https://www.spokanejournal.com/rss en-us Numerica Credit Union reached a new milestone earlier this year, funding $114.8 million in loans in March, the highest monthly total in the Spokane Valley-based institution's history. Numerica Credit Union reached a new milestone earlier this year, funding $114.8 million in loans in March, the highest monthly total in the Spokane Valley-based institution's history.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18418 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:02:47 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18418-numerica-sets-new-monthly-lending-high As of June 30, 2027, Washington state law will prohibit noncompetition covenants in most employment and independent contractor relationships. As of June 30, 2027, Washington state law will prohibit noncompetition covenants in most employment and independent contractor relationships.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18407 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18407-key-employee-ownership-as-a-means-to-enforceable-noncompetition-covenants SheaMeehan_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Probate work is rapidly increasing at some Spokane-area estate planning law firms as attorneys begin to see the effects of the nation’s historic transfer of wealth from baby boomers to their heirs. Probate work is rapidly increasing at some Spokane-area estate planning law firms as attorneys begin to see the effects of the nation’s historic transfer of wealth from baby boomers to their heirs.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18404 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18404-probate-work-rises-as-transfer-of-wealth-begins Jenni_PullQuote_web.jpg Driven by a silver tsunami of retiring baby boomers, Spokane-based Stewardship Concepts Financial Services LLC has seen its assets under management surge from $78 million in 2024 to $200 million in April 2026, says Noah Schwab, co-owner and certified financial planner at Stewardship Concepts. Driven by a silver tsunami of retiring baby boomers, Spokane-based Stewardship Concepts Financial Services LLC has seen its assets under management surge from $78 million in 2024 to $200 million in April 2026, says Noah Schwab, co-owner and certified financial planner at Stewardship Concepts.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18396 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18396-silver-tsunami-means-influx-for-fiduciaries Noah-(16)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Even as higher vehicle prices, insurance premiums, and borrowing costs continue to squeeze household budgets, Spokane-area lenders say auto loan activity is picking up this year as customers refinance existing loans, stretch payment terms, and hunt for more affordable vehicles. Even as higher vehicle prices, insurance premiums, and borrowing costs continue to squeeze household budgets, Spokane-area lenders say auto loan activity is picking up this year as customers refinance existing loans, stretch payment terms, and hunt for more affordable vehicles. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18394 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18394-auto-loan-volumes-tick-upward-despite-increase-costs CarPrices_Graphic_web.jpg Exporting from the Spokane area is an activity we don’t hear much about these days. One of the reasons lies in the demise of the International Trade Alliance, which for years promoted local businesses to go global. Another reason is that not much has changed in exports over the past 10 years, at least for Spokane. Exporting from the Spokane area is an activity we don’t hear much about these days. One of the reasons lies in the demise of the International Trade Alliance, which for years promoted local businesses to go global. Another reason is that not much has changed in exports over the past 10 years, at least for Spokane.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18385 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18385-guest-analysis-local-exports-show-a-tale-of-two-states Patrick-Jones_web.jpg A surge in artificial intelligence investment is reshaping the venture capital landscape, driving record valuations and deal sizes while creating new challenges for startups that aren't centered on AI technology. A surge in artificial intelligence investment is reshaping the venture capital landscape, driving record valuations and deal sizes while creating new challenges for startups that aren't centered on AI technology.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18384 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18384-ai-frenzy-fuels-record-venture-capital-totals Simpson-(8)_web.jpg Spokane-based Responders Emergency Services Credit Union is expanding membership eligibility to 10 counties in southern Idaho following formal approval from the Idaho Department of Finance and the Washington state Department of Financial Institutions. Spokane-based Responders Emergency Services Credit Union is expanding membership eligibility to 10 counties in southern Idaho following formal approval from the Idaho Department of Finance and the Washington state Department of Financial Institutions. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18386 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:28:14 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18386-rescu-expands-membership-eligibility-across-southern-idaho karinae@spokanejournal.com Since January, the Inland Northwest has seen several business acquisitions, suggesting that merger and acquisition activity may be on the rise. Since January, the Inland Northwest has seen several business acquisitions, suggesting that merger and acquisition activity may be on the rise.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18383 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18383-retiring-inw-owners-drive-business-transition-activity Murphy_PullQuote_web.jpg Refinancing activity in the Spokane market is expected to remain low but steady, as ongoing market uncertainty and global events keep interest rates elevated, according to some industry experts here. Refinancing activity in the Spokane market is expected to remain low but steady, as ongoing market uncertainty and global events keep interest rates elevated, according to some industry experts here.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18377 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18377-refinance-activity-grows-amid-uncertainty Anthony_PullQuote_web.jpg Spokane City Credit Union is planning a new administrative annex building next to its existing property, at 1930 N. Monroe, that will provide more space for its employees. Spokane City Credit Union is planning a new administrative annex building next to its existing property, at 1930 N. Monroe, that will provide more space for its employees.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18351 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18351-new-sccu-annex-planned-at-former-gastropub SCCU-Annex-renderings-4_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18321 Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18321-heritage-bank-moves-receives-branch-authority HeritageBankBranch_Map_web.jpg Spokane-based Associated Industries’ nearly 1,000 members can now access business services and products through a new partnership with Liberty Lake-based STCU. Spokane-based Associated Industries’ nearly 1,000 members can now access business services and products through a new partnership with Liberty Lake-based STCU.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18320 Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18320-stcu-collaborates-with-associated-industries STCU-(5)_web.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18309 Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18309-copy-of-charitable-giving-considerations-for-2026-and-beyond Philanthropy_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18308 Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18308-catching-up-with-mary-mcdirmid-all-needs-planning-chief-financial-planning-and-growth-officer Mary_McDirmid_Headshot_web.jpg Retired certified public accountant and Spokane community leader Bill Simer says his life would have looked much different had he not happened to meet a young woman and her brother in Spokane more than 50 years ago. Retired certified public accountant and Spokane community leader Bill Simer says his life would have looked much different had he not happened to meet a young woman and her brother in Spokane more than 50 years ago.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18261 Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18261-2026-icons-bill-simer Simer-(8)_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Phyllis Campbell, 2026 Spokane Journal of Business Icon, led an accumulative 50-year career in banking, philanthropy, and board service across the Inland Northwest and western Washington. Phyllis Campbell, 2026 Spokane Journal of Business Icon, led an accumulative 50-year career in banking, philanthropy, and board service across the Inland Northwest and western Washington. 

