GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

SPOKANE VALLEYGREATER

A Journal of Business Supplement

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Wisdom. Vision. Passion. Strength.

For more information visit our new events page at spokanejournal.com/events/

INTRODUCING

Bof Events for the

Business Mindedw w w. s p o k a n e j o u r n a l . c o m / e v e n t s

SEPT.

Join us as we recognize Spokane’s cohort of Rising Stars and celebrate past winners. An exciting guest speaker will join us and discuss how you can be a rising star. There will also be a panel of previous Rising Stars to pass along their wisdom.

JUNEA discussion about what is and isn’t working when it comes to increasing women in corporate leadership, overcoming and eliminating gender obstacles, and shaping healthier business environments.

FEB.

A new annual celebration of Inland Northwest business pioneers and innovators who shaped our region and positioned it to be the vibrant, prospering community it is today.

APRILA community discussion about the real-life workforce gaps we are experiencing and expect to see in the future, and what strategies we should employ to meet those gaps

OCT.

An awards event celebrating quality employers in our region. There will also be a guest speaker that will talk about the employer-employee relationship and how to make your company a best place to work in the Inland Northwest.

WORKFORCESUMMIT

INLEADERSHIPWOMEN

RISING STARS

INW

Energy for life.It goes beyond delivering electricity and natural gas. We help build value

in our communities through involvement with civic organizations, charities

and causes that improve the quality of life in our region. We strengthen the

economic vitality of our area through technology, community partnerships

and the giving of our employee’s time and talents—because bringing value

to our customers and attaining our business goals goes hand-in-hand.

myavista.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from Board Chair

Welcome Letter

Pinecroft Business Park

Grizzly Glass Centers

Inland Empire Paper Co.

Lemonade Day

Numerica Credit Union

Spokane Valley Fact Page

NAOMI

456

101214162022

Contact InformationGreater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce1421 N. Meadowwood Ln., Suite #10Liberty Lake, WA 99019509.924.4994spokanevalleychamber.org

Credits:Cover Photo: Diane Maehl PhotographyGraphic Design: Samantha Lindquist, Journal of Business

6 12 10 14

MultiCare Valley Hospital is the FIRST & ONLY hospital in Eastern Washington to receive the HIGHEST SCORE for overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services!

Serving Eastern Washington for over 50 years, we are proud of our commitment to providing high-quality care in our community.

multicare.org/valley-hospital

Chair: Kelly Fukai Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

President/CEO: Lance Beck Great Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

Chair-Elect: Kevin RaslerInland Empire Paper Co.

Secretary: Julie Van WormerArchitects West

Treasurer: Paul Read Journal of Business

Vice Chair: Jeff Adams Horizon Credit Union

Vice Chair: Kelli Pearson Pearson & Weary Pain Relief ClinicMember-at-Large: Tami Yager

Waste Management of SpokanePast Chair: Erica Young

Anderson-Peretti & Co. CPA’s, P.S.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Lance Beck President & CEO

Sue Runsak Office ManagerGeorgia Oxford

Director of Membership & EventsShelby Wilkins

Communications CoordinatorMamie Cary Bookkeeper

Madeline HoweilerOffice Volunteer

CHAMBER STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMatt Albright

Providence Health Care Brooke Baker SpinkBaker Construction &

Development Inc. Phil Champlin

HUB Sports Tammy Fleiger

STCUSteve Florence

Inland Northwest Insurance Joe Frank

Greenstone Corp Kary Gibbs

US Bank Gordon HesterKiemle & Hagood

Kevin PersonWagstaff, Inc.

Bonnie QuinnQUINN

Tom ReeseKaterra

Tracey St. OngeWashington Trust Bank

Greg RepettiMultiCare Valley Hospital

Melanie RoseAvista

Ben SmallCentral Valley School District

Doug YostCentennial Real Estate

Investments

2 | SPOKANE VALLEY CHAMBER 2019

MultiCare Valley Hospital is the FIRST & ONLY hospital in Eastern Washington to receive the HIGHEST SCORE for overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services!

Serving Eastern Washington for over 50 years, we are proud of our commitment to providing high-quality care in our community.

multicare.org/valley-hospital

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Message from Board Chair “Collaboration and Cooperation...It’s what we do!“

B eautiful natural resources, exceptional educational opportunities, high quality recreational activities, and a thriving business community are just a few of the

many attractions of the Greater Spokane Valley. Yet, our most prized resource and the foundation to our great communities are the people who live, work, and play in this great region. The true gems of this Greater Spokane Valley are the over 100,000 citizens and 12,000 business and non-profi ts who call this region home and the countless number of visitors who enjoy the many unique amenities and activities that abound.

