Virginia Thomas

Reporter Virginia Thomas has worked at the Journal since 2017 and covers the health care industry. As a reporter, she loves learning about Spokane's many growing industries. She enjoys traveling with her husband, snuggling with her cats, and cross stitching.

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Articles

ARTICLES

Virginia Thomas

Making lemonade: Eateries upgrade in downtime

In some cases, making improvements helps to keep workers employed
June 4, 2020
Virginia Thomas
A handful of bars and restaurants in the Spokane area have used the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to remodel and deep-clean their spaces, sometimes using Paycheck Protection Program loan funds to pay employees to help with the work.
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VIRGINIA THOMAS

Post-pandemic workplaces could look much different

'Hoteling,' other office trends to become commonplace, designers, observers say
June 4, 2020
Virginia Thomas
Pre-pandemic office design could be going the way of the fax machine and rotary phone. As employees return to their offices from being furloughed or working remotely due to COVID-19, they're likely to encounter health screening stations
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Xfinity to roll out 5G mobile service in Spokane

Comcast subsidiary offers new plans in 34 cities
May 21, 2020
Virginia Thomas
Competition for fifth-generation mobile service in Spokane has increased with the introduction of a new Xfinity Mobile service. Xfinity Mobile, a trade name of Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp. subsidiary Comcast Cable Communications LLC,
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McKinstry launches building optimization service

Company aims to improve systems for vacant, low-occupancy facilities
May 21, 2020
Virginia Thomas
Construction and energy-efficiency contractor McKinstry Co., which is based in Seattle and has a big presence in Spokane, has launched a new service meant to help building owners and managers optimize their facilities while occupancy is low due
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SNAP, utilities partner to keep lights on

Requests for payment assistance surge in midst of COVID-19 pandemic
May 21, 2020
Virginia Thomas
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.
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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
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Kevin Blocker

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.
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VIRGINIA THOMAS

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
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