Thursday, April 18, 2024
Top Stories

The Barn opens at Gamble Sands, precursor to major expansion

The Barn, the new restaurant at Gamble Sands, is located adjacent to the Danny Boy Bar & Grill, opened for business March 7.
BREWSTER – The newest addition to the Gamble Sands golf, dining, and lodging experience 10 miles east of Brewster, The Barn, billed as the “newest dining hotspot and coolest hangout in …

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Executive Q&A
Maria Guerra, project designer at MJ Neal Associates

Meet Maria Guerra, project designer at MJ Neal Associates

Meet Maria Guerra project designer at the architectural firm MJ Neal Associates. Although architecture has always been her true calling, Guerra has followed a winding path back to it after serving in …
Dr. Sue Kane, CEO<br> NCW Tech Alliance

Meet Dr. Sue Kane, CEO of NCW Tech Alliance

Meet Dr. Sue Kane, CEO of NCW Tech Alliance, a nonprofit in North Central Washington committed to bridging the digital divide. Kane stepped into the CEO role in October 2023. Founded in 1999 as …
Emily Bautista-Herdt

Meet Emily Bautista-Herdt, Packaging Sales Manager at Northwest Wholesale, Inc.

Northwest Wholesale, Inc., or NWW, a locally owned farmer cooperative, has served fruit growers and packers in North Central Washington since 1937. As a cooperative, NWW is dedicated to helping tree fruit growers and packers from “bud to box.” According to their website, in the last ten years, NWW has been able to generate savings of $43.8 million, which has been returned to their members. In 2021, Bautista-Herdt started with NWW as a Packaging Sales Rep. In June 2022, she stepped into the Packaging Sales Manager role. 
Steve Wilkinson<br> Executive Director<br> Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce

Meet Steve Wilkinson, executive director of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce

Steering the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce toward a dynamic future is Steve Wilkinson, the executive director, who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community growth. Recently, we caught up with Wilkinson to learn more about him and his goals for the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Faviola Barbosa<br> Executive Director<br> Washington Apple Education Foundation

Meet Dr. Faviola Barbosa executive director of the Washington Apple Education Foundation

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) is the charity of the tree fruit industry and since the 1990s has awarded scholarships to over 3,000 students. Dr. Faviola Barbosa was drawn to her position as executive director because of her background in the tree fruit industry and higher education and having benefited from scholarships herself.  Recently we caught up with Barbosa to learn more about her and her goals for WAEF.

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Other News
Confluence Health has been awarded gold-level recognition by the American Heart Association for its commitment to employee health and well-being through its comprehensive Wellness Program initiatives.
WENATCHEE—The American Heart Association has awarded Confluence Health gold-level recognition for its commitment to employee health and well-being. The recognition is based on the Association's …
According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington State experienced significantly higher rates of labor underutilization compared to the national average in 2023. The …
The housing market showed renewed strength last month as existing home sales posted their largest monthly gain in a year, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors. The …

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E-edition

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Keeping up with People
Christina Pedersen
WENATCHEE - Chelan County has hired Christina Pedersen as the new fire marshal, bringing with her over three decades of experience in the fire service. Pedersen, who is set to begin her new role on …
Diane Leigh
Diane Leigh, a managing broker at RE/MAX Advantage, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Realtor Achievement Award by the North Central Washington Association of Realtors (NCWAR). This highly …
Stifel Financial Corp. announced that the Taylor/Bryant Investment Group of its broker-dealer subsidiary Stifel, Nicolaus & Company has been named to Forbes' 2024 Best-in-State Wealth Management …
Cori Bautista
WENATCHEE - Banner Bank has announced that Cori Bautista, Assistant Vice President and Residential Loan Officer, has been selected as a recipient of the Banner's Best award. This award represents the …
Courtney Mitchell
WENATCHEE - Pioneer Title Company has announced the promotion of Courtney Mitchell to the role of Vice President of Operations. In this new position, Mitchell will oversee major decisions and …