Our many successes don’t happen in isolation. It is important to recognize that it can’t be done without signifi cant collaboration and cooperation. The citizens, employees, business owners, customers, and tourists move throughout our region without recognizing they are crossing borders. With the interconnectedness of our communities, partnerships are essential to the future success of our region. I am proud to say the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is one of many great community partners working to foster prosperity by eliminating barriers and expanding relationships.

With over 98 years serving as a resource in creating, growing, retaining, and advocating on behalf of businesses and the community at large, the Chamber has been a beacon in convening and coordinating the focus on the community identifi ed Big 5 – Cures, Goods, Learning, Outdoors, and Vision. We look forward to continuing our work in these areas with the support of our members and community. The success of the Greater Spokane Valley is the success of the broader region. When we grow the economic pie, it grows for all.

On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to say thank you to the individuals, business, and organizations who invest signifi cant time and resources in support of our mission. I am honored to serve this chamber as its Board Chair and profoundly grateful to be a part of this outstanding community.

Kelly FukaiWestern Region Government

Affairs Manager Schweitzer Engineering

Laboratories, Inc.


Welcome to the second annual Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Magazine

Lance Beck President & CEO

Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

• Campus setting with on-site management

• Three convenient I-90 freeway on/off ramps

• Central location provides easy access for employees and visitors

• Spokane River with walking/bike trail along eastern boundary

• Build to Suit opportunities

• Pinecroft Natural Area & Mirabeau Park adjacent to the east & south

NEW AMENITIES CENTER

AVAILABLE SUMMER 2018

(509) 927-774712709 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Ste 10 • Spokane Valley, WA 99216

www.PinecroftBusinessPark.com

The Inland Northwest’s Premier Business Campus

T hanks to the support from the Journal of Business, we are sharing more of our story to the

community. Our team at the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving our business members, improving community vitality, and fueling economic prosperity. This publication will give you a glance into the Chamber leadership, the businesses and organizations, and the events that help bring our community together.

The greater Spokane Valley has so

much to offer from multiple parks, recreational trails, rivers, lakes, foremost companies, clean energy and more. There is nothing quite like the Valley. To our members, thank you. Because of your dedication to our mission and vision we continue to thrive. Your continued support of our programs and events allows us to consistently create new programs to serve you our members. Our hope is this publication validates what a community driven place the greater Spokane Valley truly is.

Investor Partner

Visionary Partners


You’re welcome hereCome & check out our events:Members, and future members alike, are welcome to attend.

Gem of the Valley Awards of Excellence – JanuaryBusiness Showcase – MayLemonade Day – MayGolf Tournament – AugustManufacturing Matters Dinner – SeptemberAnnual Meeting – NovemberStories of Good Will – December

We hold Business Connections meetings in all other months, each featuring a guest speaker, new member introductions and networking.

CONNECT. EMPOWER. INNOVATE.

1421 N Meadowwood Lane, Ste. 10Liberty Lake, WA 99019

For more information on events or the benefits of membership, visit

spokanevalleychamber.org

or give us a call

509-924-4994

Pinecroft Business Park

The new park on the block.

T he Pinecroft Business Park is a 96-acre complex at the intersection of Mirabeau Parkway and Pines Road that continues to attract a variety of tenants.

About 430,000 square feet of commercial offi ce space is spread throughout 13 buildings. Jamie Traeger, senior vice president at Leavitt Capital Companies, the property

and asset manager and leasing agent for the business park, says development of additional space is ongoing.

The fi rst building was constructed in 1997 and the fi rst tenant moved in a year later; since then, the business park has grown to include a total of 33 tenants, from Verint (formerly NextIT), to Boeing Employees Credit Union’s east side contact center, to the recent addition of Northwestern Mutual.

In 2017, Northwestern Mutual became the fi rst tenant in

Rivers Edge Building A, 12939 E Mirabeau Parkway,

Spokane Valley, Washington,

Pinecroft Business Park Building 14

—Diane Maehl Photography

Companies & Faces of The Greater Spokane Valley


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Rivers Edge Building A, 12939 E Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley, Washington, Pinecroft

Business Park Building 14—Diane Maehl Photography

Rivers Edge Building A, 12939 E Mirabeau

Parkway, Spokane Valley, Washington, Pinecroft Business

Park Building 14—Diane Maehl Photography

the newly-constructed 44,000-square-foot, two-story River’s Edge building, which looks out over the Spokane River.

Traeger says employees of tenants particularly appreciate the 5,000-square-foot amenities center, which opened in October 2018.

