https://www.spokanejournal.com/rss en-us karinae@spokanejournal.com Two years after developing its Small Business Administration lending department, RiverBank Holding Co., the parent company of Spokane-based RiverBank, has become the county’s top SBA lender. The increase in SBA lending comes as the community bank establishes a director of fintech position, reinforcing its founding principles of relationship banking and technology. Two years after developing its Small Business Administration lending department, RiverBank Holding Co., the parent company of Spokane-based RiverBank, has become the county’s top SBA lender. The increase in SBA lending comes as the community bank establishes a director of fintech position, reinforcing its founding principles of relationship banking and technology.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18876 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18876-sba-lending-fintech-fuel-riverbanks-growth Riverbank-(1)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com At Washington Trust Bank's headquarters, the financial institution has saved more than 5 million gallons of water and roughly $18,000 in annual utility costs thanks to a partnership between K&H Facility Services LLC and the city of Spokane’s Water Wise Commercial Efficiency Auditing Program. At Washington Trust Bank's headquarters, the financial institution has saved more than 5 million gallons of water and roughly $18,000 in annual utility costs thanks to a partnership between K&H Facility Services LLC and the city of Spokane’s Water Wise Commercial Efficiency Auditing Program. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18866 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18866-water-wise-helps-commercial-buildings-stay-efficient Water-(5)_web.jpg Rising small business loan demand is bolstering some Inland Northwest banks in the third quarter, but persistent inflation, high interest rates, and trade tariffs are depressing agricultural and commercial borrowing. Rising small business loan demand is bolstering some Inland Northwest banks in the third quarter, but persistent inflation, high interest rates, and trade tariffs are depressing agricultural and commercial borrowing.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18853 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18853-q3-earnings-mixed-inw-banks-report RegionalBanks_23_web.jpg Fueled by a 20% revenue increase and workforce expansion plans, Spokane-based Fulcrum Financial Group LLC is launching its next growth phase under new leadership following the retirement of founder Sarah Carlson. Fueled by a 20% revenue increase and workforce expansion plans, Spokane-based Fulcrum Financial Group LLC is launching its next growth phase under new leadership following the retirement of founder Sarah Carlson.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18848 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18848-messinger-takes-lead-at-fulcrum-financial Fulcrum14_web.jpg Part of planning and managing business risk is not putting all your eggs in one basket. Saving for retirement independent of the value of your business is one way you can begin diversifying and safeguarding yourself from business risk. Part of planning and managing business risk is not putting all your eggs in one basket. Saving for retirement independent of the value of your business is one way you can begin diversifying and safeguarding yourself from business risk.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18843 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18843-diversify-small-business-risk-through-retirement-planning Shea-Meehan_headshot_7.6.26_web.jpg Many business owners spend decades building a company while setting aside too little for retirement. Their backup plan sounds reasonable: “Someday, I’ll sell the business and retire on the proceeds.” But as that “someday” approaches, the plan can collide with reality. Many business owners spend decades building a company while setting aside too little for retirement. Their backup plan sounds reasonable: “Someday, I’ll sell the business and retire on the proceeds.” But as that “someday” approaches, the plan can collide with reality.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18842 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18842-sell-your-business-for-what-its-worth Radwick-updated-mug_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Spokane Valley-based Numerica Credit Union has announced plans to merge with Springfield, Oregon-based SELCO Community Credit Union in a proposed “merger of equals." Spokane Valley-based Numerica Credit Union has announced plans to merge with Springfield, Oregon-based SELCO Community Credit Union in a proposed “merger of equals."

