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

November 2017

Volume 16 • Issue 11

Vocational trade school to open in Pasco BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Retail

Robust holiday shopping season expected across state Page 13

Real Estate & Construction

Porter’s plans expansion of barbecue restaurants Page 23

Labor & Employment

Rural versus urban? See how region stacks up page 45

She Said It

“People are spending more money in shops and definitely supporting small business.” - Joy Slone, owner of Ariel Gourmet & Gifts in Richland

A new trade school in west Pasco will provide classroom and laboratory space for apprentices pursuing careers in skilled trades, including future electricians, plumbers and sheet metal workers, all jobs in demand across the state. The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington, or CITC, is opening its first dedicated schooling site in the Tri-Cities. The nonprofit currently uses rented space in Pasco. CITC is considered an “open shop,” as apprentices are not members of a union. The vocational trade school is headquartered in Bellevue and operates schools in Marysville, Vancouver, Tacoma and Spokane. Prior to this fall, apprentices who enrolled in their final year of the apprenticeship program through CITC would travel to Spokane once a month for two days of classroom and lab work to complete their training. The new facility on Road 90, off Sandifur Parkway, shares a building with Elite Construction and a Crossfit studio. When completed in the spring, the 9,600-square-foot school will include three classrooms, three laboratories, a conference room, student and reception area and office. “It’s exciting to be in the Tri-Cities area. There’s a lot of work and there’s a need for a trained work force,” said CITC president Halene Sigmund. CITC intends to open the facility in time for the spring quarter, which begins March 1. It will be the nonprofit’s smallest location and the newest. The trade school has a goal of offering the fourth level of training in the new Pasco facility by next fall so that it would no longer be a hardship for apprentices to travel out of town to complete their final year. uCITC, Page 35

Page 13

The 290,000-square-foot Lamb Weston plant expansion in Richland means the company can make about 600 million pounds of frozen potato products annually. Washington potatoes provide almost $7.5 billion in economic activity in the state, according to the Washington Potato Commission. (Courtesy Lamb Weston)

Lamb Weston doubles fry production with Richland plant expansion BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Lamb Weston’s expansion of its Richland potato processing plant adds two million more pounds of frozen french fries daily to the worldwide market. The new $200 million addition has nearly doubled the company’s output of frozen spuds in Richland. “We’ve incorporated 45 years of making french fries into this factory,” said Mark Schuster, Lamb Weston’s Richland plant manager. The new processing line opened near the company’s Innovation Center at 2013 Saint St., north of the Richland Airport. The expansion of current plant operations has resulted in about 150 jobs, providing

mostly hourly work for operators and technical-skilled processors. This adds to the approximately 2,500 people employed by Lamb Weston across the Tri-Cities. At an Oct. 16 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility, leaders and politicians thanked the company for making the TriCities “the frozen french fry capital of the world.” With almost 300 operating days each year, Lamb Weston now will be able to produce about 600 million pounds of frozen french fries annually across three processing lines. “We take a lot of pride in making great french fries,” said Rick Gardner, senior director of operations for Lamb Weston. uLAMB WESTON, Page 39

Wallula’s Boise Paper mill plans $150 million in improvements BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A $150 million investment at the Boise Paper plant in Wallula will replace one machine for another, nearly doubling the mill’s output. Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Patrick Reay described the change as transitioning from “white copy paper to brown goods” like cardboard. The industry describes it as a conversion from a product called uncoated freesheet to coated one-side grades. The paper machine currently produces 200,000 tons per year at the Wallula plant on Highway 12, about 16 miles southeast of Pasco. The replacement machine is considered

high-performance and has the ability to produce 400,000 tons per year of 100 percent virgin Kraft linerboard, used for the creation of corrugated products. The mill is owned by Packaging Corporation of America, or PCA. Reay recently returned from a trip to PCA’s corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois, with Walla Walla County Commissioner Jim Johnson and port President Mike Fredrickson. The group met with PCA chairman and CEO Mark Kowlzan. Reay said the visit with the CEO allowed them to “say we’re here to support, encourage and assist in any way we can.” Reay and the port sees the investment as a “job retention project.” uBOISE PAPER, Page 4

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

AutoZone offers $7,500 signing bonus to experienced truck drivers

Pasco warehouse’s 245 employees coordinate 270 weekly deliveries across seven states BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

As AutoZone celebrated the grand opening of its new Pasco distribution center earlier this month, the company was offering $7,500 sign-on bonuses to entice qualified truck drivers to join the team. The company’s $50 million distribution center and truck maintenance yard on 93.4 acres off Highway 395 employs 245 full-time workers, which help to make more than 270 deliveries weekly across seven states, said Bruce Loflin, the center’s manager. Corporate executives and employees celebrated the center’s grand opening Nov. 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and family activities. The new 444,000-square-foot warehouse, the company’s ninth distribution center, could one day make 300 to 400 deliveries weekly, Loflin said. “We are constantly in the process of upgrading our supply chain capabilities,” said Bill Rhodes, chairman, president and CEO of AutoZone. A leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States for do-it-yourselfers and commercial retailers, the Memphis, Tennessee-based Fortune 500 company owns 5,872 stores — including four in the Tri-Cities — and employs more than 82,000 “AutoZoners.” “We don’t have employees at AutoZone — anyone can have employees,” Rhodes said. “We have AutoZoners … AutoZone isn’t for everybody; AutoZoners have a passion and commitment to what they do.” AutoZone brought 42 families to the new Pasco warehouse from five of its

existing distribution centers to form a core group of experienced AutoZoners to guide new team members. This core group comprises about 20 percent of the employees at the Pasco distribution center. “Not just management, but drivers and hourly AutoZoners, too. It’s worked really well,” Rhodes said. Rhodes said this strategic move has contributed to the overall success of the new distribution center, including its status as AutoZone’s safest distribution center to date. “A lot of companies talk about culture,” he said. “We live culture.” He called the workers in the AutoZone supply chain “the lifeblood of the company. They’re who ensure we get the right part in the right place at the right time.” And that’s important to the company. “Our management team is committed to the AutoZone culture,” said Rob Durkin, vice president of supply chain at AutoZone. “We treat every store like it’s the only store and aim to put a part in the customer’s hand every time.” Pasco’s first in-bound trucks started arriving April 15, with the first out-bound trucks departing in June. “It’s been exciting,” Loflin said. Loflin reported that about 20 to 30 deliveries come and go each day, and the warehouse inventory totals around 70,000 items. “Our day starts at 7 a.m. with a manager meeting, which is followed by our cheer and pledge every morning. Then we break into our different departments,” Loflin said. He said the $7,500 hiring bonus currently offered to entice truck drivers is “starting to take hold.”

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That’s what friends are for

Bruce Loflin, manager of the new Pasco AutoZone Distribution Center, cuts the ribbon at the Nov. 4 grand opening ceremony with Pasco Mayor Matt Watkins and AutoZone corporate executives looking on.

The need for qualified truck drivers isn’t unique to AutoZone. “Trucking across the country is very tight,” Rhodes said. “Demand is up. The economy is doing well and more and more is coming in from overseas.” AutoZone drivers work full time, get at least two consecutive days off, receive a full benefits package, paid time off and holidays, bonuses and earn on average 48 cents per mile. Interested applicants must have at least one year experience with a Class A commercial driver’s license, or CDL, with a hazardous materials endorsement, or the capability of obtaining this endorsement. Andy Harding, AutoZone’s regional manager for the area, said AutoZone not only provides customers high-quality services, but also strives to be highly involved in the local community. “Numerous AutoZoners volunteered on four separate occasions at Second Harvest,

packaging over 20,000 meals. AutoZone also sponsored 7,500 meals for area families and children in schools through Second Harvest’s Take a Bite Out of Hunger program,” Harding said. “The Tri-Cities is a great place to live and a beautiful part of the country in the Northwest and will be a great place to work for many years to come,” Durkin said. “We look forward to a long, productive and successful relationship with our new AutoZoners here in Pasco.” AutoZone passed over Richland, Hermiston and Yakima before settling on Pasco. “Our entire community worked really hard to bring this project to Pasco and the Tri-Cities,” said Carl Adrian, president of the Tri-City Development Council. “AutoZone’s investment is important because it brings much needed jobs to this fast-growing region.” uAUTOZONE, Page 8

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

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BOISE PAPER, From page 1 “Investing $150 million really protects and preserves the more than 650 jobs that are there, which are great family-wage jobs,” he said. Boise Paper is the seventh largest employer in Walla Walla County. The port is working to assist PCA in finding a temporary location for wood chip storage and re-establishing a private barge slip that hasn’t been used by Boise Paper in 20 years. Reay said the company will need additional pulp and chip material, which will need to be brought upriver, to produce the cardboard it will now create. The slip on the Columbia River has been silted in and is currently unusable. Reay had no estimate for the timeline to dredge the water and get the slip functional. As the company goes through the permitting process, the port is working with PCA on use of a high-dock facility at Burbank Industrial Park, which would allow chips to be offloaded and stored before being trucked to the mill. “We think the mill’s a great community asset,” Reay said. “By producing cardboard, there may be some synergies with the Simplots, ConAgras and Lamb Westons of the world who use these products. There may be some cost savings to local companies who may, in turn, make reinvestments in their own facilities.” The machine switchover will happen in spring 2018 and coincide with the company’s acquisition of Sacramento Container Corp., a $265 million deal

The owners of the Boise Paper mill at 31831 W. Highway 12 in Wallula, about 16 miles southeast of Pasco, plan a $150 million investment in the plant that will double the mill’s production. (Courtesy Scott Butner Photography)

pending regulatory approval that’s expected to happen before the end of the year. Boise Paper is a division of PCA, which bought the plant in Walla Walla County four years ago. PCA remains the largest taxpayer in Walla Walla County, with a current assessed value of $175 million. The next closest taxpayer is Broetje Orchards, with an assessed value of $81 million. PCA’s Wallula plant represents three percent of the total assessed value for property in Walla Walla County. The paper machine targeted for conversion will not produce at full capacity when first installed.

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A LOOK BACK November 2002

West Richland’s Buds and Blossoms adds a second floral shop in Richland’s Uptown Mall called Buds and Blossoms, Too. It was triple the size of the West Richland shop and allowed for the hiring of additional staff.

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

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Its initial production is expected to be at 60 percent capacity, and will increase by the end of 2018, once additional parts are added, including a new headbox, forming section and shoe press. The eventual production will increase to 1,150 tons per day. “At our current containerboard integration rate of 95 percent, the low-cost conversion of the No. 3 paper machine at our Wallula mill provides us with much needed linerboard capacity, allows us to integrate over 200,000 tons of containerboard to our Sacramento Container acquisition, and enables further optimization and enhancement of our current mill capacity and box plant operations. The conversion will significantly enhance the mill’s profitability and viability,” Kowlzan said. The mill is expecting to incur shutdown charges of $20 million to $25 million in addition to $45 million to $55 million in depreciation of the asset. PCA expects to record charges of $25 million to $35 million in the third quarter of 2017. During these adjustments, the No. 2 paper machine will keep producing 150,000 tons per year of the semi-chemical medium paper it currently creates. “Throughout this transition, all customers will continue to receive the highquality products and service they are accustomed to,” said Paul LeBlanc, PCA vice president of paper, in a news release. Reay said the investment “solidifies Boise’s existence in Walla Walla County for another 60 years.” PCA reported $5.8 billion in revenue last year, with a profit of $445.2 million. Its trading value on the NASDAQ is up 38 percent since November 2016. It is the fourth largest producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the United States, as well as the third largest producer of uncoated freesheet. The Wallula plant is 60 years old and one of eight mills and 93 corrugated product plants operated by PCA.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017 uBUSINESS BRIEFS The Local to open second coffee shop in BlankSpace

The Local, a coffee shop on Gage Boulevard in Kennewick, will be opening a second location inside BlankSpace in December. BlankSpace owner Olivia Berg announced the news Nov. 7 on her business’ Facebook page. “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of bringing a high-end coffee experience to the Southridge area (and taking latte art pics 24/7). Keep an eye out for their opening date,” she wrote. BlankSpace is a gathering place and venue for events, creative workshops and pop-up shops at 5453 Ridgeline Drive near Trios Southridge Hospital in Kennewick. The Local will replace Karma Juice, currently inside BlankSpace. The raw juice bar instead will deliver its juices to residential and business customers, which it did for a year before moving into BlankSpace in September 2016. Karma Juice owner Kati Gessner said plans are under way to roll out a vintage juice trailer in the spring. “There will be no more deliveries but we’ll go mobile four times a week at different locations throughout the TriCities. Customers can check social media and see where we’ll be,” she said. The model will allow for better homelife balance for the mom of four kids. “I just need to balance what I love to do and my family a little better. I really

think the juice trailer will give me that flexibility. It’s a lot of work to have brick-and-mortar,” she said. Karma Juice’s last day in BlankSpace is Nov. 30.

Women Helping Women raises more than $132,000

The 17th annual Women Helping Women Fund Tri-Cities collected $132,080 with 949 people attending the Oct. 12 event in Pasco. The money is used to fund grants aimed at addressing the unmet needs of women and children throughout the Columbia Basin. This year’s grant recipients are: • Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties’ Girls on the Run program. • The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia’s Ready! For Kindergarten training program for child care providers. • Columbia Basin College Foundation’s Support Women in Worker Retraining program for unemployed or underemployed women. • Elijah Family Home’s Transition to Success program, a program to help families emerge from homelessness or near homelessness to self-sufficiency. • Mid-Columbia Mastersingers’ Women’s and Boys’ choirs’ presentation of Gonzales Cantata performance, a program designed to empower women as several women’s groups will be invited to attend the performance. • Mid-Columbia Symphony’s Junior Strings Ensemble to train young musi-

cians in grades three to six for the advanced repertoire of the Youth Symphony. • Second Harvest Inland Northwest’s mission to increase access to food and nutrition education. • Perfect Image Leadership Foundation’s Leadership for Benton City Youth program to engage Benton City grade-school students in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities in a safe environment. • Safe Harbor Support Center’s The Incredible Years parenting class program. • Young Life Kennewick-Richland’s program for pregnant or parenting teen girls in the Tri-City area. Grant recipients don’t yet know how much they’ll receive. The grants will be presented at a Dec. 6 reception. Last year’s event raised about $125,000. The annual luncheon, held at the TRAC facility in Pasco, is the group’s sole fundraiser. Those who went to the annual luncheon paid a minimum of $100 to attend. The Tri-City nonprofit is modeled after a similar program in Spokane. The deadline for next year’s grant applications is in March. More information is available online at whwftc.org or by calling 509-713-6553.

New Kadlec music program brought to pediatric patients Kadlec Regional Medical Center has added a music medical program to its pediatric unit to bring the healing power

of music to its young patients. MyMusicRx uses state-of-the-art music carts stocked with quality teaching instruments for children to explore and iPads loaded with music games and app. This is the first time the flagship program of Children’s Cancer Association will be in a general hospital in a pediatric floor in a regional market. The model was originally created for major markets and has reached more than 2,400 children across the country. The volunteer music specialists offered bedside interactions for patients as well as at the off-site Healthplex for the patients as well as their families and staff. The website MyMusicRx.org enhances the program with music lessons, curated content and concerts. The program was funded with a $15,000 donation from Northwestern Mutual, which was raised by team members. Kadlec provided an additional $5,000.

Kennewick man, woman of year nominations sought

Nominations are being sought for the 2017 Kennewick Man and Woman of the Year. Nominees must live or work in Kennewick and will be evaluated based on their public service. Professional merit and activities also will be considered. Nominations are due by Dec. 30 and the winners will be honored at a Feb. 26 banquet. Applications can be found online at kmwoy.com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Church team prepares to open youth-focused Sharehouse in Prosser

Prosser youth café will be different from now defunct Richland coffee shop BY JESSICA HOEFER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Prosser youth will have a new place to go after school starting in 2018. A vacant storefront at 613 Sixth St. will undergo renovations this fall to be transformed into the Sharehouse Youth Café. Carl Hernandez, who’s been hired as the director of Sharehouse, said the idea to create a unique place for youth to hang out started about a year ago with a group of 50 to 75 members of Prosser’s Bethel Church. Bethel has two other campuses in Richland and Pasco. “We were analyzing the needs of youth here in Prosser, and we quickly realized our needs were bigger than we all thought,” he explained. Hernandez has been a member of Bethel Church since 2009 and served as volunteer music director before being offered the job of director. “(Along with volunteering), I was working full-time construction,” he said. “I obviously prayed about this opportunity, and I believe that God gave me this calling.” Hernandez and a core group of volunteers started digging deeper into the challenges faced by local youth. “We looked at the statistics, and one out of four tenth-graders have been severely

depressed in the previous 12 months,” he said. “Also, one out of five Prosser tenthgraders admitted to alcohol use in the past 30 days.” Faced with those staggering statistics, the group started meeting every two weeks and brainstorming ways to positively impact the lives of kids. “We knew that the need was so big a church program wouldn’t be enough. We’d only be able to reach our kids, and it’s a huge need in Prosser, not just our kids, but the needs of our community,” Hernandez said. “So it went from a church program to a community program.” The Prosser Sharehouse Youth Café will be different from Sharehouse Coffee that operated in Richland for four years before closing its doors amid financial challenges. The coffee shop near the intersection of Keene Road and Queensgate Drive was an outreach ministry of Bethel and each quarter Sharehouse donated a portion of its revenue to a different charity. Unlike Richland’s Sharehouse, the Prosser organization will focus on kids and will operate as a nonprofit entity with 100 percent of allocated donations going to Sharehouse and no other ministry of Bethel Church. A fundraising campaign officially begins in mid-November, and the planning group estimates start-up costs to run about

An artist’s rendering shows how the 4,600-square-foot space at 613 Sixth St. in Prosser will look as Sharehouse Youth Café. It’s scheduled to open next year. (Courtesy Sharehouse Youth Café)

$110,000, which includes the remodel, painting, furniture and coffee bar. Hernandez said they already have 30 percent of the money thanks to individual donations, which will give them a needed boost. Hernandez noted start-up costs don’t include his salary, as Bethel is contributing money for his position. “And Bethel Church is providing the first three months (of expenses) after we open. They’re getting us started. Then Sharehouse will become its own 501c3,” he said. “Right now, Bethel is getting us there.” After the first few months, Sharehouse’s monthly expenses are expected to be about $6,000. Hernandez said he anticipates about 80 percent of ongoing expenses will be covered by business donors and the remaining 20 percent by individuals.

A portion of the space also will be rented to the Community Involvement and Action, or CIA, coalition, which will help offset costs. The coalition, formed in 2013, focuses its efforts on substance abuse prevention and education. “Plus, Sharehouse will have a café where we will provide small meals and drinks—very simple—that will provide some small income for the monthly expenses, but not a lot because our goal is to give the kids a cheap meal. Something they can afford,” he said. Organizers are working on the menu and the café will be run by volunteers. Sharehouse likely will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the winter months, and would operate later in the spring and summer. “We’ll play it by ear, depending on what we see,” he said. uSHAREHOUSE, Page 8

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

DATEBOOK

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

NOV. 15

• Elected Leaders Reception: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. RSVP 509-736-0510.

NOV 15 – 16

• Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Conference and Trade Show: 8 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Register pnva.org.

NOV. 16

• Business Development University, “Preparing Your Books for Tax Season:” 1 – 3 p.m., Tri-City Regional Chamber, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-7360510. • Mustang Business Plan Competition: 6 – 9 p.m., Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center, 2140 Wine Country Road, Prosser. 509786-3600. • Tri-Cities Community Lecture Series “Crazy Politics: Populism, Conspiracy Theories and Paranoia:” 7 p.m., MidColumbia Libraries, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick.

NOV 16 – 17

• Washington State Grape Society annual meeting & trade show: 8 a.m., Church of the Nazarene, 500 N. Elm, Grandview. Register grapesociety.org.

NOV. 17

• PTAC Workshop “Cybersecurity for Federal Government Contractors:” 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-4913231. • Jingle & Jazz, a benefit for Modern Living Services: 5:30 – 10 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. Tickets modernlivingservices.org.

NOV. 18

• Women in Agriculture Conference: 8 a.m., Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. Register womeninag.wsu. edu. • Fall Heritage Garden Workshop: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland. RSVP heatherwendt@conservewa.net. • Ruby Gala Dinner and Auction, benefiting St.

Patrick Catholic School: 5 – 9 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. Information 509-547-7261. • Festival of Trees: 6 – 9 p.m., Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center, 2140 Wine Country Road, Prosser. Tickets 509-543-9980.

Kennewick. RSVP 509-7373427.

NOV. 21

DEC. 4 – 6

• 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.

NOV. 23

• Thanksgiving: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business office closed.

NOV. 25

• Shop Small Saturday: various small businesses. Visit shopsmall.com.

NOV. 29

• Tri-City Regional Chamber membership luncheon: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. RSVP 509-736-0510. • Essential Documents for Every Adult presentation: 4 – 5 p.m., Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave.,

DEC. 3

• Tamale Festival: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Benton County Fairgrounds, 1500 S. Oak St., Kennewick. 509539-2753. • Northwest Horticulture Expo and annual meeting: Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Register wstfa.org.

DEC. 6

• PTAC Workshop “Government Contracting Essentials:” 9 – 11 a.m., TriCities Business and Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-491-3231. • National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association lunch meeting: 11:30 a.m., Red Lion Hotel, 1101 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. Visit narfe1192. org. • West Richland Chamber membership luncheon: noon – 1 p.m., Sandberg Event Center, 331 S. 41st Ave., West Richland. RSVP 509-967-0521.

DEC. 8

• Una Noche en Carnaval annual dinner: 6 – 9 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 802 George Washington Way, Richland. Tickets 509542-0933. • West Richland Chamber Bucks Ball: 6 – 9 p.m., Uptown Theatre, 1300 Jadwin Ave., Richland. RSVP 509-967-0521.

DEC. 11

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

DEC. 14

• Business Development University “Paid Family and Medical Leave Requirements:” 1 – 3 p.m., Tri-City Regional Chamber, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-7360510.

JAN. 9 – 10

• Eastern Washington Ag Expo: 9 a.m., TRAC, 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. Visit easterwaagexpo.com.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Hanford’s required reading program saves time, money

The Department of Energy’s Richland Operations Office at Hanford is implementing a new system to save time and money. DOE site services contractor Mission Support Alliance has consolidated and revamped the site’s required reading program, which will result in an estimated savings of $100,000 annually at Hanford. The required reading program is a tool used to ensure employees are aware of safety updates, procedure changes, company policies and other important

information that guide safe work practices. With various reading requirements for the more than 9,000 employees on site, the need for a simple way to create, maintain and store completed assignments was essential. “By standardizing the program across the site, the maintenance of multiple required reading programs was eliminated,” said Scott Boynton, projector director for MSA’s Training and Conduct of Operations organization. “The functionality of the new automated application saves money by reducing the workload of required reading coordinators and the need for re-training as companies and employees change over time.” Required reading coordinators and program managers from all Hanford contractors played an integral part in

finalizing the enhanced, site-wide program through both feedback and system testing. Following recent demonstrations with the Department of Energy, additional functionality is being implemented to support use of the system by federal employees as well.

Northwest Farm Credit Services reports earnings

Northwest Farm Credit Services, an agricultural lending cooperative, announced 2017 third quarter earnings of $67.8 million, compared to $62.7 million for the same quarter of 2016. Earnings for the nine months ended Sept. 30, were $187.8 million, a 4.9 percent increase, compared to $179.1 million

for the same period last year. Total capital increased 5 percent during the year to $2.3 billion. “Our continued growth and solid financial performance is a reflection of the overall health of our customers,” said President and CEO Phil DiPofi. “Despite weather and market challenges in some areas, most Northwest agricultural, forestry and fisheries business owners we serve are performing well.” Northwest FCS is an $11 billion financial cooperative providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

AUTOZONE, From page 3 Pasco Mayor Matt Watkins said the facility adds onto the “back-end of our community” with taxes, jobs, and industrial and commercial diversity. “Property taxes that are sorely needed by our school district to mitigate the effects of growth, family-waged jobs by younger families that have chosen to make Pasco and the Tri-Cities their homes,” Watkins said. And “capital investments and jobs are what economic development is all about,” Adrian said. AutoZone’s decision to open the distribution center in the Tri-Cities helps position the area as a hub for similar businesses in the Northwest, putting “our community on the map,” Watkins said. “We want to make it a winning location,” he said. It’s looking like it’s a good fit so far. “We found everything we were looking for right here in Pasco and (the) Tri-Cities,” Rhodes said. “There is a long prosperous road ahead of us.” SHAREHOUSE, From page 6 Along with the café and eating area, the 4,600-square-foot shop will include couches to lounge on, a 10- to 20-station computer area, free Wi-Fi, soundproof rooms for students to do their homework, mentoring area and room for workshops. “We’re going to offer mentoring and tutoring. Our goal is to work as close as we can with the Prosser teachers to make sure that we can help our kids in ways that teachers can’t,” he said. “There’s some areas that teachers can’t reach because of their legal boundaries. We are actually working on a survey to send out to teachers to ask them, ‘What can we do?’ ‘What should Sharehouse have for kids?’ ” Tutors are a must, and Hernandez said they’re reaching out to people who can donate at least one hour a week of time. The Sharehouse planning committee is also looking for volunteers in other areas, such as teaching musical instruments, running the café, helping with construction and remodeling, as well as building maintenance. Volunteers will have to have a background check and training, which will be provided. Sharehouse envisions serving 90 kids a day with the goal to serve 1,000 kids by 2020. To donate or volunteer, visit sharehouseprosser.com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Couple challenges community to match pledge to Meals on Wheels BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Tom Seim wasn’t sure anyone would step up to match his $10,000 pledge. The Richland man threw out the challenge in July, vowing to contribute up to $10,000 to the Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels program if others in the community donated the same amount. The donations were slow in the beginning of the Seim family’s “Double our Money” challenge as the Sept. 30 deadline loomed. “A lot of it came in at the last minute. It was literally at the 11th hour — in the last hour of the last day,” said Seim, a 70-yearold retired electronic engineer. Seim said he’s familiar with the continual challenges Meals on Wheels faces to keep operating. He served on the board of directors for Senior Life Resources Northwest, which manages the senior meal program, from 1992 to 2016. “There’s the perpetual need to keep it operating. Only a portion of the funds come from the state to do the Meals on Wheels. … We have to do fundraising to meet to the rest of the needs,” he said. Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels is on track to prepare and serve 185,000 meals this year, nearly 12,000 more meals than in 2016. The program operates eight local dining centers for seniors, as well as delivers meals for those who are homebound. “Demand continues to grow, traditional funding dollars are steady or declining,

Della and Tom Seim of Richland present a check to the Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels program Oct. 23. The Seims pledged to match donations up to $10,000 for the program. A total of $21,000 was raised through the “Double our Money” challenge. (Courtesy Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels)

and it takes our community members, like Tom and Della Seim and those who rose to the challenge, to build sustaining support to bridge the widening gap,” said Marcee Woffinden, nutrition services director for Senior Life Resources Northwest, in a news release. The need for the program in the community is apparent, Seim said. “Anyone can go on a ride-along. You can see the people who actually benefit from the meals. And see, ‘Wow, they really need it,’ ” he said. The Seims presented their check for $10,000 to Meals on Wheels on Oct. 23.