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Local Features
Bighorns Head Coach JP Davis has over 20 years of basketball experience, playing and coaching professionally across 25 different countries.
WENATCHEE—For the Wenatchee Bighorns, persistence is everything. The professional basketball team had a rocky debut in 2023, losing half its leadership in April of last year, including Head …
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Prey’s Fruit Barn is open year round, and sells local food, art and housewares.
LEAVENWORTH – For over 40 years, Prey’s Fruit Barn has done what it was zoned to do: grow and sell fruit. Yet, the year-round fruit stand has much more to offer in terms of goods, with …
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More Business News

Building Regional Technology Workforce Capacity: A Leap Forward with the Good Jobs Challenge Grant

It’s no secret that there is a growing number of incredible, well-paid technology-related jobs in North Central Washington. Young people, job seekers, and individuals who want to develop new …

Flywheel Investment Conference 2024 to showcase six promising startups competing for over $250,000 in funding

WENATCHEE  - The Flywheel Angel Network has announced the six finalists set to compete at the highly anticipated Flywheel Investment Conference from April 17-19, 2024, in Wenatchee, Washington. …

Big grocery stores profited from pandemic more than smaller rivals

Large grocery retailers’ annual profits rose during the Covid-19 pandemic and have remained elevated in the years since, which warrants deeper scrutiny, according to a report released by the …

Microsoft deal, Apple-Google talks show tech giants need AI help

Earlier this week, Microsoft Corp. named artificial intelligence pioneer Mustafa Suleyman chief of its consumer AI business and hired most of the staff from his Inflection AI startup. A day before, …

The five best travel credit cards for 2024

Sorting through the cards in your wallet should be an annual chore. You want to double down on the most rewarding perks-which can change from year to year-while omitting other cards that have drifted …

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Regional news from the NCW News network
Opinion
Terry Ward
Cultivating resilience through second chances and innovation
In times of uncertainty, the stories of local businesses and organizations serve as a beacon of hope and a masterclass in resilience. As the CEO and Publisher of Ward Media, it is both humbling and …
Amy Yaley<br> COO<br> Ward Media
Partnering for Success in OTT Advertising
As a business owner in North Central Washington and a regular reader of my column, you understand the importance of reaching your target audience through effective marketing channels. Last month, we …
Tyler Kert<br> Tamarack Wealth Management
Year-round tax planning: Simple strategies to boost your refund
So, you filed your taxes for 2023. Now, you can sit back, relax, and not even think about taxes until next year. Right? Wrong. The truth is the tax you pay is ultimately a result of decisions that …

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Labor Reports
 Wenatchee MSA job market surges, outpacing state
The Wenatchee metro area employment picture looked exceptionally bright in January, with total nonfarm jobs surging at more than four times the statewide pace, according to a new report by a state …
Washington State sees job growth slow, unemployment rise in February
OLYMPIA - Washington's economy added 2,600 jobs in February, but the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.7%, marking the highest level since 2021 and the fifth straight month of rising joblessness. The …
Washington State sees job losses and a rise in unemployment in January
OLYMPIA. — At the start of 2024, the state of Washington experienced a downturn in its labor market, with a notable decrease in payroll employment and a rise in the unemployment rate. According …

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Real Estate

Adjusting to higher rates: Wenatchee Valley's real estate resilience

In the face of climbing interest rates, the single-family home market in Chelan and Douglas counties, with a spotlight on the Wenatchee Valley, has showcased remarkable adaptability. A comparison of …

Realtors’ settlement could dramatically change cost of housing sales

The National Association of Realtors has agreed to settle litigation that accused the industry group of artificially inflating real estate commissions,   setting up a reconfiguration of the …

Rent is driving inflation. But there’s something off in the data.

