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Return customers drive success in hospitality sector

Experience, value, image cultivate consumer loyalty

March 29, 2018

Between an ever-globalizing world that makes traveling to exotic locales easier and increased marketing, the tourism industry has changed dramatically in the last five years. Hospitality, travel, and tourism managers and marketers are now faced with the c

Once-obscure Washington Cracker venue draws events, visitors

Owners say building's shared spaces allow for collaboration

March 29, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Since its purchase four years ago by local investor group Cracker Box LLC, the former Washington Cracker Co. building at 304 W. Pacific quietly has been transforming into a popular Spokane event venue. Darby McKee, who co-owns the building along with Mar

Curran sees PFD as part of Spokane renaissance

New CEO has front-row seat to city's growth

March 29, 2018

From Stephanie Curran's ground-level administrative office on the south side of Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, the new CEO of the Spokane Public Facilities District has an expansive view of the downtown construction activity that starts right across t

A peek at peak wedding season

Many Spokane-area facilities said to host both wedding, reception in current market

March 29, 2018

Samantha Peone

As Spokane approaches wedding season, traditional Saturday slots for both ceremonies and receptions nearly have filled up at some popular venues, managers say. 'Every year, it seems like people start booking further and further out,â€ says Bob Adolfso

Chimney Rock Mortgage strives to keep lending local

Financer hopes to make 200 home loans this year

March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Despite potential challenges posed by recent upticks in interest rates, Mike Hogan, loan officer and branch manager for Spokane-based Chimney Rock Mortgage LLC, says he believes there are still opportunities for growth in Spokane's home lending markets.

Demand for HELOCs strong in Spokane despite rising rates

Actions by Fed, increasing home values affect demand

March 1, 2018

Samantha Peone

Despite rising interest rates, applications for home equity loans, such as home equity lines of credit, have remained consistent and even increased some throughout the past year, some Spokane-area lending experts say. David Flood, chief lending officer a

HomeStreet's new home in downtown Spokane

Bank adds first retail presence in Spokane, moves commercial lending in city's core

March 1, 2018

Samantha Peone

Following the launch of commercial lending services here barely two years ago, Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank recently opened its first retail branch in Spokane, where it has consolidated both its commercial and retail services, says Steve Storey, senior v

Ignite Northwest's sixth startup class underway

Accelerator continues work with companies beyond tech

February 15, 2018

Spokane-based startup accelerator Ignite Northwest has begun its sixth round of business-growth education and coaching with 11 companies based here. CEOs from the companies began their 13-week session on Feb. 6, says Ignite Northwest CEO Bill Savitz. In

Northwest Entrepreneurship Competition increases its reach

Annual event to award nearly $45k in prizes to nine teams

February 15, 2018

Samantha Peone

Organizers, supporters, and participants in this year's Northwest Entrepreneur Competition are eager to see who will join the ranks of past winners that have become successful Spokane companies, such as etailz Inc. and Photoboxx. Typically, between 70

How angel investors earn their wings

More than 100 individuals involved in Spokane group, but more are sought

February 15, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

In recent years, Spokane has seen a handful of local startup companies grow into successful ventures resulting in benefits for both their founding entrepreneurs as well as early investors. Those who follow news of startup successes may have wondered wh