Woffinden said $21,000 was raised in the fundraising pledge drive, fully funding nearly 3,000 warm, nutritious meals, or ensuring eight vulnerable seniors will receive a meal every day of the week, for a whole year. Seim called the challenge a “resounding success. I hope to do more of that in the future,” he said. He’s already tried it again — at the fourth annual Pink and Blue Scramble golf tournament on Sept. 29. Net proceeds from the event benefit Kennewick’s Northwest Cancer Center via the 21st Century C.A.R.E. Foundation. Seim pledged to put up $2,000 at the

event’s dinner “on the spur of the moment” and ended up doubling the amount for the cancer clinic. He is a prostate cancer survivor. “It’s been successful on two accounts now. I’m going to go around and put the bug into some other higher net worth individuals’ ears,” he said. Seim said he uses a portion of his investment gains from the past year for his philanthropic work. “I’m not rich but we’ve been fortunate and are in a financial position to do this,” he said. “If I do well, I’ll give more; if not, I’ll do less.” In addition to the Seim family’s donation, Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels also received a new 2018 Subaru Outback from Subaru of America. The Richlandbased program applied for one of the 50 cars available to be used to increase meal deliveries in rural areas by having it take a different rural route each day of the week. Last year, Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels volunteers drove more than 92,000 miles. Subaru has supported Meals on Wheels for the past nine years through the Share the Love program, contributing more than $12 million to Meals on Wheels America and providing more than 1.7 million nutritious meals, visits and safety checks to seniors in communities nationwide. Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels staff and board members, McCurley Integrity Subaru and Subaru of America presented the new SUV to the organization Oct. 26. uMEALS ON WHEELS, Page 11

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Pasco’s proposed budget includes multiple construction projects Infrastructure improvements also part of 2018 plans; public comments sought BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

The Pasco City Council is seeking comments, both online and in person, from the public on the 2018 preliminary budget. The council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at City Hall to receive comments from the community on the proposals for 2018 with final approval set for this same meeting. The total annual $214 million preliminary budget includes more than $33 million in capital projects, including: • Peanuts Park restoration: $1.5 million to complete design, environmental review and associated public outreach to ready the project for construction. Construction could potentially begin in fall 2018. • Lewis Street overpass: The realization of this project has been a longtime goal of the council dating back to the latter part of the 20th century. The 2018 preliminary budget proposes using state funding to update and complete the project design and environmental analysis, obtain the necessary railroad permit and ready the project for bidding. More than $1 million is included in the capital budget for the work. • Oregon Avenue: This Oregon Avenue

arterial project includes minor widening, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, lighting, traffic safety enhancements and landscaping to improve safety and efficiency. It is anticipated the $7 million project will be completed in 2018. Of this amount, $6.2 million is the result of competitive grants. • Fire Station 84: The city acquired the Road 48 fire station in the Riverview neighborhood as part of annexation asset transfer in 2016. However, the current facility will not meet future demand projections, the city said. The long-term plan is to replace station 84 with a permanent facility co-located with park land acquisition and development project between roads 48 and 52, north of Court Street. The 2018 preliminary budget includes $400,000 for the design of the new fire station. • Relocation of Fire Station 83: Fire Station 83, which is responsible for serving much of the city west of Highway 395, is experiencing increasing call volumes. The facility has served the city well in its present location since being constructed in the mid-1990s, the city said. However, the recently adopted Fire and Ambulance Services Master Plan identified a need for a fire station north of Burden Boulevard and one along the Court Street corridor in the proposed location of Station 84. Relocation of Station

83 will allow to the city to avoid adding a fifth station for several years, or perhaps longer, depending on growth. As with Station 84, the 2018 preliminary budget includes $300,000 for design. • Relocation of the downtown police mini-station: Pasco police are looking to move to a more central location in the downtown core for higher visibility, increased opportunities for community outreach and interaction, greater convenience to the public and enhanced safety in the downtown area. The capital budget includes $100,000 for this project. • Neighborhood park: The city is in the process of buying 20 acres between roads 48 and 52 north of Court Street to develop a future neighborhood park and Fire Station 84. The property is expected to close in 2017, at a cost of $760,000. The 2018 preliminary budget proposes a master planning and design effort of $75,000 with construction planned for 2019. • Pasco Boat Basin: The preliminary budget proposes $500,000 as the city’s share in removing and replacing the remnants of the damaged infrastructure with a new facility. The specifics of this transaction are under negotiation and will require subsequent council approval. • Animal shelter: A joint study commissioned by the cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco was completed earlier this year, which presented options for size, design concepts, and estimated budget for the construction of the facility. The proposed 2018 capital budget includes

$800,000 toward the city’s share of the new facility. It is anticipated design will be complete in 2018, with ground breaking later in the year. • Process Water Reuse Facility: As one of the drivers of the area’s agricultural economy, the Process Water Reuse Facility plays an important role in supporting the majority of the agricultural processing plants in Franklin County, the city said. The coming budget year will see the completion of a comprehensive engineering and facilities plan to set the course for the facility and the industry, locally, for the next two decades. The $1 million plan, associated studies and design of the irrigation pump station and Kahlotus Highway main and Dietrich Lift Station will largely be funded by grants and loans. The city has experienced growth in its general fund revenues as the overall economy continues to improve: • Property tax: The city experienced significant gains in new construction with a 51 percent increase over the previous year. During this same period, assessed valuation of the properties in the city increased by 12 percent to $4.8 billion in 2018. Due to the impact of new construction, increased assessed valuation and private investment, property owners will see a significant reduction in their general tax levy rate from $1.88 per $1,000 assessed value in 2017, to $1.76 per $1,000 in 2018. • Sales tax: Sales tax represents the city’s largest single-source of general fund revenue. With an improving regional economy and high construction sales tax, the anticipated revenue for 2018 is $11.5 million. This is an increase of 2.7 percent over fiscal year 2017. For a complete summary of the changes proposed, visit pasco-wa.gov/budget or call the city manager’s office at 509-5453404.

uBUSINESS BRIEF Nominations being taken for Athena Leadership awards

Nominations are being accepted for the Athena Leadership awards through Nov. 30. The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Athena Leadership Award and Athena Young Professional Leadership Award recognize women who have attained and embodied the highest level of professional excellence, devote time to improve the quality of life for others and assist other women to reach their full leadership potential. The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Awards and Recognition Committee will select the two winners to be presented at the annual Women in Business Conference on Jan. 31. Winners must be present to receive the award. For questions on the awards, call event director Tara Diver at 509-4913242, email tara.divers@tricityregional chamber.com. For nomination forms, go to tricityregionalchamber.com/womenin-business-conference.html.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

West Richland sells land intended for supercar project for $1.15 million SSC North America said plans for manufacturing plant ‘to ramp back up’ West Richland land intended for a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing center, showroom and museum for exotic supercars recently was sold for $1.15 million to a Tri-City home builder. Despite years of delays and the sale of the nearly five acres to developer Ron Asmus in October, SSC North America LLC still plans to build the facility. “Plans haven’t changed and the project is moving forward. We had to put the land in Mr. Asmus’ name due to the structure of our construction financing,” said Jerod Shelby, owner and founder of the company. Shelby said work should pick up again soon on the project. “There has been a lot of recent progress in the background and the construction project is preparing to ramp back up,” he said. “We can provide more formal details in the next few months.” The 4.8-acre property at 2943 Belmont Blvd. is zoned for automotive manufacturing for at least the next four or more years. SSC North America, founded by Shelby in 1999, builds exotic supercars. Six years ago, SSC North America

introduced the Tuatara prototype model, which has a projected top speed of 276 mph. It also is estimated to cost a customer $1 million. An earlier SSC North America car, the Ultimate Aero, set a Guinness world record for driving 257 mph in 2007. It was the fastest speed ever for a production car. Shelby, who grew up in the Tri-Cities, has wanted to build his headquarters in West Richland. With the help of the city, the company broke ground on the $6 million facility in 2013. The land is in the Belmont Business District, near Keene Road and Belmont Boulevard, across the street from the new Leona Libby Middle School. But problems with financing have stalled the project. Last year, in November, Shelby – with the help of Asmus, who partnered with him on the deal – was able to secure a $16 million bank loan to get the project back on its feet in December 2016. The original plans were for the facility to be completed by August. As far as the city of West Richland is concerned, the project is still a go, despite the setbacks. “(Jerod) came back at us earlier this year, saying that he wanted to buy the

MEALS ON WHEELS, From page 9 “It will be the dealership’s privilege to deliver the vehicle and help Meals on Wheels start their ownership experience off on the right foot,” said Mason McCurley, president of McCurley Integrity Subaru, in a news release. “We have had a long-standing partnership supporting

Senior Life Resources and look forward to again supporting the mission this year during the Share the Love event to be held in November and December.” Meals on Wheels also received a $5,000 donation from Battelle in early October. For more information about the program, call 509-735-1911.

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for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

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SSC North America’s plans to build a manufacturing center, showroom and museum in West Richland continues to move ahead despite a change in property ownership. Company and city officials broke ground on the project in 2013. (File photo)

land,” said Roscoe Slade III, public works director for the city of West Richland. “Instead of it being a public-private project, it’s a totally private project now. In the city’s eyes, (the transaction) hasn’t changed a thing.” The West Richland City Council approved a plan in September to sell the land to SSC in October. The mayor, Shelby and Asmus inked the $1.15 million deal in early October. Slade said the deed on the land is structured for automotive manufacturing through 2022. West Richland has supported the project with an $829,000 zero-percent inter-

est loan from the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board to help pay for infrastructure such as curbs, gutters and sidewalks. Benton County contributed $55,000 to the project. With the recent property sale, the 20-year loan has been paid. “We took the money we got from the sale, and we paid off the loan,” Slade said. After paying off the loan and returning the money contributed by Benton County, the city’s general fund netted about $270,000 from the sale, minus closing fees, according to city documents.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Somos Pasco group releases report

Somos Pasco, a communitywide effort to identify what’s next for Pasco, has released its summary report that is available at somospasco.org. The effort is collaboration among the Port of Pasco, city of Pasco, Franklin County, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Pasco Chamber of Commerce, along with the Pasco School District, Columbia Basin College and other Tri-City organizations and businesses.

WSU Tri-Cities gets $11.7M grant to better colleges rates

Washington State University Tri-Cities was awarded an $11.7 million grant to

prepare students in low-income schools for a post-secondary education. The U.S. Department of Education GEAR UP (which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) award will pay for the hiring of nine new salaried staff and a number of tutors to work with middle school students. The program aims to improve academic performance, completion of rigorous courses, state exam pass rates, on-time graduation, and increase knowledge of financial aid and post-secondary education. The One Vision Partnership grant will work with sixth- and seventh-graders in Clarkston, Columbia, Finley, Ephrata, Kiona-Benton City, Mabton, Pasco, North Franklin and Prosser school districts. Staff will assist and follow the students through high school and into their freshman year

in college. It is the eighth time WSU Tri-Cities has received the grant, and the total of GEAR UP grants is more than $123 million.

Unemployment claims center changes hours

The Washington Employment Security Department has extended hours for its unemployment claims center. Agents are now available to answer questions via phone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Unemployment benefit applications and other requests can also be made from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Customers also can apply for benefits and ask questions online at esd.wa.gov 24/7.

Ex-Tri-City real estate manager appears on CNBC show

A former Tri-City man recently appeared on CNBC’s new primetime series, “The Job Interview.” Paul Roy, a longtime Tri-City resident who landed his dream job in his dream location of Kauai, Hawaii, appeared on the show Nov. 15, Roy, who previously worked as the manager of Coldwell Banker Tomlinson in Kennewick and Lewiston, Paul Roy Idaho, began his career in real estate in 1993 after a career at Westinghouse, Hanford, which he began in 1983. He moved to Richland in 1982 after three years in the Army. He is a 1978 graduate of Sunnyside High School. Today, Roy is the general manager of Coldwell Banker Makai Properties in Kauai, Hawaii. He appeared on the show with co-owner Kelly Liberatore. Roy and Liberatore flew to New York City to interview job candidates on camera to find talent to join their successful real estate company in Kauai. The 10-episode series aims to bring viewers into the room as real employers conduct real interviews with real job candidates, only one of whom will land an offer. To learn more about “The Job Interview,” visit cnbc.com/the-job-interview.

WSU awarded grant to up crop competitiveness

A $1.5 million Specialty Crop Block Grant funds from the state of Washington and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help seven research teams at Washington State University enhance the competitiveness of Northwest crops by fighting diseases and advancing sustainable agriculture. WSU crop scientists, engineers, plant pathologists, economists and other specialists will join forces to support crop industries. The grant will be divided among several areas of research.

Benton County among best to secure home loan

Homebuyers take note: Benton County was named among the best places to get a mortgage by SmartAsset. The list compiled by the online financial technology company looked at top markets to get a home loan by evaluating ease of securing a mortgage, overall borrowing costs, cheap property taxes and cheap annual mortgage payments. Benton County came in No. 2, preceded by Whatcom County with Island, Chelan and Jefferson counties rounding out the Top 5 in Washington. Benton County was nationally ranked at 218.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

RETAIL Experts forecast robust holiday shopping season across state Chamber officials, Tri-City retailers remind shoppers to think local BY AUDRA DISTIFENO

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Locally-owned Tri-City retailers hope shoppers will “think small” when picking out their holiday gifts this year. “We expect a really great holiday season. Retail is up about three percent nationwide, so it’s doing well. People are spending more money in shops and definitely supporting small business,” said Joy Slone, owner of Ariel Gourmet & Gifts. The small business at 617 The Parkway in Richland, has been open for the past 40 years. It hopes to entice shoppers inside its doors during a nationwide promotional event called Small Business Saturday by offering a holiday open house and storewide sales. Many shops offer sales and specials in tandem with the Nov. 25 event on the day after Black Friday, the traditional kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 to support small businesses.

“Every year, on Small Business Saturday, we’ve almost doubled our sales. We have a very loyal customer base and following,” Slone said. “I think more and more people are learning about the event and joining in.” The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce also backs it, issuing a statement recognizing “the importance of supporting small businesses, due to the jobs they help create and the culture they instill in local communities.” Five employees work at Ariel’s, which sells quality cookware, housewares, trendy kitchen gadgets, unique gifts, gourmet and local foods, and more. “We aren’t hiring this year (for the holiday season) because we have plenty of help at this point,” Slone said. “We’ve brought in many new things this year – too many to list. There are some very cool items that I guarantee you won’t find anywhere else,” she said. Slone plans to have three or four employees working on Small Business Saturday, and the store offers free gift

Allyson Hayes, left, a sales associate for Ariel, meets with Karen Livas, small business programs director for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Jessica Stangeland, a regional chamber board member. The chamber officials were delivering Small Business Saturday promotional materials to chamber members at The Parkway in Richland. (Courtesy Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce)

wrapping with in-store purchases. “I think we may be one of the last shops to offer free gift wrapping yearround,” she said. The increase in retail foot traffic over

the holidays also offers opportunities for area job seekers. More than 500 retail jobs were listed on WorkSourceWA.com for the Tri-City area in early November. uSHOPPING, Page 16

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Einan’s turns event center into winter wonderland BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Einan’s at Sunset will transform its Richland event center into the North Pole this holiday season. The fourth annual Santa’s Village is a great way for families to shop for gifts, enjoy holiday snacks, snap photos with Santa and kick off the holiday season, said Holley Sowards, operations manager of Einan’s at Sunset. “We wanted to do something around Christmas time that involved something safe and fun for children to do with their family. We also liked the idea of providing things like pictures with Santa, because we know it can be a drag to go to the mall and pay a fortune for the photos when people want to just take them on their phone and post them on Facebook,” she said. Helper elves will escort children into Santa’s Workshop where they can choose gifts from places throughout the community. They also can get help wrapping them. “It’s a fun and safe way for kids to pick out gifts for their parents,” Sowards said. The fourth annual event runs from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at Sunset Event Center, 915 Bypass Highway in Richland. Admission is free, with donations accepted for craft projects and photos with Santa. Tables will be set up with gifts ranging from $10 to $20. All proceeds will be donated to the Fallen Rider Fund, an assistance program

for families in at-need situations. Sowards and her husband started the fund a couple of years ago and Rumble Global manages it. The nonprofit offers various motorcycle safety and awareness programs. “The motorcycle community is so giving all the time. … Last year, there were a lot of motorcycle fatalities and we want to help raise awareness,” she said. Previous recipients from the Santa’s Village charity were The Chaplaincy Hospice House, a youth suicide prevention program, and Cushions, a community-based youth outreach group. “It’s a way to be involved in the community and give back,” Sowards said. While the kids shop, adults can hang out in Santa’s Lounge and enjoy beer, wine and appetizers. They can listen to Christmas music and watch videos on a big screen. In year’s past, the Christmas movies were subbed out for football games. McCurley Integrity Subaru is sponsoring the event. New to Santa’s Village this year are vendors who will be donating a portion of their sales to the Fallen Rider Fund. Vendors include LipSense, Damsel in Defense, Color Street Nails, Scentsy, Tupperware and Usborne Books. For more information, visit Memories at Sunset Event Center on Facebook.

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Holley Sowards, left, operations manager of Einan’s at Sunset, and Ron Swanson, Einan’s assistant manager, smile through snowmen faces at a past Santa’s Village event. The fourth annual fundraiser runs from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at Sunset Event Center, 915 Bypass Highway in Richland. (Courtesy Einan’s at Sunset)

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Attorney general releases annual data breach report

Nearly three million Washington residents were affected by data breaches between July 2016 and July 2017, according to a report released by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The rate was more than six times the number for the previous 12 months and the number of breaches reported was twice that of the previous year. The data breach from the creditmonitoring company Equifax was after the dates covered by the report and was not included in the data. Cyberattacks account for the largest share of the 78 breaches reported. Other breaches resulted in unauthorized users such as third-party vendors and employees accessing information. A small percentage was from theft of property. Washington law requires business

and governments to notify the attorney general’s office after suffering breaches affecting the personal information of at least 500 Washingtonians. More information about data breaches in Washington is available at atg. wa.gov/data-breach-notifications.

Hanford public comment period underway

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection and Bechtel National are holding a 60-day public comment period to support a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit. The public comment period runs through Jan. 5, with a public meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Retail

Tri-City charity thrift stores support variety of causes BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Tri-City thrift store shoppers can check out Kennewick’s newest shop, Tri-Cities Autism Thrift. The new store provides job skills training opportunities for those with autism and other cognitive disabilities. “I had been praying a long time for there to be a place for my 24-year-old daughter — who has high-functioning autism — to learn job skills,” said owner Laura Krahn. “Everything just fell into place. We are kind of a hub for resources; other nonprofits call us for information.” Operating under the philosophy of “work, learn, grow,” Autism Thrift is seeking sponsors for economically disadvantaged perspective clients, which would enable them to come in for training two hours daily for 10 days. “We have workers who have made great strides in just two weeks,” Krahn said. Over the years, a number of other charity thrift stores have opened throughout Tri-Cities, which collectively benefit a number of local and regional causes, and some, like Autism Thrift, providing job training opportunities. “The benefits are threefold,” stated Chad Leinback, store manager of New Beginnings Thrift Store in Richland, which has been in business since 2007. “Number one, we provide opportunities to employ members of the community. … Number two, the opportunity to support the organizations … and number three, I feel we are really able to give people the opportunity to get things they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.” Tri-Cities charity thrift stores also share common practices of accepting donations on-site and being run primarily by parttime volunteers, who are in turn led by a handful of paid managers. “There is a big need,” said Tanya Martin, store manager of the Seattle Children’s Hospital Bargain Boutique in Kennewick, which opened last June. “In 2016, there was over $3 million dollars worth of uncompensated care in Benton, Franklin counties alone.” All proceeds from the store’s sales benefit the uncompensated care of patients being treated at Seattle Children’s Hospitals. At Autism Thrift, workers pay a $5 per hour facility use fee and the client must bring their own job coach, which can be a parent or caregiver. Specialized work stations and posters directing clients allow them to work at their own pace. Autism Thrift works with the The Arc of Washington and state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to accommodate the needs of clients. “We provide a supportive, positive and encouraging atmosphere,” Krahn said. After two weeks, successful clients receive a certificate of achievement and recommendation to future employers. Krahn said she hopes to achieve full nonprofit status by January. Autism Thrift accepts donations at its back door during regular business hours and provides taxdeductible receipts, but Krahn said custom-

Tri-Cities Autism Thrift Store opened its doors in early October with the mission of providing job skills training programs for autistic and intellectually challenged people. The store joins more than a dozen other charity thrift stores throughout region.

ers will need to contact the shop to obtain their nonprofit ID number for this year’s tax return. Tri-Cities Autism Thrift is in a space formerly occupied more than three years ago by neighboring business, Color and Tile. It is in the same shopping center where Value Village (now Planet Fitness) used to be. An international thrift chain, which benefits charitable organizations such as The Arc of Washington, Value Village closed in March 2016 as a result of “local marketplace pressures,” according to Value Village spokeswoman Sara Gaugl. Goodwill Industries of the Columbia has been in the area since 1969 and operates four retail stores throughout Tri-Cities and one outlet store in Pasco, with its regional headquarters in Kennewick. Another big player in charity thrift stores, St. Vincent de Paul, which has been in the Tri-Cities since 1960, with one retail store in Kennewick. Both companies also provide community outreach. Many of the area’s charity thrift stores operate as nonprofits, though some, such as New Beginnings, make a regular financial donation to a charity of choice based on its sales. Leinback said New Beginnings partners with You Medical, formerly called the TriCities Pregnancy Network, as well as local domestic violence service offices and area

churches to provide vouchers for items in their store. “We at one point had many organizations we were supporting, but felt we could really give more resources if we limited it to just the two we currently support,” Leinback said. Greta Dority, store manager at The Chaplaincy’s Repeat Boutique in downtown Kennewick, reported many donors like supporting smaller thrift stores and their charities. “We share with other nonprofit organizations as well,” Dority said. “The Veterans

Opportunity Center, the (Union Gospel) Mission, the new Autism Thrift Store … if we receive more than we can use and accept, then we share with other people; we don’t just throw it away. We also help out homeless people who stop by.” Dority, Leinback and Martin all agreed that the heart of their stores is their volunteer base. “We’re always seeking new volunteers,” Dority said. Self-promotion and raising awareness about their stores and causes continues to be a challenge. In addition to rotating tag sales and other specials on overstocked merchandise, they try different strategies to lure in customers. “We don’t do many special events, but based on our low prices and good-quality items, we figure people will be attracted to that and are just going to come in and shop,” Leinback said. Martin said Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique focuses on maintaining a “beautifully decorated, boutique atmosphere.” “We try to host at least one in-store event per month,” she said. Recently, the shop held a Sip & Shop event, partnering with Purple Star Winery to provide an after-hour RSVP-only wine tasting and shopping event. “It was a lot of fun,” Martin said. Two times a year, the Bargain Boutique holds a designer sale event where high-end clothing, purses and jewelry put aside from donations are brought out exclusively for the sale. uTHRIFT STORES, Page 16

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

THRIFT STORES, From page 15 “Why would anyone pay full price when they can help the kids?” Martin said. The shop’s next event will be a Black Friday sale. Dority attributed a lot of the success of Chaplaincy’s Repeat Boutique to its central location in downtown Kennewick. “The whole downtown area is so supportive of us,” she said. Dority said the store met its first yearly sales goal in five and a half months. “It’s been such a blessing to be here. It’s been great; we’re all just thrilled. We knew it was going to be good, but had no idea.” The Repeat Boutique recently played host to an open house to kick off the holiday season, and will be participating in the annual Girls Night Out event Dec. 5-7. The Chaplaincy Repeat Boutique and New Beginnings also hinted at future developments and expansions. SHOPPING, From page 13 “With more residents employed than ever before and a greater share of consumers expecting their incomes to rise, the outlook for holiday sales and hiring in general is strong,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee in a statement. Washington retail employers hired 12,500 additional workers during last year’s fourth quarter, when holiday shopping was in full swing. Holiday shoppers helped boost the state’s taxable retail sales by 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter over the same period in 2015, reaching $38.2 billion, according to the state Department of Revenue.

