Education & Talent

2020 Rising Stars: Drive509's Jason Boudreau

Company founder drives growth curve with care

September 10, 2020

When Jason Boudreau founded Drive509 truck driving school in 2016, he expected slow growth for the first few years. 'My business plan was: Hire one more instructor by year three and have one more truck,â€ Boudreau says.

Greater Spokane Incorporated debuts internship portal project

Spokane first to test out AWB employment tool

September 10, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Greater Spokane Incorporated is working with the Association of Washington Business to pilot an online internship portal website in the Spokane area. Cassidy Peterson, director of education and talent at GSI, says AWB conceived the Washington State

School project wrap up in time for unusual academic year

Over $242M in work underway at Mead, Spokane, CV districts

August 27, 2020

Natasha Nellis

More than $149 million in construction projects by Spokane-area school districts are wrapping up just in time for school this fall, even though students won't be in them right away, in some cases. Spokane Public School District's $23.5 million

EWU president steps down

Provost David May takes over in interim role

August 4, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Eastern Washington University President Mary Cullinan has retired effective immediately, the university announced this morning.

Allen foundation study to aid virus response

$3.4M UW research to determine state's infection prevalence

July 30, 2020

Staff Report

The Washington state Department of Health and the University of Washington Medicine, backed by the Seattle-based philanthropic organization Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, have launched a major study to determine the percentage of Washingtonians who have

Refugee Connection Spokane pivots services

Nonprofit receives $800K in grants to be disbursed during next five years

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Refugee Connections Spokane's flexible setup left it well-positioned to pivot its services when the COVID-19 outbreak spread here, says Marijke Fakasiieiki, the nonprofit's executive director. Over the past year, the organization, which was created

WSU to debut senior-living major

Private-sector investment, input led to new emphasis

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

About a decade ago, some of the nation's leading senior care providers began reaching out to Washington State University's School of Hospitality Business Management about establishing academic courses in their field.

Socially distanced, socially conscious

Some nonprofits switch to longer fundraising cycles, spend less on overhead

July 30, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Instead of canceling fundraising events, many Inland Northwest nonprofits have moved them into the digital realm. Donor participation in charity events is lower, but some nonprofits say they're receiving nearly as many donations as in prior years from

Driving retirement

While bus driving is popular among retirees, uncertainty over students' return may push seniors into other part-time jobs

July 30, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The most popular part-time job for retirees in Washington state is that of school bus driver, according to a report released last month by national life insurance agency Choice Mutual. But whether that job will remain in the top spot for retirees is hard

Portland developer advances U District housing plans

Company could start work this fall on $20M project

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

A Portland-based development company could break ground on its planned $20 million Boxcar Apartments in the University District as early as October, says managing partner Tom Cody. The company, Project PDX