https://www.spokanejournal.com/rss en-us Two credit unions — Spokane-based Progressions Credit Union and Boeing Employees’ Credit Union, of Tukwila, Washington — are building new branches in Spokane County.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18145 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18145-two-new-credit-union-branches-in-works SpokaneSouthhillNFC-2_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Craft3, a nonprofit community lender that helps finance projects in underserved communities, is planning to invest between $25 million and $30 million in the Inland Northwest following an $80 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18069 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18069-craft3-eyes-25m-to-30m-inw-investment Jupiter's-Eye-(1)_web.jpg Dallas-based Sunflower Bank N.A. has consolidated two Spokane branches into one new licensed depository branch and is expanding into North Idaho with the opening of a new loan production office in Coeur d’Alene to meet high demand in the Inland Northwest region.  

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18053 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18053-sunflower-bank-expands-to-meet-growth JoshMartin_pullquote_web.jpg For most business owners in the Pacific Northwest, succession planning lives somewhere between "eventually" and "when the time comes." It sits on a list alongside other distant concerns, comfortably deferred while the immediate demands of running the business take priority. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18045 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18045-succession-planning-designing-businesses-that-outlive-founders Gilberts_Barrouk_CombinedMug_web.jpg judiths@spokanejournal.com Amid a nationwide retirement insecurity crisis, there's a growing gap between men and women who work full-time jobs, according to a recent report by Dayforce, an international human capital management company, that shows growing disparities in how American workers are saving for retirement.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17977 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17977-womens-participation-in-retirement-savings-decreases AdobeStock_4_web.jpg With clear priorities, experienced guidance, and a realistic game plan, you can potentially reduce uncertainty and increase your financial confidence for the years ahead.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17927 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17927-proper-planning-can-increase-financial-confidence Sarah-Carlson_web.jpg Spokane-based Responders Emergency Services Credit Union is planning for additional growth into areas south of the Idaho Panhandle this year, after opening their first Idaho branch in 2024.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17923 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17923-first-responder-focused-credit-union-seeks-further-idaho-expansion RESCU-(1)_web.jpg Do Washington state taxes have you thinking of moving away?

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17919 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17919-moving-out-of-state-to-avoid-washington-taxes BeauRuffweb.jpg The Spokane economy continues to emerge from a challenging post-pandemic recovery and a complicated past year. While interest rates and tariffs impacted plans for development and growth in 2025, Spokane's downtown continued to make progress, and the business community has proven resilient.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17915 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17915-confidence-among-spokane-businesses-ticks-upward Davis_Gillum.jpg Following the sale of Ignite Northwest's Spokane Technology Center in the University District to Washington State University in September, Ignite has made a strategic decision to focus its activities exclusively on providing credit facilities to rapidly growing, emerging companies here that are “not yet bankable” and unable to secure financing from a commercial bank or credit union. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17902 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17902-ingite-northwest-shifts-focus Tom-Simpson_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Wealth management company Evergreen Gavekal is opening its first Spokane office on the sixth floor of the Rock Pointe Tower, just a short walk from the city’s cluster of sports venues in the North Bank neighborhood.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17884 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17884-evergreen-gavekal-opens-spokane-wealth-management-office Swanson-(16)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Fintech startup SecureSave has been acquired by Wisconsin-based HSA Bank, bringing the company’s emergency savings platform under the financial institution’s umbrella as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17859 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17859-securesave-is-acquired-by-wisconsin-based-hsa-bank SecureSave1_web.jpg tinas@spokanejournal.com At Spokane Media Credit Union, CEO Sarah Dahmen says work-life balance isn’t just a perk — it’s embedded in the institution’s mission. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17852 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17852-work-built-around-life-at-spokane-media-credit-union Media-(14)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Liberty Lake-based Spokane Teachers Credit Union is rolling out the new year with the opening of a new branch and an announcement about two future branches across Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17843 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:58:51 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17843-stcu-opens-mt-spokane-branch-announces-two-more Mt-Spokane.JPG karinae@spokanejournal.com As financial institutions look ahead to 2026, Inland Northwest banking leaders say the industry enters the new year with cautious optimism, steady deposit growth, and persistent affordability challenges that continue to shape the behavior of members and customers.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17785 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17785-banking-industry-cautiously-optimistic-looking-at-2026 Swensied_pullquote_26.jpg Congratulations to the Spokane Journal of Business on 40 years of exceptional business reporting. While I’m not necessarily thrilled to admit I have worked through the evolution of the financial industry in the region for the last 40 years, it’s been exciting to be a part of and see our industry grow and evolve. Many of the areas the industry has changed in the last four decades will continue, albeit in different ways.