250 Gage Blvd., Apt. G1046. The Tinker’s Roost, 451 Westcliffe Blvd., Apt D326. Fefe Construction, 2021 Mahan Ave., Spc G8. Provision Nutrition, 713 Cottonwood Loop. Jaz Cleaning Solutions and Pet Sitting, 1107 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick. Ready Designs, 1075 Lethbridge Ave. Appleman & Sons, 900 Aaron Drive, Apt. 101. Carolina Knife Sharpening, 226 W. 21st Ave., Apt. D, Kennewick.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 60

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017 PUBLIC RECORD, From page 59 WEST RICHLAND Hearthfire Animal Rescue Team, 5946 W. Van Giesen St. Milca Mendez, 218 N. McKinley St., Apt. A, Kennewick. Penny Pinchers, 5401 W. Van Giesen St. R&T Project Services, 5500 Glenbrook Loop. CPC Equipment, 10605 NE 68th St., Suite 201, Kirkland. Desert Breeze, 1219 Road L NE, Moses Lake. Dana Whitcomb, 990 Topaz Ave. Big River Guide Service, 2024 Pheasant Lane. 4:14 Bros., 5601 Desert Dove Drive. Proper Home Inspections, 4848 Cowlitz Blvd., Richland. CeeJae Icenhower, 4001 Kennedy Road, Suite 4. Built Construction & Electric, 206 Hoxie Ave., Richland. Appleman & Son, 900 Aaron Drive, Apt. 101, Richland. The Trendy Trailer, 12013 Grandview Lane, Kennewick. Gio’s Flooring Guys, 300 S. Johnson St., Apt. 4, Kennewick. Teri Volkman Photography, 147 N. 66th Ave., Building 323. Houk Construction, 650 Reser Road, Walla Walla. Tri-Cities Delivered Goods, 2410 Boulder St., Richland. Unique Impressions, 300 Sunset Loop, Pasco. Top Quality Woodworks, 3131 W. Hood Ave., Apt. A105, Kennewick. DKB, Inc., 702 N. California Ave., Pasco. Bradford Hinch Builder, 11825 S. Player Drive, Spokane. Gabby’s Kettle Corn, 529 Old Naches Highway, Yakima. KENNEWICK Agape Social Marketing, 526 W. Entiat Ave. Ana B. Riel, 2207 W. 41st Ave. LuluRoe Angela Miller Boutique, 3003 W. Canyon Lakes Drive. Vista Park Storage Kennewick, 7600 W. Deschutes Ave. Avallax, 1426 E. Third Ave., Suite A120. Belu Salon Tanning and Spa, 4504 W. 26th Ave., Suite 140. Bergevinbusiness Consulting, 1390 N. Nevada St. Blue Mountain Backflow Testing, 1120 S. Morain St. Intermix Lane Beauty Co, 8501 W. Sixth Ave. Atomic Plumbing and Mechanical, 5020 Hershey Lane, West Richland. Brooks Construction Enterprises, 505 SE Eight St., College Place. Appleman & Sons, 900 Aaron Drive, Apt. 101, Richland. 1st Choice Appliance Repair, 3902 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 103. CB Smith Developments, 306 N. Idaho Place. Outside in Homescaping, 220 Casey Ave., Richland. 509 Lawn Care, 24210 S. 2009 PR SE. Passionit, 1127 E. 27th Ave. Culbert Construction, 3905 E. A St., Pasco. Dance Images West, 4415 W. Clearwater Ave. Unique Impressions, 300 Sunset Loop, Pasco. Llbooks Tax, 4806 S. Kent St. Desert Breeze, 1218 Road L NE, Moses Lake. Donald Fowler, 1311 Goethals Drive, Apt. B, Richland.