“Tenants of the business park have use of a twenty-fi ve person conference room, we’ve got an exercise facility for our tenants to use, and my offi ce is here to provide on-site maintenance and management,” Traeger says.

The exercise facility includes showers, which are an appealing feature for active employees.

“We’re near Mirabeau Point Park and have great access

to the Centennial Trail,” Traeger says. “One of the benefi ts of our new amenity center is if people have employees who want to ride their bike at lunch or run at lunch, if they don’t have shower facilities within their offi ce space, they can use the exercise facility that has showers in it.”

Pinecroft Business Park also gained a restaurant tenant, Sams and Coffee, in June of 2018.

“The business park now has food service, and I think all of our tenants and their employees appreciate the ability to get their quick cup of coffee or a sandwich,” Traeger says.

Traeger says that because the park’s ownership group develops most of the buildings, Pinecroft LLC, the


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buildings have an architectural continuity with features such as masonry. Combined with the amenities center and nearby green spaces, Traeger says the overall effect is a campus environment that tenants, their employees, and their clients fi nd appealing.

Pinecroft Business Park’s proximity to I-90, Trent Ave., and State Route 27 mean it’s easily accessible.

“Regardless of where your employee base is coming from, whether it’s North Spokane, North Idaho, or the West Plains, it’s a 20 or 25 minute drive for most people,” Traeger says.

As more companies decide to do business from offi ces in the Spokane Valley area, Pinecroft Business Park continues to expand in order to anticipate future tenants’ needs. One project is currently under construction, and Traeger says two more are in the works.

A 30,000-square-foot, one-story building toward the west end of the business park is expected to be completed

by the end of 2019, with tenants moving in shortly thereafter. No tenants have yet been secured, but Traeger says Leavitt Capital Companies is pre-leasing spaces. The project will be what Traeger calls a “fl ex” building.

“Our fl ex offi ce project has multiple doors to the building,” Traeger says. “So, it might be a multi-tenant building where there are three or four tenants, but you’re entering into their space immediately from the outdoors. There is no shared lobby component.”

Pinecroft LLC hopes to develop two more buildings within the next few years, Traeger says, which would be “sister buildings” to the River’s Edge building.

“The vacancy rate, overall, is very low, so the ownership group wants to get out there and continue to build something so that when tenants are in need, we have space for them,” Traeger says.

Pinecroft LLC intends to have a long-term hold on the business park, Traeger says, so the ownership group invests in high-quality elements, especially those that will help with energy effi ciency.

“We’re taking advantage of being able to reduce energy costs for tenants,” Traeger says. “We build our buildings with sandwich panel construction, which is a very thermally secure building envelope where you put concrete down, insulation, and then more concrete.”

Of the business park, 40 acres are yet to be developed; between 900,000 and 1 million square feet of traditional offi ce and fl ex offi ce building space could be created to fi ll that space, she says.

Ultimately, Traeger says the ownership group envisions Pinecroft Business Park becoming a “gem of the Valley.”

“We provide a great location where businesses want to locate, and I think that’s a plus for the Valley,” Traeger says. “In the entire Spokane area, there’s just not many true business parks, and we really feel like we’re successful because we’ve been able to create that.”

Amenities Center, 12709 E Mirabeau

Parkway, Spokane Valley, Washington– Pinecroft Business

Park Building 13

—Diane Maehl Photography


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feature mobile installation

to help meet customer’s

needs.

Developing Spokane Valley root through community engagement.

G rizzly Glass Centers is a local company large enough to serve all of your glass needs and small enough to add those hometown personal touches. They

take pride in their work. Their mission is to provide 100% customer satisfaction by consistently giving reliable and dependable service to their customers with their hands-on approach, handling the customers’ needs directly. They specialize in all aspects of glass and each employee has their own specialty.

Located in Hayden and Sandpoint, Idaho and Spokane Valley, Washington, Grizzly Glass Centers have been


serving the Inland Northwest for over 30 years. Their services include repairing and replacing glass in most makes and models of automobiles, motorhomes, boats, heavy equipment, as well as residential and business glass products. Also, they will provide mobile repairs at no additional charge.

General Manager Jeff Fred manages all three locations. With a presence in Sandpoint and Hayden, Idaho they were looking to create stronger connections within the Greater Spokane area and decided to join the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce to help create those connections. “The chamber is like a small town,” said Fred, “I’ve found it to be the best way to network with others in the community and create a referral network with one another, because there is such a broad spectrum of individuals and businesses.”