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18870 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:08:15 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18870-numerica-announces-merger-with-oregon-based-credit-union Cicero_Pullquote_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson has selected nine low-income census tracts in Spokane County — seven of which are located within Spokane city limits — for the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson has selected nine low-income census tracts in Spokane County — seven of which are located within Spokane city limits — for the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18836 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18836-seven-census-tracts-in-spokane-nominated-for-federal-program OpportunityZones_Map_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Terrain Programs is pursuing an ambitious plan to acquire downtown Spokane's historic Jensen-Byrd Hardware buildings and redevelop them into a year-round cultural hub. Terrain Programs is pursuing an ambitious plan to acquire downtown Spokane's historic Jensen-Byrd Hardware buildings and redevelop them into a year-round cultural hub.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18813 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18813-terrain-plans-to-build-a-cultural-hub-in-downtown-spokane Terrain-(11)_web.jpg Most people give the way they always have: a check to the church, a gift to a cause they believe in, and a hope that it helps at tax time. For a lot of retirees, it no longer does. The most tax-friendly dollar you give may be one that never touches your hands. Most people give the way they always have: a check to the church, a gift to a cause they believe in, and a hope that it helps at tax time. For a lot of retirees, it no longer does. The most tax-friendly dollar you give may be one that never touches your hands. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18802 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18802-qualified-charitable-distributions-the-most-efficient-way-to-give-before-year-end Cropped-Noah's-headshot_web.jpg Spokane-based Clearwater Paper Corp. announced it has refinanced its senior notes and other revolving credit facilities on Sept. 18 and has replaced them with a new financing package. Spokane-based Clearwater Paper Corp. announced it has refinanced its senior notes and other revolving credit facilities on Sept. 18 and has replaced them with a new financing package.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18796 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18796-clearwater-replaces-credit-facilities-with-new-term-loan dylanh@spokanejournal.com For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Lindsey Myhre, president and CEO of Liberty Lake-based STCU, to discuss the development of women in leadership. For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Lindsey Myhre, president and CEO of Liberty Lake-based STCU, to discuss the development of women in leadership.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18793 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18793-five-takeaways-women-in-leadership LindseyMyhre_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Organizations behind a growing pipeline of projects across Spokane — including a behavioral health center, a mixed-use childcare development, and an expanding transitional pediatric health facility — are actively positioning themselves for a federal tax-credit program to help their projects move forward. Organizations behind a growing pipeline of projects across Spokane — including a behavioral health center, a mixed-use childcare development, and an expanding transitional pediatric health facility — are actively positioning themselves for a federal tax-credit program to help their projects move forward.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18791 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18791-new-markets-pipeline-grows-in-spokane SteveMacDonald_Pullquote_web.jpg Primarily driven by outside capital and nationwide corporate interest, a wave of business acquisitions and early-stage investments has swept through the Inland Northwest this summer. From Missouri and South Dakota to Georgia and Utah, out-of-town buyers and national firms are acquiring and investing in established Spokane-area companies across a variety of industries. Primarily driven by outside capital and nationwide corporate interest, a wave of business acquisitions and early-stage investments has swept through the Inland Northwest this summer. From Missouri and South Dakota to Georgia and Utah, out-of-town buyers and national firms are acquiring and investing in established Spokane-area companies across a variety of industries.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18734 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18734-spokane-cos-draw-outside-interest-capital Simpson_PullQuote_web.jpg Following its recent relocation to Kent, Washington, BuyWander Inc. has raised $21 million in Series A funding as the Spokane Valley-founded auction marketplace prepares to expand into more U.S. cities, invest in technology, and build its leadership team. Following its recent relocation to Kent, Washington, BuyWander Inc. has raised $21 million in Series A funding as the Spokane Valley-founded auction marketplace prepares to expand into more U.S. cities, invest in technology, and build its leadership team. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18720 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18720-buywander-secures-21m-in-capital-funding BuyWander1_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com LaunchNW wants to ensure that funds from the landmark $17.1 billion settlement with Meta Platforms are dedicated to mitigating the harms that initiated the lawsuit rather than plugging the state budget. LaunchNW wants to ensure that funds from the landmark $17.1 billion settlement with Meta Platforms are dedicated to mitigating the harms that initiated the lawsuit rather than plugging the state budget.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18713 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18713-launchnw-pushes-for-meta-funds-to-support-youth-programs AdobeStock_2081710654_web.jpg For many business owners, owning the property where they conduct business provides operational stability for the business and financial diversification and tax benefits for the owner. When it comes time to sell the business, a prospective buyer may want to purchase that real estate along with the business itself. For many business owners, owning the property where they conduct business provides operational stability for the business and financial diversification and tax benefits for the owner. When it comes time to sell the business, a prospective buyer may want to purchase that real estate along with the business itself.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18709 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18709-selling-your-business-without-selling-your-building Simon_Thain_li_web.jpg A coordinated relationship between a CPA and a qualified insurance and financial adviser can become extremely valuable. The CPA helps the client build and grow the business. The adviser helps the client protect income, continuity, and the retirement strategy that business is supposed to support. A coordinated relationship between a CPA and a qualified insurance and financial adviser can become extremely valuable. The CPA helps the client build and grow the business. The adviser helps the client protect income, continuity, and the retirement strategy that business is supposed to support.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18707 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18707-what-happens-when-a-company-owner-cant-work Radwick-updated-mug_web.jpg Across our region, businesses are changing hands. While 350,000 U.S. baby boomers attempt to sell their businesses annually, the Inland Northwest alone holds a pool of 49,000 baby boomer-owned businesses facing transition. However, local and national success rates hover between 20% and 30%. When viable businesses simply close, long-time community legacies can disappear with them. Across our region, businesses are changing hands. While 350,000 U.S. baby boomers attempt to sell their businesses annually, the Inland Northwest alone holds a pool of 49,000 baby boomer-owned businesses facing transition. However, local and national success rates hover between 20% and 30%. When viable businesses simply close, long-time community legacies can disappear with them.