Last month, Richland, Washington-based Gesa Credit Union opened a new branch in Spokane Valley located at 13506 E. 32nd. Meanwhile, Numerica Credit Union of Spokane Valley is about two months into a complete overhaul of a branch located at 303 E. Lyons

ora Whalen is leaving Panhandle Health District after serving as its director for a decade. Whalen, age 61, was born and raised in Iowa, where she attended the University of Iowa for dual bachelor's degrees, one in nursing and the other in Spanish.

Contractors here have seen staggering material cost increases over the past year as surging demand and supply chain bottlenecks have pushed prices to record heights, and many predict those issues won't end this year.

Some manufacturers here say that demand for their products remains high, but they expect to experience ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic into 2022.

Jordan Allen, founder and CEO of the now-defunct vacation rental company Stay Alfred, is starting the next act of his entrepreneurial career with the launch of Ruumr Inc., an online residential real estate bidding service.

Employers find themselves treading a narrow path when it comes to confirming employee vaccination status while keeping within state guidelines, some employer representatives here say.

University District Development Association CEO Lars Gilberts plans to step down by the end of the month to become assistant vice president of community development and impact at Numerica Credit Union.

Recognizing a gap in its alumnae network, officials at Whitworth University say the formation of Women's Leadership Network two years ago has helped fill that space and then some.