“We knew a membership with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce was important to help us grow our Spokane Valley roots and relationships within the community. The Chamber has been a wonderful advocate for local businesses and growing the economy within the area,” said Pat Murphy, Sales at Grizzly Glass Centers.

Since becoming involved with the Chamber, Grizzly Glass Centers are frequent attendees at chamber events. Staff attempt to be present at least one or two events every month. “We were going to do a trial period of one year and to see how we would like it. Now here we are going on year two of being members,” Murphy said.

Their goal for the future is to get a new shop that will handle the needs of their growing business. “Of course,” said Fred, “we want to be the biggest and best glass company on the Spokane Valley area. Continuing to be an active member of the Chamber will help us get there!”

Grizzly Glass Centers staff are trained to

install on a wide variety of vehicles.



IEP forest land in the Brickel Creek

area below Mt. Spokane

Inset: White pine is one of the diverse

species planted on company lands.

IEP plants over a half million trees

every year.

A focus on the environment and innovation drives modern paper production.

I nland Empire Paper Company began in the early 1900s when frontier settlements boomed with enterprise. Built on the Spokane River’s south bank, the early

operation served as the only paper mill between the Mississippi and Pacific Coast. Its location, Millwood, grew out of roots as a company town.

Over the decades, the mill provided both steady jobs and community involvement in the region. That ongoing sense of community also has propelled IEP’s long history of stewardship and environmentally-friendly practices.

“The Millwood and Spokane Valley communities have grown up around the mill, having been here since 1911,” says Kevin Rasler, IEP president and general manager. “We’ve had generations of employees who have worked and lived here. Our business is about family, and the community is an extension of our family.”

Its modern papermaking process is — in essence — all about recycling. Today, IEP uses residual wood chips from sawmills and recycled papers to make about 50 different grades of paper sold for use in a variety of printed materials.

At its facility, the company has invested millions of dollars in green initiatives, plant efficiencies and installation of advanced technology for onsite wastewater treatment to affect cleaner discharge into the Spokane

Inland Empire Paper Company

River. More than 50 years ago, IEP began purchasing timberland, launching its management of natural spaces for long-term sustainability.

For 2018, IEP received the Association of Washington Business’ Leading Environmental Practice Award, capping multiple recognitions for green technology, mill modernization and “exceptional management of forestry lands.”

The company names three pillars to sustaining timberland — caring for the environment, maintaining economic viability, and engaging the community. Its forest conservation started with early-1950s planting of trees. By 2011, the company had planted 12 million trees. IEP now owns and manages 121,000 acres, says Paul Buckland, forest resource manager.

“Half of that is right outside of Mount Spokane, Spirit Lake and the Twin Lakes areas,” Buckland says. “We have a long history of carefully harvesting, planting and caring for the wildlife habitat for long-term sustainability.”

“We provide several forestry tours every year to educate the public on what we’re doing; explain the harvesting process, planting of tree species, wildlife habitat and stream protection.”

IEP invites the public to recreate on its lands. People purchase access permits allowing a wide range of outdoor activities, with all fees invested in maintaining its recreation program.

While trees on IEP’s lands don’t go directly into paper-making, there is reuse of natural resources.



“When we supply raw timber from forest lands to regional sawmills, they make lumber,” Rasler says. After lumber production, what’s left over is chipped up, and in past practice was burned. “Today, we buy those chips and use them to make paper.”

At the mill, Rasler describes a focus for many years on impacting water quality.

“At this point, we have the most advanced water treatment system in the pulp and paper industry,” Rasler adds. “The final piece of it is being installed currently, an ultrafiltration membrane system that will be operational by year-end.”

IEP was the first Spokane regional business to install commercial-scale, low-level phosphorus removal equipment. “We’ve researched and tested 22 different state-of-the-art nutrient reduction technologies,” he says.

That’s important to a healthy Spokane River. If phosphorus and other nutrients rise to certain levels in the waterway, it causes depletion of dissolved oxygen that fish and aquatic life need to survive.

The company helped develop an algae-based system for nutrient removal, working with Clearas Water Recovery, ultimately finding better solutions for municipal water

treatment than industrial application. “But it led us to finding technology that would be successful here, the ultrafiltration membrane process,” Rasler adds. “Our collaboration with Clearas did result in evolutionary

technology.” Additionally, several mill upgrades in recent

years brought positive environmental impacts. “With mill modernizations, we’ve

reduced our processed water flow by over 2 million gallons a day,” Rasler says. “We installed a pulping system that reduced our dependence on natural gas by nearly 80 percent, and we reduced our carbon

emissions by over 33,000 tons per year. We’re below the federal reporting requirements.”

Overall, IEP keeps focused on three Rs: recycle, reuse and renewable.