Tri-City thrift stores with nonprofit ties Here’s a list of other Tri-City charity thrift stores accepting donations and the organizations they benefit. • Atomic City Thrift Supporting: Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery and Mirror Ministries Address: 1420 Jadwin Ave., Richland • Chaplaincy Repeat Boutique Supporting: Chaplaincy Health Hospice Care Address: 22 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick

• New Beginnings Thrift Store Supporting: You Medical and Domestic Violence Services Address: 1016 Lee Blvd., Richland

• Sails Outlet Supporting: Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery & Family Support Center Address: 408 N Fruitland St., Kennewick • Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique Supporting: Seattle Children’s Hospital Address: 2810 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick

• Hobs Hospice Benefit Shop Supporting: Heartlinks Hospice Pediatric Palliative Care Program Address: 612 Fifth St., Prosser

• St. Vincent de Paul Supporting: Food, clothing, and emergency support to those in need Address: 120 N. Morain St., Kennewick

Employment Security Department economists say the bulk of seasonal hiring in 2017 will be in general merchandise stores, adding 7,524 jobs, up 998 positions from the same period last year. Clothing and clothing-accessory stores expect to hire 3,320 holiday workers, up 343 workers from 2016. The holiday retail hiring forecast for Benton and Franklin counties is for an additional 306 workers. Columbia Center mall in Kennewick expects to more than triple that amount. “We anticipate our retailers hiring 1,000 new team members across part-time and full-time roles to assist with the bustling

holiday shopping season,” said Meredith Reed, Columbia Center’s director of marketing and business development. In anticipation of the holiday season, Columbia Center added several specialty gift retailers. “Shoppers can now shop at See’s Candies, Hickory Farms and Go! Games and Calendars for fabulous host gift ideas, stocking stuffers and all the loved ones on our lists this year,” Reed said. The newest additions at Columbia Center includes Build-a-Bear Workshop, which opened in July, where children can assemble their own stuffed animal. Sprint opened in late September, and

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• Teen Challenge Supporting: Recovery services to young people who struggle with life-controlling problems Address: 1120 W. Sylvester St., Pasco • Tri-Cities Autism Thrift Store Supporting: Job training and organizations supporting the intellectually disabled Address: 731 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Suite 114, Kennewick • Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity ReStore Supporting: Sale of donated furniture, appliances, accessories, and home improvement materials fund outreach programs Address: 309 Wellsian Way, Richland Sbarros, a nationwide pizzeria, will open in the food court in mid-December. “The economy in the Tri-Cities is very healthy, and with the mix of new retailers, we expect this to be a great holiday season. The holiday shopping season brings a festive and robust atmosphere to Columbia Center mall,” Reed said. “While the shopping process has become more complex, we hold a tangible and experiential advantage by providing our guests what they want, where they want it, when they want it, whether it’s for holiday shopping, dining or entertainment.” Because Christmas falls 32 days after Thanksgiving this year (one day more than last year), and is on a Monday instead of Sunday, shoppers will have an extra weekend of shopping. “We expect Saturday, Dec. 23, to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year,” Reed said. The International Council of Shopping Centers, or ICSC, forecasts a 3.8 percent year-over-year growth nationwide in retail sales this holiday season. Consumers are expected to spend on average $728 on gifts and other holiday-related items. “The ICSC holiday findings illustrate that consumers are incredibly optimistic this holiday season,” Reed said. “We’re thrilled that physical retail remains a cornerstone of the holiday season.” The ICSC also projects: • 96 percent of shoppers plan to make a purchase from a retailer who has a physical and an online presence, with 91 percent of shoppers buying at physical locations. • Forty percent of holiday shoppers will buy online, then pick up items in-store, and 81 percent plan to make additional purchases when collecting their item. • 92 percent of millennials will spend money in a physical store this holiday season, and more than any other age group, 57 percent of millennials plan to take advantage of discounts on black Friday. • Consumers plan on heading to shopping centers for more than purchasing gifts. More than 80 percent of shoppers will visit a shopping center to eat out, catch a movie and attend a philanthropic or holiday event. To learn more about Small Business Saturday, visit ShopSmall.com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Retail

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Pasco seeks community input on survey

Columbia Center mall’s holiday parade kicks off at 9 a.m. Nov. 18 in Kennewick. The tree lighting is at 10 a.m. (Courtesy Columbia Center)

Columbia Center decks the halls Book appointments for Santa photos online BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Avoid the lines for a photo with Santa at Columbia Center mall by reserving an appointment in advance. Children can share their Christmas wishes and get photos with Santa beginning Nov. 18 through Dec. 24 outside the Sears store. Parents can reserve times with Santa online at simonsanta.com. “One of the great traditions of holiday shopping at Columbia Center mall is the annual family visit to the Simon Santa photo experience,” said Meredith Reed, director of mall marketing at Kennewick’s Columbia Center, in a news release. “Santa can’t wait to greet children bringing him their holiday wishes.” Columbia Center also provides children with special needs and their families an opportunity to enjoy a sensory-friendly time with Santa through the Caring Santa event, in partnership with Autism Speaks. It’s from from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3, prior to the mall opening. Guests can register in advance at simon.com/caringsanta.

Pets also can spend time with Santa. Pet Photo Night with Santa is from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10, after the mall closes. Afterward, the Santa set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers. Columbia Center’s other holiday festivities include: • The holiday parade and tree lighting event on Nov. 18. The parade is from 9 to 10 a.m. and ends at Columbia Center for the tree lighting at 10 a.m. Festivities will continue inside the center until 1 p.m. • Guests can enjoy live holiday entertainment through December. • Holiday gift wrapping is available to benefit the Simon Youth Foundation and Rainbow Girls organization. Santa’s visit is sponsored by Gymboree Group, a specialty retailer operating stores selling apparel and accessories for children under the Gymboree, Gymboree Outlet, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8 brands, and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Visit the Simon Santa Photo Experience and receive a “Despicable Me 3” activity sheet and watch highlights from the movie.

The city of Pasco seeks community input for its biennial survey it has conducted since 2005. The survey measures public opinion in eight key areas of community livability. Residents report their perceptions about the quality of their community and related services, as well as their own engagement within the community. Survey information will be used in developing city council goals and objectives for the next two years. As in previous years, the printed version will be mailed out to a statistically-valid sample of city utility customers starting Nov. 13. There will be an additional online version (in both English and Spanish) to reach a wider audience starting around Dec. 11. In addition to the standard survey questions, the council included policy questions designed to gauge the opinion of the community on three particular issues: • Code enforcement: To gauge the community’s interest in seeing more, less or about the same level of code enforcement in Pasco. • Fire/EMS facilities: The city will need to build/relocate fire stations to meet the increase in population; this question asks respondents their level of comfort in paying for new fire facilities via a property tax bond.

• Recreation facility: The city has been considering if residents support the construction of a community recreational center and asks what type (or types) of facility residents would like to see in Pasco. “The city values the input from the community via the survey,” said Pasco Mayor Matt Watkins, “as it will help guide the council’s goal-making process and gives a snapshot of what the citizens of Pasco are thinking.” The results of the 2015 survey are available on the city’s website at www. pasco-wa.gov/979/National-CitizenSurvey.

Irrigators push for barging fish instead of more spill

The Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association recently filed a motion to rehear U.S. District Judge Michael Simon’s decision in March requiring more spill at the dams to help downstream migration of juvenile fish. The irrigators favor increased barging of juvenile fish instead of spill. The association wants no additional spill at dams where the young salmon and steelhead are collected for transportation. The group is seeking an evidentiary hearing that would get the court to overturn its injunction for more and earlier spill starting in spring 2018. The association’s reply brief filed Oct. 20 said new information was available that was not completed when Simon decided on the spill case this past spring.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

uBUSINESS BRIEFS SBA taking nominations for awards through Dec. 18

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Spokane branch is accepting nominations for its 2018 National Small Business Week Awards. The office is part of the SBA Seattle District, which serves Washington and northern Idaho. Several awards will be given during the National Small Business Week from April 29 to May 5. For more information about the award categories, criteria, guidelines and to get a form, visit sba.gov/nsbw/awards. Preliminary nominations must be submitted no later than 3 p.m. Dec. 18 using the short form at tinyurl.com/ WA-Awards-18. Final nominations must

be submitted no later than noon Jan. 9. All nomination packages must be hand delivered or mailed to SBA Seattle District Office, Attn: 2018 NSBW, 2401 Fourth Ave. Suite 450, Seattle, WA 98121. Email submissions will not be accepted. For more information, call Desiree Albrecht at 206-553-2664, email desiree. albecht@sba.gov or go to sba.gov/nsbw/ awards.

Jan. 15 deadline to buy insurance on Exchange

People looking for private health insurance purchased on the Exchange have until Jan. 15 to buy a policy. Open enrollment began Nov. 1. For coverage to begin by Jan. 1, enrollment in a policy must be complete by Dec. 15. Consumers looking for a policy should

RETAIL go to Washington’s Exchange at wahealth planfinger.org. Eligibility for free coverage through Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program, and help with financial assistance for premiums, co-pays and deductibles are also available. Costsharing subsidies are available to those who qualify under the Affordable Care Act. Two new tools this year give consumers additional options to review coverage. An app, WAPlanfinder, gives a more mobile-friendly shopping option. Smart Planfinder helps people customize their choices based on the prescriptions they take, the number of doctor visits they make in a year, and their preferred providers and facilities. Both are available on wahbexchange.org. In-person assistance for enrolling is available at 13 full-service centers and

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Online registration open for Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Registrations are being accepted for Tri-City’s annual Turkey Trot benefiting the American Red Cross serving Central and Southeastern Washington. The 5K run/walk will start at 9 a.m. and the one-mile run/walk starts at 9:10 a.m. Nov. 23 at Columbia Park in Kennewick. Deadline to register online is Nov. 20. Registration in person on the day of the event is $25 for the 1 mile and $30 for the 5K with cash or check only. For more information and to register, go to gesaturkeytrot2017.eventbrite.com.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

RETAIL uBUSINESS BRIEFS Regional chamber draws more than 180 new members

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017’s membership event brought in 181 new memberships and upgrades. Member chairs included Tri-Citians of the Year, Steve and Shirley Simmons, as well as Andy Stirling, Numerica Credit Union regional vice president, and Michael Novakovich, Tri-Cities Cancer Center strategy and business development director. In addition to the more than 100 volunteers who made the event a success, the following were honored: • Most memberships sold by individuals: First place, Kris Lapp; second, Mason

McCurley; third, Brandy Fortney. • Most membership sold by teams: First place, Mason McCurley’s team; second, Derrick Stricker’s team; third, Mac Gayler’s team. • Most money raised by individuals: First place, Kris Lapp; second Kedrich Jackson; third, Brandy Fortney. Most money raised by a group: First place, Kris Lapp’s gold group; second, Andy Stirling’s light blue group; third, Matt Sweeza and Jason Jones’ orange group.

Corps of Engineers event attracts 130 businesses

The Walla Walla Corps of Engineers’ district office in Walla Walla held a Corps Industry Day in October with more than 130 business owners.

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The event was open to those who wanted to learn about how to do business with the Corps, contract opportunities, competing for contracts or showcasing capabilities. The Walla Walla District awards contracts for construction projects, architectengineering studies, and supplies and services needed to operate their facilities. These contracting opportunities total between $90 million and $130 million annually. The district is responsible for managing environmental, hydroelectric, navigation, engineering, construction, emergency management and recreation services within a region covering 107,000 square miles in six states. The Walla Walla District’s Contracting Facebook page aims to keep prospective attendees updated on future events as they are scheduled.

Nonprofit helps low-income homeowners with repairs

More than 12 families in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and Prosser received help with needed home repair projects thanks to 400 volunteers during a community rebuilding event on Oct. 28. Rebuilding Mid-Columbia, a nonprofit that helps low-income homeowners make repairs to their homes with volunteers and business partners, organizes two community rebuilding days each year. The agency also offers an urgent needs program for homeowners who have vital needs due to medical or other issues. Rebuilding Mid-Columbia is 13 months old and has served 56 families to date. For more information about the fundraiser or how to apply for home repairs, call 253-753-8324 or visit rebuildingmc. org.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

uBUSINESS BRIEFS Reading Foundation names new CEO

Kristin Norell has joined the Children’s Reading Foundation as the next CEO to replace outgoing Rick Donahoe, who is retiring Dec. 15. Donahoe has been CEO since Kristin Norell 2015 and joined the foundation in 2013 as grant project director. He also managed two Department of Education grants totaling $6.2 million to provide early learning initiatives to 48 very highpoverty school districts and communities in 15 states. Norell was most recently the international sales director for Chronicle Books in San Rick Donahoe Francisco. She has more than 20 years of sales, licensing and marketing experience. She has been on the Children’s Reading Foundation board since 2011. The national nonprofit was founded in Kennewick in 1996 with the vision that every child learns to read at grade level by the end of third grade. The group helps

establish local chapters in communities across the U.S.

Vance named manager for Office of River Protection

Brian Vance has been selected as the new manager for the Department of Energy’s Office of River Protection. He will replace outgoing Ben Harp, who is returning to his position as deputy manager. Vance has more than 30 years of leadership experience and most recently was the director of the 300-296 Remote Soil Excavation Project for CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co. Prior to joining CHPRC in June 2015, he held roles with Westinghouse and Areva and retired as a Navy captain. While in the Navy, he served as program manager for the Undersea Defensive Warfare Systems, the Submarine Combat and Weapons Control Program, and as the commander of the Naval Submarine Support Command in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He has a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s in business administration from the University of North Carolina and certification in project management professional by the Project Management Institute.

Chamber names winners of small-business program

Recipients of the 2017 Small Business Incentive Program were announced by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and Washington River Protections

Solutions. The program awards $30,000 in grants to purchase products or services based on the needs of the business, including work stations, new laptops, website development and more. This year’s winners were: Account Sense; American Family Insurance – Jason Hogue; ChemDry; Chinook Home Health Care; Clear View Window Cleaning; Digital Image Tri-Cities, Inc.; Dream Dinners; Ernie’s Landscaping; Express Employment; Frichette Winery; Fuse, SPC; Iron Mountain Construction Management; Mama Too’s; Northwest Paddleboarding; Professional Training Center; Soft Water Specialists; The Speech Pathology Learning Center; Style by Deidra; Sullivan Sullutions; Swift Rehabilitation; Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business; Tri-City Americans; Tri-City Foot and Ankle Center; UpAngle Drone Services; The Wet Palette; Wildland Labs: WinSome; and XPROi A/V.

Trios resident graduate hired as hospitalist

Dr. Jeff McDannel has joined Trios Medical Group – Hospital Medicine as a hospitalist. He will provide inpatient care primary at Trios Southridge Hospital in Dr. Jeff McDannel Kennewick. McDannel completed a three-year residency program in internal medicine at Trios Health this

year. He is part of the Trios Residency Program’s second-ever class of graduates and is the program’s first graduating physician to join the organization full time. He received his doctor of osteopathic medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. He also completed internships including as a clinical research assistant on a study in blood conservation medicine and as a trauma center assistant at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Hartley earns promotion at Tri-Cities Phone

Stephen Hartley is being promoted to chief operations executive at Tri-Cities Phone & PC Repair. He has been working as the head technician for the company since March. Stephen Hartley Prior to joining the team, he was a longtime repair technician throughout the Tri-Cities and served as the general manager of Gordon Estate Wine Bar.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017 uNETWORKING Tri-Cities Airport director named Top 40 Under 40

Tri-Cities Airport Director Buck Taft was selected for inclusion on the 2017 Top 40 under 40 list in Airport Business magazine that showcases the top talent and leading thinkers in the aviation industry. “Buck is a great addition to this notable list of young professionals,” said Buck Taft Randy Hayden, executive director of the Port of Pasco. “He has dedicated his career to the advancement of aviation industry, and committed to the success and growth of the Tri-Cities Airport in our region. The port is proud of Buck and delighted that he is being recognized for his leadership.” The winners are chosen by a panel of judges and vetted on innovation, outstanding attributes, and commitment and involvement in the industry. The Top 40 Under 40 honorees will be featured in the November issue of Airport Business and online at AviationPros.com.

Trios Health receives Joint Commission reaccreditation

Trios Health has received notification from the Joint Commission that both of its hospitals—Trios Southridge Hospital and Trios Women’s & Children’s Hospital— and its Home Health Care service line are reaccredited, effective July 14, for maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. The accreditation is awarded for three years. The Joint Commission completed a comprehensive system-wide survey in mid-July with a follow-up visit the week of Aug. 21. Hospital officials were notified that both facilities and Home Health Care met or exceeded the exacting criteria of performance in hospital quality and safety. The survey process involved four continuous days of physical inspections, staff and patient interviews, document reviews, and facility tours for life safety issues by a team of five surveyors (physician, nurse, home health nurse, ambulatory care spe-

cialist, and life-safety engineer) and a team leader. The group performed dozens of random “patient tracers,” a complete review of a patient record of care throughout the hospital; the surveyors also performed “system tracers” to review medicine management, infection control and the environment of care. “As our financial challenges have unfolded during 2017, one might have thought our patient care and quality may suffer,” said Craig Cudworth, chief executive officer. “An undisputable truth is that we are still here providing exceptional medical services with unwavering focus on our patients. The Joint Commission surveyors, who acknowledged the stress of our financial pressures, commended us outright for keeping our focus on what’s most important: our patients.” The Joint Commission completes a survey every three years. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 20,500 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

Kennewick print shop earns several honors

The owner of Esprit Graphic Communications in Kennewick recently earned an industry award. Skip Novakovich, who with his wife Shannon, own Esprit, recently was honored as one of the top printing professionals in the Northwest at the Pacific Printing Industries Association’s 10th annual PrintRocks Awards event in Tacoma. The Hickey Picker (an industry common term for a perfectionist) Award was established in Skip Novakovich 1975 to honor those who have established and earned a reputation deserving of recognition. These “champions of print” have a keen eye for what it takes to deliver quality and service, while setting a gold standard for leadership. Esprit also received four awards for outstanding achievement: first place for its “Excellent Printing is Like a Fine Wine” brochure, second place for its 18-month calendar and two honorable mention awards for production of a 2017 Chief

Joseph Days poster and a Spencer-Carlson brochure. PPI represents the printing industry in the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah.

State honors business for employing veterans

The state Employment Security Department recognized 12 Washington businesses/agencies this month for their efforts to employ military veterans in 2017. Award recipients were nominated by WorkSource veterans employment representatives who work directly with employers to help recruit, hire and retain veterans. Regional recipients include: • CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company. CH2M has hired 30 veterans in 2017 and participates in the statewide YesVets program, a statewide campaign to hire veterans. The company is a strong partner of WorkSource Columbia Basin and frequently participates in local hiring events and workshops that help veterans. • Patronus Systems Inc. This security firm provides highly trained security services for U.S. federal buildings from Yakima to Coeur’d Alene. It employs 49 veterans in Washington, which is 88 percent of its total work force and participates in the statewide YesVets program. • Department of Licensing (DOL). This state agency has employed 41 veterans since February 2016, of which 18 were hired this year. No other company or agency in the area has hired more veterans through WorkSource in 2017. DOL also

participates in various groups and programs to help veterans and participates in the statewide YesVets program. • McCain Foods. This frozen potatoproducts company in Othello employs about 500 employees, of which 25 are veterans. The hiring manager works directly with WorkSource veteran staff to recruit and hire qualified veterans. McCain participates every year in the Veteran Job & Resource Fair and recently sponsored a POW/MIA event that raised $18,000 for the Fisher House and Thomas A. Biddle Foundation to assist veterans. WorkSource places about 10,000 veterans into jobs each year. There are currently nearly 600,000 military veterans living in Washington. WorkSource in a partnership of state, local and nonprofit agencies that work together to deliver employment and training services to Washington businesses and job seekers.

Hauck hired as PorterKinney bookkeeper

Monique Hauck has been hired by PorterKinney of Richland to serve as the company’s bookkeeper. She has a bachelor’s in business administration from Monique Hauck Georgia State University and a master’s in marketing.

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

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Porter’s Real Barbecue plans to open Columbia Center Boulevard restaurant Owner-brothers building Temple of ’Cue with capacity to smoke 3,000 pounds of meat at a time BY ROBIN WOJTANIK

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

A second Porter’s Real Barbecue restaurant set to open this spring in Kennewick is only the tri-tip of the meaty master plan. Brothers Porter and Reed Kinney have plans to launch two more restaurants within the next couple of years. They’re also building a kitchen big enough to smoke 3,000 pounds of meat at a time to supply their popular barbecue joints. It’s a goal they consider attainable since their humble beginnings selling hand-crafted barbecue from a food truck at John Dam Plaza in 2014. Late October wasn’t an ideal time to open a food truck in the Richland park, as they didn’t have the benefit of foot traffic from the farmers market or the warm temperatures of spring. Those were some of the reasons Porter, 29, kept his expectations low, targeting the sale of 10 sandwiches in a single day, amounting to about five pounds of meat.

“I was ambitious, but a little cautious,” he said. Instead, he sold out of all the meat he had smoked — about 100 pounds. He quickly began barbecuing twice as much meat and still managed to sell out each day, often in a matter of hours. It was just the start of a business venture that’s been “profitable from day one,” said Reed, 36. After spending eight months in the food truck, Porter’s Real Barbecue moved to a storefront in The Parkway after renovating a former clothing store. Now, less than three years after selling meat from their renovated 1977 Dodge RV, the brothers are poised to open a second restaurant in the spring. It will make its debut on Columbia Center Boulevard in the spot once home to Fire and Brimstone Pizza, which closed earlier this year. Porter’s Real Barbecue will occupy the ground floor of the building and agreed to a lease that prevents another restaurant from moving into the space above them, unless the Kinneys grant permission. The

Brothers Reed, left, and Porter Kinney of Porter’s Real Barbecue restaurant stand outside the Temple of ’Cue that’s under construction in Richland. The new kitchen will be able to smoke 3,000 pounds of meat daily to supply their Richland restaurant and the one they plan to open next spring in Kennewick.

brothers inked a seven-year lease for their new location. The brothers already are dreaming up a splashy grand opening. To fulfill the demands of both the new Kennewick restaurant and the existing Richland one, the brothers have leased a 3,000-square-foot building under construction near the Richland Airport. “The entire investment is for quality,”

Reed said. A concrete pad outside the building will hold three large commercial smokers that may be accessed from the climatecontrolled interior of the building. Employees will have the ability to smoke up to 3,000 pounds of meat at a time in what Porter’s calling, The Temple of ’Cue. uPORTER’S, Page 24

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

PORTER’S, From page 23 There will be no freezers, fryers, griddles or microwaves in the building, which is expected to be completed just after the first of the year. “The new building is us walking the talk,” Reed said. “It’s about our commitment to helping the community understand the dedicated process of getting the food to their plate.” The main purpose of The Temple will be to prepare the meat supplied to their restaurants and catering contracts. The brothers said they are focused on providing the same quality to customers, even as their reach expands. The Temple also will include office space. “If everything goes right,” the brothers’ goal would be to start scoping out and opening a third location within a year or

two of opening the Kennewick restaurant. Reed said it would “definitely (be) no more than five years” to get the next two restaurants open. They think things could move quickly once The Temple is built. “We don’t feel like we have competition,” said Porter, explaining his style and quality of barbecue is not something easily replicated or imitated. “There’s no way to fake it or knock it off,” Reed said. The brothers say they only use the highest quality natural pork and highgrade beef, smoked for up to 14 hours. The actual smoking time and temperature is a closely-guarded secret, and still varies with each slab of meat. “When it’s done, it’s done,” Porter said. The prolific amount of fruit wood

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION available in the Tri-Cities, as well as the subtle smoke flavor it adds to the meat, is the reason the Kinneys use apple or cherry wood in their smokers. All the meat is dry-rubbed with a topsecret mix of seasonings. Those who work directly with meat preparation must sign non-disclosure agreements to protect the recipes as trade secrets. Achieving the desired results has come from years of trial and error after Porter spent time living in South Carolina. “There’s nothing that can imitate the taste of a whole hog that’s been smoked for 20 hours by a person who monitored the meat for the entire time,” Porter said. He recalled eating in small restaurants with a simple menu where the walls were stained from 50 years of barbecue smoke.

When he returned to the Tri-Cities, Porter found he just couldn’t find anything quite like what he’d grown accustomed to and set out to craft his own smoked meat. “Barbecue was a hobby that became an obsession,” he said. “There’s something about the process that’s earned. You’ve got to put in the time.” When asked what style of barbecue he makes, Porter describes it simply as “my style.” He borrows from different regions, so he isn’t mirroring a single one. Porter understands that everyone has their preference when it comes to style and learned long ago that the three things you don’t talk about in mixed company are “religion, politics and barbecue.” uPORTER’S, Page 25

YAKIMA RIVER GATEWAY PROJECT 3613 W. VAN GIESEN STREET• WEST RICHLAND

West Richland celebrated the completion of its new $2.2 million Yakima River Gateway project this month. The work improves the entrance to the city of West Richland, with community access to paved trails, river-

front park and river access. It added vehicle parking and non-motorized water access to the river for those who want to float, kayak and swim in it. The project created a new city park and includes an accessible bathroom structure, with a 53-stall parking lot, trash enclosure, stormwater treatment pond and an accessible entrance to the Yakima River south of the bridge. A trail under the bridge connects the south side of the project to the north along the Yakima River. The north side provides nonmotorized river access, as well as

picnic and fishing areas, adjacent to the bridge. New bridge and parking lot lighting, interpretive signs, city entrance sign and landscaping also were installed. Along the northern trail is an overlook structure with park benches and bike racks and landscaping throughout. The general contractor was Moreno & Nelson of Walla Walla. Project manager was Aaron Grimm of Moreno & Nelson. The consulting company who completed the design of the project was MacKay & Sposito with project manager Bryan Cole based in Kenenwick. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project was Nov. 1.