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18706 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18706-who-will-own-the-business-next Portrait_Kris-Fuehr_web.jpg Most people picture Medicare as roughly the same deal for everyone. You turn 65, you sign up, and the premiums come out of your Social Security check. For a lot of retirees that is exactly how it works. But above a certain income, Medicare quietly adds a surcharge on top of your Part B and Part D premiums. Most people picture Medicare as roughly the same deal for everyone. You turn 65, you sign up, and the premiums come out of your Social Security check. For a lot of retirees that is exactly how it works. But above a certain income, Medicare quietly adds a surcharge on top of your Part B and Part D premiums.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18705 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18705-the-medicare-surcharge-nobody-sees-coming Cropped-Noah's-headshot_web#2.jpg A 178-unit, 6.5-acre garden style apartment community in North Spokane has changed hands, highlighting increasing interest from out-of-town investors in Spokane-area multifamily properties. A 178-unit, 6.5-acre garden style apartment community in North Spokane has changed hands, highlighting increasing interest from out-of-town investors in Spokane-area multifamily properties.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18642 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18642-north-spokane-apartment-property-sells-for-225m Go-Go-Apartments_web.jpg Spokane-based Athlete Real Estate Capital LLC is partnering with a growing number of professional athletes to invest in Spokane’s multifamily real estate market and help the players grow long-term wealth. Spokane-based Athlete Real Estate Capital LLC is partnering with a growing number of professional athletes to invest in Spokane’s multifamily real estate market and help the players grow long-term wealth.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18626 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18626-new-real-estate-firm-focuses-on-athletes Athlete-(3)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Although he considers himself partially retired, Dr. Bob Lutz continues to find ways to keep caring for the well-being of the public. Although he considers himself partially retired, Dr. Bob Lutz continues to find ways to keep caring for the well-being of the public.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18577 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18577-catching-up-with-dr-bob-lutz-former-srhd-health-officer Lutz-(5)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Spokane’s financial planning industry is showing resilience as firms, educators, and professional organizations develop new strategies to attract and retain new people in the field. Spokane’s financial planning industry is showing resilience as firms, educators, and professional organizations develop new strategies to attract and retain new people in the field.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18570 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18570-a-change-of-plans-for-the-financial-planning-industry Holzschuh-(2)_web.jpg Gesa Credit Union is expanding into Oregon for the first time through an agreement to acquire Salem, Oregon-based Willamette Valley Bank — a move Keven Gray, Gesa Credit Union chief retail officer, says will strengthen service for members while extending the cooperative financial institution's footprint along the Interstate 5 corridor. Gesa Credit Union is expanding into Oregon for the first time through an agreement to acquire Salem, Oregon-based Willamette Valley Bank — a move Keven Gray, Gesa Credit Union chief retail officer, says will strengthen service for members while extending the cooperative financial institution's footprint along the Interstate 5 corridor. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18564 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18564-gesa-cu-to-acquire-willamette-valley-bank Keven_PullQuote_web.jpg Progressions Credit Union is investing nearly $4 million to build a new facility in Spokane Valley, a project that will position the financial cooperative for its next generation of growth while expanding its visibility and improving service for members. Progressions Credit Union is investing nearly $4 million to build a new facility in Spokane Valley, a project that will position the financial cooperative for its next generation of growth while expanding its visibility and improving service for members.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18559 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18559-progressions-to-begin-valley-expansion Progressions_Rendering_web.jpg Every time the Federal Reserve meets, I can count on the phone in my office to start ringing. On the other end are clients who saw a headline about the Fed and want to know whether the rate on the house they are buying just went up, down, or sideways. It's one of the most reasonable questions a person can ask, and the answer is almost never what they expect. Every time the Federal Reserve meets, I can count on the phone in my office to start ringing. On the other end are clients who saw a headline about the Fed and want to know whether the rate on the house they are buying just went up, down, or sideways. It's one of the most reasonable questions a person can ask, and the answer is almost never what they expect.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18556 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18556-why-the-fed-doesnt-set-your-mortgage-rate Skip-Leasure_web.jpg Washington has no income tax for now and that single fact gives a lot of people the wrong idea about what happens to their money when they die. Washington has no income tax for now and that single fact gives a lot of people the wrong idea about what happens to their money when they die. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18477 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18477-estate-tax-that-catches-families-who-thought-they-were-safe Cropped-Noah's-headshot_web.jpg Consistent donation growth continues to push the Numerica Charitable Fund to new levels as the program distributed 40% more in grants year over year during the 12 months ending in May, according to Numerica Credit Union reports. Consistent donation growth continues to push the Numerica Charitable Fund to new levels as the program distributed 40% more in grants year over year during the 12 months ending in May, according to Numerica Credit Union reports.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18543 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18543-numerica-hits-new-mark-with-charitable-fund AmandaSwan_PullQuote.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Estate planning attorney Julie Olds says she is seeing a growing number of clients who don’t want to wait until they're gone to begin making a charitable impact. Instead, they are choosing to give during their lifetimes, allowing them to see the results of their philanthropy and involve family members in decisions about where their money goes. Estate planning attorney Julie Olds says she is seeing a growing number of clients who don’t want to wait until they're gone to begin making a charitable impact. Instead, they are choosing to give during their lifetimes, allowing them to see the results of their philanthropy and involve family members in decisions about where their money goes.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18532 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18532-giving-while-living-rises-in-the-inw DaveSonntag_PullQuote_web.jpg