“We’re making our products out of other people’s waste, either sawmill byproduct or recycled paper,” Rasler says. “We want to close the process so ultimately there is no waste coming from our operation.”

“To be good neighbors is part of our culture. We want to continue to provide living-wage jobs and have a positive impact on the economy of our community.”

Inland Empire Paper Co. has

been in business since 1911

Waste paper is collected from 15 western states and

recycled into new products.

“WE REDUCED OUR CARBON EMISSIONS BY OVER 33,000 TONS PER YEAR”

121,000IEP owned and

managed acres of forestland


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Panther Berry Lemonade at the Max at Mirabeau

Nahla’s Lemonade at Forza Coffee on Sullivan.—Jacob’s Photography

—Jacob’s Photography

Teaching youth the power of entrepreneurship.

L emonade Day is a national program that teaches our youth how to start, own, and operate their very own

business, or in this case a lemonade stand. By participating they learn business skills, responsibility, fi nancial literacy, goal setting, and teamwork. They have the opportunity to connect with their school districts and local businesses to learn money management, cultivate entrepreneurial spirit, and encourage charitable contributions.

The program was founded in 2007 in Houston, Texas by Michael Holthouse. He has a vision to empower today’s youth to be tomorrow entrepreneurs. The mission is to help today’s youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community leaders, and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow. This gives

Lemonade DayEvents of the Greater Spokane Valley


Check us out! cvsd.org ff YouTube

CVSDwe are

!

Cr e a t i n g t h e w o r k f o r c e o f t h e f u t u r e . . .

Pink Flamingo Lemonade at MeadowWood Golf Course.—Jacob’s Photography

them the opportunity to build self-esteem and a mindset that can push them to success. Since the launch, Lemonade Day grew from 2,700 kids participating in one city to over 1 million children across North America.

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce fi rst participated in Lemonade Day in 2017. The event has become a bigger success every year. This year, 2019, we had over 29 lemonade stands and over 250 participants. Each stand was hosted at one of our chamber member’s business.

At the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce we focus on our Big 5 initiatives. During Lemonade Day we incorporated the Greater Learning initiative to integrate business and education to create the workforce of the future. On May 15th, 2019, the Chamber hosted a Lemonade Day training class. The young entrepreneurs learned how to brand their stand, along with the values of saving, sharing, and spending their earnings.

Chester Elementary at Falco’s, Inc.

Helping Paws at Rosauers

U-City.




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JOIN OUR CREDIT UNION TODAY.LEARN MORE AT BECU.ORG.

LOCATIONS IN NORTH SPOKANE, DOWNTOWN, & THE VALLEY.

HAND-CRAFTED FOR MEMBERS, BY MEMBERS.

Federally insured by NCUA

Numerica Credit UnionNumerica

Credit Union branch located

at 4904 E Sprague, Spokane

Valley, WA

Navigating regulations to provide community solutions.

N umerica Credit Union serves more than 146,000 members in Eastern Washington, Central Washington and North Idaho. Back in 1937, the fi nancial institution

began life as Spokane Railway Credit Union.Starting with railroad workers who wanted to pool

modest resources to support one another, the credit union’s leaders have sought community-focused solutions. In 2000, the credit union adopted the more inclusive Numerica name to serve the fi nancial well-being of even more members.

“Our mission is to enhance lives, fulfi ll dreams and build communities. We take each of those items very seriously,” says Kelli Hawkins, Numerica public relations manager. “Last year, we donated over $1.7 million out into the communities. We’re very focused on offering products and services to our members and to the community that helps make managing their fi nances easier.”

“We’re dedicated to giving 5% of earnings back into the community.”

With $2.3 billion in assets, it offers full banking products and services, mortgages and business products across 21

branches in Spokane, Airway Heights, Tri-Cities, Wenatchee Valley and North Idaho. The Numerica Charitable Fund has provided more than $450,000 to 26 regional nonprofi ts this year to support organizations mirroring its guiding principles and addressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, food insecurity and educational access.

Also with mission in mind, Numerica started challenging work fi ve years ago to solve a large fi nancial

risk in the community, and safety issues, circling that timeframe’s lack of a banking structure for Washington state’s cannabis industry. Initiative 502 passed in November 2012 to legalize recreational use of cannabis in Washington, and sales began July 2014. After an intensive process to follow federal guidelines and regulatory steps, Numerica found a solution by May 2014 to provide account services to state-licensed recreational marijuana businesses.