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REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION PORTER’S, From page 24 a lot of things,” Reed said. Dishes at Porter’s Real Barbecue are He firmly believes the restaurant served “naked” because they’re intend- offers the best macaroni and cheese in ed to be enjoyed as-is without the need the Tri-Cities. By perfecting this, it’s for sauce to cover imperfections. why customers’ requests for other But they’re not against customers southern favorites like cornbread, okra using sauce. They make sauces from or collard greens have so far gone scratch each day and keep them on the unfilled. tables at The Parkway restaurant. The brothers intend to stay true to “We would drive across town for this their dream of a family-run business, barbecue,” said cusbut expect to grow tomer Shannon to about 20 employMiner, who says between the two “It’s real barbecue. ees she’s been frequentrestaurants and the ... They don’t skimp cooking facility. ing the eatery since it started in the food Porter reminisces on anything” truck. “It’s real baron the days he was becue. It’s fresh, hunched in the - Shannon Miner, small RV smoking and you get a lot for customer meat in the park your money. They don’t skimp on any“low and slow” at 9 thing.” p.m. to prepare for Rubs, sides and sweet tea are also the lunch rush the following day, determade fresh each morning, and only the mined to always open regardless of the Kinney brothers’ mother has the secret challenges that face small businesses. family recipe to the molasses bars, “We decided on day one, we’re not which she bakes herself. They are sold gonna let anything stop us no matter in the restaurant for $2 each. what. We’ve always found a way to get All meat is carved to order, which is open and sell some barbecue under designed to be part of the experience. almost every circumstance, and that’s Porter wants you to “eat with your something I’m proud of,” Porter said. eyes” before raising a fork. But despite this accomplishment and It’s a process Porter never tires of the current plans to expand, Porter himself, even after smoking thousands admitted, “We don’t ever feel like of pounds of meat. we’ve made it, or we’re a safe busi“It’s just plain fun to cut up a bris- ness.” ket,” Porter said. The menu at Porter’s They still feel the pressure to be on Real Barbecue remains simple so the top of their game at all times, or risk brothers can focus on doing a limited disappointing hundreds of customers in number of items to the best of their a single day. ability “instead of being pretty good at Yet the Kinneys are confident they’ve

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017 put the pieces in place to successfully expand and continue to deliver on the same quality of barbecue their customers have come to expect. “It’s a little scary. But being scared is good; you want to be a little scared,” Reed said. They believe the Temple of ’Cue and the Kennewick expansion are laying the groundwork for a long-standing family operation that can be carried on by the next generation. “The romantic dream is to build a great business that we can teach them entrepreneurial spirit and hard-work values, doing something we love, and leave something for them, if they want it,” Porter said. Reed shared his goals even more simply: “We want to kick some butts and take some names.” Porter’s Real Barbecue is open every day but Sunday and has considered the possibility of opening seven days a week at 1022 N. Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick. The Richland restaurant, at 705 The Parkway, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

uNETWORKING Kennewick elementary named School of Distinction Hawthorne Elementary has been named a 2017 School of Distinction, the only elementary school in the TriCities to receive the state award, by the Center for Educational Effectiveness. The award recognizes Washington schools in the top 5 percent of improvement in English language arts and math achievement or graduation rate over a ﬁve-year period. Since 2013, the number of Hawthorne students at or above grade level in language arts and math has more than doubled. The awards are determined by CEE and its partners in education in the state. Ninety-eight schools were named Schools of Distinction. Pasco High School, Paterson Elementary, Wahitis Elementary in Othello and Sunnyside High School also received the distinction.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Real Estate & Construction

Two Tri-City commercial real estate businesses join forces BY MICHELLE DUPLER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Two Tri-City commercial real estate firms have joined forces to become the newly formed NAI Group LLC. In the wake of the departure of former principal Lance Bacon from NAI TriCities in July, remaining principal Todd Sternfeld partnered with Vicki Monteagudo of Century 21 Tri-Cities to open the new commercial-focused firm. NAI Group LLC bought the former NAI Tri-Cities partnership and will operate a new real estate company under the moniker NAI Tri-Cities Commercial, according to a news release. In addition to

Sternfeld and Monteagudo, former NAI Tri-Cities brokers Derrick Stricker and Kevin O’Rorke will continue with the new firm, joined by Chief Financial Officer Lisa Monteagudo, Office Administrator Linda Sims, and new broker Jazmine Murillo. NAI Group LLC has moved inside the Century 21 Tri-Cities building at 89 Gage Blvd. in Richland. A complete remodel was completed for the NAI team. Sternfeld has a commercial real estate career spanning 34 years that includes working with businesses ranging from local small businesses to national brands such as U.S. Bank, Aflac, Met Life, and Quizno’s, the news release said.

V i c k i Monteagudo has 20 years of experience in the real estate market. She plans to continue to own and operate Century 21 TriCities, a residential real estate Vicki Monteagudo firm, while also working with NAI Tri-Cities Commercial to grow in a different sector. The new partnership comes following Bacon’s decision to leave the former NAI Tri-Cities to join the Kennewick office of Paid Advertising

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You may spend decades contributing to your IRA and 401(k). But, eventually, you’ll need to use this money. Before that day arrives, you’ll want to be familiar with the rules governing withdrawals – and you’ll want to know just how much you should take out. To begin with, withdrawals from traditional employer-sponsored retirement plans like these fall under the Internal Revenue Service’s “required minimum distributions” (RMD) guidelines. (You aren’t required to take these distributions from a Roth IRA.) Here are some of the key RMD points to keep in mind: • You need to take distributions by age 70-1/2 . You generally should begin taking RMDs in the year in which you turn 70-1/2. If you don’t take your first RMD during that year, you must take it no later DUSTIN CLONTZ than April 1 of the following year. If you do put it off until April 1, you must take two distributions in one year. Financial Advisor (509) 943-1441 If you don’t take your RMDs on time, you may have to pay the IRS a 50 percent penalty tax on the taxable portion of your uncollected distribution — so make sure you know your dates. • You can take more than the minimum. You can withdraw more than the RMD, but, as the word “required” suggests, you can’t withdraw less. • You may be able to delay RMDs in an employer’s retirement plan if you’re still working. If your employer’s retirement plan permits it, you may not have to take RMDs if you are still working and you are 70-1/2 or older. However, this exception won’t apply if you own 5 percent or more of your company. To determine your RMD, you’ll need to use either the Uniform Lifetime Table, which is based on your life expectancy, or the Joint Life Table, if you have a spouse who is the sole beneficiary and who is more than 10 years younger. Your tax advisor can help you make this selection. So, now that you know the basic rules of RMDs, you’ll need to consider their impact on your retirement income. As mentioned above, you can certainly take out more than the RMD, but should you? If you need the extra money, then you’ll have to take it. However, when determining how much you should take beyond your RMDs, you’ll need to weigh some other factors. For one thing, if you can delay taking Social Security, you’ll get bigger checks, so you might be able to lower the amounts you take from your 401(k) and IRA. Another factor to consider is the size and composition of your investment portfolio held outside your retirement accounts. If you have a sizable amount of investments, with some of them providing regular income, you may be able to afford to take out only your RMDs, or perhaps just slightly more. On the other hand, if your 401(k) and IRA make up the vast majority of your investment holdings, you might need to rely on them much more heavily. In any case, though, you will need to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate for all your investments to ensure you won’t outlive your money. A financial professional can help you calculate this rate. Do whatever it takes to maximize your benefits from your IRA and 401(k). They’re valuable assets – so use them wisely. Member SIPC

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Kiemle & Hagood Co., a Spokane-based competitor that expanded with satellite offices in Eastern Washington and Missoula, Montana, within the past year. Todd Sternfeld G o r d o n Hester, Kiemle and Hagood vice president and co-owner, told the Journal of Business at the time Bacon joined the firm in July that a deal to handle real estate matters for Providence Health Care, a network that now includes Kadlec Regional Medical Center and its clinics, drove the Spokane firm’s decision to open a Tri-City office. Once that decision was made, Bacon was brought on board to help manage the firm’s portfolio of 600,000 square feet of commercial space in the Tri-Cities — and seven million square feet total. Bacon was one of five original principals who founded NAI Tri-Cities in 2009. The company has been affiliated with NAI Global since its inception, and will continue that affiliation, according to a news release. Monteagudo and Sternfeld did not respond to requests seeking comment on the new partnership by press time.

uNETWORKING Fiction @ J. Bookwalter named among best in U.S.

J. Bookwalter Winery’s restaurant, Fiction @ J. Bookwalter, has been selected as one of the best winery restaurants in the U.S. by Zagat Restaurant guide. Zagat editors called the restaurant a “stylish Pacific Northwest gem” and praised its seasonally-changing menu that draws inspirations from Washington’s natural resources and noted its “perpetually coffeehouse-cool” vibe. Fiction @ J. Bookwalter was also recognized earlier this year by Food & Wine magazine in February as one of the best winery restaurants in the U.S. and as one of the 10 best on-site winery restaurants in the U.S. by USA Today in 2016.

New marketing director hired for Baker Boyer

Jim Wilson has been hired as assistant vice president/marketing director of Baker Boyer in Walla Walla. Wilson has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and business development in high-teach and social enterJim Wilson prises, including with the United Way of King County, and will be relocating from the Seattle area. He has a degree from the University of Puget Sound.

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Prosser aims to develop 80- to 90-acre sports complex by 2020 City plans to parcel off 24 acres for residential development to pay for project’s first phase BY JESSICA HOEFER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

By 2020, football, baseball, softball and soccer players will have new fields to play on as the city of Prosser moves toward its goal to create a sports complex. “It’s been a long time coming,” said David Stockdale, Prosser city administrator. “I’ve been able to go back and look at records as far back as 1996 for the city wanting this.” Sports tournaments are prevalent in the Tri-Cities and Yakima, bringing in millions of dollars in tourism revenue. Visiting teams infuse money into restaurants, hotels, gas stations and retail stores. And with Prosser sitting almost squarely between the Lower Valley and Columbia Basin leagues, Stockdale believes it will be a draw in Eastern Washington. “Whereas it might be difficult for the Tri-Cities to bring someone in as far away as Yakima, we’re right there in the middle and can bring both to an event. They have the population, but our location is really ideal,” he said. “We’ll draw as far south as Hermiston, as west as Yakima if not further, and as east as Tri-Cities if not Walla Walla. The numbers are quite telling.” Yakima’s Sozo Sports Complex opened in 2016 and Stockdale said within its first year, the complex had more than a half million people visit the facility. “And theirs is 40 acres. We’re going to be 80 to 90 acres—so almost twice as big,” he said, adding that the Prosser sports complex is also different in that it will include about 20 acres for events such as concerts, festivals and weddings.

Prosser’s sports complex will be built just south of Interstate 82 on city-owned property between Bettinson Road and Chandler Canal. The property encompasses 116 acres, but the city will parcel off about 24 acres on the west end for residential construction. Revenue from this sale will help pay for the first phase of development, which includes the sports fields, general open space, power, restrooms, access and parking. “We expect about 100 homes to be built. Typically, residential lots are selling for about $20,000 to $30,000 an acre. We estimate somewhere between $500,000 and $650,000 in revenue,” he said. “We’re going to get the property ready and put it up for auction and let developers do what they do. That’s slated for 2019.” The first phase of construction on the sports complex is estimated to cost about $6 million to $8 million, while the second phase is expected to run about $3 million and would add playgrounds, a splash park, pavilions and tennis courts. “Overall, the entire project is estimated to be about $11 million,” Stockdale said. “We’ll get better numbers in the next five to six months as we zero in on everything we need.” Once state legislators adopt a capital budget, the city will apply for a design grant with the Recreational and Conservation Office, or RCO. The grant cycle opens every two years, and if Prosser receives the money, it would receive notification by June or July 2018. “We’re talking about $500,000 in each round of (RCO grant) funding. And we’ll do it again in 2020,” he explained. “We’ll apply for the grant, and if it’s not funded, Plan B would be to explore more funding

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This map shows the 80- to 90-acre sports complex Prosser has in the works. There will be about 20 acres earmarked for festivals and other outdoor events. It will be south of Interstate 82 between Bettinson Road and Chandler Canal. (Courtesy city of Prosser)

opportunities in the community.” Stockdale said the city also plans to apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grants. “We’ll take a look at that, and we also have funds from the rural county capital funds. Those funds are earmarked for projects that can help the economy in job growth and economic development,” he said. Money also will be raised by approaching businesses and individuals who might be interested in sponsorship rights, such as having a namesake field. “It’s not an easy task. Most likely, it’s going to be a combination of community support, city dollars, grant dollars, and if

we need more, we’ll look at bonds,” he said, adding the city plans to reach out to the community for in-kind work for the complex to be built in the most cost effective way. “These sorts of facilities enhance your sense of community,” he said. “And this project is going to take a community effort to be built.” Once it’s completed, the sports complex is expected to bring in more than just tourism dollars. Stockdale said at the very least, it will create more jobs in the fields of tourism and promotion. uSPORTS COMPLEX, Page 29

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

PANERA BREAD

2762 DUPORTAIL STREET• RICHLAND A chain restaurant known for its fresh bakery items, soups and sandwiches soon will be open for business at the corner of Queensgate Drive and Duportail Street in Richland. Construction on the 5,000-square-foot Panera bakery-café, which will feature a drive-through window, began earlier this year in the Vintner Square development, which is anchored by the Richland Target. The restaurant will be across the street from Target adjacent to Kentucky Fried Chicken. In the past 35 years, Panera has grown from

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one 400-square-foot cookie store into an enterprise with more than 2,000 bakery-cafés in 46 states and in Ontario, Canada, 100,000 associates and annual system-wide sales of more than $5 billion. In July, Panera was acquired by JAB Holding Co., ending its 26-year run as a public company. Panera Bread announced Nov. 8 that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Au Bon Pain Holding Co, parent company of Au Bon Pain. The Boston-based bakery-café chain has 304 units worldwide and will be part of Panera’s initiative to intensify growth in new real estate channels,

including hospitals, universities, transportation centers and urban locations, among others. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close during the fourth quarter, were not disclosed. The Richland building will look similar to the MOD Pizza-Mattress Firm complex on Duportail. Vandervert Construction of Spokane was the general contractor. For more information, visit panerabread.com or find them on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

New 75-bed hotel opens in Prosser BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

A new 75-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel recently open for business in Prosser. The hotel, valued at $7 million, features an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour guest laundry center and an outdoor grill and covered patio. In addition, the hotel provides a 24-hour business center with copy and fax services, along with free high-speed internet access. “We look forward to welcoming leisure and business travelers to Yakima Valley, the finest wine country in Washington,” said Jim Wheeler, director of Love’s Hospitality. The hotel is owned and operated by Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores. The hotel, which opened Aug. 31, is adjacent to the new 11,000-square-foot Love’s Travel Stop, which opened for business in May. The $11 million travel stop was expected to add about 80 jobs. The Prosser hotel joins more than 2,500 Holiday Inn Express hotels worldwide. Located near many restaurants, antique shops, wineries and family fun activities, such as Sage Bluff Alpacas, Black Rock Creek Golf Course and the Prosser Aquatic Center, the hotel is expected to become popular with travelers in the Yakima Valley area, according to a company news release. It offers a breakfast bar with a full range of breakfast items, including a variety of healthy options, such as yogurt, whole wheat English muffins, Kellogg’s breakSPORTS COMPLEX, From page 27 “And I suspect most likely jobs for the city in our recreation program and maintenance. I do think it will also bring in more for the supporting businesses: hotels, restaurants,” he said, adding, “and definitely jobs in the event industry.” Festivals, holiday showcases, concerts and weddings can be just as big of a draw as sports-related events. And one of the things Prosser is looking at is the ability to have a diverse venue where a stage can be set up anywhere in the 20-acres of open space carved out in the design plans. “We’re saying, ‘Here’s the event area— 20 plus acres—and you tell us where you want to set up the stage,’ and we’ll have three or four sewer connections and power connections for vendors. Nowadays a lot of these artists that come to festivals, they want diversity,” he said. “If you have your stage limited to being in one spot only, it doesn’t allow for growth. We’ll be as dynamic as you are.” After the city council makes its final recommendations, Stockdale said it will move from a regional task force to a specialized committees with representatives from the local soccer, baseball, softball, football and event industries. Hotel and restaurant owners also will be approached for input. “They’ll have their own steering committees—people in their fields of expertise,” he said. “And we’ll talk about access and parking lot and hours. Without a doubt there’ll be community participation.”

fast cereals, Quaker oatmeal in cups and a toppings bar for yogurt, cereal and pancakes from a one-touch pancake machine. It also includes a rotation of egg and meat selections, biscuits, fruit, cinnamon rolls and coffee. The Holiday Inn Express brand is part of InterContinental Hotels Group’s diverse family of brands in nearly 100 countries and territories. The company is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. The Holiday Inn Express brand participates in IHG Rewards Club. The hotel is at 680 Wine Country Road. Reservations can be made by calling 800-HOLIDAY or by going to www.holidayinnexpress.com.

Prosser’s new Holiday Inn Express & Suites recently opened its 75-room hotel at 680 Wine Country Road. (Courtesy Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores)

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

ADVANCED ENDODONTIC CARE 1363 COLUMBIA PARK TRAIL, SUITE 201• RICHLAND

Advanced Endodontic Care patients can enjoy a riverside view from their operating chair from the clinic’s new office at 1363 Columbia Park Trail, Suite 201, in Richland. Owner-doctors Rolf Wuerch, Steve Hansen and Jeremiah Hawkins said they look forward to serving patients in their new building. Advanced Endodontic Care treats root canals. The clinic’s team planned to move into the new building by Nov. 9. Advanced Endodontic Care’s current practice is at 10505 W. Clearwater Ave., Bldg. A, in Kennewick and employs 14 full-time staff. It began 16 years ago with one doctor and a handful of staff. As the Tri-Cities has grown, so has the clinic, bringing on additional doctors and staff, and expanding to a second location in Walla Walla. The new office is a direct reflection of that ongoing growth. Archibald and Co. Architects of Richland designed the building. Siefken and Sons Construction of Richland is the general contractor. The new building is two stories, consisting of nearly 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The clinic

will occupy 8,400 square feet of the second floor, with 1,700 square feet available for lease. The lower-level offers street level access and viewing windows, with 9,754 square feet available for lease either in its entirety or subdivided into up to four spaces averaging about 2,400 square feet. Parking for Advanced Endo Care and entry to the new reception area is accessible from the rear of the building. There is a parking lot on the street level for the downstairs space. The new office features attractive modern design elements, complemented by warm accent pieces intended to create a home-like atmosphere. The waiting area is spacious with light-colored textiles, stone tiling, granite countertops, a modern gas fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river. All operatories overlook the Columbia River and Bateman Island. A dedicated 3-D imaging room is also a new addition to the clinic’s practice and will house the latest in dental imaging technology: cone

beam computed tomography, or CBCT, which captures and constructs 3-D pictures of internal structures for reference during surgery. Ample space has been figured into the design to provide staff with a small locker room complete with changing stalls and storage space for clean scrubs and operatory footwear; adjoining staff lounge; marketing storage room with space to repair equipment in-house; private offices for each doctor; and shared office manager space. Advanced Endodontic Care: 509-735-9735; info@ advancedendocare.com; advancedendocare.com.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Hermiston adopts new residential zoning standards BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

New housing zoning amendments recently took effect in Hermiston to allow for smaller lot sizes, greater lot coverage and easier development standards in constrained lots. The city’s Planning Commission held several well attended public workshops with the real estate and development community to discuss issues affecting residential development in the city, according to a city news release. One proposed solution was to promote in-fill development in existing developed neighborhoods. The change adds a section

to the code of ordinances to establish a process for designating in-fill properties and allowing deviations from some development standards. Hermiston, population 18,000, is south of the Tri-Cities in Oregon. Changes to the lot size, lot coverage and setback requirements affect all residential zones in the city. Minimum lot sizes for single-family dwellings decreased from 9,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet in R-1, 7,500 square feet to 6,500 square feet in R-2, and 6,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet in R-3, R-4 and RR zones. Maximum lot coverage increased from 30 percent to 40 percent, plus five percent

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for covered decks and patios in R-1, and 35 percent to 45 percent, plus five percent for covered decks and patios, in R-2, R-3, R-4 and RR zones. Front-yard setbacks were reduced from 20 feet to 15 feet, plus 20 feet for garage; covered porches may be set at 10 feet for all residential zones. Side yard setbacks were reduced from seven feet to five feet in the R-2, R-3, R-4 and RR zones. All changes were approved by the Hermiston City Council in September, with the amendments taking effect Oct. 25. Copies of the changes are available from the Hermiston Planning Department. The new standards also are available for review at hermiston.or.us.

Columbia Basin Racquet Club named best Northwest tennis facility

Columbia Basin Racquet Club in Richland was named the 2017 U.S. Tennis Association/Paciﬁc Northwest League Facility of the Year. Facilities are judged on ease of working with USTA leagues, number of teams versus size of club, provision of courts and volunteers for playoffs and sectionals, overall layout, excellence of surface and lights and amenities available for spectators.

FRED MEYER

101 WELLSIAN WAY• RICHLAND Fred Meyer’s $12.4 million remodel includes a revamped wine and brew shop, grocery pick-up service and a new Starbucks. It’s the Wellsian Way store’s first remodel in more than a decade and has transformed the inside of the store that opened in November 1981. The project nearly doubled the size of the grocery department. But shoppers can avoid setting foot in the store altogether with the store’s Click List online grocery ordering program. The service allows customers to place an order

online and pick up their bagged groceries from the convenience of their car. The electronics shop has been replaced with a beverage shop called Freddy’s Cork and Tap, where customers can fill growlers and choose from a more extensive selection of microbrews, wine and liquor. A Starbucks has returned to the store after the coffee shop closed a location on site last summer. Vandervert Construction of Spokane was the general contractor.

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CITC, From page 1 CITC offers 10 construction apprenticeship programs, including varying degrees of electrical, carpentry, painting, heavy equipment operation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, sheet metal, plumbing and laborers. Sigmund said 1,100 apprentices are enrolled in programs across the state, with about 100 in the Tri-Cities. Most apprentices east of the Cascades are enrolled in the program’s three electrical specialties, including commercial, residential and low energy/sound and communication. Plumbing has the second highest number of enrolled apprentices, followed by sheet metal. These are considered the most popular programs because they are licensed trades in Washington. By receiving a license, workers have a documentable qualification for an employer, which shows they have completed 8,000 hours in on-the-job training, as well as passed the journeyman exam. A number of occupations in the skilled trades are considered “in demand” in Benton and Franklin counties, according to the Employment Security Department, or ESD. The department estimates that in 2015 818 people were employed as electricians, 505 as plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, and 112 as sheet metal workers. Each of these trades is expected to have an average annual growth rate expected above 3.5 percent between 2015-20, according to the ESD. This results in an average number of expected yearly openings of 660 across the three trades between 2020-25. Jared Hunt, 31, is in his third year as part of the electrical apprenticeship program, but just beginning to take classes through CITC this fall. Prior to that, the former satellite TV installer was enrolled in a program that became decertified. He lost his third year of training and is back in the classroom to

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Construction Industry Training Council of Washington electrical apprentices Aaron Sundby, left, and Jared Hunt review material to prepare for an exam.

complete the necessary requirements toward his goal of “journeying out,” which is considered graduating from the program. Hunt is sponsored by his employer, Walla Walla Electric. His company pays for his training, and Hunt intends to remain with the company once he finishes classes, but he is under no contractual obligation to do so. As a self-described “computer geek,” Hunt was attracted to the field because he likes working with his hands and knew he could make good money as an electrician. One of the perceived benefits of the skilled trades is the guaranteed salary during training, which includes staggered wage increases, usually every six months, or every thousand hours of work. These increases can range from five percent to 15 percent, depending on the trade. Hunt said he expects to leave the program without student loan debt and move right into a career as a licensed electrician, where he may make $60,000 annually at a starting salary.