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18238 Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18238-2026-spokane-journal-of-business-icon-phyllis-campbell-vice-chairman-and-regional-chair-of-the-pacific-northwest-for-jpmorgan-chase Phyllis-Campbell-portrait_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com A handful of companies across Eastern Washington and North Idaho have raised millions of dollars in recent months, with the majority of funding falling outside the traditional angel- or venture-backed technology, health care, and consumer industries. A handful of companies across Eastern Washington and North Idaho have raised millions of dollars in recent months, with the majority of funding falling outside the traditional angel- or venture-backed technology, health care, and consumer industries.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18233 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18233-inw-companies-raise-14m-since-january AdobeStock_1923562236_web.jpg Packard Wheeler Succession, an employee benefits and wealth planning team of Northwestern Mutual representatives based in Spokane Valley, has joined Cleveland-based Benefit Advisors Network as an independent member. Packard Wheeler Succession, an employee benefits and wealth planning team of Northwestern Mutual representatives based in Spokane Valley, has joined Cleveland-based Benefit Advisors Network as an independent member.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18228 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18228-valley-benefits-broker-looks-to-future-growth In Spokane and across Eastern Washington, health care affordability is no longer a future concern. It's already shaping decisions that local employers are making today about jobs, growth, and compensation. In Spokane and across Eastern Washington, health care affordability is no longer a future concern. It's already shaping decisions that local employers are making today about jobs, growth, and compensation.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18165 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18165-we-cant-afford-to-ignore-drivers-of-health-care-costs Farooq_Umar_Premera_web.jpg karinae@spokanejournal.com Fans watching the Sunday Seattle Mariners game during opening weekend might have noticed a commercial featuring the team’s All-Star catcher and switch-hitter, Cal Raleigh, as the newest, high-performing team member at Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank. Fans watching the Sunday Seattle Mariners game during opening weekend might have noticed a commercial featuring the team’s All-Star catcher and switch-hitter, Cal Raleigh, as the newest, high-performing team member at Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18161 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18161-washington-trust-swings-for-growth-with-cal-raleigh WTB-(1)_web.jpg Spokane-based Quantum Financial Planning Inc. is growing with the acquisition of a Spokane Valley-based financial planning company and the addition of a new financial planner. Spokane-based Quantum Financial Planning Inc. is growing with the acquisition of a Spokane Valley-based financial planning company and the addition of a new financial planner.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18160 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18160-promotions-acquisitions-grow-quantum-financial Quantum-(4)_web.jpg Washington state is moving forward with the Washington Saves automatic individual retirement account program, with penalties for noncompliance beginning in 2030. Washington state is moving forward with the Washington Saves automatic individual retirement account program, with penalties for noncompliance beginning in 2030.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18157 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18157-washington-saves-auto-ira-savings-program Clay-Randall-mug_web.jpg For decades, Washington state's lack of a personal income tax was one of its defining economic advantages, a feature that drew executives, entrepreneurs, and high earners across the region. That era is ending. For decades, Washington state's lack of a personal income tax was one of its defining economic advantages, a feature that drew executives, entrepreneurs, and high earners across the region. That era is ending.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18154 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18154-wa-millionaires-tax-impacts-on-id-businesses Collin-Kane_web.jpg Washington lawmakers have repealed a tax exemption for credit unions, disrupting a fast-growing deal market for mergers and acquisitions. Washington lawmakers have repealed a tax exemption for credit unions, disrupting a fast-growing deal market for mergers and acquisitions.

]]> http://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18150 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/18150-state-changes-tax-policy-for-credit-unions AdobeStock_1773084034_web.jpg Two credit unions — Spokane-based Progressions Credit Union and Boeing Employees’ Credit Union, of Tukwila, Washington — are building new branches in Spokane County. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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