Kevin Blocker

CloudEngage buys Seattle AI company

Chat provider envisions adding more services

July 2, 2020

CloudEngage Inc., a personalization software company operating in downtown Spokane, has bought a Seattle company that specializes in online self-service through the use of artificial intelligence.

Mixed export markets worry Washington's ag producers

International sales of apples could fall; wheat market likely to hold serve

July 2, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Uncertainties in overseas markets due to COVID-19 will almost certainly put a dent in the sales of most Washington commodities abroad. An observer of the state's grain market thinks wheat exports will remain unchanged this year, while the head of the a

At 30, Sacred Heart's heart transplant program looks to grow

Group looks to add surgeon to team that performs 20-30 transplants yearly

July 2, 2020

Kevin Blocker

In its 30th year of operation, the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Heart Transplant program now has completed 339 heart transplants. Moving forward, the program's team leaders say they desire to continue expanding the unit.

NOBO Pets launches here as online leash retailer

Direct-to-consumer startup foresees big market among dog walkers

July 2, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Two years ago, when he lived in Denver, running and hiking enthusiast Evan Purcell arrived home from work, threw on his workout gear, leashed his dog Bode, and the two went for an evening run. The near inseparable pair were so eager to see each other

OddJobbers captures attention of VC community

Startup lands funding while honing model, with sights set on scaling up

July 2, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Having seen some of the financial challenges college students face, two recent Gonzaga University graduates have built a business that helps collegians generate income by taking on mundane tasks that homeowners don't want to mess with themselves.

WorkWell starts to offer new COVID-19 home test

Screenings sent to lab in Midwest for analysis

June 18, 2020

Kevin Blocker

WorkWell Consultants LLC, of Spokane, has begun offering a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved COVID-19 at-home test for employers and individuals.

Providence starts ElderPlace program in Spokane

Health care provider opens office on North Side, hopes to serve 120 by year's end

June 18, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Providence ElderPlace, a care system for the elderly, has opened its first Spokane-area PACE health and social services care clinic. The Spokane office for PACE, short for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is located at 6018 N. Astor

Dearly Consignment bridal shop joins sister company

Restaurants & Retail

June 18, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Maybe Cassie Cleary will slow down a bit. Or, maybe she won't. After she debuted Honest in Ivory Bridal Shop in 2018, on June 3, she unveiled her latest creation: Dearly Consignment Shop.

Craft3 works to finance unconventional borrowers

Office here has loaned $20M in five years

June 18, 2020

Kevin Blocker

In a time like this, the value of the nonprofit Craft3 can't be underestimated, claim two of the organization's Spokane employees. Craft3 specializes in lending to businesses and people who can't secure funding from conventional sources.

AquiPor tackles stormwater challenges

Startup develops permeable pavers as new tool for concrete contractors

June 18, 2020

Kevin Blocker

The owners of AquiPor Technologies Inc. claim that after about a decade of research and development, they've produced a porous, hardened material with the ability to absorb surface stormwater and alleviate drain flooding in heavily paved urban