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“I think everyone should check out the trades because college isn’t for everyone,” he said. CITC serves as a sponsor for an apprentice’s training, beginning with an apprentice applying to be part of a chosen trade program. To be accepted to the program, applicants provide documentation of a high school equivalency certificate like a GED, or high school diploma, and complete an online test. If accepted, the apprentice is added to an eligibility list shared with employers looking to fill a need. Apprentices then can be hired and earn a paycheck, usually at a starting rate of $12 an hour while also attending classes for 20 hours a month. Classes are held once a month, on a consecutive Friday and Saturday, which can include homework. Classroom work is completed on a traditional school calendar schedule, between September and June, but apprentices may begin accumulating trade hours

prior to taking classes. The contractors fund the cost of the training program for the apprentice, and apprentices are usually limited to covering the cost of their books, about $1,000 during the four years of schooling. CITC offers apprentices the benefits of tracking their class time and their on-thejob training hours, which are reported to the state Department of Labor and Industries. The 501c3 nonprofit also ensures an employer is clear on its role, which includes training an apprentice within documented apprenticeship standards to provide a full scope of the craft. Sigmund describes it as “a great partnership between the employer, apprentice and apprenticeship program.” Employers pay monthly fees for the training, based on labor hours, and there is no subsidizing from the state. Electrical classes in the Tri-Cities have been taught by a CITC graduate ever since they were first offered about two years ago. Ken Hill journeyed out of the program in 1993 and has been affiliated with the nonprofit in one way or another ever since. Based out of Spokane, Hill serves as the Eastern Washington regional coordinator, and the only full-time CITC employee east of the Cascades. “A little over two years ago, we started with 60 or 70 apprentices here. So it’s exploded since then,” Hill said. Now in his fourth year of teaching, Hill said most apprentices he trains are not heading to jobs with Hanford contractors, as most of those employers tend to include union members. Instead, Hill said, “I hear a lot of talk of the server farms all over central Washington and central Oregon. It takes a lot of the manpower, and then with all the schools being built in the Tri-Cities, we see a lot of that demand, in addition to the commercial side of the infrastructure.” uCTIC, Page 36

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Pasco’s new Construction Industry Training Council of Washington school will be in the Road 90 Business Park Development at 5804 Road 90.

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION CTIC, From page 35 Hill said the construction trade is busier now than it was before the recession, which began in 2008. “It’s so valuable to have a skill that you’re certified in,” he said. The construction industry is typically dominated by men, but Sigmund encourages women to consider skilled trades as a full-time profession. She said the average age for a female enrollee is 38 years old, and 29 years old for a male. CITC’s president hopes more women will discover these careers earlier so they can find the benefit of stable employment. “It’s a great thing to see individuals, including women, come into our program, graduate and be successful,” Sigmund said. The council tries to educate the public about the diversity and high demand of the industry, including the wide range of pro-

grams, along with the ability to earn a living while learning the trade. “The shortage of manpower has increased more and more, as roughly five percent of the construction industry retires each year,” Hill said. Sigmund targets a homegrown work force, with CITC’s mission and purpose “to train a skilled work force in construction for the state of Washington,” since it first launched in 1985. The licensed vocational trade school hopes to have at least one staff member on site during regular business hours once the facility opens at 5804 Road 90 in Pasco. To apply for the program, call the corporate office at 877-707-2482 for an application. For more information, visit citcwa. com.

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Roasters Coffee’s tenth coffee shop is open for business in West Richland. Located at the corner of Keene and Kennedy roads, the 600-square-foot double-sided drive-thru includes a walk-up window. The new building design is the same as the ones at company’s newest locations on Highway 395 and Edison Street in Kennewick, which feature a World War II interior theme and colors. Total project cost was $450,000. Wes and Shannon Heyden are the owners of Roasters Coffee. Vandervert Construction of Spokane was the general contractor; Chris O’Neil was the project manager, working out of his office in Richland. The architect was Harvey Prickett, principal architect at Wave Design Group in Kennewick. Shannon Heyden does the interior design for all the Roasters locations. . Roasters is a local company founded and actively growing its business in the Tri-Cities with a goal “to best serve and love the people of the Tri-Cities through excellent coffee.” For more information, visit roasterscoffee.net.

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More than 500 high school students from around the area participated in Tri-Cities Construction Career Day on Oct. 3 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick. They learned to operate heavy equipment, participated in handson activities, such as welding and electrical, sheet metal and concrete work, and learned about career opportunities in construction and construction-related industries. The event was sponsored by the Tri-Cities Construction Council, local National Association of Women in Construction, Tri-Tech Skills Center and numerous other community supporters. (Courtesy National Association of Women in Construction)

Parade of Homes winners announced for 2017 show

The 2017 Parade of Homes People’s Choice Awards have been announced by the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities. Winners among the 16 participants in the September event include A & R Feser, Inc. for house No. 15 in Category I, Pahlisch Homes Inc., for house No. 5 in Category II, Ron Asmus Homes, Inc. for house No. 16 in Category III, and Gretl Crawford Homes for house No. 12 in Category IV.

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Real Estate & Construction

Apollo wins $11.3 million contract to prepare Hanford building for cleanup BY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company recently awarded a $11.3 million subcontract to Kennewick’s Apollo Mechanical Contractors Inc. to prepare Hanford’s 324 Building for installation of remote-operated equipment to clean up highly radioactive soil under the building. The building is about a mile north of Richland and about 300 yards west of the Columbia River. The soil under one of the contaminated rooms, called hot cells, was so contaminated by operations in the former chemical laboratory that conventional excavation methods can’t be used, and remote-operated equipment must be used

to excavate through the floor of the hot cell to reach the underlying soil, according to a news release from CH2M Hill. The contract with Apollo includes removing old equipment and wiring from the walls of the hot cells and drilling holes in the walls for later installation of remoteoperated cleanup equipment. Apollo is also preparing the hot cells to be filled with grout after contaminated soil is removed, by covering and sealing holes in the walls, called penetrations, where wires and piping passed through, to keep grout from oozing out of the hot cells when filled. The contract also includes designing, building and demonstrating a remote-operated tool for cutting piping in the hot cells,

as well as modifying the building’s foundation to ensure stability during soil removal. “This is an exciting time for our project and the team of dedicated people who brought us to this point,” said Mike Douglas, acting vice president for CH2M’s 324 Building disposition project, in a statement. “We’ve advanced the project to the point we’re actually about to begin making the necessary modifications to the building to allow us to install equipment that will be used to remove the radioactive soil under the building.” Apollo will begin making modifications to the 324 Building hot cells in the coming weeks and will work through most of 2018. Removal of the contaminated soil is expected to begin in 2019.

In the meantime, CH2M employees are removing radioactive debris from the building’s airlock to enable easier access to the building’s highly contaminated hot cells. They are also finishing modifications to a mock-up structure that will be used to demonstrate remote-operated equipment and train operators in a clean environment before the retrieval equipment is installed in the 324 Building’s hot cells. The 324 Building is one of the last remaining in Hanford’s 300 Area, where research was conducted and fuel rods were fabricated to support the Hanford Site’s plutonium production process. CH2M Hill is a U.S. Department of Energy contractor.

Real Estate & Construction LAMB WESTON, From page 1 After a million man hours on site, the plant emerged from “sagebrush and dirt” into a 290,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. “This expansion allows us to build on our presence here in Richland, while increasing our capabilities so we can grow with our customers around the globe,” said Tom Werner, president and CEO of Lamb Weston. “We’re proud to be a part of the community in the Tri-Cities, and we’re especially grateful to our community partners who worked with us to make this expansion a reality.” The company said 75 percent of the product produced in the Tri-Cities remains in North America. The other 25 percent gets exported to 100 different countries, many in the Pacific Rim, with Japan being a top importer of frozen french fries. Most potatoes are grown within a 60-mile radius of the Tri-Cities, allowing Mid-Columbia growers to supply the crop that will be shipped around the world in the form of traditional, straight-cut fries and waffle fries. “People all over the world are eating our french fries, and they love them all over the world,” Schuster said. The Richland plant manager explained that the Tri-Cities was chosen as the spot for the new processing line for a number of reasons, starting with the Columbia Basin being “one of the best spots in the world” for potato growing. This attribute was critical, as well as an ability to supply the potatoes needed for the increased demand. In addition, Schuster cited the varied access to transportation to ship the product,

including ports, as well as proximity to the nearby corporate office and innovation center. “Richland has an awesome work force,” Schuster said. “Now we have about 600 employees who work for us here. A highly engaged, passionate pride is found in this work force.” Those 600 employees combine with another 650 who work at two manufacturing facilities in Pasco, as well as 1,500 workers in Kennewick at business and engineering offices, resulting in one of the region’s largest employers, offering a mix of management and manufacturing jobs. The Richland plant, built in 1972, employed about 500 people before the opening of the new line. The plant and its expanded facility are within easy access to a massive commercial freezer in Horn Rapids that provides storage for frozen products. “Choosing Richland validates that we’re very competitive in Eastern Washington, making the Tri-Cities a destination for food processing.” said Carl Adrian, president and CEO of the Tri-City Development Council, or TRIDEC. During the planning stages, economic development officials referred to the expansion as “Project Domino,” a code name assigned to the development deal as Lamb Weston was evaluating possible sites. Washington state committed $250,000 to the expansion project through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund, which supports economic projects, including those that help grow or retain existing businesses. TRIDEC matched some of the money but declined to provide an exact figure,

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017 only to say it was “a little less than the state.” Adrian predicted the multiplier on the jobs created from Lamb Weston’s expansion will mean another 100-plus jobs, likely in the service and hospitality industries. “This is an important project for Richland and the Tri-Cities,” Adrian said. State Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, spoke of her excitement about the jobs created by the plant’s expansion and the trickle-down effect on the Tri-City economy, covering everything from the growers providing the potatoes to the boxes used to ship the product. “There’s a (science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM)-related element to this as well, as you look around and you see the mechanization of the operation and the facilities,” Brown said. “When I talk to STEM kids, I try and tell them, ‘Not every STEM job requires a PhD in nuclear physics.’ There’s a lot of other places, like this, where you can use your STEM-based knowledge.” Brown said she is encouraged by the prospect of even more growth for Lamb Weston in the Tri-Cities. This enthusiasm was bolstered by Werner: “You have my commitment, and my leadership team’s commitment that we are going to invest in this business going forward.” Describing the frozen potatoes market as “red hot,” Washington Potato Commission executive director Chris Voigt said potatoes provide almost $7.5 billion in economic activity in the state. Voigt said Washington produces potatoes on 170,000 acres each year, with about 20,000 acres for fresh potatoes and the

remaining for potatoes intended for processing, thanks to a higher starch content. The commission hopes the land capacity will expand, or growers will find a way to harvest potatoes more frequently on current land to meet increasing global demand. Water restrictions are a limiting factor, as the land might be available, but it may not have irrigation access. In addition, potatoes are a crop considered susceptible to soil pests, limiting growers to planting only once every three to four years. Voigt said some farmers have found a way to plant yearly using a rotation of wheat, mustard and potatoes, with the mustard providing a natural fumigant to the pests invading the spuds. But this isn’t viable for every field or every potato variety, forcing the need for a new solution, “We’re either going to be stagnant, or we’re going to need to figure out how to get water to current dry land, or shorten our rotation to grow every two years by managing our soil differently,” Voigt said. There are times of the year, including the fall, when Lamb Weston is able to turn around a potato from the field to a finished product in four hours. “We have basically a conduit between the process and the product,” Brown said. “We grow the product right here, we process it, turn it around and ship it out.” Lamb Weston was spun off from ConAgra Foods Inc. last fall, to become its own publicly-traded company. Announcing its first quarter results for 2018, Lamb Weston (NYSE: LW) reported net sales up five percent year over year, totaling $817 million.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

LAMB WESTON 2013 SAINT STREET• RICHLAND Lamb Weston’s new $200 million expansion at the potato processing plant on its Richland campus will boost output capacity by about 300 million pounds of fozen french fries annually. The company is a leading supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable products to restaurants and retailers around the world. The state-of-the-art processing line created 150 new jobs for the local economy. The main processing facility is a 250,000-square-foot building providing a sanitary space for processing potatoes. The satellite receiving building is 43,000-square-foot, which allows Lamb Weston to sort and size raw potatoes for both the new production line and the existing facility. The waste water facility included the construction of four new buildings with a total of 8,500 square feet. Total construction used 500,000 square feet of walls, 27.5 miles of electrical conduit, 1,850 tons of steel and 19,500 cubic yards of concrete.

“This $200 million investment speaks to our confidence in the community of employees, growers and the support of our local and state partners. We’re proud to invest in Richland, the Tri-Cities and the state of Washington,” company officials said in a statement. The project design was a joint effort between Lamb Weston central engineering and Fisher Construction Group, a company based out of Burlington, Washington. FCG specializes in food processing, cold storage, industrial and commercial projects. The project was overseen by Lamb Weston central engineering staff, with construction and engineering services provided by FCG. An official grand opening with community and civic leaders was held Oct. 16 when the line was fully functioning. Lamb Weston is one of the largest employers in the Columbia River Basin. In the Tri-Cities, the company operates a corporate office in Kennewick, two manufacturing facilities in Pasco and an Innovation Center and Tech Center on the Richland campus.

(Photos courtesy Lamb Weston)

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Lamb Weston held a ribbon-cutting on Oct. 16 to commemorate the grand opening of its Richland plant line expansion. From left: Mark Schuster, Richland plant manager; Tom Werner, president and CEO; Jim Andrew, 45-year employee; Carl Adrian, president and CEO of Tri-City Development Council; Brian Mills, director of engineering; state Sen. Sharon Brown; Rick Gardner, senior director of manufacturing; and Warren Staples, Richland plant manager continuous improvement.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

New jobs report outlines differences between rural, urban counties State’s rural jobless rates historically lag behind urban counties BY JOHN STANG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Washington’s unemployment is hitting a major low, but the state’s rural counties — including Benton and Franklin — are not doing as well as their urban counterparts. That’s because rural counties, which have huge agricultural presences, have less diversified industrial economies than cities, said Asja Suljic, regional labor economist for the Washington Employment Security Department. Also, rural counties have bigger percentages than urban counties of workers 55 or older — 27.8 percent to 23.7 percent in 2016. Thirty-one of the state’s 39 counties are classified as rural due to their population densities. Washington’s statewide unemployment rate in 2016 was 5.1 percent, which dropped to 4.5 percent last June. Much of the current economic expansion is driven by job growth in the state’s major urban

uSee how local job wages compare to urban counties. Page 46. centers, according to an ESD report. Meanwhile, in 2016, Benton County’s unemployment rate was 6.5 percent, and Franklin County’s rate was 7.6 percent. Other 2016 jobless rates were Yakima County, 8 percent; Grant County, 7.4 percent; Adams County, 6.8 percent; and Walla Walla County, 5.6 percent. The average jobless rates in Washington’s rural counties from 2012-16 was 8.2 percent, and the average rate in the eight urban counties was 6 percent during the same period, according to state figures. During this time, the state’s rural work force grew 0.4 percent a year, while the urban counties’ work forces grew 1.5 percent annually from 2012-16, according to federal figures.

Showing the lack of diversity in rural Washington, more than 45 percent of rural counties’ employment is in health care, social services, retail, agriculture and education. These fields accounted for about 35 percent of the work forces in the urban counties. In a related economic matter, the same state figures noted that there is also a significant difference in median house prices in rural and urban counties and how much they increase. A median price is where 50 percent of the prices are above the figure

and 50 percent are below the figure. From 2012-16, urban counties’ median house prices went from $237,700 to $325,625. In the same period, rural median house prices grew from $173,632 to $219,468. In the Mid-Columbia from 2012-16, Benton and Franklin counties’ median house prices went from $183,800 to $222,800. For comparison, King County’s median house price increased from $367,700 to $566,200.

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Labor & Employment

Mid-Columbians in lower-paying jobs earn less than urban counterparts BY JOHN STANG

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Mid-Columbians in lower-paying jobs tend to earn less than their counterparts across Washington. That’s what a breakdown of figures show in a state Employment Security Department report on employment and wages released in September. The report’s statistics came from statewide surveys with a 66 percent return rate, said Asja Suljic, a Kennewick-based regional labor economist for the Employment Security Department. A second state wage study showed a significant difference in Washington’s median hourly wages between rural and urban counties. Eight counties fit the department’s definition of urban. The remaining 31, including Benton and Franklin counties, are considered rural. The second study showed the median hourly wage for rural counties dropping slightly from $18.05 to $18.04, from 2011-15. In the same period, the state’s urban median hourly wages grew from $24.39 to $24.87 in the same timeframe. “Median” means 50 percent of the hourly wages are above that figure and 50 percent are below it. Here are a few average-hourly-wage snapshots of the September report’s findings. Overall, there are more than 400 job categories in the report. For the full list, go to bit.ly/WAwagesurvey. • Accountants and auditors The overall state tallied 27,372 people

in this profession with an average hourly wage of $35.33. Benton and Franklin counties: 712 people averaging $34.48 an hour. • Architects Washington had 3,519 architects averaging $37.53 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 41 averaging $44.57 an hour. • Architectural, engineering managers Washington had 4,457 averaging $37.53 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 41 averaging $75.13 an hour. • Auto mechanics Washington had 13,012 averaging $22.69 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 500 averaging $21.54 an hour. • Bartenders Washington had 13,522 averaging $15.36 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 378 averaging $11.97 an hour. • Bookkeeping, accounting clerks Washington had 35,626 averaging $21.17 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 1,212 averaging $20.67 an hour. • School bus drivers Washington had 12,034 averaging $18.62 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 468 averaging $17.46 an hour. • Carpenters Washington had 24,175, earning an average of $27.48 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 771 averaging $20.35 an hour. • Cashiers Washington had 65,354 averaging $13.09 an hour. Benton and Franklin

counties: 2,352 averaging $12.08 an hour. • Child care workers Washington had 8,425 averaging $12.64 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: The total number of workers was not listed, but the average hourly wage was $11.27. • Civil engineers Washington had 11,268 averaging $43.74 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: The number of civil engineers was not listed, but the average hourly wage was $52. • Computer, information system managers Washington had 11,785 averaging $73.39 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 134 averaging $69.79 an hour. • Construction laborers Washington had 21,914 averaging $22.42 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 1,215 averaging $22.06 an hour. •Non-fast food restaurant cooks The state had 28,822 averaging $13.94 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 756 averaging $12.66 an hour. • Retail clerks Washington had 11,309 averaging $15.39 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 390 averaging $14.01 an hour. • Customer service representatives Washington had 55,681 averaging $18.86 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 1,986 averaging $18.23 an hour. • Electrical engineers Washington had 5,535 averaging $51.88 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 253 averaging $51.20 an hour.

• Electricians Washington had 15,165 averaging $31.97 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 728 averaging $38.40 an hour. • Environmental scientists Washington had 3,337 averaging $37.23. Benton and Franklin counties: 254 averaging $44.48 an hour. • Firefighters Washington had 8,087 averaging $34.04 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 230 averaging $33.48 an hour. • Hairdressers Washington had 9,162 averaging $18.84 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 412 averaging $15.27 an hour. • High school teachers Washington had 14,138 averaging $63,158 a year in base salary. Benton and Franklin counties: 679 averaging $61,305 a year. • Insurance sales agents Washington had 8,303 averaging $29.33. Benton and Franklin counties: 229 averaging $29.27 an hour. • Janitors Washington had 42,889 averaging $15.52 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 1,439 averaging $15.53 an hour. • Maids, housekeepers Washington had 17,583 averaging $12.62 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 518 averaging $12.21 an hour. • Nuclear engineers Washington had 1,423 averaging $47.11 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 540 averaging $54.64 an hour. uJOBS, Page 53

Labor & Employment

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Recruiters do check social media feeds to find, screen candidates BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Seventy percent. That’s the percentage of employment recruiters using social media to screen candidates, according to a recent CareerBuilder study. The online employment company’s study surveyed 2,380 private sector hiring and human resource professionals selected from a variety of industries and company sizes. As job search tools and application processes become increasingly adapted to electronic forms, recruiters are turning to digital resources to promote jobs and seek potential candidates. “Social media can help us reach out to so many more people now,” said Crystal McCollum, branch manager and senior staffing specialist at Manpower in Kennewick. McCollum and her team maintain several social media channels — both for the local branch and at the corporate level — to market current job opportunities, as well as to reach potential candidates and screen them. McCollum cited Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and even Snapchat. “Everything (on Snapchat) isn’t always real professional or real serious, but it’s amazing how much attention you can draw with a curve ball—funny ones, attention grabbers,” she said. The CareerBuilder survey found 54 percent of hiring professionals opted not to hire based on what they observed on a candidate’s social media profiles. “When I look at someone’s Facebook page, usually it’s done to screen out folks who are overly political, share inappropriate photos, or post negative comments regarding past employers,” said Brian Wurdeman, president and engineering and construction recruiting consultant at BW Search Group in Kennewick. On the flip side, “it’s great if I see them

doing things like community service, contributing to causes, or have a ‘good citizen’ vibe,” Wurdeman said. McCollum said she checks candidates’ social media feeds “to see — depending on the client and what job position it is — how they really are and how are they selling themselves on social media … about 80 percent of my clients will go in and look too.” CareerBuilder recommends current job holders moderate the content on their profiles because 51 percent of employers use social networking sites to research current employees, and 34 percent have discovered content that substantiated admonishment or termination. Job boards and search engines, especially big names like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, CareerBuilder, WorkSource, LinkedIn, Google Jobs and Craigslist, are key resources for job seekers and employers alike. “Businesses pay a lot to place postings on job boards,” said McCollum, who reported many Manpower branches have found success with Craigslist postings, a cheaper option. McCollum explained how businesses and recruiters are leveraging popular social media platforms to advertise job openings. The idea is that passive job seekers might come across job-related posts or advertisements on social media and be inspired to apply. “In this way we are able to reach people not actively looking for a new job. It brings job hunting into the mainstream and is making a huge impact,” McCollum said. “We’re getting just as much traction off social media as the high prices paid on ZipRecruiter and Indeed.” Jason M. Jones, owner of Express Employment Professionals’ Kennewick branch, said, “Craigslist is often used for industrial and skills/trade-type positions, where Indeed, CareerBuilder and LinkedIn are typically better resources

Eager job seekers fill out basic paperwork at Express Employment Professionals in Kennewick, where hiring specialists meet with clients and place them in positions throughout the area.

for office and administrative-type jobs.” Wurdeman said he pays for a premium LinkedIn account to reach out to anyone on the site without having to be a “first connection,” or someone you’re directly connected to. “Job boards like CareerBuilder and Indeed are great for finding active job seekers, but often I am looking for the ‘needle in a haystack’ out there, and LinkedIn is by far the way to go,” Wurdeman said. Not having an online presence can

pose an issue, too. CareerBuilder’s survey found 57 percent of recruiting professionals are less likely to interview a candidate who doesn’t have an online presence. “I try not to lean too heavily on what’s seen on social media,” Jones said. “I don’t want to hold it against an applicant, but if I’m choosing between two people, and one posted something questionable, it’s hard not to factor that in and choose the other candidate.” uRECRUITERS, Page 53

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Labor & Employment

WSU Tri-Cities to create new computer science training program for teachers est in computing that would serve that Firestone said there will be a combinaNew program receives financial role. But we need to take that further and tion of teacher recruitment for the prooffer an endorsement in the subject in gram and recommendations from districts support from OSPI, PNNL order to best prepare our teachers.” for current instructors who would immeBY TRI-CITIES AREA JOURNAL OF BUSINESS STAFF

Washington State University Tri-Cities plans to develop a program to train teachers in computer science. The program received a $49,000 grant from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and a matching contribution from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland. Currently, there is no teaching endorsement program at any universities in the

state for computer science, which makes program development in the subject increasingly important in today’s advancing technological society, said Jonah Firestone, WSU Tri-Cities assistant professor of teaching and learning and campus lead on the grant. “The state of Washington has pushed to have at least one computer science teacher at every school who has an endorsement in the subject,” Firestone said. “Up until now, it was usually a math or science teacher who also had an inter-

The first phase of the grant funds, he said, will pay for the development and offering of workshops with teachers from five districts that include Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Prosser and Othello. The workshops, which are being developed by WSU Tri-Cities and PNNL and will be taught by PNNL computer scientists this spring, will provide training on computer science concepts and skills and for designing computer science curriculum. The money also will go toward stipends for participating educators.

diately qualify based on their roles in schools. “We’re looking at teachers who are already in technology classes, plus we’re working with our contacts at the local science, technology, engineering and mathematics Jonah Firestone schools to inquire about teachers who would qualify and be interested,” he said. The second phase of the grant entails the analysis of data collected over the course of the workshops, which will then be used for the development of a computer science certificate program for educators. Firestone and Judy Morrison, associate professor of teaching and learning, will co-lead the project. Together they will analyze the workshops and develop the Judy Morrison certificate program. Firestone said the certificate program will combine education courses with computer science courses. “Classes on the content are not enough,” Firestone said. “We have to have classes on how to teach this material to the kids.” WSU Tri-Cities is the only university in the state selected for the grant program. Twenty-four other districts, schools and nonprofits also were selected for the program, which will use the money to train teachers, provide and upgrade technology, and expand access to girls, students from underrepresented populations and communities who have historically been underserved. The grants awarded to higher education institutions across the state total nearly $1 million. “We are very grateful to OSPI for presenting this opportunity and to PNNL for providing the in-kind matching funds that will go toward the program and their time in working with us on this endeavor,” Firestone said. “This grant is allowing us to get this program started and off the ground. This is stage one of a multistage process.”