“When I-502 passed, the estimate was that it was going to be a billion-dollar, cash-only

business within a few years,” says Lynn Ciani, Numerica’s chief risk offi cer and general counsel. “When you look at crime in other states where cannabis was legalized in some way or the other — usually medical marijuana but they couldn’t bank it — they had a lot of home invasions and violent crimes.”


“WE’RE DEDICATED TO GIVING 5% OF EARNINGS BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY.”

-KELLI HAWKINS NUMERICA PUBLIC RELATIONS

MANAGER


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JOIN OUR CREDIT UNION TODAY.LEARN MORE AT BECU.ORG.

LOCATIONS IN NORTH SPOKANE, DOWNTOWN, & THE VALLEY.

JOIN OUR CREDIT UNION TODAY.

HAND-CRAFTED FOR MEMBERS, BY MEMBERS.

Federally insured by NCUA

“There were people who were brutalized to get them to tell where their cash was hidden. Violent crime actually was perpetrated on people who weren’t even involved in the cannabis industry. We didn’t want that crime in our community. We felt that part of our building communities is protecting our communities to the extent we can by taking that cash off the street.”

Paving a way for cannabis businesses to make deposits and write checks requires much regulatory work and oversight to this day, and some risk, as federal laws still differ from state ones, adds Ciani.

“Technically, we are still violating the anti-money laundering laws on a federal level because we’re taking in funds from the cannabis businesses. On a federal level, cannabis is still illegal. But we mitigate that risk through our procedures and working with our regulators to follow federal guidelines from a safety and soundness perspective. Under Washington state law, we’re not violating any laws.”

On Feb. 14, 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued guidance permitting fi nancial institutions to bank the cannabis industry, under enhanced due diligence and other requirements. Numerica worked with its regulator, as well as its insurer for deposits, and developed a cannabis program, Ciani says.

Under its procedures, the credit union submits regular fi lings per account called currency transaction reports, as well as suspicious activity reports. Reports are fi led when the account is opened and then every 90 days at a minimum, any time anything looks suspicious, and if an account is closed or terminated.

Numerica’s Canna Business Accounts Program now serves about 300 industry businesses with such services as checking and savings, CDs, online banking, ATM use, night

Numerica’s E. Sprague branch in

the Spokane Valley feature’s their

award winning, open design that

encourages healthy conversation and

transparency within leads to fi nancial

well-being.

Numerica volunteers join together to help clean the Centennial Trail.


Supports and thanks the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce for the great work it is doing for our business

partners and our Valley community.

Residential & AgriculturalUnderground TanksIndustrial & Commercial TanksTemporary Construction Heat

Forklift Cylinder ExchangeAutogas & Recreation24 hour emergency service

deposits, branch banking and mobile device deposits.

For fi scal year 2018, the state reported $367 million income from legal cannabis operations.

“They can pay bills online and their taxes with checks,” Ciani says. “Washington state has requested that they have a banking relationship with a fi nancial institution, because they don’t want to accept taxes in cash.”

Meanwhile, the industry services don’t include providing secured loans or credit card services. Companies such as Visa aren’t willing to accept the risk, she says. Numerica’s North Idaho branches don’t accept any cannabis industry funds.

Ciani believes Numerica is the only fi nancial institution in Washington east of the Cascades publically declaring cannabis business services. Hawkins echoes that there was hesitancy in the banking world because of all the requirements. “But we felt that the safety and soundness of our community outweighed the work involved, and the risk,” Hawkins says.

The Justice Department withdrew guidance in 2018, but it basically meant each U.S. attorney had prosecutorial discretion, Ciani says, “so we still felt comfortable going forward.” State and federal offi cials conduct regulatory examinations annually. “I’m proud to say our regulators are extremely happy with our program,” says Ciani. State regulators and the Liquor and Cannabis Board are strong partners.

Hawkins credits Ciani and board members’ work. “They got on the ground running pretty early, so a lot of businesses had a way to deposit cash. We didn’t see a whole lot of crime from the industry’s beginning.”

Numerica’s leaders made brave but necessary decisions, Ciani adds. “It helps protect the entire community from the potential crime associated with a cash-only industry. That was the reason, to protect the community, simple as that.”

146,000Members in Eastern Washington, Central

Washington, and North Idaho.

300Industry businesses

served by Numerica’s Canna Business Program.

21Branches in

Spokane, Airway Heights, Tri-Cities, Wenatchee Valley

and Norther Idaho.


Top 10 Spokane County Projects in 2018By value of permits issued during 2018

Rank Project Permit Value

Spokane Valley Fact PageThe City of

Liberty Lake

MILLWOOD1,790

206

290

27

Otis Orchards-East

Farms CDP6,269

SPOKANE VALLEY95,810

LIBERTY LAKE

10,390

SPRAGUE AVE.

