Spokane Journal of Business

Heritage Bank moves, receives branch approval

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Olympia, Washington-based Heritage Bank has moved to a new permanent location following recent approval to operate as a full-service branch, says James Krejci, senior vice president and commercial team leader.

Lee & Hayes wins liability ruling against former client

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based intellectual property law firm Lee & Hayes PC has won a major court ruling in its effort to recover unpaid legal fees from its former client, 3D printing company Continuous Composites Inc.

River City Apartments purchased for $6M

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A recently constructed 30-unit apartment complex near the Spokane River changed hands last month, indicating growing investor demand for finished multifamily projects, says Bryan Walker, land development and investment specialist at Spokane-based NAI Black.

The Silver Surge

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

North Idaho’s silver mining corporations expect to benefit from faster permitting and increased demand since the U.S. Geological Survey added the precious metal to its 2025 List of Critical Minerals late last year.

Meet & Greet with Danny Scalise, Spokane Regional Health District administrative officer

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Danny Scalise is the newest administrative officer for the Spokane Regional Health District. The Journal of Business sat down with Scalise to discuss his background in finance and public health, his goals for the health district under his leadership, and more.

STCU partners with Associated Industries

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based Associated Industries’ nearly 1,000 members can now access business services and products through a new partnership with Liberty Lake-based STCU.

Most Expensive Spokane-Area Home Sales

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Leading Spokane-Area Manufacturers

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Newspaper's legacy revives through nonprofit model

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The planned transition of The Spokesman-Review from more than a century of Cowles family ownership to nonprofit stewardship has moved into a new phase after Comma Community Journalism Lab announced it has reached its fundraising goal of $2 million that allows for the transfer to move forward.

Cd'A Tribe purchases 43K acres of timberland

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has purchased nearly 43,000 acres of timberland from Oregon-based Stimson Timber Company over the past two years, restoring land lost within the Coeur d’Alene Reservation during the late 1800s.

Philanthropic planning strategies for 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

It's not lost on individuals, estate planning attorneys, financial advisers, and CPAs that several changes to tax laws could impact charitable giving this year.

Catching up with: Mary McDirmid, co-founder of All Needs Planning

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Mary McDirmid, co-founder of All Needs Planning, has co-authored a book designed to help educate and empower families caring for loved ones with disabilities as they navigate the complexities of wealth management, caregiving, and long-term planning.

People's Waffle expands into Coeur d'Alene

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based restaurant People's Waffle is expanding into North Idaho with a new location opening May 22 at 400 N. Fourth, in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

$4M Kendall Yards apartment project commences

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Overlooking the Spokane River from a hillside along the southern edge of Spokane's Kendall Yards neighborhood, construction is underway on a new $4 million, two-building apartment complex.

Entrepreneur turns business success into legacy

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Since launching The Genova Foundation in February 2025, Mike and Sandi Genova have awarded or pledged $1.2 million in grants to nonprofits with initiatives in health care, youth, and economic development.

New Hires & Promotions: May 21, 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Washington employers are looking for the exit

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane nonprofits see giving habits shift

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

While baby boomers currently favor supporting traditional Spokane area institutions such as hospitals and universities, a younger generation of givers is prioritizing social justice and environmental causes, often choosing to donate their time over money, some Spokane-area nonprofit leaders say.

Missing middle housing gains traction in Spokane

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Missing middle housing — once a mere sliver of residential permits issued by the city of Spokane between 2020 and 2022 — surged to nearly 20% of all residential permitting in 2025.

Wandering Bear readies smoked food for May launch

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Wandering Bear Kitchen is prepping to open at 429 E. Second in Spokane, with a focus on wood-smoked meals, take-and-bake dishes, and community connection. Belinda and Shaunn Wenig expect to open the 800-square-foot facility in late May, offering a gathering spot where people can meet and eat.

Business Calendar: May 21 - June 3, 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Business Licenses: May 21, 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Economic anxiety dulls quality of life index score

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Zone home: City considers zoning changes for housing needs

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

City of Spokane planning department officials are considering residential zoning changes to increase housing density as part of PlanSpokane 2046, the city's comprehensive growth strategy.

Rising from the ashes: Home insurance rates show signs of steadying

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Wildfire risk is reshaping the homeowners insurance market in Washington state, particularly for residents living in areas that are more vulnerable to wildfire activity, including many residences in Spokane County. While premiums have increased sharply in recent years, new data from the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner shows rate increases are now beginning to cool down.

Spokane is a rising star in state's life science sector

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Novara Energy Alliance launches

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Novara Energy Alliance, a newly formed organization, is focused on challenges at the intersection of energy and water systems.

Valley biotech launches probiotic odor spray

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Integrated Lipid Biofuels LLC, a biotech and sustainability company based in Spokane Valley, has developed and launched its first consumer product and is preparing a Kickstarter campaign to support its initial market rollout.

Five Takeaways: The Inland Northwest Housing Market

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Joel White, the executive officer at Spokane Home Builders Association, to discuss the Inland Northwest Housing Market.

Catching up with: Steve Sunleaf, president and CEO of T.W. Clark Construction & Development

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

T.W. Clark Construction LLC has expanded beyond general contracting, positioning the Spokane Valley-based company as a vertically integrated builder-developer that can guide projects from land acquisition through leasing.