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LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Election may upend plans to turn Washington into right-to-work state could change,” she said. Right-to-work laws have been a topic of national conversation in recent years as Preliminary election results from the 28 states — usually with Republican November general election could quash majorities — have moved to adopt them. one group’s hopes to rewrite Washington Proponents of the laws say they’re law to join the ranks of right-to-work aimed at giving workers the right to opt states. out of financially supporting organizaRight-to-work policies aim to prohibit tions they don’t philosophically or politithe practice of requiring all employees in cally support, while opponents say the a union workplace to pay union dues, laws that have now been adopted in 28 regardless of whether they want to be part states are designed for union-busting, not of the union or agree with its goals. worker rights. The conservative-leaning Washington Patrick Connor, Washington state direcPolicy Center had hopes of bringing a bill tor for the National Federation of to the Legislature in the coming 2018 ses- Independent Business, said the small busision that would add Washington the ranks ness owners who make up his organizaof states that have adopted right-to-work tion’s membership tend to believe that it’s laws. fundamentally unfair for a worker to have But with Democrat Manka Dhingra to pay a fee to join an organization they leading Republican opponent Jinyoung may not want to join or to be employed at Lee Englund with 55 percent to 45 percent a union shop. of the preliminary vote in the 45th District “Generally, our members don’t believe Senate race on Nov. someone else should 13, the balance of collect a fee in order power in the for a worker to be on “A right-to-work Washington Senate the job,” Connor said. environment appears about to flip. “There is also some Republicans curconcern that these provides a great rently hold a one-vote days labor unions and boost for the majority in the Senate labor laws that probecause of a surprise tect them have made manufacturing coalition formed in it difficult for workindustry.” late 2012 with two ers who disagree with Democratic senators a union’s political - Erin Shannon, stances to opt out of that gave the thenminority party sway Washington Policy Center funding those politiover budget talks, and cal campaigns.” Sen. Mark Schoesler, Connor argued R-Ritzville, the position of Senate leader. that the millions of dollars that unions are The majority coalition has held since able to provide to support ballot measures then, with Republicans subsequently pick- such as Initiative 1433 in 2016, raising the ing up one seat in the Senate and retaining minimum wage and implementing paid one Democratic senator in the coalition. sick leave requirements, can be lopsided But, according to the Seattle Times, in comparison to groups that might oppose when Sen. Andy Hill, R-Redmond, died such initiatives, leaving taxpayers getting of lung cancer in late 2016, that led to a biased information. hotly contested election this year to deter“When one side is bombarding the mine the balance of power in the Senate, electorate and other side doesn’t have the and potentially return one-party control of same resources and ability hard to say an the state to Democrats, who also hold the open and honest and fair debate,” Connor Governor’s Mansion and a majority in the said. House. Matthew Wilkes, a Plumbers and Erin Shannon, Washington Policy Steamfitters Local Union 598 PAC and Center’s small business and labor reform Central Labor Council delegate, disputed director, told the Journal of Business prior Connor’s reasoning. Wilkes noted that to the election that she and other right-to- union dues are used to support activities work proponents would be carefully related to workers’ job, and contributions watching the outcome of the 45th District to a union’s political action committees Senate race to gauge prospects of potential — the arms that fund campaigns — are legislation. voluntary. “Everyone is waiting to see how it “It is my choice as to whether or not I shakes out,” Shannon said. will pay into the committee whose only Most importantly, with Democrats in focus is supporting the people who have control of the Senate, a new chair would labor’s best interest at hand. We do not be appointed to the committee that overlook at social issues, but look at our work sees labor laws. Committee chairs control in the future, protecting our standards of whether a bill gets a public hearing — a living, protecting our safety and keeping crucial initial step in the process toward our work local,” Wilkes said. becoming law — and can kill bills they Wilkes said when a union is bargaining don’t like. on behalf of employees at a workplace, all Shannon said the current chair of the of the workers reap the rewards of the Senate Commerce, Labor and Sports union’s efforts. Committee — Sen. Michael Baumgartner, “Unions are not perfect in everyone’s R-Spokane — has been a champion of eyes, like most places, but in most cases policies such as right-to-work. However, a do provide higher wages, benefits and new chair might not be so amenable. dignity at work, fair discipline procedures “The person chairing the committee and more for everyone involved in the BY MICHELLE DUPLER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

union — and that costs money,” Wilkes said. “I guess the flip side would be working for a business where I am not part of a union, doing the work that makes the profits for them, and then having them lobby for legislation that drives down the minimum wages and gets rid of pensions. I would have more of a problem with those positions than paying a small fee to a group that keeps my life and future in mind.” Without union dues, unions would have less money to provide professional training and development for workers — an activity for which Local 598 spends about $2.5 million annually, he said. Shannon said Washington Policy

Center would prefer to see member-only contracts and agreements that allow unions to bargain on behalf of the people who want to be their members, and that allow employees who opt out of union representation to negotiate directly with employers on their own behalf. “If a collective bargaining agreement is beneficial, the union can prove that and people will want to join,” Shannon said. She said companies are showing a preference for states adopting right-to-work policies, such as Boeing, opting to move some of its operations from Washington to South Carolina. uRIGHT-TO-WORK, Page 56

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

Labor & Employment

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Using legal marijuana could hinder job search, security Experts say many employers in state beginning to treat pot like alcohol BY MICHELLE DUPLER

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

It’s been legal to toke up in Washington for a couple of years now, but experts say it may not be the best idea when looking for a job. Employers can decline to hire people based on a pre-employment drug test — or fire them based on random drug screenings after they land the job. “Employers are free to require employees to be drug-free. They have the complete discretion to test and to fire, even if the employee has a medical authorization,” said Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, chairman of the House Public Safety Committee and a Seattlebased cannabis lawyer and reform advocate. And the Legislature isn’t likely to intervene, given that drug testing is private employment policy, he added. “We don’t regulate private industry that way,” Goodman said. The state has jurisdiction over some labor laws, including wage and hour requirements like the minimum wage and workplace safety issues, but not whether private employers choose to hire or fire someone based on what’s in their blood stream, he said. However, with the combination of

legalization and a tight labor market, attitudes toward cannabis use by employees and drug testing may be changing. Roshelle Pavlin, president-elect of the Northwest Human Resource Management Association, said there was initial anxiety in the human resources industry when marijuana was legalized, but the environment since has calmed. “Once it settled down, most (employers) I’ve spoken with treat marijuana like alcohol — it’s legal, what you do on your own time is your own business; don’t come to work inebriated,” Pavlin said. She noted that employers with federal contractors — like many businesses in the Tri-Cities — must remain diligent because cannabis remains an illegal Schedule I drug under federal law and cannabis use won’t pass a federal background check or security clearance screening. “I think for employers that are federal contractors, nothing has changed,” Pavlin said. Another class of employers which tends to continue both pre-employment screenings and random drug tests are businesses employing skilled workers who operate heavy equipment, who drive on the job or where marijuana use might otherwise create a safety issue. “It is employer by employer, some-

times position by position,” Pavlin said. “If the job is safety-sensitive, they are still screening and expecting people to be clean when they do screening.” Pavlin said job seekers should consider that they may be asked to pass a drug test before getting hired, which means having cannabis out of their system for at least 30 days. But they also need to think about the possibility of random screenings once they’re on the job, she added. “Most places that do pre-employment screening may do random screening and that sort of thing, so when I have spoken with groups of people looking for jobs, I tell people honestly, ‘It’s your lifestyle choice. You have to decide which is more important to you, because just staying clean for a month before you start looking for jobs and starting up again, if that employer also does randoms … know what your choice is before your job search,” Pavlin said. Jason Jones, owner of the Kennewick franchise of Express Employment Professionals, said most job seekers are aware employers can continue to drug test even though marijuana is legal, but that wasn’t always the case. “If we had people in the waiting room who heard we were doing drug testing, they would disappear — they would sneak out the door,” Jones said. “Now it has settled down. People have a better understanding.” Both Pavlin and Jones said most employers who drug test explain that up

front so that job seekers can be aware, and many employers take a laissez faire attitude toward marijuana as long as it doesn’t interfere with the employee’s job. Jones advised job seekers who want to work with staffing agencies such as Express to be honest about their cannabis use prior to applying for a job that requires drug testing. “There’s no point in wasting our time in taking a test you know you’re not going to pass. If you fail a test, there’s a waiting period before we can employ you again,” Jones said. The tests themselves are a topic of discussion, given that someone can test positive for marijuana use for as long as a month afterward, depending on the test. Jones said his company is exploring using an oral swab that looks at a 24- to 48-hour time period rather than the 30-day snapshot given by a urinalysis. Goodman noted the efficacy of marijuana tests is being discussed from the public safety angle and whether it makes sense to charge someone with driving under the influence if their use was a month before they got in their car. Additionally, chronic marijuana users tend to produce higher test results with lower actual impairment than an occasional or first-time user, who might produce lower test results but experience stronger effects, Goodman said. “My committee is still trying to determine the best way to measure,” he said.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Labor & Employment

Executive employment contracts can set clear expectation for both parties BY BEAU RUFF

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Many business owners believe executive employment contracts are unnecessary. Or, that they might lose the ability to fire at-will. Perhaps the employer believes having less specificity about the job, the employer maintains more flexibility and control. Business owners also can be put off by the amount of work and time required to establish an employment contract. In reality, executive employment demands the use of a contract because it is a valuable tool to outline the rights and responsibilities of the employer and employee and to clarify any uncertainties

or ambiguities for both parties. And, both the employer and employee are well served by thoughtfully negotiating the terms at the outset of employment and outlining the agreement in writing. Defining roles and responsibilities also helps employees. Most new employees appreciate getting as many details about their new job as possible. They want to know expectations for hours and vacation benefits, about sick leave and bonus structures, how success is measured, and more. Without a detailed agreement, the terms get lost in the conversation as both sides excitedly anticipate the new arrangement. A detailed employment agreement resolves ambiguities at the start of the job

and keeps expectations aligned between both parties. It can lead to a more successful employee because it can tell the employee how the employer quantiBeau Ruff fies success and Cornerstone thus where the Wealth Strategies employee should direct his or her human capital. In short, the agreement can pay dividends by directing the employee in the specific direction outlined by the employer.

At-will employment need not be jeopardized with a contract. Washington state is a so-called “at-will” employment state, which means an employer can fire anyone for any reason (no cause, good cause, or even morally wrong). The employment is dual sided, meaning that the employee may also terminate the employment whenever he or she wishes. The employer’s broad discretion to terminate generally has three exceptions: discharging employees for discriminatory purposes in violation of the federal Civil Rights Act or Washington’s law against discrimination (including discrimination based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation, having children, marital status, etc.); discharges against public policy (like the armored truck driver who was fired after abandoning his post to prevent murder in Gardener v. Loomis Armored, Inc.); and where the employer and the employee have contractually modified the at-will employment relationship. The ability to fire someone for any reason is a powerful option for an employer who is unhappy with the performance of an employee or chooses to change the way in which the employer’s business is conducted (which may remove the need for the employee). The third exception may apply in the context of an executive employment agreement. But, it simply need not apply. An employment contract may be very specific to many terms of employment and still provide a provision to the effect that “the parties agree that they are contracting at will. Notwithstanding any written or oral representations to the contrary, either party may terminate this agreement at any time and for any reason.” The employment agreement provides protection for employers. The bulk of an employment agreement includes provisions favoring the employer. For example, the employment agreement may provide requirements that the employee: keep company or client information confidential; be prohibited from competing with the employer; is prohibited from soliciting clients, customers or staff; agrees to less-costly (and speedier) alternative dispute resolution; has no right to intellectual property of the employer whether or not produced by the employee; is prohibited from moonlighting; or must engage and display some degree of effort, which is often a defined term. All of the foregoing terms are important for the company to both limit the company’s downside potential as well as providing advantageous enforcement options. Bottom line: the employment agreement is not necessary for all workers, but, if the employer is investing in a highlycompensated executive, it is important for both parties to use an employment agreement. Be sure to use a good attorney to draft the employment agreement to ensure it works as intended. Attorney Beau Ruff works for Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, a full-service independent investment management and financial planning firm in Kennewick, where he focuses on assisting clients with comprehensive planning.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017 RECRUITERS, From page 47 “This shows the importance of cultivating a positive online persona. Job seekers should make their professional profiles visible online and ensure any information that could negatively impact their job search is made private or removed,” said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer at CareerBuilder. Social networking platforms also enable recruiters to find additional references among a prospective job seeker’s connections. “I can get better references if we have common friends, or there might be people they’re connected to that I might want to get a hold of—not a person they gave as a reference ahead of time,” McCollum said. “The higher level the job, the more integral it is. If (the job) is long-term, administrative or requires a higher skill set, I go into greater depth to acquire background information and character and work references,” she said. The ability to track down former employers and others not listed on an application may cause concern among job seekers. “Reference checks are part of our standard process. We still expect two reference checks, because résumés — you can’t trust them. There is a high percentage of inaccuracies,” Jones said. Jones indicated these inaccuracies often concern the length of time someone is employed and job duties. Michigan-based AllisonTaylor, which has been checking references for corporations and people since 1984, said despite company policies to the contrary, supervisors may still disclose negative feedback on a former employee when queried.

A negative review nondisclosure clause in a company’s policy protects former employees in their future job hunting endeavors. “It’s good for the employee, because if they were a terrible employee for whatever reason, they may have really turned themselves around since then,” Jones said. AllisonTaylor recommends concerned job seekers have a reputable third party perform a reference check. If applicable, legal recourse may be available via attorney in the form of a ceaseand-desist letter delivered to former employers. On the other hand, “my experience lately is that reference letters are not very important,” Wurdeman said. “Companies are willing to take more risk in hiring since the market for talent is so tight. It’s been years since a hiring manager asked me to provide a reference letter or a list of references.” McCollum reported some large recruiting firms don’t even meet people face-toface anymore for some jobs. “Social media and the internet can’t take the place of everything when hiring good people,” she said. “The face-to-face interactions do wonders. We’d love to place people based off résumés, but we have to get to know them and have that conversation … we want to see that initiative.” Jones advises job seekers to not limit their opportunities. “They might come in wanting a full-time job and are leery of taking seasonal or part-time work to get by, but … if you do a good job, they’ll find a reason to keep you … especially in the midst of this talent shortage,” he said. He advises job seekers and employers alike to “use all the tools available to you.”

JOBS, From page 46 • Licensed practical, vocational nurses Washington had 7,252 averaging $24.70 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 198 averaging $23.88 an hour. • Nursing assistants Washington had 26,534 averging $14.89 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 682 averaging $14.55 an hour. • Nurse practitioners Washington had 2,663 averaging $52.29 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 94 averaging $53.90 an hour. • Office clerks Washington had 61,808 averaging $17.86 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 2,564 averaging $17.75 an hour. • Police, sheriff’s patrol officers Washington had 9,208 averaging

uNETWORKING Energy Northwest honors employees for service

Energy Northwest’s senior leadership team unveiled a Veterans Wall of Honor at the Columbia Generating Station to recognize employees for their military service Nov. 9. The 6-by-30 foot granite installation includes 144 names of Energy Northwest veterans. Veterans currently comprise 30 percent of the agency’s work force, about 330 employees, and more than four in 10 new employees hired served in the military. Energy Northwest is currently recognized as a Top 10 Military Friendly

$37.70 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 507 averaging $38.38 an hour, or $79,841 a year. • Receptionists Washington had 22,587 averaging $15.75 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 681 averaging $14.55 an hour. • Stock clerks Washington had 35,820 averaging $16.11 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 1,389 averaging $15 an hour. • Semi-truck drivers Washington had 31,085 averaging $22.81 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 1,254 averaging $23.01 an hour. • Substitute teachers Washington had 15,547 averaging $18.30 an hour. Benton and Franklin counties: 626 averaging $17.21 an hour. Employer by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, for its efforts in recruiting veterans to work at the public power agency. Criteria for the designation include a benchmark survey score across key programs and policies, such as the strength of company military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs for veterans, and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service. Energy Northwest was one of 12 employers recognized by the state Employment Security Department for creating employment opportunities for veterans in their companies in 2016.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

Business Profile

Cigar aficionado’s Richland store offers nearly 600 varieties Owner of The Educated Cigar & Wine can be found at festivals around region BY AUDRA DISTIFENO

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Local entrepreneur Rick Ornstein enjoys the simple things life has to offer, especially sitting down and puffing a premium cigar with friends. His enthusiasm for cigars, believed to date back to the ancient Mayans, is more than evident at The Educated Cigar & Wine in Richland, which opened for business 19 years ago. The shop recently was featured in the August edition of Smokeshop, a national trade magazine about tobacco retailing. “It’s my hobby business. I love it and I’m my own best customer,” the 67-yearold said. “Cigars are enormously more complex than most people realize. The differences in the aging of tobacco is like a five-year-old Scotch and a 25-year-old Scotch.” The business owner is happy to share a wealth of information with customers, and explains how Cuban cigars are still illegal to sell in the United States. Some misinterpret Cuban cigars as “the best,” but Ornstein said this isn’t the case. “Before the year 2000, Cuban cigars had the highest reputation as being the best; that’s where the mystique developed and rightly so. Then, all these people were leaving Cuba and the world changed.

Virtually all of the great cigar growers and fermenters are no longer in Cuba,” Ornstein said. “They’ve gone elsewhere in the world and have started a following.” The cigar enthusiast said the top three cigar-producing countries are the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua. Of 30 cigars that have been rated a 95 or higher on a scale of 100 since 2000, only six are Cuban. Ornstein carries every non-Cuban cigar ever rated 96 or 97 by Cigar Aficionado magazine, which he calls the Consumer Reports of cigars. Ornstein’s emphasis on top-of-the-line cigars has earned him a local following, although most of his customer base consists of people in the Tri-Cities on business and vacation, he said. The ease of online searches and trending positive reviews has boosted business, he said. “A lot of people visiting over the past three or four years have found me on Google, Yelp and Facebook, which has dramatically increased the number of customers. We’re the only real, legitimate cigar shop with no chew or cigarettes – only premium and ultra-premium cigars and high-rated wines,” Ornstein said. “The taste range of cigars is larger than the taste range of apples,” Ornstein said. “With cigars, there are three components

Rick Ornstein, owner of The Educated Cigar & Wine in Richland, originally opened as a dot-com business, shipping premium and ultra-premium cigars around the world. Since Washington laws have become more “taxing,” however, he shares a building with Atomic Bowl and Joker’s Comedy at 624 Wellsian Way in Richland.

of tobacco blended together. Master blenders take different tobaccos and mix them together, kind of like baking.” Between 500 and 600 varieties are in stock at the Richland store, with thousands of individual cigars available for purchase, said Ornstein, who previously

worked as a biophysics scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. The store sells hundreds of cigars, which range from $4 to $35 apiece, monthly. Customers also can buy wines, humidors, lighters and other cigar-related items. Ornstein opened the online business in 1998 and a store near Safeway on George Washington Way in 2004. He moved to his current Wellsian Way location 10 years ago. When Ornstein first opened his online business, 99 percent of sales were interstate commerce and he surpassed $500,000 gross the first full year in business. Within two to three years, however, the state passed what Ornstein described as an “unconstitutional” law, which ultimately led to him closing the interstate cigar shipping business and transitioning the business to an LLC, resulting in 1 percent of sales through interstate shipping of “hard to get” cigars. “The state killed it,” Ornstein said. “The state said I owed cigar taxes on every cigar; no other state does it. I worked on it for about eight years and then threw in the towel,” he said of the fight to get Washington state laws changed to match those of other states. “All other states require consumers to pay the tax on cigars purchased online, but not Washington. The state is losing all the taxes on cigar purchases and inhibiting anyone competing in interstate commerce,” Ornstein said. “As long as the state continues not to tax shipments coming into consumers, they can buy without the cigar tax. Why would they routinely come in here and pay the tax?” The businessman doesn’t plan to expand The Educated Cigar & Wine unless state laws change.

uCIGAR, Page 56

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

BUSINESS PROFILE

Macaron mania keeps Kennewick bakery’s business booming Artfetti moves away from custom cakes to focus on petite sweets BY LAURA KOSTAD

for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

The demand for Artfetti’s delectable macarons has prompted the small Kennewick bakery to expand its offerings. “Some days we sell out by 4 p.m.,” said co-owner José Garcia, who opened Artfetti with his wife, Silvia, in June 2016. Not to be confused with macaroons, the chewy drop cookie most commonly made from ground almonds or coconut, macarons — pronounced “mak-uh-rahn”— are an art form all their own. “It is one of the most difficult things to make,” said Silvia, a self-taught baker. The confections are “small, cute and petite, but complex in flavor,” José said. Artfetti sells daily rotating flavors of macarons, cupcakes, truffles, ready-to-go cakes, and other baked goodies at its front counter and fulfills custom orders for macarons and cupcakes to complement any occasion. Almost everything at Artfetti is handmixed, including the final batter, which is made using the “macronnage process,” a time-sensitive “technique of folding egg whites into the sugar and almond flour mix and is integral to getting the cookie right,” Silvia said. “Timing is everything,” José said. Numerous factors contribute to a successful batch of macarons, including the adjustment of resting times based on seasonal conditions, and the calibration of time spent on macronnage for each individual worker. “It’s definitely a science,” Silvia said. “We put everything down to timers.” “We strive to have a consistent product that brings people back,” José added. A baker and an artist, Silvia hand-paints designs on the macarons for any occasion. Macarons also can be baked in many different shapes. It takes three people about six hours to make twelve batches. The Garcias employ three staff members and they do much of their baking on Mondays, when the shop is closed, due to the overnight aging process required for macarons. Artfetti offers nearly 40 flavors to order, and up to 28 at their front counter daily. Since Artfetti uses a traditional almond flour, the macarons are naturally glutenfree, depending on the flavor selected. Artfetti’s focus in the coming year will be on the macarons as their popularity has skyrocketed. The store will no longer be taking custom cake orders for the upcoming year. Existing orders will be honored. “I loved making cakes, but wanted it to

be mainly a macaron shop,” Silvia said. That dream is becoming a reality for the young owners, who left their jobs in Seattle to open the bakery in the Tri-Cities. “We wanted to bring something you normally find in big cities here,” Silvia said. More affordable leasing options were one of the factors prompting their return to the Columbia Basin, which is where they were raised. “It started in 2011, when Silvia baked a cake for our daughter’s first birthday,” José recalled. “Friends and family started making requests for cakes and we did it out of our home. Then people we didn’t know started asking.” The couple couldn’t qualify for a business loan, and instead turned to their own existing funds and resources to launch their small business. “There was a lot of sacrifice and sleepless nights,” Silvia said. Artfetti’s current space behind the Olive Garden had been vacant for almost two years after the White Buddha Lounge closed. The store’s kitchen was extensively remodeled, and the front shop area was renovated for a clean and modern feel. “It means so much because it is our lives— it is everything we have,” José said. “We feel the need to step up production because the market is expanding, and it’s expanding quick.” The macaron offerings at their front counter have increased from six trays to twelve trays. “We want to make it a part of everyday life; you don’t have to go out and buy a fullsize cake to get that sugar fix you’re looking for,” he said. His wife said macarons, though stemming from Italian and French baking traditions, have become popular in the United States due in part to the variety of flavors that can be applied to them. “We’ve actually had some French customers that rated ours really well,” José said. “Fruity pebbles is one of our most popular flavors,” Silvia said. Customers order macarons for weddings, baby showers or company functions, the couple said. “We have people come in and ask for a gift box all the time because they’re going to the hospital to see a loved one. It’s something a little different you can give to someone who already has everything they need,” Silvia said. Previously, the Garcias reported many customers had to travel as far as Portland to find quality macarons. They said they regularly see customers from Hermiston, Walla Walla and Yakima who make the

José and Silvia Garcia own Artfetti, a Kennewick bakery that focuses on making macarons. Demand for the confections has grown since the shop opened in June 2016. (Courtesy Artfetti)

trip solely to buy their macarons. “We build relationships with (our customers), not just learn their name,” Silvia said. “We really try to listen to our customers. We are constantly improving on our flavors.” The Garcias said repeat customers and word of mouth are their best forms of advertising, especially when customers choose Artfetti for a special event. Mary Clifford of Prosser, a regular customer, said she came in on a whim after seeing their sign. “Once you’re in the door, you’re just hooked. … We travel a lot, and make a point of getting macarons now when we see a place that sells them, and I still haven’t found their equal,” she said. She said these trips have included forays to shops in New York, San Francisco

and other major cities. “It’s easy to support their business because they have a great product,” she said. Clifford also has placed custom orders. “They are very creative and they think outside the box.” After considering available marketing options, the Garcias turned to Facebook and Instagram’s free services. “Social media has been our lifesaver,” Silvia said. They said their “two for Tuesday” deal definitely brings people in. “On Tuesdays, your first two macarons are only $2,” José said. The promotion is intended to draw in customers to try new flavors. A single macaron normally costs $1.80. A six-pack sells for $10.50 and a 12-pack for $20.40. Gift boxes cost extra.

uARTFETTI, Page 56

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

CIGAR, From page 54 “My growth will be limited to people passing through. I have to be happy with that until laws change, because people can go online and buy without paying the cigar (tobacco) tax. I can’t compete with that,” Ornstein said. Taxes are currently 65 cents per cigar when purchased in a retail shop. The cigar entrepreneur projects a gross of $130,000 for 2017. “I’m having a good time. I knocked my head against the wall for a long time but I’m just going to go with the flow,” Ornstein said. “We love attending blues fests, classic rock and winery events, weddings and others. It’s a lot of fun.” It’s Ornstein’s absolute enjoyment of the product that keeps The Educated Cigar & Wine alive. He loves the atmo-

sphere of lighting up, puffing a quality cigar, relaxing and visiting with friends. From Winston Churchill to Groucho Marx and John F. Kennedy, puffing cigars has long been enjoyed by influential people. The pastime is a signature on the silver screen as well as in movies like “The Godfather,” “Scarface” and “The Good, the Bad & the Ugly” being as much a part of the main characters as their hair color and style. But Ornstein’s cigar influence was more personal; it came from his father while the family lived near the beach in Long Island, New York. “When I came home from college one summer, dad figured out the way to corral me to talk was to say, ‘Let’s have a cigar.’ I kind of light up in honor of him and I enjoy good cigars,” he said.

