Banking & Finance

Five business lessons learned in 40 years of banking

Investments in community, people are instrumental to succeed in business

June 30, 2022

This year, Washington Trust Bank celebrates its 120th anniversary, and 2022 also marks my 40th year at Washington Trust-an achievement that has offered many lessons in banking, business, and community along the way.

Economy forecasted to bend, not break, this year

Inflation, Fed rate hikes may hamper GDP growth

June 16, 2022

Shawn Narancich

For the first time in more than two decades, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined for eight consecutive weeks into late May, the longest since 1932. Similarly, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ dropped for seven straight weeks - the first time since 2011

RESCU sees membership grow during pandemic

Small institution has updated tech services

June 16, 2022

Karina Elias

When calling Responders Emergency Services Credit Union, or RESCU, located at 924 W. Sinto, it is likely that the financial institution's CEO, Joyce Lockard, will answer the phone. Lockard says that it's the credit union's personal touch that

Investors needn't live in fear of potential recession

Downturns inevitable but infrequent; most have been short-lived

June 16, 2022

Tim Mitrovich

'The stock market has predicted nine of the last five recessions.â€ -Paul Samuelson, Keynesian economist Regarding the realities of recessions, while they are inevitable, they aren't something investors

Facing market fears starts with admitting they exist

Downturn can provide some opportunities for portfolio adjustments

June 16, 2022

Sarah Carlson

Are you fearful of looking at your financial statements this month? You are not alone. Market pullbacks are never comfortable. We have so much to feel wrong about: crushing inflation, the war in Ukraine, school shootings, and more. Suddenly, your

Idaho bank, credit union expand into Spokane

Bank of Idaho, ICCU establish presences here as part of growth plans

June 16, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Two southeastern Idaho-based financial institutions have moved into the Spokane area in quick succession. Last month, Idaho Falls-based Bank of Idaho agreed to acquire five branches from Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank, including one branch in downtown

A trend of interest: Businesses, lender confront rising rates for first time in years

Persistent inflation creates worry for business borrowers

June 16, 2022

Erica Bullock

Federal interest rates are expected to rise continually, and inflation pressure could ease slightly, resulting in more expensive loans for borrowers who have less money to spend because of the current high costs of goods and services. The Federal Open

Building blocked: Construction costs hinder financing

Lenders seek solutions as contractors scale down some projects

June 16, 2022

Erica Bullock

Some lenders here say they're working around challenges to finance commercial construction developments and keep projects moving forward despite soaring prices of construction materials and rising labor costs, which have resulted in some project

HMA CPA to move to larger space in downtown Spokane

HMA has outgrown two smaller offices downtown

June 2, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Spokane accounting firm HMA CPA PS plans to move elsewhere downtown later this year. HMA shareholder Kevin Sell says the company has signed a 10-year lease on the 10,000-square-foot 10th floor of the 18-story building at 601 W. First, and plans to move

Meet & Greet with Idaho Central Credit Union's Manny Hochheimer

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June 2, 2022

Karina Elias

Manny Hochheimer has stepped into a new role as the assistant vice president of Washington branches at Idaho Central Credit Union after a decade with Numerica Credit Union and over 20 years in the financial services industry. In his new position, Hochhei