The Great PNW Inc. is on track to have its best year yet, as the Spokane-based apparel company continues to focus on improving company culture, expanding proven product lines, and increasing marketing reach, says owner Joel Barbour.

The University District has spent the last several years laying the groundwork for the next phase of development to transform the district into a regional hub for innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.

Eight years ago, when the Journal last caught up with Denielle Waltermire-Stuhlmiller, owner of Simply Northwest gift shop, sloths, unicorns, mermaids, and llamas reigned in popularity. While current tastes have shifted to cherries, chickens, book-lover merchandise, and bees, the Spokane Valley-based retailer maintains a proactive approach to stay ahead of the curve.

Mary McDirmid, co-founder of All Needs Planning, has co-authored a book designed to help educate and empower families caring for loved ones with disabilities as they navigate the complexities of wealth management, caregiving, and long-term planning.

T.W. Clark Construction LLC has expanded beyond general contracting, positioning the Spokane Valley-based company as a vertically integrated builder-developer that can guide projects from land acquisition through leasing.

After a quiet period of low activity following the pandemic, the Spokane Winery Association is reemerging with new programming, expanded membership, and renewed momentum, even as the broader wine industry faces uncertainty. 

Patrick Donovan, president of Spokane-based Dry Fly Distilling Inc., says the company received no advance notice that the spirit maker’s canned Bloody Mary would be featured on HBO’s new television series DTF St. Louis, much less that the canned cocktail would play such a prominent role in the show’s storyline.

When Dr. Suzan Marshall founded Plan B Forensics LLC in 2019, the name reflected the company's early focus on helping families who were seeking a second opinion when official investigations into a person's death fell short. Marshall's company has now rebranded to Trauma Forensics, a name she says more clearly signals her expertise.

Slate Dental Inc. has grown its operations from a South Hill garage just two years ago to launching its mini dental flosser product in 844 Target Corp. stores nationwide, marking a significant retail milestone for the Spokane-based dental-technology company.

Over the last month, four men who made lasting impacts on Spokane’s culture, business landscape, and community have died: Gordon Budke, Larry Brown, Frank Bouten, and Steve Strom.