Ornstein began joining in special events with booths a few years ago. He’s attended the Prosser Beer & Whiskey Festival, America-On-Tap, music festivals, Live Nation’s Route 91 Harvest music fest in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Watershed at The Gorge, among others. He and four buddies traveled to the Route 91 country music festival in Las Vegas event last month to sell cigars from two booths – one at the main venue and the other in an artist’s lounge behind the stage. Ornstein said it was a difficult ending to what started as a positive event. A gunman opened fire on the crowd of concertgoers killing 58 people and injuring more than 500 others. “I was about 75 yards away but my face was on the ground, assessing before

fleeing after I heard the gunshots,” Ornstein said. “One of my guys was at a booth in the artists’ lounge as bullets whizzed by. He administered first aid and took some pulses. On the way home from Vegas, he rolled his car. He deserves a medal.” Although a harrowing experience, Ornstein said he’ll return to the event the next time it’s offered. “I already told organizers that when they have the next Route 91, we’ll be there,” Ornstein said. “I’m very happy we made it back alive.” He’s glad to be back home and manning the business six days a week. The Educated Cigar & Wine is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 624 Wellsian Way in Richland. Information: 509-205-2876, educatedcigar.com or find on Facebook. RIGHT-TO-WORK, From page 49 “A right-to-work environment provides a great boost for the manufacturing industry,” she said. “It creates a more pro-business environment, and CEOs value that predictability.” Wilkes said states with right-to-work laws also tend to have weaker unions, which drives down wages for workers and correlates to more dangerous working conditions. “The Economic Policy Institute states that workers in right-to-work states make less money — and that’s all workers, not just union employees,” he said. “Also, a study on job safety put out by the University of Michigan shows that on-the-job fatalities can be up to 40 percent higher in right-to-work states. It is my view that these are two of the most important aspects of unions: higher wages and job safety. Right-to-work diminishes the ability to fight for those items.” Shannon disagreed, citing an example from Nevada, where she said one of the nation’s largest unions — the 60,000-member Culinary Workers Union — thrives despite a right-to-work law. “If unions just change their thinking and their business model, right-to-work does not have to cripple a union. It actually would strengthen unions because it would force them to become responsive to their members,” Shannon said. ARTFETTI, From page 55 For Halloween, Artfetti ran a free coloring contest for kids, where the winner won a dozen of anything out of the shop’s display case. They also sold $3 Halloweenthemed cookie decorating kits. “We want to do something like that for every major holiday,” José said. The Garcias’ dream is to open more Artfetti locations in the future. “We are very grateful for all the customers; everyone is so nice and it is so nice to feel that support … they’ve kept us in business.” Artfetti is at 1360 N. Louisiana St. Suite F, in Kennewick and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 509-579-0325 or find them on Facebook.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

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

CHAPTER 7 Silverio M. & Mayra I. Gonzalez, 5314 Eisenhower Court, Pasco. David A. Chavez, 150030 W. Richards Road, Prosser. Jacqueline D. Zamora, 1326 W. Seventh Place, Kennewick. Rosario D. Vasquez, 940 W. Opal, Pasco. Butch E. & Brittainy L. Shaw, 8711 Queensbury Drive, Pasco. William G. Legg, 4600 Peyote Drive, Pasco. Maria Diaz, 7803 Vendovi Drive, Pasco. George A. Frankenfield, 7701 W. Fourth Ave., Kennewick. Ambrosio & Zulema Zavala 4411 Muris lane, Pasco. Enrique Martinez, 2557 Jason Loop, Kennewick. Robert W. & Barbara J. Grant, 98904 E. Christine Drive, Kennewick. Margarita Villasenor-Rosales, 90 S. Verbena, Kennewick. Alex A. Martinez, 2005 N. Fifth Ave., Pasco. Boyd L. & Edith E. Williams, 5505 W. 18th

Ave., Kennewick. Amy Berg, 2001 S. Washington St., Kennewick. Yesenia Godinez, 125704 W. Swain Road, Prosser. Zachary L. & Rachel R. Hansen, 330 James St., West Richland. William Black, 1009 S. Newport St., Kennewick. Jlynn Batts, 10305 Chapel Hill Blvd., Pasco. Juan Barragan, 4615 W. Quinault Ave., Kennewick. John Driver, 807 W. 22nd Place, Kennewick. Sandra M. Meskell, 1597 Molly Marie Ave., Richland. Gregory D. Brott, 3900 W. 15th Ave., Kennewick. Jose C. Arzate, 3008 W. Pearl St., Pasco. Breanna A. & Christopher T. Alarid, 747 N. Pittsburg St., Kennewick. Joshua L. A. Irby & Caroly D. C. Tan, 8621 W. First Ave., Kennewick. Jamie & Carissa Grimsley, 2321 Hood Ave., Richland. Adam L. Basford, 2589 Jason Loop, Richland. Donald E. Osborn, 200 S. Union St., Kennewick. Andrea V. Boehler, 4720 Sirocco Drive, Pasco. Ellen K. Gillen, 425 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. Yazmin C. Cervantes, 5501 Columbia River Road, Pasco. David Espinoza, 3719 W. Sylvester St., Pasco. Josh A. Richardson, 1117 S. Highland Drive, Kennewick. Jason Kiehn, 2492 Horizon View Ln., Richland. Wendy L. Kent, 824 W. Henry, Pasco. Devin E. & Jessica R. Dallas, 2022 Blue Ave., Richland. Christopher R. & Chenoa L. Flanagan, 8603 W. Bruneau Place, Kennewick. CHAPTER 13 James & Fe Cooper, 2112 N. 17th Ave., Pasco.

Jason A. & Rachel S. Bostic, 2617 S. Harrison Court, Kennewick. Victor & Carmela Martinez, 835 Higdon Road, Prosser. Demarest R. Schoeppner, 5404 Johnson Drive, Pasco. Steven L. Salsbury, 7701 W. Fourth Ave., Kennewick.

uTOP PROPERTIES

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

BENTON COUNTY 3806 N. Bermuda Road, Kennewick, 2,146-square-foot, single-family home. Price: $553,800. Buyer: David Shelbourn & Diana Acdan. Seller: Prodigy Homes. 2943 Belmont Blvd., West Richland, 4.82 acres of commercial land. Price: $1,155,500. Buyer: Ron Asmus. Seller: SSC North America. 1151 Halter Court, Richland, 3,878-squarefoot, single-family home on 2.77 acres. Price: $707,000. Buyer: Gabriel & Shawna Geise. Seller: Ryan & Anesa Holevinski. 2283 Firerock Ave., Richland, 2,909-squarefoot, single-family home. Price: $547,700. Buyer: Alex & Heather Burden. Seller: Don Pratt Construction. 6813 W. 23rd Ave., Kennewick, 2,199-squarefoot, single-family home. Price: $588,800. Buyer: Charles & Dawn Hodges III. Seller: Prodigy Homes. 93406 E. Holly Road, Kennewick, 3,127-square-foot, single-family home on 2.5 acres. Price: $815,000. Buyer: John Becker. Seller: David & Morissa Douglas. 1117 Country Ridge Drive, Richland, 3,637-square-foot, single-family home on 0.97

acres. Price: $579,000. Buyer: Jason Wright. Seller: John & Susan Richardson. 191712 E. Game Farm Road, Kennewick, 3,053-square-foot, single-family home on 2.24 acres. Price: $525,000. Buyer: Neil & Shannon Aiello. Seller: Bruce & Jodell Moore. 14601 N. Rothrock Road, Prosser, commercial land. Price: $700,000. Buyer: SMH Enterprise Investment. Seller: Jim & Chong McCorkle. 1626 Milan Lane, Richland, 2,436-squarefoot, single-family home. Price: $589,000. Buyer: Steven & Mary Palmquist. Seller: Pahlisch Homes. 3617 Plaza Way, Kennewick, 9,716-squarefoot, commercial building on 1.1 acres. Price: $3,325,000. Buyer: The Law Properties. Seller: Kunpeng. FRANKLIN COUNTY Chinook Lane and Silverbright Drive, Pasco, 2.03 acres of undeveloped land. Price: $629,000. Buyer: New Tradition Homes. Seller: Big Creek Land Company. Kokanee Drive, Pasco, 5.15 acres of undeveloped land. Price: $1,438,400. Buyer: Pahlisch Homes. Seller: Big Creek Land Company. Chinook Lane and Coho Court, Pasco, 2.03 acres of undeveloped land. Price: $679,000. Buyer: New Tradition Homes. Seller: Big Creek Land Company. Chinook Lane and Silverbright Drive, Pasco, 2.07 acres of undeveloped land. Price: $629,000. Buyer: Olin Homes. Seller: Big Creek Land Company. 2021 & 2041 N. Commercial Ave., Pasco, multiple commercial building on 10 acres. Price: $3,476,700. Buyer: Property 2021. Seller: Columbia Basin LLC.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 58

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

PUBLIC RECORD, From page 57 1090 W. Davis St., Connell, 1,558-square-foot, single-family home. Price: $1,899,000. Buyer: Hans Harjo. Seller: Varsity Development. Undisclosed location, 21.7 acres of undeveloped land. Price: $1,113,500. Buyer: Pasco School District No. 1. Seller: Lee Eickmeyer.

uBUILDING PERMITS

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

BENTON CITY Maurice Devers, 712 Ninth St., $6,800 for commercial remodel. Contractor: RLC Construction. BENTON COUNTY Gordon Walsh, 107407 E. Badger Road, $418,700 for new commercial construction. Contractor: owner. Stephen Berman, 237004 E. Legacy PRSE,

$2,000,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: owner. Kiona Estates, 44612 NE Sunset Road, $95,200 for solar miscellaneous. Contractor: Dynamic Solar & Electric Northwest. Finley First Baptist, 222909 E. Game Farm Road, $9,200 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. FRANKLIN COUNTY USCOC of Richland, 3903 Sheffield Road, $10,000 for an antenna/tower. Contractor: Pilgrim Communications. Premier Seed, 380 Ione Road, $2,378,900 for an agriculture building. Contractor: Teton West. TSK 2017, 52 E. Vineyard Drive, $56,000 for a sign. Contractor: Pacific Environmental Structures. KENNEWICK GVD Commercial, 1103 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $8,000 for a sign. Contractor: Shoreline Sign & Awning.

Amon Hills Properties, 9501 W. Clearwater Ave., $1,500,000 for new commercial construction, $55,000 for a heat pump/HVAC and $30,000 for plumbing. Contractors: APC Services, Chinook Heating & Air and Kohler Plumbing. Benton County, 1500 S. Oak St., $40,000 for a temporary structure. Contractor: owner. Basin Investment Group, 818 W. Vineyard Drive, $6,800 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Jay Mueller, 1401 S. Union St., $93,100 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Stephen Recker Construction. Wallace Properties, 2825 W. Kennewick Ave., $107,200 for plumbing. Contractor: Silverline Electric/Plumbing. Southridge Investment, 3703 Plaza Way, $6,500,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Hospitality Builders. Housing Authority, 334 N. Union St., $350,000 for a heat pump/HVAC, $500,000 for plumbing and $3,700,000 for multi-family housing construction. Contractors: Apollo Sheet Metal, Silverline Electric/Plumbing and W C Construction. Edward Rose Millennial, 10251 Ridgeline Drive, $8,614,700 for new multi-family housing construction, $163,800 for mechanical and $187,300 for plumbing. Contractor: owner. Kennewick School District, 5501 W. Metaline Ave., $415,700 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Wellens-Farwell Inc. Financial Pacific Investments, 425 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $5,700 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. The Archibald Co, 6902 W. Clearwater Ave., $77,000 for a sign. Contractor: YESCO. Ambience Investments, 2203 W. Fourth Ave., $12,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: owner. McCardle Trustees, 8903 W. Gage Blvd., $9,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: APC Services. PRPS LLC, 3911 W. 27th Ave., $150,600 for tenant improvements, $21,000 for plumbing and $30,000 for mechanical. Contractor: Western Equipment Sales. Kennewick Association Ltd Partnership, 7407 W. Canal Drive, $125,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Tricon Building Solutions. Southridge Investments, 3703 Plaza Way, $350,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Bruce Heating & Air. City of Kennewick, 7400 W. Quinault Ave., $20,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Mastec Network Solutions. Clearwater Kennewick, 5020 W. Clearwater Ave., $5,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: APC Services. Ted Wong, 830 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $150,000 for tenant improvements, $5,500 for a heat pump/HVAC and $30,000 for plumbing. Contractors: Fridley’s Construction, Integrity Three Heating & Air and BNB Mechanical. 731 Columbia LLC, 731 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $250,000 for tenant improvements, $22,200 for plumbing and $39,900 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractors: Western Equipment Sales, Riggle Plumbing and Jacobs & Rhodes. Marquina LLC, 1107 W. Fifth Ave., $38,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Silver Bow Roofing. Vista Field Industrial, 6416 W. Hood Place, $2,800,000 for new commercial construction, $30,400 for a heat pump/HVAC and $5,000 for plumbing. Contractors: O’Brien Construction, Chinook Heating & Air and Mechanix Inc. Kevin Bacon Investments, 8131 W. Grandridge Blvd., $242,900 for tenant improvements and $20,000 for plumbing. Contractors: MH Construction and Riggle Plumbing. Benton County, 7122 W. Okanogan Place, $30,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Apollo Sheet Metal. Kennewick Irrigation District, 2015 S. Ely St., $5,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: owner. Columbia Mall Partnership, 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., $125,000 for tenant improvements and $12,500 for plumbing. Contractors: Dejager Construction and Riggle Plumbing. Edison Terrace, 520 N. Edison St., $13,900 for a sign. Contractor: owner. Kennewick School District, 5929 W. Metaline Ave., $2,400,000 for commercial remodel, $103,500 for plumbing and $243,100

for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractors: Banlin Construction, McGee Plumbing and Total Energy Management. Lamb Weston, 8701 W. Gage Blvd., $5,800 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Tanglewood Apts, 465 N. Arthur St., $50,000 for demolition. Contractor: Hudson & Sons Construction. PASCO Sisters of St. Joseph, 520 N. Fourth Ave., $10,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: to be determined. Department of Natural Resources, 7202 Burden Blvd., $20,000 for a commercial remodel. Contractor: to be determined. Champ 2011 LLC, 2715 W. Court St., $6,700 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Pasco School District, 1315 N. Seventh Ave., $23,000 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Moon Security. Pasco School District, 8125 W. Argent Road, $20,000 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Moon Security. Landstar Northwest Investments, 6005 Burden Blvd., $20,400 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Cascade Fire Protection. Port of Pasco, 4022 Stearman Ave., $18,000 for a commercial reroof. Contractor: Gillespie Roofing. Wilbur-Ellis, 6221 Industrial Place, $2,500,000 for commercial addition. Contractor: Big D’s Construction. CSP Pasco, 1308 N. 20th Ave., $33,600 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Apex Contracting. Helena Chemical, 1010 E. Kartchener St., $82,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Columbia Pumping & Construction. Hogback Sandifur, parcel 116030015/16/17/18, $1,191,200 for a commercial addition. Contractor: to be determined. Circle K Stores, 4823 Broadmoor Blvd., $15,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: TLM Petro Labor Force. Mari Isabel Garza, 924 Road 70, $60,100 for tenant improvements. Contractor: owner. Oxarc Inc, 716 S. Oregon Ave., $5,000 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Oxarc. Department of Natural Resources, 7202 Burden Blvd., $56,000 for a sign. Contractor: Pro Sign. 598 Building Association, 1328 N. 28th Ave., $8,700 for a commercial addition. Contractor: Total Site Services. McCurley Road 100, 9620 Sandifur Parkway, $69,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Real Centric Solutions. Tri-City Union Gospel Mission, 221 S. Fourth Ave., $80,500 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Cascade Fire Protection. Quail Investments, 2325 W. Lewis St., $27,600 for a fire alarm/system. Contractor: Cascade Fire Protection. City of Pasco, 1208 Road 48, $13,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: owner. MBS Holdings/P&PM LLC, 6225 Burden Blvd., $442,600 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Inspiration Builders. LLC Columbia Investments, 712 N. Fourth Ave., $6,400 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Norman Family Coop, 2508 E. Lewis St., $12,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: owner. Twin City Foods, 5405 Industrial Way, $134,600 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Trico Companies. AutoZone Parts, 3733 N. Capitol Ave., $5,700 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Port of Pasco, 3606 Swallow Ave. #89, $41,700 for a commercial addition. Contractor: Hanson Construction. McCurley Subaru, 1230 Autoplex Way, $150,900 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Real Centric Solutions. CSP Pasco, 1408 N. 20th Ave., $5,600 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Apex Contracting. Basin Investment Group, 1921 W. Court St., $13,000 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Pentaviri A, 9221-A Sandifur Parkway, $52,400 for tenant improvements. Contractor: to be determined. Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th Ave., $65,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: to be determined.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 59

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017 PUBLIC RECORD, From page 58 Raon, 6605 Burden Blvd., $20,300 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Elite Construction & Development. HAPO Community Credit Union, 2701 N. 20th Ave., $59,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Palmer Roofing. Franklin PUD, 2301 N. Fourth Ave., $8,200 for plumbing. Contractor: Riggle Plumbing. PROSSER Tom/Linda Denchel, 630 Wine Country Road, $51,000 for a sign. Contractor: YESCO. Mercer Wine Estate, 3100 Lee Road, $10,000 for a commercial addition. Contractor: Pearce Moody Construction. RICHLAND City of Richland, 2630 Battelle Blvd., $6,700 for an accessory building. Contractor: Centro Cristiano Zion. Jaren Nelson, 1918 George Washington Way, $16,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: RDW Construction Remodeling. City of Richland, 3121 Twin Bridges Road, $18,000 for an antenna/tower. Contractor: Tower Communication Experts. Croskrey Brothers, 1024 Queensgate Drive, $50,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Reed Construction. Port of Benton, 1980 Terminal Drive, $95,000 for demolition and $605,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Pacific Environmental Structures. 135 Reata LLC, 123 Reata Road, $250,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Teton West. Kadlec Regional Medical Center, 888 Swift Blvd., $75,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Bouten Construction. Lamb Weston, 2013 Saint St., $62,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Mallard Lake Properties, 2161 Henderson Loop, $50,000 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Royal Roofing & Siding. AREVA, 2325 Horn Rapids Road, $300,000 for demolition. Contractor: CH2M Hill Plateau. Walmart, 2801 Duportail St., $120,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Powerhouse Retail Services. Dale and Suzanne LLC, 1321 Aaron Drive, $60,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Tri City Remodel. Columbia 4 Square, 700 Comstock St., $10,000 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Delta Heating & Cooling. Brass Lamp Apts, 2111 Turner St., $6,500 for commercial reroof. Contractor: Central Guaranteed Roofing. Rite Aid, 1329 Lee Blvd., $180,000 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Summit Properties & Development. Port of Benton, 2107 Salk Ave., $352,700 for tenant improvements. Contractor: Columbia Energy & Environmental Service. Port of Benton, 1975 Airport Way, #A, $30,000 for a commercial addition. Contractor: owner. Richland School District, 1750 McMurray Ave., $75,000 for new commercial construction. Contractor: Banlin Construction. Horn Rapids Storage, 2701 Kingsgate Way, $3,230,800 for new commercial construction. Contractor: LCR Construction. Kadlec Regional Medical Center, 888 Swift Blvd., $35,000 for commercial remodel. Contractor: Bouten Construction. Richland Investment, 1515 George Washington Way, $37,200 for a heat pump/ HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. Isla Bonita, 1524 Jadwin Ave., $7,100 for a heat pump/HVAC. Contractor: Campbell & Company. WEST RICHLAND Wes Hayden, 3205 Kennedy Road, $16,700 for a sign. Contractor: Quality Signs. Kennedy Center Mini Storage, 4085 Kennedy Road, $1,280,800 for new commercial construction. Contractor: TMT Homes (NW).

Wyoming, Michigan. Lincare, 6818 W. Kennewick Ave., Suite C. Xeta Corporation, 1814 W. Tacoma St., Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Fabric 108, 5215 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 105. Ray K. Robinson, 3110 W. 34th Ave. Guild Mortgage Company, 8200 W. Grandridge Blvd., Suite 110. Yakima Medical Consultants, 622 S. 36th Ave., Yakima. Rexel, 8362 W. Gage Blvd. Anderson Poolworks, 9500 SW Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon. Booth and Sons Construction, 22601 88th Ave. S, Kent. C&G Construction Services, 2459 S. Union St., Suite 140. Pro Cut Concrete Cutting Yakima, 655 Keys Road, Yakima. The Batters Box, 2203 W. Fourth Ave., Kennewick. Dogz on the Run, 301 Seventh St., Benton City. Frans Construction, 2364 N. Corsey Way, Eagle, Idaho. Action Man Plumbing, 315 Thayer, Richland. New Creation Homes, 69806 E. 715 PRNE, Richland. Practical Edge Shooting, 5609 W. 14th Ave. Red Dot Paintball, 3902 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 117. Rosa Mendoza House Keeping, 1229 W. Jan St., Pasco. Columbia Hills Building Company, 510 N. Colorado St. Rad Towing of Richland, 410 E. Kennewick Ave. Carniceria Tres Pueblos, 2500 W. Kennewick Ave. Dvorak Funeral Home, 4307 Cochins Lane, Pasco. Movement Mortgage, 8350 W. Grandridge Blvd., Suite 306. Euphoria Transport, 29 S. Volland St. Garcia’s Rock, 3520 W. Margaret St., Pasco. Kemper Northwest, 223 Roedel Ave., Caldwell, Idaho. Bsfishtanks, 1552 Diamond Drive, West Richland. Division 10 Signs, 14862 NE 195th St.,

WELDING SCHOOL

Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Basic welding to professional application and process speciﬁc classes. Pipeline to Production line. INDUSTRY STANDARD CERTIFICATIONS

uBUSINESS LICENSES KENNEWICK West Kennewick Primary Care/Urgent Care, 9040 W. Clearwater Ave. De Jager Construction, 75 60th St. SW,

716 S. Oregon Ave. Pasco, WA

509-547-2494

Woodinville. Rhinestone Feather Show Apparel, 5627 W. Sixth Ave. Minor Agency, 1121 N. Argonne Road, Suite 211, Spokane Valley. Abra Auto Body & Glass, 110 N. Washington St., Suite B. F&H Structures, 720 E. Fifth Ave. Jessica Valdez, 101 N. Union St., Suite 101. Kenmore Team Property Management, 8927 W. Tucannon Ave., Suite 201. Boyd Conner Investments, 6350 W. Brinkley Road, Suite 120. Management 1 Tri-Cities Realty & Property Management, 2209 S. Dawes Court. Platinum Kitchen & Bath, 6520 Comiskey Drive, Pasco. Concrete Northwest 1, 29308 Noble Road, Hermiston, Oregon. Horizon Plumbing, 504 Wisteria St., Richland. Sunlit Publishing, 4601 Mallard Court., West Richland. Stans General Construction, 1600 W. Clark St., Suite B1, Pasco. Free Culture, 2411 S. Union St., Suite D1. A+G Solutions, 4815 W. Clearwater Ave. Grandridge Meadows Afh, 207 N. Quebec St. B’s Chiropractic, 8901 W. Tucannon Ave., Suite 160. Raymond Handling Concepts, 3500 W. Valley Highway N., Suite 101, Auburn. Perfection Contracting Services, 7611 Pender Drive, Pasco. U Need Us Construction, 11260 Coyan Road, Connell. Pacific Psychiatric Services, 8350 W. Grandridge Blvd., Suite 200. Prosser Wine Excursions, 1045 Parker Court, Prosser. Honey Baked Ham, 731 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Suite 122 & 124. Cadengo Rentals, 2094 W. Bench Road, Othello. Express 24 Hour Plumbing & Drain, 2477 Hanson Loop, Burbank. Edison Street Nails and Spa, 201 N. Edison St., Suite 250. Boo Mountain, 36910 S. Haney Road. Wireless Vision, 1321 N. Columbia Center

Blvd., Suite 628. Unlimited Labor Solutions, 9 N. Waverly Pl. Wardle Woodworks, 1038 N. Edison Place. Lisa K. Hanson, Lmt, 10121 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 105. Atomic Escape Rooms, 2328 N. Quebec Court. Aaron Lammey, 2023 S. 327th Lane, Federal Way. Realty Painting, 2105 N. Steptoe St. Silver Mermaid Photography, 2371 Copperbrook Court, Richland. Signature Orthodontics, 306 N. Delaware St. Shawn Mcfee, 8236 W. Gage Blvd., Suite B. Coka’s Home & Office Cleaning, 3902 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 107. Vegabundos Masonry, 4410 Tamworth Lane, Pasco. JC Cuts & Digs Contracting Services, 4122 W. Marie St., Pasco. Golden Meadows Health, 3331 S. Roosevelt Place. V&S Screen Printing and Designs, 7411 W. Clearwater Ave. Kas Construction, 4530 Muris Lane, Pasco. Offset Solar, 933 Louise Ave, Suite 101E, Charlotte, North Carolina. Crv Transport, 1921 W. Second Ave. Solo Use Tires Wholesale and Recycling, 210605 E. 163 PRSE. Katy Izaguirre PLLC, 201 N. Edison St. Adventure Construction, 2906 W. Seventh Ave. Edison Street Mini Storage, 5417 W. Hood Ave. All City Painting & Construction, 147 Woodvine Lane, Richland. Maria Peeler, 8906 W. Entiat Ave. Rolling Deep Transport, 608 S. Olympia St. Carniceria La Carreta, 1305 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 120. Integrity Enterprise, 1128 N. Arthur St. Ludid Cleaning Service, 2437 N. Rhode Island St. Am Industrial Supply, 4241 S. Zillah St. Snarky Cancer, 8130 W. Bruneau Ave. Dagupan Grill, 3911 W. 27th Ave., Suite 109. M&M Tile, 203106 E. Bowles Road. Lularoe Kim Flanagan, 503 S. Hawaii St.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 60

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

PUBLIC RECORD, From page 59 Uriel Garcia, 6515 W. Clearwater Ave. Lyon’s Den Daycare & Preschool, 641 S. Wilson St. Pp Wholesale, 3503 S. Ledbetter St Rocio House Cleaning, 6108 Pimlico Drive, Pasco. Prime It Services, 4412 Tusayan Court, Pasco. Mendoza Insurance Group, 2628 W. Bruneau Place. Europa Italian & Spanish Cuisine, 2459 S. Union St., Suite 110. Yoga 4 You, 2464 N. Rhode Island Court. Dust to Shine Services, 3703 W. Kennewick Ave. Larry Russell’s Real Estate Investments, 76303 E. Timothy Lane. Everest, 817 W. Fifth Ave. Zintel Creek Golf Club, 314 N. Underwood St. Tri-City Appraisal, 841 W. Kennewick Ave. Crist-All Clear Post Construction Cleaning, 10305 W. 17th Place. Gb Deals, 5124 W. 28th Ave.