32ND AVE.

SULLI

VAN

RD.

Spokane County Population by AreaBy city and census designated place 2018

Spokane County PopulationEstimated 2018 for county and largest municipalities

Source: Washington Office of Financial Management.

Total County

0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000

507,950

Spokane Valley

Liberty Lake

Millwood

95,180

10,390

1,790

231,302AVERAGE SPOKANE COUNTY

EMPLOYMENT 2018WA state Employment Security Department

8,258HOME SALES FOR 2018

Spokane Association of Realtors

$255,120AVERAGE SPOKANE-AREA HOME PRICE

FOR 2018WA state Employment Security Department

3.87%SPOKANE VALLEY RETAIL VACANCY

RATE AS OF OCTOBER 2018Valbridge Property Advisorys

Inland Pacific Northwest

$50,430ESTIMATED MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD

INCOME FOR 2018WA state Office of Financial Management,

Forecasting DivisionSource: Building departments of Spokane County, and the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, and other municipalities.

1 Amazon Fulfillment Center $181,000,000

2 EWU Interdisciplinary Science Center $50,300,000

3 Cheney High School addition $22,750,000

4 SCC Main Building South Wing Renovation $20,000,000

5 Katerra - tenant improvements $19,000,000

6 Spokane Public Facilities District remodel $17,645,000

7 Northern Heights Apartments- 232 units $15,553,000

8 Winter Heights Apartments - 120 units $15,058,000

9 Selkirk Middle School $14,768,000

10 Shiloh Hills Elementary - addition and modernization $14,200,000


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For more information please contact:

Corporate ServicesO Copiers & managed print

O Office supplies

O Printing

O Records management

O Banking & financial fees

O Insurance

Personnel ServicesO Employment services

O Fleet management - leasing parts & supplies

O Payroll/HR administration

O Security

O Travel

O Professional services

Operational SuppliesO Factory consumables

O MRO supplies

O Packaging

O Telecommunications & IT

O Freight / logistics

O Laboratory supplies

O Industrial gases

And many moreO Medical supplies

O Waste

O Bank services

O Merchant card fees

O Food services

O Cleaning supplies & services

O Uniforms & linens

O Chemicals

Providence Health Care 5,4251

MultiCare-Inland NW Region 3,1101,2

Central Valley School District 1,6141

Kaiser Aluminum WA LLC 950

Huntwood Industries 587

CPM Development Corp. 425

Wagstaff Inc. 363

Window Products Inc./Cascade Windows 238

Key TronicEMS 235

Pyrotek 215

Alliance Machine Systems International LLC 183

1This figure is FTE (full-time equivalent) 2This figure includes Deaconess Hospital, Rockwood Clinic, and Valley Hospital. Sources: Representatives of the organizations, Office of State HR Director.

Employer Employees

Spokane Valley’s Largest Employers

As of Nov. 1, 2018

District name Enrollment

Annual Graduation

Rate

Source: Washington state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Public Schools 2017-2018 school year

Central Valley 14,207 88.2%

East Valley 4,407 79.0%

Freeman 900 96.3%

Liberty 518 97.7%

West Valley 3,879 97.8%

Spokane County 77,949 83.4%

Washington State 1,127,493 80.9%


Thriving businesses, happy employees

Interested in relocating or expanding your business operation? Spokane Valley offers developable land and business park space that is located in a major transportation corridor, supported by two Class 1 railroads, Interstate 90 and an international airport. Combined with Spokane Valley’s skilled workforce, affordable housing, excellent schools and short commute times, the city is a place where employees want to live and businesses can prosper. There’s a reason why companies are making the move to Spokane Valley. Contact our economic development team at 509.720.5000 or visit SpokaneValleyED.org.

Make your move to Spokane Valley

Open Daily 7:30am—5:00pmWe are closed for National Holidays:

New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence

Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day

and Christmas Day.

Material Accepted

General Refuse, Construction Demolition Material, Green/Yard Waste, and Household Hazardous Waste.

Making a Clean Scene!O P E R AT E D B Y

509-924-5678 | sunshinedisposal.com spokanevalley.org/solidwaste

2405 N UNIVERSITY ROAD, SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99206

A safe environment to build authentic relationships.

N AOMI is a community that provides transitional housing and services to single mothers and their children who are experiencing homelessness.