Sushiya, 731 N. Columbia Center #120. Doubleday, 329 N. Kellogg St. Clearwater Cleaners, 5300 W. Clearwater Ave. Elegy West, 1312 W. Canyon Lakes Drive. Eric R. Rose, D.M.D., P.S., 500 W. Clearwater Ave. Happy Tails Spa, 1407 N. Young St., Suite C. Gabby’s Kettle Corn, 529 Old Naches Highway, Yakima. Gargoram, 1707 W. Sixth Ave., Apt. D102. Gilbert Patterson Concrete, 400 Collins Lane, Wapato. Fluffy Tush Clothing, 526 S. Taft St. Greater Columbia Accountable Community of Health, 7102 W. Okanogan Place. Haven Hair Studio & Spa, 7320 W. Hood Place, Suite 202. Haworth Investments, 5104 W. Brinkley Road. Heather Green, 2021 Mahan Ave., Space L11, Richland. Helix Energy Partners, 115 Main St., Helix, Oregon. Home Inspections Plus, 1108 W. 40th Ave. How Media, 1216 W. Second Ave. Hudson & Sons Construction, 3809 W. 43rd Ave. Live Smart Automation, 4175 Cameron St., #A2, Las Vegas, Nevada. Gio’s Flooring Guys, 300 S. Johnson St., Apt. 4. Third Monkey Shooting, 420 W. Columbia Drive, Suite 200. Nutricion Y Energia, 404 S. Vancouver St. Jaz Cleaning Solutions and Pet Sitting, 1107 W. Entiat St. Johnny’s Automotive Services, 719 W. Columbia Drive, Suite B. Badder Ink, 7520 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite A. JRS Consulting and Building Services, 617 S. Nelson St. Juan Mendoza, 6515 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 248. Katherine A. Bohnet Attorney at Law, 1020 N. Center Parkway, Suite B. Ellis Radiologic, 715 S. Young St. Daily Management Services, 1328 W. 26th Ave. Kyle Schauble, 7207 W. Deschutes Ave. Leyte F. Martinez, 809 S. Ivy St. Ashbeck Door, 444 Palm Drive, Richland. Mackenzie Smith, 4309 W. 27th Ave., #C105. M.P. Consulting, 8180 W. Fourth Ave., Apt. K207. Meyer Sign Co. of Oregon, 15205 SW 74th Ave., Tigard, Oregon. Michelle Anne Clary, 11257 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 110. Carolina Knife Sharpening, 226 W. 21st Ave., Apt. D. Milca Mendez, 218 N. McKinley St., # A. Mirage Pool N Spa, 2909 S. Quillan St., Suite 104. Mission Accomplish Fitness, 5601 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 107. Navas Landscaping, 24314 S. Dague Road. Nuclear Edge Cheer and Dance, 1206 W. 30th Ave. NW Kings, 7407 W. Canal Drive. Pacific Northern Environmental Corp., 1121 Columbia Center Blvd., Longview. Peak 7 Properties, 1210 Roberdeau, Richland. Perfection Cleaning Services, 2313 W. Fourth Ave. Phone Shop Tri-Cities, 8390 W. Gage Blvd., #109. Poland Law, 1030 N. Center Parkway, Suite V129. Proper Home Inspections, 4848 Cowlitz Blvd., Richland. Quality Restoration Solutions, 2331 W. A St., Pasco.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 61

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017 PUBLIC RECORD, From page 60 R.S.S. Properties, 3250 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite B. Rae of Hope, 8836 W. Gage Blvd., Suite 101B. Railworks Track Systems, 274 US Highway 12, Chehalis. Rainier Freight Solutions, 7803 W. Deschutes Ave., Apt. F222. Republic Wireless, 900 Main Campus Drive, Suite 500, Raleigh, North Carolina. Rustica Interiors, 428 E. Columbia Drive. Samantha Thomas, 10121 W. Clearwater Ave. SB Trucking, 409 W. 21st Place. Schwan’s Home Service, 115 W. College Drive, Marshall, Minnesota. SDE Enterprises, 3701 S. Johnson St. Spentus Investigative Agency, 7206 W. Sixth Place. Smith Lyckman & Co., CPAS, 5917 W. Clearwater Ave. SR Building Services, 7710 185th Ave. NE, Redmond. Tri-Cities Delivered Goods, 2410 Boulder St., Richland. Strickercre, 3709 W. 48th Ave. Strong Foundations, 2909 S. Quillan St., Suite 134. Iselas Janitorial & Maintenance, 1740 N. 21st Ave., Pasco. TCS General Construction, 930 W. Margaret St., Pasco. The Chimney Guy, 3216 S. Gum St. The Management Pronoia, 8927 Tucannon Ave., Suite B201. The Trendy Trailer, 12013 Grandview Lane. Theta’s Rentals, 28 S. Quay St., Apt. 12. Top Quality Woodworks, 3131 W. Hood Ave., Apt. A105. Events by Tracy, 1205 W. 42nd Ave. Chaplaincy Repeat Boutique, 22 W. Kennewick Ave.

