Virginia Thomas

2021 Rising Stars: AtWork's John Lemus

Disability advocate promotes opportunity

September 9, 2021

John Lemus says he's always been outspoken about advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His passion and candor launched his career in advocacy almost by accident. Lemus himself has a developmental disability; he says his

Skils'kin acquires A&W Window Cleaning

Founders to focus on pest control company

September 9, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Skils'kin, a Spokane-based nonprofit organization that provides jobs for people with disabilities, has acquired Fearless Endeavors LLC, a longtime Spokane window-cleaning company that does business as A&W Window Cleaning. Brian Behler, CEO

Nicotine lozenge maker Nic Nac Naturals to start in Hillyard

Startup plans to start production in fall

September 9, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Fledgling nicotine lozenge manufacturer Nic Nac Naturals LLC has leased a 6,500-square-foot building at 3703 E. Central, in northeast Spokane's Hillyard neighborhood. The space will be used for manufacture of tobacco-free nicotine lozenges, Nic Nac

2021 Rising Stars: Champion Empire's Maayan Gordon

Entrepreneur succeeds in following passions

September 9, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Where Maayan Gordon's curiosity and passions lead her, she follows. The 30-year-old entrepreneur currently is involved in five businesses and maintains a thriving social media presence across several platforms. Her ventures here include business coach

Parting Thoughts with LifeCenter Northwest's Kevin O'Connor

President and CEO at LifeCenter Northwest

September 9, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Kevin O'Connor has announced his pending retirement from the position of president and CEO at organ and tissue procurement organization LifeCenter Northwest, which is based in Bellevue and has an office in Spokane. O'Connor, age 66, spent most of his

Stronger International spins off cybersecurity training company

Stratford-led Drip7 offers new 'gamified approach' to learning exercises

September 9, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-based cybersecurity expert Heather Stratford has created a subscription-based microlearning cybersecurity and compliance training software platform company called Drip7 Inc. Drip7 aims to train people on cybersecurity and regulatory compliance

Back to (obedience) school: Demand for dog trainers increases

Backlogs for services rise in the INW

September 9, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Demand for pet behavioral training services is higher than ever due to multiple factors, including an increase in pet adoptions and purchases in the pandemic era, canine training professionals here say.

Spokane law firm acquires Yakima practice

Witherspoon Kelley has just under 100 workers

September 1, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Longtime Spokane law firm Witherspoon Kelley has announced it has acquired Yakima, Washington-based Lyon, Weigand & Gustafson PS. The firms completed the transaction Sept. 1., and the Yakima office has changed its name to Witherspoon Kelley.

Prairie Crossing mixed-use project moves forward

Site work on 50-acre Post Falls development expected to begin in fall

August 26, 2021

Virginia Thomas

A 50-acre Post Falls development more than a decade in the making appears to be moving forward. The Prairie Crossing development, which is expected to include multifamily residential, retail, medical office, and other commercial uses, is proposed at the

PrimeSource Credit Union starts renovation of University District branch

Updates to include office spaces, flooring, ATM

August 26, 2021

Virginia Thomas

PrimeSource Credit Union, of Spokane, is working on a full renovation of its branch at 428 E. Third, east of downtown Spokane. Permits have been issued for the project, and work has begun, says Annettee Babb, CEO of PrimeSource. Demolition of some