Kevin Blocker

Low rates drive surge in mortgage, refinance activity in Spokane

INW banks, credit unions report higher volumes of activity this year

August 13, 2020

Veteran Spokane bankers report strong mortgage growth largely in part due to existing homeowners refinancing in order to take advantage of record-low interest rates.

In Spokane, fitness club members leave; maintenance costs stay

Gyms see their revenue freefall during pandemic

August 13, 2020

Kevin Blocker

In the last three years, CrossFit Rewired owner Adam Ludlow saw his roster swell to a high of 238 members. Ludlow and his team of five trainers had planned for a banner 2020 at the North Spokane gym until the arrival of COVID-19 and the state-mandated

NAC Architecture merges with Ohio firm

Combined company employs 237 people

August 4, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Spokane-based NAC Architecture has merged with a Midwest architecture firm that specializes in designing health care facilities.

Beacon Hill Catering & Events

Restaurants & Retai

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Beacon Hill Catering & Events, at 4848 E. Valley Springs Road, in Spokane, has expanded its meal delivery service, Beacon at Home. Beacon Hill also has expanded its offerings to include dinner boxes for delivery to Barrister Winery every week for

Krav Maga Spokane

Restaurants & Retai

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Brayson Buckner, the owner of the self-defense training studio Krav Maga Spokane, moved the north Spokane business in mid-July to 116 E. Augusta, from nearby 1403 N. Division. Krav Maga now has doubled in size, taking up 7,000 square feet of space in a

Owsley set to launch reflections Aesthetic Spa in Post Falls

Restaurants & Retai

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

A 30-year veteran of plastic surgery, Post Falls, Idaho-based Dr. Mark Owsley says he's opening an aesthetics spa to operate in conjunction with his practice.

Former 2nd Watch colleagues start Vega

Vega cloud concern now also based in Liberty Lake

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

A one-time co-founder of a cloud-based software company in Liberty Lake says he recently started another software venture near his old digs. Kris Bliesner, along with five other former co-workers from 2nd Watch Inc., has launched Liberty Lake Cloud Inc.

Salvation Army Spokane sees food requests soar

Pandemic said to drive demand for services

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

The Salvation Army Spokane distributed nearly 4 million pounds of food to individuals and families in need last year. As a result of temporary furloughs and permanent layoffs due to economic lockdown imposed in the state's response to the COVID-19

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.

Jim Van LÃ¶ben Sels to take reins at Mt. Spokane ski park

Longtime Arbor Crest GM had stepped back earlier from family business role

July 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Jim van LÃ¶ben Sels is trading one passion for another. After having spent most of the past two decades as general manager at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, van LÃ¶ben Sels recently accepted a similar position at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.