Congratulations to the Spokane Journal of Business on 40 years of exceptional business reporting. While I’m not necessarily thrilled to admit I have worked through the evolution of the financial industry in the region for the last 40 years, it’s been exciting to be a part of and see our industry grow and evolve. Many of the areas the industry has changed in the last four decades will continue, albeit in different ways.

Over the past 40 years, Spokane’s business community has been defined by examples of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. For me, the best stories center around adaptability, fueled by a shared commitment among local businesses to invest in our most important asset: a strong community. As we look to the future, our ability to embrace change will determine our region’s success in a rapidly evolving economy. 

Readers 40 years from now will likely judge that I got little right about the regional industries of tomorrow. However, I do believe there are unchanging principles that will shape our civic life together. I bet I’m right about those. 

As the CEO of my family’s third-generation, 75-year-old commercial construction and development company, ... I love my team, I love what I do, and I love Spokane. Spokane has given my family and I so much, and just like one of our construction projects, its future is quite literally under construction.  

Washington is falling short in producing enough four-year college graduates. The data has been consistent, and the implications are serious.  

Refugees are finding their way back into their professions with the help of a program offered through a pair of nonprofits in Spokane.

Spokane Valley Tech and Skills Center high school has emerged as a steady source of talent for Spokane manufacturers by providing hands-on training and exposure to career and employment opportunities in the Inland Northwest.

Strong leaders understand that building high-performing teams doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intention, consistency, and clarity.

Higher education institutions with nursing programs in the Inland Northwest are reporting high graduation rates, with many graduates landing health care jobs close to home.