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Sticker Shock: Steep construction costs likely to persist this year

Double-digit percentage price increases are common for most materials

June 17, 2021

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.

Spokane manufacturers expect long lead times into 2022

Supply issues coupled with steady demand contribute to backlogs

June 17, 2021

Virginia Thomas

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.

Whitworth network looks to develop mentors

In-person, virtual events fill gap in alumni relations

June 3, 2021

Kevin Blocker

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.

Women leaders should assess communication habits

Well-meant behaviors sometimes work against those in governing roles

June 3, 2021

René Johnston

Women leaders bring tremendous strengths, insight, and value to the workplace. But let's face it, we still confront a number of barriers. As a result of centuries of social and cultural programming, seeds individually planted as early as childhood

Corporate America is at crossroads to retain women

Pandemic pressures now threaten to reverse gains in female representation

June 3, 2021

Robin Pickering

Though employees everywhere report a host of pandemic-related challenges, women disproportionately are struggling, reporting less optimism about career prospects, decreased mental health, and increased stress and burnout.

Childcare help is coming, but will it be enough?

Even so, providers say staffing shortages make availability elusive as ever

June 3, 2021

Virginia Thomas

A scarcity of child care options that worsened in 2020 has led to legislation that ultimately could increase the number of working women, child care providers here and industry organizations say.

2021 Women in Leadership: Women drive pandemic-era entrepreneurship in Spokane area

WSBDC, SNAP see surge in new interest in business startups

June 3, 2021

Natasha Nellis

Following a lull early last year in new business starts, entrepreneurship is surging again, with women leading the charge, industry observers here say.

Whitworth students develop Camp Kesem chapter

Organizers hope to offer first camp in summer '22

May 20, 2021

Virginia Thomas

A Whitworth University student duo has founded a local chapter of a national organization that trains college students to create free, weeklong camps for children whose parents have cancer.

Many nonprofits stay afloat with PPP

Some seek loan forgiveness; others receive it

May 20, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Applying for a nearly $2 million federally backed Paycheck Protection Program loan to help cover payroll presented an unprecedented shift in The way Arc of Spokane operates, its executive director says.

Artisans moves office, looks to increase employees

Labor demand leads to referral increases

May 20, 2021

Natasha Nellis

A spike in demand for employment services has led Spokane-based nonprofit Artisans to increase its North Side office space and bring on more staff. Work is underway on the organization's new 3,000-square-foot location, at 220 W. Francis, where