Inflation came in hotter than expected in January, and it may take a few more months to know if that was a fluke or if price increases are getting stickier. But one key part of the inflation picture …

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Health Care
Jared Ortiz
UW School of Dentistry RIDE student joins Family Health Centers for Rural Dental Care initiative
Family Health Centers (FHC) announced the addition of Jared Ortiz, a fourth-year DDS candidate, as an extern through the University of Washington School of Dentistry's (UWSOD) Regional Initiatives in …
The Mobile Clinic is complete with an exam room, waiting room, and restroom, and is built to reach patients in inclement weather.
Cascade Mobile Clinic meets patients in their communities
LEAVENWORTH – For just over a year, Cascade Medical has been working outside its traditional brick-and-mortar, bringing the clinic to patients by way of wheels. The Cascade Mobile Clinic stations itself in Plain or Peshastin every Tuesday, so patients don’t have to make the trip to downtown Leavenworth.
Washington ranks seventh in National Health Index despite challenges
In the latest America's Health Rankings report, Washington state has achieved an overall rank of seven, reflecting both its strengths and challenges in public health. This composite measure, based on …
Leavenworth Spanish provides online Spanish course specifically for medical professionals
LEAVENWORTH – Leavenworth Spanish offers an online medical Spanish course that medical professionals can use to build rapport with patients, no matter their Spanish speaking level. …
The kitchen at Confluence Health Hospital Central Campus is a busy one, making meals for patients, visitors, and staff each day. (L to R) Maria Nordstrom, Mike Miller, Michelle Harris, Victor Orquiz, Rocio Rivas, and Ruslan Garcia Renteria work to prepare for lunch.
Completing the Circle: Confluence Health Partners in new composting program
WENATCHEE - The Confluence Health Central Campus kitchen has launched a pioneering composting program aimed at significantly reducing organic waste. Preparing an average of 1,500 meals daily for …

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Bonus coverage from the web
11 ways to secure startup funding for your business
Lendio details 11 unique ways a business can procure startup funding.
4 ways small businesses can innovate without a big budget
(BPT) - By Irana Wasti, Chief Product Officer at BILLIn today's fast-paced business landscape, it’s important for small business owners to adopt a mindset for innovation. However, the …
Tourism & Travel

Chelan County Commissioners allocate over $319K in Lodging Tax dollars to boost local tourism initiatives

WENATCHEE — Chelan County Commissioners greenlit the allocation of nearly $320,000 in lodging tax dollars toward various tourism-related entities, benefitting a gamut of local organizations. …

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Around the region
Edge Outdoors representative applies glitter to a young skier’s face during the community fair.

Stevens Pass celebrates last weekend of winter season with a party

LEAVENWORTH – Blue skies and warm temperatures set the scene for a celebratory closing weekend at Stevens Pass Apr. 13 and 14.  The weekend kicked off Saturday with a community fair, …
Five members of the Cashmere FFA Meats Team individually placed in the top 10 at the Meats Evaluation in Moses Lake.

Cashmere FFA qualifies 16 students for state in speaking events

CASHMERE - Sixteen Cashmere High School FFA members qualified for the state competition in various speaking events at the FFA State Leadership Convention next month in Pullman. FFA speaking …

Waste Loop continues Leavenworth's Earth Day Fair tradition

LEAVENWORTH - Waste Loop, a local environmental organization, is set to host the annual Earth Day Fair on Sunday, April 21, at Enchantment Park. The event, which will run from 11 am to 4 pm, …

Cascade High School art exhibition at Leavenworth Library

LEAVENWORTH - The Leavenworth Library is hosting an art exhibition showcasing the talented art students from Cascade High School. The show will run from April 16 through May 3 in the library's …
Chelan County commissioners purchased 2.75 acres on Ohme Garden Road in Wenatchee for $1.8 million. The county plans to begin construction later this year.

Chelan County buys property for $1.8 million

WENATCHEE – Chelan County commissioners approved the purchase of 2.75 acres on Ohme Garden Road in Wenatchee for the future relocation of several county departments.  The industrially …
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