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17782 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17782-same-mission-amidst-continued-evolution Jack-Heath_web.jpg macdonald@spokanecity.org The Spokane region is missing out on one of the most effective and flexible economic development tools the federal government has ever created — and it’s costing us jobs, investment, and the community facilities we desperately need. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17747 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17747-spokane-is-leaving-hundreds-of-millions-in-federal-money-on-the-table Steve-Head-Shot-251125_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Coeur d'Alene entrepreneurs Holly and Jay Matous, a married couple, have opened a Payroll Vault franchise location in Coeur d'Alene, at 852 W. Kathleen.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17734 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17734-payroll-vault-opens-franchise-in-coeur-dalene karinae@spokanejournal.com Spokane wealth advisers agree that when it comes to investing, a diversified portfolio is essential for long-term stability as it generally outperforms and protects against inflationary erosion. It’s that confidence in long-term growth that allows them to see the potential benefits of the state investing long-term care funds into a mix of assets, including stocks and corporate and government bonds.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17714 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17714-spokane-advisors-see-long-term-upside-in-states-investment-strategy-for-wa-cares Vickerman_pullquote_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Idaho Central Credit Union has quietly become one of Spokane’s fastest-growing financial institutions. Just 3 1/2 years after opening its first branch in Spokane County, the Chubbuck, Idaho-based financial institution has expanded to six locations, including downtown Spokane, North Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, and the South Hill.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17678 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17678-iccu-triples-spokane-membership-eyes-growth-in-central-washington ICCU-(5)_web.jpg tinas@spokanejournal.com As some credit unions continue to grow through mergers, acquisitions, and the opening of additional branches, smaller credit unions in Spokane are working to stay competitive and prove that expansion isn't the only path to success.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17677 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17677-credit-unions-keep-competitive-edge-with-human-connection Media-FCU-(13)_web.jpg Third-quarter earnings reports released by some banks with a Spokane presence mostly show upward trends in net income due partially to raised federal interest rates and steady demand for commercial and industrial loans in the Inland Northwest.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17674 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17674-third-quarter-bank-earnings-reports-show-general-increase-in-net-income-profitability RegionalBanks.jpg Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank has begun a tenant improvement project that includes a new branch and an upgraded lobby at its Washington Trust Bank Tower East building, formerly the Wells Fargo Center, at 601 W. First in downtown Spokane.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17631 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17631-tapa-spokane-business-park-expansion-set-to-open FINAL_View-1_web.jpg dylanh@spokanejournal.com Greg Hansen, the chief credit officer at Numerica Credit Union, has retired after nearly 16 years at the Spokane Valley-based financial institution.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17546 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17546-parting-thoughts-with-greg-hansen-numerica-credit-union-chief-credit-officer Greg_Hansen_web.jpg dylanh@spokanejournal.com Spokane-based fintech company Treasury4 Inc. has acquired TreasuryGo Inc., a Seattle-based company that offers a cloud-based software-as-a-service application that simplifies complex treasury workflows and data management.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17512 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:55:09 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17512-treasury4-acquires-seattle-based-company Treasury414_web.jpg dylanh@spokanejournal.com Construction is underway on a long-envisioned Beacon Hill housing development, following a $24 million commercial construction financing commitment from Dallas-based Sunflower Bank.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17507 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17507-long-awaited-beacon-hill-project-begins ericab@spokanejournal.com Sonja Jensen has been motivated professionally by her desire to help people, serve customers, and contribute to the community. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17484 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17484-2025-rising-stars-sonja-jensen-agwest-farm-credit Jensen_57_web.jpg tinas@spokanejournal.com Kumiko Love, founder of The Budget Mom LLC, a financial education and lifestyle brand, has expanded her focus to include two newer business ventures: Pine Manor Naturals, a soap and skincare company, and Pine Manor, a semi-private farm stand.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17406 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:36:49 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17406-founder-of-the-budget-mom-brand-launches-two-new-businesses Budget-Mom-(4)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Washington Trust Bank has purchased a six-story building in downtown Tacoma, not far from where it plans to open a separate branch this fall, marking the financial institution's entry into the South Sound.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17400 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:31:08 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17400-washington-trust-expands-into-tacoma-with-new-branch-and-downtown-building Tacoma-building_web.jpg dylanh@spokanejournal.com 2025 is proving to be a busy year for Spokane Teachers Credit Union, complete with a change in leadership, the integration of a recently acquired Oregon bank, and a milestone moment for its foundation.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17402 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17402-ceo-change-branch-additions-headline-busy-year-for-stcu STCU_CEO_LindseyMyhre_web.jpg