Stick It 2 Me Vinyl, 408 N. Joliet Place. Pocas Trucking, 907 W. Canal Drive. Michael Knighting, 2401 W. 16th Ave. Juleeannes Nursey, 1601 W. 25th Ave. The Lady Bug Shoppe, 19 S. Cascade St. A Bushel and a Peck, 319 W. Kennewick Ave. Ace Jewelry and Loan, 429 W. Entiat Ave. PASCO K-Designers, 14105 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon. Explore & Learn Infants & Toddlers, 4013 W. Court St. Street Vibez, 1904 N. Fourth Ave. Benton Franklin Head Start, 6215 Burden Blvd. Mayra Riveria Jimenez, 3311 Luna Drive. Erendida Martinez, 2208 E. Alvina St. Adore Clothes & More Boutique, 5222 Outlet Drive. Zag Investments, 507 N. Fourth Ave. Rugrats Child Care, 8311 Lummi Drive. Northwest Coating & Paint, 4017 W. Opal St. RAM General Contracting, 207 N. Eighth

Ave. Fire Protection Solutions, 5804 Road 90. Panchos Heating & Cooling, 812 W. Washington St. Mission Freight Brokers, 4908 W. Argent Rd. Positive Change Wellness Center, 9825 Sandifur Parkway, Suite D. Integrity Construction Solutions, 216 W. 52nd Ave., Kennewick. Daily Harbor, 2221 E. Lewist St. Huver’s Mechanic, 312 N. Main Ave. Arturo Barber Shop, 745 W. Court St., Suite B. RLC Construction, 93617 E. Valencia Drive, Kennewick. Cup of Gold, 110 S. Fourth Ave. J&M Transport, 6114 Basalt Falls Drive. Jimenez Painting, 4815 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Paty’s Cleaning Service, 1604 W. Irving St. M&M Excavating, 7 Hansen Road, Glenwood. Mallard Painting Services, 3839 W. Lupine Ave., Phoenix, Arizona. Dogwood Hill Labradors, 3834 Dogwood Rd.

Christ Goddard General Contractor, 16 SW 13th St., College Place. Nails by Cheyenne, 2420 W. Court St. Tri-Cities Lawncare & General Contractor, 904 S. Neel Court, Kennewick. McClintock’s Construction, 304 E. 45th Ave., Kennewick. Mayu’s Fiesta, 102 N. Fourth Ave. Lobos Stucco, 416 S. Seventh Ave., Walla Walla. Realty Painting, 2105 N. Steptoe St., Kennewick. Queen of Clean House Cleaning, 1025 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick. Ana L. Zepeda, 4815 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Almond Asphalt, 98403 E. Sidebe PRSE, Kennwick. Columbia Basin Marine Survey, 9315 Vincenzo Drive. Mountain Dog Sign Company, 1620 N. Mamer Road, Suite D100, Spokane. Cook Security Group, 5841 SE International Way, Milwaukie, Oregon. Siding Scientist, 2101 SW Sunset Blvd., Renton. JJ Cleaning Services, 3411 Hawthorne Lane. Evolve Meal Prep, 110 S. Fourth Ave. Fischer Inc, 607 Winslow Ave., Richland. Pro-Line Auto Detail & Glass, 1212 N. Fourth Ave. Craftsman Cabinets & Floor Covering, 122 Wellsian Way, Richland. Columbia Cove, 1950 W. Bellerive Lane, Couer d’Alene, Idaho. Merchco Services, 140 Heimer Road, Suite 400, San Antonio, Texas. Vagabundos Masonry, 4410 Tamworth Lane. Dennis Pressure Washington, 103 Craighill Ave., Richland. RICHLAND Adams Carpet & Flooring, 5610 W. 57th Ave., Spokane. Zenith Development, 2490 Garlick Blvd., Suite 302. Central Industrial Sales, 2235 Henderson Lp. Booth and Sons Construction, 61212 E7 PNE, Benton City. Pro Cut Concrete Cutting Yakima, 655 Keys Road, Yakima. Quality Communications, 212 Murray St., Boise, Idaho. Hoburg Enterprises, 34601 S. 2243 PRSE, Kennewick. T&T Mobile Mechanics & Welding, 1921 Peachtree Lane. Cameron-Reilly, 309 N. Park Road, Spokane Valley. Peachtree Park, 1976 Birch Ave. B4 Salon, 1207 Aaron Drive. Rosa Mendoza House Keeping, 1229 W. Jane St., Pasco. Communication Center Specialists, 115 Crego Hill Road, Chehalis. Tri-City Engineers, 2546 Van Giesen St. Mylinda at Keene Edge Salon, 480 Keene Rd. Brothers Pipeline Corp, 954 Jackson Highway S., Toledo. Natural Harmony, 2174 Morency Drive. Bernasco Trade Company, 2402 Olympia St. Bsfishtanks, 1552 Diamond Drive, West Richland. Ace Sports and Therapeutic Massage, 1020 Queensgate Drive. The Chimney Guy, 3216 S. Gum St., Kennewick. Recovery and Wellness Center of Eastern Washington, 1050 Keene Road, Building G. Orangetheory Fitness, 1020 Queensgate Drive, Suite C. Haigh Heating and Cooling, 1395 SW 15th St., Hermiston, Oregon. Platinum Kitchen & Bath, 6520 Comiskey Drive, Pasco. Steel 3 Yoga, 140 Gage Blvd., Suite 100. Abundantly Beyond Bookkeeping, 2031 Cascade Ave. Morgan Dobson, 123 Gage Blvd. Felix Plastering, 6702 Ahtanum Road, Yakima. Bedoya Construction, 5501 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick. Sunlit Publishing, 4601 Mallard Court, West Richland. Raymond Handling Concepts, 3500 W. Valley Highway N., Suite 101, Auburn.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 61

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017 PUBLIC RECORD, From page 60 Rex’s Top Shelf Catering, 110 S. Fourth Ave., Pasco. Perfection Contracting Services, 7611 Pender Drive, Pasco. Di Cocco, 1910 Butler Loop. Summit Properties and Development, 6455 Citation Drive, Suite G, Clarkston, Michigan. Cadengo Rentals, 2094 West Bench Road, Othello. Express 24 Hour Plumbing & Drain, 2477 Hanson Loop, Burbank. Diane R. Gerig, 761 Williams Blvd. Duarte Aguilar Enterprises, 84205 E. Sagebrush Road, Kennewick. Columbia Basin Landscaping, 6408 W. Victoria Ave., Kennewick. T&A Manufactured Homes, 23510 Old Highway 30, Caldwell, Idaho. JKAR Strategic, 710 George Washington Way. Gradin & Sons, 261 Maple St., Burbank. MDL Construction, 1662 Cactus Loop. Curb Solutions, 437 Sundance Drive. A-1 Painting, 9315 Chapel Hill Blvd., Pasco. The Baker Team/Professional Realty Services, 1933 Jadwin Ave., suite 205. Avri Solutions, 710 George Washington Way. Itasca Construction Services, 1900 Fowler St., Suite B. Bmac Development, 2700 Salk Ave. Realty Painting, 2105 N. Steptoe St., Kennewick. Acute Edgeworks, 316 Columbia Drive. Vagabundos Masonry, 4410 Tamworth Lane, Pasco. JC Cuts & Digs Contracting Services, 4122 W. Marie St., Pasco. Jo Healthcare Initiative, 451 Westcliffe Blvd. Kas Construction, 4530 Muris Lane, Pasco. Koval Transportation, 1404 Perry Court. Offset Solar, 933 Louise Ave., Suite 101E, Charlotte, North Carolina. Powerbang Gaming, 172 Andrea Lane. The Wild Taco, 72 Wellsian Way. Reliable Healthcare, 719 Jadwin Ave., Suite 11. Tri-Cities Mobile RV Service, 273 Gage Blvd. R&K Consulting, 1888 Nova Lane, Bldg. 1888. Jplehman, 2885 Hawkstone Court. Sgh Properties, 4831 Highview St. Bracket Trials, 2630 N. Columbia Center Blvd. Tarpinian Consulting, 7342 Baltray Place SW, Port Orchard. AB Enterprises, 2614 Willowbrook Ave. Adventure Construction, 2906 W. Seventh Ave., Kennewick. Education Services, 2894 Salk Ave. Biinx Boutique, 2550 Duportail St. Zero Tilt Media, 507 Basswood Ave. The Dress Code, 2737 Chelan Loop. Zaincos, 2630 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Ste C. All City Painting & Construction, 147 Woodvine Lane. Romero Automation and Controls, 1949 Penny Royal Ave. Ludid Cleaning Service, 2437 N. Rhode Island St., Kennewick. Bed Barth and Beyond, 204 Barth Ave. AM Industrial Supply, 4241 S. Zillah St., Kennewick. CV Technology, 15852 Mercantile Court, Jupiter, Florida. M&M Tile, 203106 E. Bowles Road, Kennewick. Doorbell, 89 Gage Blvd. Rocio House Cleaning, 6108 Pimlico Dr, Pasco. Jonathan Corcoran, 2894 Salk Ave. Finatics, 254 Williams Blvd. LNF Cleaning, 9315 Chapel Hill Blvd., Pasco. Moon Beam Studios, 712 W. 12th St., Benton City. Crist-All Clear Post Construction Cleaning, 10305 W. 17th Place, Kennewick. Timberland Constuction, 3509 Highway 11 E, International Falls, Minnesota. Gregory A. Oberg, 604 Williams Blvd., Suite A. Ashley Cardenas, 2513 Duportail St. WEST RICHLAND D&D Hoekema Properties, 3900 E. Lattin Rd. Three Rivers Scientific, 3740 Grant Loop. The Four of Us, 886 Pikes Peak Drive. Finish the Hunt Taxidermy, 1392 Quartz Ave.

Black Channels, 3801 Crystal Lake Court. A-Line Paving, 218 S. 94th Ave., Yakima. M2 Industrial, 180 Hanson Road, Ellensburg. M&M Tile, 203106 E. Bowles Road, Kennewick. Atlas Construction Contracting, 1130 Meade Ave., Prosser. Platinum Kitchen & Bath, 6520 Comiskey Drive, Pasco. JC Cuts & Digs Contracting Services, 4122 W. Marie St., Pasco. Realty Painting, 2105 N. Steptoe St., Kennewick. Express 24 Hours Plumbing & Drain, 2477 Hanson Loop, Burbank. Action Man Plumbing, 315 Thayer, Richland. USA Sheds, 501 Fern Court. Hudson & Sons Construction, 3809 W. 43rd Ave., Kennewick. KC Fitness, 4201 Kennedy Road, Suite 10. Suji’s Asian Diner, 5431 W. Van Giesen St. Precise Manufacturing, 2511 South Highlands Blvd. Universal Print Services, 4201 Kennedy Road, Suite 9. Crist-All Clear Post Construction Cleaning, 10305 W. 17th Place, Kennewick. Innovative Solutions Construction, 48312 N. River Road, Benton City. Swampy’s BBQ Sauce, 110 S. Mckinley Place, Kennewick. Jessica M. Pofahl, 4001 Kennedy Road. Roasters Coffee, 3205 Kennedy Road. Garcia’s Rock, 3520 W. Margaret St., Pasco. Vagabundos Masonry, 4410 Tamworth Lane, Pasco. Myprocontractor, 5426 N. Road 68, Suite D, Pasco. Rocio House Cleaning, 6108 Pimlico Dr, Pasco. JT Coatings, Inc, 26700 Waukon Road N., Kennewick. A+G Solutions, 4815 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Soto Painting, 6204 James St. NC Cleaning Services, 6204 James St. Xtramile Construction, 22203 E. Sandstone Drive, Benton City. J&L Landscaping, 4216 W. John Day Place, Kennewick. A-1 Painting, 9315 Chapel Hill Blvd., Pasco. F&H Structures, 720 E. Fifth Ave., Kennewick. Iggy’s Construction, 3106 S. Highlands Blvd. The Chimney Guy, 3216 S. Gum St., Kennewick. 3 Rivers Auto Sales 4083 W. Van Giesen St.

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

Lonestar Innovations, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 2. JCS General Construction, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 2. Hartley Restaurant Concepts, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 2. Rafael Rosas, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Martin Gutierrez, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Lynda R. Smith, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Maria E. Mellin Tapia, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Ronald H. Allen, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Juan M. Fernandez, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Alan Cruz, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Daniela Reyes, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. David Smith, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Rodolfo N. Lucatero, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Edgar Ruelas, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Petronilo Velazquez, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. Elena Montijo Ayala, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 2. PJR Construction, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 2. Lonestar Innovations, unpaid Department of

Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 2. Brookeside, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 2. Essential Planning, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 2. Tres Pueblos Meat Market, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 5. Traffic Management, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 5. Alejandro G. Gonzalez, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 5. Manuel Avila, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 5. Maria del r Morales, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 10. C&R Plastering, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 10. Carniceria Los Toreros, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 13. Carniceria Los Toreros, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 13. Ashely Nicole Smith, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 13. Brookeside, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 13. Alicia Campos Roque, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 13. Rojas Builders, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 13. Russell M. Durrant, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 13. Maria G. Ferrell Davila, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 16. Lupita Martinez, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 16. Alexia Gonzalez, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 16. Stephen M. Mork, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 16. Amalia Garcia, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 16. Jason P. Haag, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 16. Noemi G. Palomino, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 19. Superior Clean Services, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 20. Campuzano Santo, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 20. Ryan D. Homer, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 23.

Taqueria Mexico, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 24. Fidel Contreras, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 24. Jak Ventures, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 24. R&R Trucking, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 24. J&E Meza Plastering, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 24. Hartley Restaurant Concept, unpaid Department of Labor and Industries taxes, filed Oct. 24. Sommano Pouratano, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 25. Terry J. Dwire, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 25. Arnold Andrade, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 25. Desmond O. Farrell, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 25. Eduardo Rodriguez, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 25. Jacob H. Strand, unpaid Employment Security Department taxes, filed Oct. 25. Chivas Custom Homes, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 27. Lonestar Innovations, unpaid Department of Revenue taxes, filed Oct. 27.

uLIQUOR LICENSES BENTON COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS IDK Restaurant, 335 W Columbia Drive, Kennewick. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge. Application type: new. Europa Italian & Spanish Cuisine, 2459 S. Union St., Suite 110, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only; beer/wine restaurant. Application type: new. Carniceria La Carreta, 1305 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 120, Kennewick. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Application: assumption. Carniceria Tres Pueblos, 2500 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Application type: change of location.

uPUBLIC RECORD, Page 62

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Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

PUBLIC RECORD, From page 61 Riverside Restaurant & Lounge, 50 Comstock St., Richland. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only; spirits/beer/wine restaurant. Application type: new. Barracuda Coffee Company, 320 N. Kellogg St., Suite B, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only; snack bar. Application type: new. Proof Kitchen and Bar, 924 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Suite 103, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only; spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge; kegs to go. Application type: new. APPROVED McCorkle’s Market, 14601 N. Rothrock Road, Prosser. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Application type: assumption. McKinley Springs, 357 Port Ave., Studio G, Prosser. License type: domestic winery <250,000 liters. Application type: in lieu. Gateway Chevron, 20 Merlot Drive, Prosser. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Application type: assumption. Carniceria Los Toreros, 616 Ninth St., Benton City. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Application type: new. Gunpowder Greek, 894 Tulip Lane, Richland. License type: domestic winery <250,000 liters. Application type: new. DISCONTINUED The Cigarette Store, 124 S. Ely, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only. The Northwest Regional Food Hub, 603 Goethals Drive, Richland. License type: beer/ wine grocery store. Tienda Y Carneceria Los Toreros, 1009 Dale Ave., Suite C&D, Benton City. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Two Sisters Brewery, 69204 N. SR 225, Benton City. License type: microbrewery. Picazo Restaurant, 3617 Plaza Way, Suite C, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only.

Plymouth Tavern & Grill, 71305 SE Third Ave., Plymouth. License type: beer/wine tavern. Ray’s Golden Lion Restaurant, 1353 George Washington Way, Richland. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge. Red Lion Inn & Suites Kennewick, 602 N. Young St., Kennewick. License type: serve employees & guests. Baja Fresh, 4898 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick. License type: beer/wine restaurant. Brix & Brews, 4001 Kennedy Road, Suite 16, West Richland. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only. Columbia River Catering and Company, 50 Comstock St., Richland. License type: spirits/ beer/wine restaurant lounge. El Torero Bakery, 354 Chardonnay Ave., Suite 5, Prosser. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Grill on Gage, 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Suite A4, Kennewick. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washingotn only. Kennewick City Grill, 240 N. Ely St., Kennewick. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant lounge. Lepice, 127 Gage Blvd., Richland. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only. Liberation Bike Shop, 104 W. First Ave., Suite A, Kennewick. License type: snack bar. Maggie’s Place, 206 Seventh St., Prosser. License type: beer/wine restaurant. FRANKLIN COUNTY NEW APPLICATIONS El Senor, 1901 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco. License type: beer/wine tavern. Application type: new. Trejo’s Mexican Restaurant, 1833 W. Court St., Pasco. License type: beer/wine/spirits restaurant service bar. Application type: added/ change of class. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 4525 Convention Place, Pasco. License type: beer/ wine specialty shop. License type: new. Andy’s Coffee Break Restaurant, 3330-A W. Court St., Pasco. License type: beer/wine restaurant. Application type: new. Amarilis’s Meat Market, 1825 W. Court St., Pasco. License type: direct shipment receiver in

Washington only; beer/wine grocery store. Application type: new. APPROVED Billares Plaza, 528-B W. Clark St. Pasco. License type: spirits/beer/wine restaurant service bar. Application type: in lieu. Swadee Thai, 5109 N. Road 68, Suite B, Pasco. License type: beer/wine restaurant. Application type: new. Taqueria Los Lopez, 404 W. Lewis St., Pasco. License type: beer/wine restaurant. Application type: assumption.

American Cannabis Company, 15505 Webber Canyon Road, Suite C, Benton City. License type: marijuana producer tier 3. Application type: assumption.

ubusiness UPDATES NEW BUSINESSES

FRANKLIN COUNTY

CrossFit West Richland is now open at 4201 Kennedy Road, Suite 10 in West Richland. The gym offers co-ed CrossFit classes, women-only classes and open gym. Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Contact: 509-596-8298, crossfitwestrichland.com, Facebook. Tri-Cities Autism Thrift Store is now open at 731 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Suite 114 in Kennewick. The store sells gently used clothing, décor and furniture and provides job training for individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Contact: 509-8203900, tcaustimsthriftstore.com, Facebook. Vivid Imaginations Face Painting is now open for business offering unique face painting for all types of events. Artists only use non-toxic, hypoallergenic make-up (not paint). Hours by appointment. Contact: 509-5791220, vividfacepainter.com, Facebook.

APPROVED

ADDITIONAL LOCATION

Cooperative92, 101 Tree Farm Road, Pasco. License type: marijuana cooperative. Application type: new. BENTON COUNTY

Petco has opened a new location at 7202 Burden Blvd., Pasco. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Contact: 509-412-6288, Petco. com.

NEW APPLICATIONS

NAME CHANGE/NEW OWNERSHIP

Greenluck, 15505 N. Webber Canyon Road, Suite E, Benton City. License type: marijuana producer tier 3; marijuana processor. Application type: change of location. Farmers Distributors, 237004 E. Legacy PRSE, Kennewick. License type: marijuana producer tier 3. Application type: change of location. On the Grow, 8514 W. Gage Blvd., Suite 8, Kennewick. License type: marijuana transportation. Application type: new.

11Exhale Yoga is now Steel 3 Yoga, at 140 Gage Blvd., Suite 104, Richland and 4528 W. 26th Ave., Suite 140, Kennewick. New owner: Brenda Steel. Contact: 509-295-7652, steel3yoga.com, Facebook. Tri-City Country Club is now Zintel Creek Golf Club, 314 N. Underwood, Kennewick. Contact: 509-783-6131.

DISCONTINUED Tortilleria Valparaiso, 1108 W. Sylvester St., Pasco. License type: direct shipment receiver in Washington only. Pik a Pop #9, 524 N. Third, Pasco. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Star Spangled, 383 Fraser Drive, Pasco. License type: beer/wine gift delivery. B.C. Sandoval Market, 7340 Road 170, Basin City. License type: beer/wine grocery store. Mi Taguara, 524 N. Third Ave Ave., Pasco. License type: beer/wine grocery store.

uMARIJUANA Licenses

APPROVED Gringo Caliente, 1011 Queensgate Drive, Richland. License type: marijuana retailer. Application type: new. Wamsterdam Farms, 43001 N. Griffin Road, Suite C, Grandivew. License type: marijuana producer tier 3. Application type: added fees. Body Works Alternatives, 102003 E. Badger Road #A, Kennewick. License type: marijuana producer tier 2. Application type: added/change of class. Satori, 1011 Queensgate Drive, Richland. License type: marijuana retailer. Application type: added/change of tradenames. Greenmed Labs, 15505 N. Webber Canyon Road, Suite I, Benton City. License type: marijuana producer tier 3. Application type: change of location.

MOVED Gravis Law has moved to 503 Knight St., Richland. Contact: 509-792-3326, gravislaw. com, Facebook. The Batter’s Box has moved to 2203 W. Fourth Ave., Kennewick. Contact: 509-7835160, thebattersbox-rca.com, Facebook. Washington Policy Center has moved its Tri-Cities office to 8905 W. Gage Blvd., Suite 100, Kennewick. Contact: 509-491-3393, washingtonpolicy.org, Facebook. CLOSED My Sister’s Cottage at 1341 George Washington Way in Richland has closed. The Mint Salon & Skin Care at 4309 W. 27th Place, Suite C105, Kennewick has closed.

The Real Innovation Is The Way We Treat You!

Mark Runsvold

Mortgage Loan Originator / Branch Mgr. NMLS MLO # 118101

7015 W. Deschutes, Ste. B Kennewick, WA 99336 509-737-2000 • 800-704-3227 mrunsvold@gmail.com www.innovativemortgage.org NMLS MB 35988

Locally owned and trusted.

Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business • November 2017

AROUND TOWN

Four-time world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, left, thumb wrestles Andy Stirling, Numerica Credit Union’s vice president of Central Washington branches, during a Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties lunch on Nov. 2. The nonprofit raised more than $190,000 at its annual fundraiser Dinner with Friends that same evening in Kennewick, where Holyfield was the guest speaker. He shared his story of taking boxing lessons at the local Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta, Georgia. (Courtesy Jackie Arendell of Photography by Jackie Leigh)

Nineteen veterans participated in the 10th annual Wounded Veteran Duck Hunt on Oct. 18 at Barker Ranch in West Richland. The 2,000-acre private ranch and wildlife area is enrolled in a conservation easement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The veterans were from several organizations, including Vets on the Farm, Richland Rod and Gun Club, Ducks Unlimited, Spokane Conservation District and Benton Conservation District. Most of the veterans harvested their limits of birds before sunset. (Courtesy Benton Conservation District)

A $55,875 check was presented to area food banks from McCurley Automotive Dealerships & Russ Dean RV on Nov. 9 to buy more than 62,000 pounds of food from Yoke’s Fresh Market. With an additional 11,770 pounds of donated food from the public and area Yoke’s customers, the total collected during the 16th annual 33-day Octoberfest food drive topped 73,770 pounds.

The Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board toured the Hanford site, with a stop at the disposal facility for low-level waste, the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility, last month. The board, which met at Hanford Oct. 17-19, brought together the chair and vice chair of each of the eight advisory boards, covering Hanford, Savannah River, Los Alamos, Paducah, Portsmouth, Oak Ridge, Idaho National Laboratory and Nevada National Security Site. (Courtesy Mission Support Alliance)

Travis Sylte, right, a precision machining technology program student, demonstrates manual lathe machining during the Careers in Manufacturing event Oct. 20 at Columbia Basin College in Pasco. The event provides students with hands-on learning opportunities with the area’s top manufacturers. (Courtesy Careers in Manufacturing)

More than 100 people attended the National Day of Remembrance for Nuclear Weapons Program Workers event Oct. 27 in Richland. Organized by Cold War Patriots, a membership group providing recognition and resources to nuclear weapons and uranium workers by connecting them with the cash compensation and health care they have earned, the event sought to honor and remember the men and women who sacrificed their health – and in many cases their lives – to keep America safe. (Courtesy Cold War Patriots)

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