UpAngle, 515 Lee Blvd., Richland. Carniceria La Cabana #3, 4311 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 110. Walker Construction, 1800 E. Trent Ave., Spokane. Wendy’s, 7003 W. Canal Drive. Wendy’s, 3115 W. Clearwater Ave.

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 and Franklin Superior Court. The following is from the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Cutting Edge Construction, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Jan. 5. Jose Olguin Serratos, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 4. Riley Farms Inc, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 4. JCS General Construction, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 9. Taqueria Mexico LLC, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Jan. 17. JJ Carpeting Installers LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 19. Thomas Casey Leverett, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 19. JJ Carpeting Installers LLC, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Jan. 19. Evergreen Transport LLC, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Jan. 19. Elizondo Transport LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 23. Claudia A. Chavez, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 23. Rojas Builders LLC, unpaid Department

of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 23. Frontier Trading LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 23. Mayra Karina Rivera, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 24. Brennan Gregory Michael, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Jan. 24. Frontier Trading LLC, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Jan. 30. Scott G. Munden et al, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Jan. 30. Jose Paulo Contreras et al, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 30. Farm 2010 LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 30. Essential Planning Inc, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 30. Pasco FBO Partners LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 30. JJ Carpeting Installers LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 30. Taqueria Mexico LLC, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Jan. 30.

uLiquor Licenses BENTON COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS Eatz Pizzaria & Deli, 1308 Lee Blvd., Richland has applied for a beer/wine restaurant license. Carniceria La Cabana #3, 4311 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 110, Kennewick, has applied for a direct shipment receiver in Washington only and grocery store beer/wine license. Sushiya, 731 Columbia Summit Center

#120, Kennewick has applied for a spirits/ beer/wine restaurant assumption license. Gang Nam Style Korean BBQ, 7935 W. Grandridge Blvd., Suite T, Kennewick, has applied for a spirits/beer/wine restaurant license. APPROVED Cooper, 35306 N. Sunset Road, Benton City, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters alcohol permit. Fidelitas Wines, 51810 N. Sunset Road, Benton City, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters permit. Gamache Vitners, 505 Cabernet Court, Prosser, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters alcohol permit. Hedges Family Estate, 53511 N. Sunset Road PR NE, Benton City, has been approved for a domestic winery >249,999 liters alcohol permit. Hightower Cellars, 19418 E. 583 PR NE, Benton City, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters permit. Kiona Vineyards Winery, 44612 N. Sunset PR NE, Benton City, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters alcohol permit. Market Vineyards, 1950 Keene Road, Building S, Richland, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters alcohol permit. Terra Blanca Vintners, 34715 N. Demoss Road, Benton City, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters alcohol permit. Terra Vinum, 56204 NE Roza Road, Benton City, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters alcohol permit. Vinaceus, 318 Wellhouse Loop, Richland has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters alcohol permit.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 62

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

CG PUBLIC, From page 55 “The beer sales have really increased, as have the craft cocktails. We make all of our own sour mix and people appreciate that,” Shirley Simmons said. The 4 to 6 p.m. happy hour has been a hit, with half off appetizers, and the bottomless mimosas served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday also have been popular. More change will come in the future, as ownership will pass along to the third generation. The entrepreneurial couple have four children, and though all worked in the restaurant as teenagers, the youngest is the only one to show interest in continuing the family legacy. “Kyle is in line to purchase the business and he is managing all of the departments right now,” Shirley Simmons said. “For a small business, we’re big. He needs to be prepared when I say that I’ll completely be gone. When I bought the business, my sister was quietly there for a couple years. She’s still there; she’s one of my best customers because she comes in every day. And she’s always been our cheering squad.” But Shirley Simmons said she’s too young to retire yet. “I’ll work at least five more years, mostly on the catering side. It’s really my passion. I really like to help a bride get married; I like to feed 4,000 to 5,000 people at a picnic,” she said.

