Virginia Thomas

SNAP, utilities partner to keep lights on

Requests for payment assistance surge in midst of COVID-19 pandemic

May 21, 2020

Requests for assistance paying utility bills have essentially doubled in Spokane, according to Carol Weltz, director of community action at community service nonprofit Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners.

Q&A with Mountain Dog Sign's Marshon Kempf

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May 21, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Custom sign maker Mountain Dog Sign Co. isn't making many signs in the midst of a viral pandemic. The company has been manufacturing face shields and counter barriers-transparent partitions that separate customers from cashiers-to sell or donate to

Manufacturers grapple with aerospace slowdown

Long-term outlook remains positive as companies shift focus to other sectors

May 21, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-area manufacturers that serve the aerospace industry say they're staying aloft for now and feeling somewhat optimistic about the long term, even as new orders for aircraft and components have taken a nosedive.

Spokane's Child Care Crisis

Day-care providers warn of increasing shortage, consequences to employers

May 21, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The child care industry was facing workforce shortages and high operating costs before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Spokane-area providers say the situation will grow more dire as people returning to work seek day care services from an industry

Tractor Beverage raises $18.5 million in VC capital

North Idaho company distributes organic drinks exclusively to restaurants

May 7, 2020

Virginia Thomas

A specialty soda company based in Dalton Gardens has raised $18.5 million in venture capital funding. According to proprietary market data software subscription platform PitchBook, Tractor Beverages Inc. raised the funding as a combination of equity

Strata's overhaul bring higher revenue, better retention

Geotech company turned to employees for direction

May 7, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Geotechnical and construction engineering firm Strata Inc. has been overhauling its leadership and culture for the past three years, and recently-promoted chief operating officer Paxton Anderson says the company is starting to see an improvement

Spokane Gymnastics acquires Northwest Gymnastics Academy

Purchase involves Pines facility, hiring of founders

May 7, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane Gymnastics has acquired Northwest Gymnastics Academy and is expanding into that company's former space at 11712 E. Montgomery, in Spokane Valley.

Concrete pumping tax to proceed

Bill to reclassify service will be reintroduced during next session

April 23, 2020

Virginia Thomas

A bill intended to clarify the definition of concrete pumping services for tax-assessment purposes will be reintroduced in the next session of the Washington state Legislature, says Sen. Jeff Holy, of Cheney.

Iron Bridge building to be converted into condos

Former PAML offices will be transformed into 13 residential units

April 23, 2020

Virginia Thomas

A building in the Iron Bridge development will be reverted to its former use as residential condominiums. The 16,650-square-foot building at 629 N. Iron Court will be remodeled from office space to 13 condo units, says Iron Bridge co-owner Houston Stock

Northwest Entrepreneur Competition names winners

Judging moved online in response to COVID-19

April 23, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Nine student teams have taken home a total of $42,000 in prize money through the 2020 Northwest Entrepreneur Competition. For the traditional business category, Washington State University won first place. Second place went to Stripped Basics