Friday, March 29, 2024
Top Stories

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

A display of the new range of iPhone 15 smartphones inside the Apple Inc. Puerta del Sol store on the first day of sale of the iPhone 15 smartphone in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
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, …
Executive Q&A
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.
Danielle Martin

Meet Danielle Martin, CEO of Building North Central Washington

Building North Central Washington CEO Danielle Martin has a passion for advocating for small businesses and people here in the valley. Martin believes the people she represents deserve to be heard, …
Other News
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. …
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 …
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 …
Keeping up with People
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 …
WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center (WVDRC) has welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors - Luis Martinez-Rocha and Edgar Romero. Martinez-Rocha holds a …
LEAVENWORTH - Cameron West has been awarded the Realtor of the Year award from the North Central Washington Association of Realtors, recognizing their commitment to professionalism, dedication, and …
Methow Arts has officially concluded its search for a new Executive Director, appointing Sarah Jo Lightner to the position effective April 1. Following an extensive regional search and the tenure of …
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 …
Local Features
Since the 1930s, Northwest Wholesale, Inc., a locally owned agricultural cooperative, has been an impactful part of the tree fruit industry in North Central Washington. Cooperatives of all kinds …
Read more.
Photographer Peter James has spent decades photographing Washington State, but has recently dedicated his time to capturing the beauty surrounding Leavenworth.
Bellingham-based photographer Peter James will be expanding his business to the East side this spring. The Peter James Photography Gallery is slated to open in downtown Leavenworth in April 2024. …
Read more.
More Business News

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …
Opinion
Amy Yaley<br>
COO<br>
Ward Media
Strengthen brand recognition and loyalty with consistent brand building
In the world of marketing, where trends come and go, one principle remains constant: the importance of consistency. This is true whether you're a multinational corporation or a family-owned business …
Tyler Kert<br>
Tamarack Wealth Management
Excess cash: the financial junk food risking your economic health
Cash is like junk food. It’s easy to access. It’s right down the street. It makes you feel good. In moderation, it’s not that bad. But too much junk food can have a detrimental …
Beau Ruff<br>
Cornerstone Wealth Strategies
New Corporate Transparency Act Requires Action by Small Business Owners
Business owners beware: starting this year, individuals seeking to set up a legal entity (think LLC or corporation), as well as owners of existing legal entities, should be prepared to provide …
Labor Reports
Major strikes in 2023 set 20-year record, Labor Department says
American workers led 33 major strikes in 2023, the most in more than two decades, the Labor Department reported Wednesday, as a booming labor market fueled a strong year of activity for unions. …
Shoppers on Broadway in New York.
U.S. CPI revisions confirm inflation progress at end of last year
(Bloomberg) -- US inflation was about the same at the end of last year as initially reported after incorporating annual revisions, according to new data published Friday. Consumer prices …
Consumer Price Index climbs in December, marking continued economic pressure
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) witnessed a 0.3 percent increase in December, a notable rise from November's 0.1 percent, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. …
Real Estate

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 …

January sees 3.1% rise in existing home sales despite yearly dip, median price hits new January high

WASHINGTON DC – The National Association of Realtors® reported an increase in existing home sales in January, with variations observed across the major U.S. regions. Sales saw a 3.1% rise …

Chelan/Douglas single-family home market shows steadiness amid national decline

The single-family home market in Chelan/Douglas exhibited remarkable consistency in 2023, contrasting with the national trend. While the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported a 19% decrease …
Health Care
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 …
Bob Adamson
Cascade Medical Foundation welcomes four new board members and unveils 2024 slate of officers
LEAVENWORTH - The Cascade Medical Foundation four new board members and announced a fresh slate of officers for the upcoming year. The addition of these new board members brings a diverse …
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 …
The 7 essential things you need when applying for a business loan
Lendio compiled a list of the seven loan requirements business owners need to know before filing a loan application.
How Anxious Are Americans About Their Finances? Very.
How Anxious Are Americans About Their Finances? Very.
(NewsUSA) - A new poll paints a troubling picture of how anxious Americans are about their finances.Nearly half of respondents said they didn’t feel “financially stable,” according to the …
Tourism & Travel

Is my ID a Real ID? What to know about new mandated IDs before the federal deadline

Spokeo analyzed federal resources to share information and suggestions on updating your driver's license or state ID to comply with new federal rules.

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. …
Around the region

Chelan Earth Day Fair aims for zero waste

CHELAN  - The annual Chelan Earth Day Fair, now in its 35th year, will take place on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chelan's Riverwalk Park. This year, fair organizers are …
Wenatchee Foothills

Wenatchee Foothills Trails reopen for outdoor recreation on April 1

WENATCHEE -- The Wenatchee Foothills trail systems will reopen for outdoor recreation on Monday, April 1, according to a joint announcement by Chelan PUD, City of Wenatchee, and Chelan-Douglas Land …

Washington State Patrol to conduct high visibility enforcement patrols in North Central Washington

WENATCHEE - The Washington State Patrol (WSP) District 6 has announced a partnership with allied agencies in Chelan, Kittitas, Grant, and Okanogan counties to conduct High Visibility Enforcement …
The CHS contingent representing the PNW at the opening ceremonies of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Racing’s Junior Nationals. Those ceremonies were held in Lake Placid’s Herb Brooks Arena, site of the “Miricle on Ice,” the iconic 1980 Winter Olympics hockey game in which an amateur United States side beat the professional Soviet Union team and went on to win gold.

Cascade High School Skiers Race at U.S. Ski Association’s Junior National Championships

LEAVENWORTH - The resort village of Lake Placid, New York, nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains’ High Peaks Region and named after its eponymous lake, has played host to two Winter …

Leavenworth Parking Advisory Committee reconsiders parking rates and options for locals

LEAVENWORTH – The Parking Advisory Committee considered simplifying parking rates and revisited potential options for locals, employees and contractors at its monthly meeting on Mar. 21. …