Changes to the CG Catering arm included the delivery vans wrapped with more streamlined, straight lines, the new logo and colors of black, gray, blue and silver. The bustle of the catering department will more than likely continue. CG catered 2,300 small and large jobs in 2016, serving 135,699 guests. Despite being closed for two weeks in January, business had increased by 39 percent over January 2016, with the trend continuing into February and beyond. “The name ‘Country Gentleman’ hurt us at times through the years because it sounded ma and pa to some people,” Simmons said. “Some brides didn’t want their weddings catered by us because of the name. It’s all in the marketing; people have commented on how much they love the logo and name.” Almost a month into the rebrand, it certainly seems revitalizing the name and look of the restaurant is paying big dividends. “The feedback has all been positive so far. We love the Tri-Cities and are so happy for the support of our patrons,” Simmons said. “As long as this building stands, it’ll probably be a family member with this restaurant.” For more information, call 509783-0128, visit cgpublichouseandca tering.com or find them on Facebook.

Trying to reach seniors?

PUBLIC RECORD, From page 61 Cowan Vineyards, 900 N. Puterbaugh Road, Sunnyside, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters change of location. Valicoff Family Farm, 500 Merlot Drive, Suite C, Prosser, has been approved for a domestic winery <250,000 liters license. Desert Food Mart, 10806 E. Kennedy Road, Benton City, has been approved for a grocery store beer/wine change of corporate officer. DISCONTINUED New York Richie’s, 5011 W. Clearwater Ave., Unit A, Kennewick, beer/wine restaurant license has been discontinued. FRANKLIN COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS The Library Tavern, 414 W. Lewis St., Pasco, has applied for an off premises and spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge license. Red Bento Teriyaki, 1320 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, has applied for a spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge license.

Vaquero Elegante, 1901 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco, has been approved for a direct shipment receiver in Washington only license.

uMARIJUANA LICENSES BENTON COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS Randolph and Mortimer, 15505 Webber Canyon Road, Benton City, has applied for a marijuana producer tier 3 license. Hypeherbally, 309 N. Van Buren Court, Suite 120, Kennewick, has applied for a marijuana retailer and medical marijuana license. APPROVED

FRANKLIN COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS

The Senior Times is delievered to thousands of seniors all across the Mid-Columbia. Call today to advertise. (509) 737-8778 | srtimes.com

uBUSINESS UPDATES NEW BUSINESSES Legacy Jiu-Jitsu Academy has opened at 401 Wellsian Way, Richland. The studio teaches classes for all ages in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing and Aikido and offers free women’s self defense classes. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contract: 509-551-2155, legacyjiujitsu.com, Facebook. PrimeLending has opened at 114 Columbia Point Drive, Suite A, Richland. The business loans for new home purchases, mortgage refinancing and renovation loans. Contact: 509-420-7660, primeleding.com. Sculpt Tri-Cities has opened at 8656 W. Gage Blvd., Suite C302, Kennewick. The business offers non-invasive ways to shape, tone and slim your body. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Contact: 877-733-3710, Facebook. ADDITIONAL LOCATION

APPROVED

Gordon 4-M-J Nation, 15505 Webber Canyon Road, Suite C, Benton City, has been approved for a marijuana producer tier 3 license. Clemans Mountain Cannabis, 159003 W. Johnson Road, Prosser, has been approved for a marijuana producer tier 3 change of corporate officer. Biggest Little Shop of Fun, 233757 E. SR 397, Kennewick, has been approved for a marijuana producer tier 3 license.