Executive Director Angela Slabaugh is focused on cultivating and deepening relationships that are essential to serving the needs of the community. “We are more than just a house for these mothers and their children to stay,” Slabaugh said, “we are a community where they can grow and build relationships.” They offer intensive life skills classes, coaching and mentoring in parenting, domestic,

NAOMI

interpersonal and recovery skills. NAOMI was founded in 2004, by Karen Fournier who had

previously had a similar life to those who are welcome to the community. She opened her personal home from 2004 to 2011 to single mothers facing homelessness. In 2011 the nonprofi t received a donation for a house. They chose to locate in Spokane Valley because there was little to no resources for homeless single mothers in the area. The nonprofi t was originally named Hearth Homes and changed the name to NAOMI in 2017. To be eligible to live at NAOMI it is required that the mothers are living clean and sober, there is no participation in threatening relationships, are committed to their goals in moving forward, and are involved in the required services and programming.

Programs include case management, family dinner preparation, life skill classes, and family meetings. Each mother has her own room with her children in communal style housing with shared common spaces, chores, and responsibilities.

NAOMI values grace, accountability, service, and respect. The community is a safe home environment where they can build and have authentic relationships and develop life skills. NAOMI is a lasting community, mentoring women in developing authentic, safe community for lasting,



Thriving businesses, happy employees

Interested in relocating or expanding your business operation? Spokane Valley offers developable land and business park space that is located in a major transportation corridor, supported by two Class 1 railroads, Interstate 90 and an international airport. Combined with Spokane Valley’s skilled workforce, affordable housing, excellent schools and short commute times, the city is a place where employees want to live and businesses can prosper. There’s a reason why companies are making the move to Spokane Valley. Contact our economic development team at 509.720.5000 or visit SpokaneValleyED.org.

Make your move to Spokane Valley

Let a Watrustologist help you make your next move.Visit watrust.com/homeloans to find a loan officer.

Preparing you for a home upgrade before the clutter takes over.

Wisdom. Vision. Passion. Strength.

For more information visit our new events page at spokanejournal.com/events/

INTRODUCING

Bof Events for the

Business Mindedw w w. s p o k a n e j o u r n a l . c o m / e v e n t s

SEPT.

Join us as we recognize Spokane’s cohort of Rising Stars and celebrate past winners. An exciting guest speaker will join us and discuss how you can be a rising star. There will also be a panel of previous Rising Stars to pass along their wisdom.

JUNEA discussion about what is and isn’t working when it comes to increasing women in corporate leadership, overcoming and eliminating gender obstacles, and shaping healthier business environments.

FEB.

A new annual celebration of Inland Northwest business pioneers and innovators who shaped our region and positioned it to be the vibrant, prospering community it is today.

APRILA community discussion about the real-life workforce gaps we are experiencing and expect to see in the future, and what strategies we should employ to meet those gaps

OCT.

An awards event celebrating quality employers in our region. There will also be a guest speaker that will talk about the employer-employee relationship and how to make your company a best place to work in the Inland Northwest.

WORKFORCESUMMIT

INLEADERSHIPWOMEN

RISING STARS

INW

SCORE Business Workshops

• Programs packed with know-how from seasoned professionals

Digital Resources & Apps for

• Market research & SWOT analysis

• Demographic mapping• In-depth news coverage

& trade publications

Online training for you & your employees with

• Gale Courses• Pronunciator• Lynda.com

One-on-one business help & training for you or your

whole team with our Book-a-Librarian service

www.scld.org/business

Businesses are thriving

with free resources & services

from the library

www.scld.org

supportive relationships. They also have a ton of fun activities for the families including a backyard summer concert, river rafting, a garden, and so much more.

Every year NAOMI hosts a Red Carpet Masquerade Gala. Members of the community come to support the local single mothers and their children. All the proceeds from the event go to giving the mothers the means to build a secure a lasting foundation for the families. They are a very active member in the chamber and in the community. They are regular spotlight table sponsors. In turn they receive a lot of love and support from the chamber and the community.

Being a nonprofit member of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce allows NAOMI to spread awareness to the membership.

“WE ARE A COMMUNITY WHERE THEY CAN GROW AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.”

-ANGELA SLABAUGHEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NAOMI also partners with many of the Chamber’s members to help spread the word about events. NAOMI’s funding is developed from individuals, private grants, and fundraising

efforts. Additionally, NAOMI relies on volunteers every day. The nonprofit received almost 3,000 hours of service from volunteers and groups in 2018. “We are dependent on the community, so we want spread awareness and cultivate

partnerships,” said Slabaugh. “That is one of the main reasons we find our Chamber membership so valuable.”

What’s next for NAOMI is to continue to grow their business and have a more sustainable future. Their hope is to expand their community and continue to provide a place where every family is free from isolation and poverty.


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GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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