Get the response your looking for with an ad in the Senior Times!

Green2Go Pasco, 415 N. Commercial Ave., Pasco, has applied for a marijuana retailer and medical marijuana license.

H&R Block has opened an office at 472 Keene Road, Richland. Contact: 509942-1028, hrblock.com. MOVED Almond Orthodontics has moved to 8305 W. Quinault Ave., Kennewick. Contact: 509-628-0110, almondsmiles. com, Facebook. Fit For Me has moved its Kennewick gym to 6713 W. Clearwater St., Suite C & D, Kennewick. Contact: 509-619-0353, fitforme24.com, Facebook. Lybbert Fielding Real Estate has moved to 6119 Burden Blvd., Suite C, Pasco. Contact: 509-492-8611, lybbert fielding.com, Facebook. Sam Datta, M.D. Family Medicine, 1950 Keene Road, Building J, Richland. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Contract: 509-943-6800. TruVision Solutions has moved to 7101 W. Hood Place, Building B, Suite 201, Kennewick. Contact: 509-371-1818, truvisionsolutions.com. CLOSED Mai House Seafood Grill and Bar at 3617 Plaza Way, Suite B, Kennewick has closed. Windy River Meats at 4903 Robert Wayne Drive, Pasco has closed.

Live music every Thursday & Saturday

No cover charge. Regular menu. Daily Happy Hour 4 - 6 p.m.

Cooking classes begin Feb. 12! To register call 509-521-1867 Fresher - Tastier - Healthier Mon-Wed: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Th-Sat: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

509-491-3400 • 509-521-1867 • www.mezzothai.com 110 Gage Blvd., Suite 200 • Richland, WA 99352

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • February 2017

AROUND TOWN

Bleyhl Farm Service employees show their support of TriCounty Partners Habitat for Humanity’s threemonth Power of One capital campaign. Employees agreed to donate $1 and/or volunteer to help build 24 homes in the four-acre Whitehouse Addition in east Pasco. (Courtesy Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity)

Mid-Columbia Libraries staff members, from left, Madison Rosenbaum, Celina Bishop, Michael Kuster and Elissa Burnley don their Roaring Twenties finest to celebrate the opening of the J.K. Rowling’s Magical World exhibition at Kennewick branch on Feb. 1. The month-long exhibit runs through March 5. (Courtesy Mid-Columbia Libraries)

Mission Support Alliance employees recently bag fruit for Second Harvest to support childhood hunger relief as a sponsor of Second Harvest’s Bite2Go program, which provides weekend food supplies for students. More than 30 MSA employees and family members spent a few hours of their own time sorting for a school mobile food bank at Second Harvest. The team sorted almost 14,000 pounds of apples and potatoes, which will provide more than 11,000 meals. (Courtesy MSA) A crane lifts a piece of the gate machinery sheave, one of many components assembled in the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam gate tower that’s used to raise and lower the downstream navigation lock gate outside of Burbank. The locks for eight dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers were taken out of service in December for a 14-week maintenance outage. Ice Harbor work includes the new operating machinery for the downstream gate. The Columbia-Snake federal navigation system is the top wheat-export gateway in the nation. (Courtesy Capt. Brigida Sanchez of Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District)

Former Cougar quarterback Jack “The Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson spoke Jan. 28 in Richland during a fundraiser brunch to support Washington State University Tri-Cities’ Carson College of Business. All money raised will be dedicated to student support and faculty development at the Tri-Cities campus. (Courtesy WSU Tri-Cities)

Columbia Center Rotary recently contributed $5,000 to the Latino heritage mural project that will be installed at the Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village currently under construction on Columbia Drive in Kennewick. Pictured are Skip Novakovich, president of the Port of Kennewick Board of Commissioners, left, and Davin Diaz, Columbia Center Rotarian and chairman for the mural project committee. The mural is anticipated to be completed in September. (Courtesy Jessica Schultz)

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

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business â&#x20AC;¢ February 2017