Monday, October 7, 2024
Top Stories

Friendship sparks health tech venture in Downtown Wenatchee

Brandi Darnell (left) and Marian Leone-Lambert (right) stand in their Sole Sisters office, ready to provide simple and easy thermal imaging services with smiles on their faces.
In the heart of Downtown Wenatchee, two best friends work in an emerging industry to help community members better understand their bodies and identify health issues at early stages. Taking their …

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Executive Q&A
Mike Poirier<br> Mayor of the City of Wenatchee

Meet Mike Poirier, Mayor of the City of Wenatchee

Poirier was elected in 2023 and began his term as mayor in 2024. Before that he served on the Wenatchee City Council from 2016-2019 and again from 2022-2023. Poirier, who grew up and raised his …
Allie Schank<br> General Manager<br> Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club

Meet Allie Schank, General Manager of the Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club

Schank, who has been with the team since 2018 and general manager since 2021, leads the team with a passion for sports and community engagement.  Established in 1999, the AppleSox is a …
Thom Nees<br> Executive Director<br> COMMON GROUND Community Housing Trust

Meet Thom Nees, Executive Director of COMMON GROUND Community Housing Trust

COMMON GROUND Community Housing Trust is a nonprofit organization that utilizes innovative solutions to address the housing crisis in the Greater Wenatchee Valley. Nees founded Common Ground in …
Kaylin Bettinger, Executive Director<br> Upper Valley MEND

Meet Kaylin Bettinger, Executive Director of Upper Valley MEND

Kaylin Bettinger stepped into the executive director position at Upper Valley MEND in 2016 after working in communications for the nonprofit organization since 2014. With a background in social …
Ruben Betancourt, Executive Director<br> Chelan-Douglas Coalition for Health Improvement

Meet Ruben Betancourt, Executive Director for the Chelan-Douglas Coalition for Health Improvement

With a background in business and healthcare administration. Ruben Betancourt, through his work with underserved and underrepresented communities at Columbia Valley Community Health, realized his …

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Other News
This September, communities across North Central Washington will come together to celebrate Digital Equity Month. The regional awareness campaign is being spearheaded by the NCW Digital Access and …
Dr. Andrew Jones
As options expand in other industries, healthcare has had a lot of catching up to do. The desire for ready access, diverse availability, easy scheduling, and a variety of options has become …
Composting is a powerful way for our community to leverage both economic pragmatism and sustainability. Far from being just a way to reduce waste, composting has proven to be a powerful driver for …

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E-edition

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Keeping up with People
Newly appointed Regional Commercial Directors (from left) Jon Ensch, Mike Fredlund, and Alex Sansoni stand in front of Peoples Bank headquarters in Bellingham, Washington. The bank, established in 1921, announced their promotions as part of a strategy to strengthen commercial banking services across the state.
BELLINGHAM, Wash.  — Peoples Bank announced the promotion of three veteran bankers to newly created Regional Commercial Director positions. Jon Ensch, Mike Fredlund, and Alex Sansoni will …
Russell J. Speidel, estate planning and probate attorney, named to Washington Super Lawyers 2024 edition. Speidel has received this recognition annually since 2007 and is the only lawyer in his specialty to be so honored in North Central Washington.
WENATCHEE — Russell J. Speidel, an estate planning and probate attorney based in Wenatchee, has been recognized in the 2024 edition of Washington Super Lawyers, marking his continued excellence …
Christine Morgan, Executive Director of Icicle Fund, will step down from her role in September after nine years of leading the nonprofit organization that supports arts, history, and environmental initiatives in the region.
LEAVENWORTH -- The Icicle Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting arts, history, and environmental initiatives in North Central Washington, announced that Executive Director Christine Morgan will …
Commissioner Shari Campbell with her grandson, Jack.
LEAVENWORTH – Shari Campbell has been appointed as the newest commissioner on the Cascade Medical Board, following the retirement of former commissioner Mall Boyd. “I think we have a …
D'Andre Vasquez, newly appointed Hispanic Business & Community Relations Coordinator for the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce.
WENATCHEE—The Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce has hired D'Andre Vasquez as its new Hispanic Business & Community Relations Coordinator. The position was created in partnership with …

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Local Features
The U-Press Manson business, Cider Press, recently opened its doors as a family-friendly spot to learn more about the area's agricultural traditions.
MANSON – Manson Growers recently opened the doors to their newest addition, Cider Press. Cider Press offers a U-Press cider experience. Visitors can pick out the variety of apples they …
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More and more customers are learning about Rustic Rise Café & Bakery.
MANSON -- Looking back on it now, perhaps a more appropriate name for Rustic Rise Café & Bakery might have been Rustic Rise on the Run because that is much of what owner Holly Vejar has …
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More Business News

Existing home sales inch up 1.3% in July, breaking four month decline streak

The U.S. housing market showed signs of stabilization in July as existing home sales increased for the first time in five months, according to data released by the National Association of Realtors …

Unemployment rises to 4.7% in Okanogan County amid economic transition

OKANOGAN — Okanogan County's labor market displayed a complex mix of growth and challenges in July, according to a comprehensive labor area summary released by the Employment Security …

Chelan and Douglas counties launch homeless survey, seek public input

WENATCHEE—The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force has launched an online survey to gather public opinion on homelessness in Chelan and Douglas counties. The survey, available until …

Chelan County opens applications for 2025 Tourism Grants

WENATCHEE - Chelan County officials have opened applications for 2025 lodging tax funds to support tourism-related marketing efforts and events in the area. The county has set a deadline of 5 …

Local sectors show mixed results as Wenatchee area employment dips

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) faces economic challenges as employment declined in July, according to a labor area summary released by the Washington State Employment …

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Regional news from the NCW News network
Opinion
Amy Yaley<br> COO<br> Ward Media
The hidden power of B2B marketing - new levels of growth for NCW businesses
While consumer marketing often takes the spotlight, B2B marketing is the unsung hero driving innovation, efficiency, and collaboration among local businesses. For small and medium-sized enterprises …
Terry Ward
The heartbeat of innovation in North Central Washington
As I reflect on the stories featured in this month's Wenatchee Business Journal, I'm struck by the vibrant pulse of innovation and community spirit that courses through North Central Washington. Our …
Tyler Kert<br> Tamarack Wealth Management
Why the 2024 Presidential Election shouldn’t dictate your investment decisions
As the election in November approaches, many are wondering how it will impact their IRAs and 401ks. Some prospective investors don’t want to act until they know who is going to take office. I …

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Labor Reports
Washington adds 7,100 jobs in June; unemployment rate holds steady at 4.9%
Washington state's economy showed modest growth in June, adding an estimated 7,100 jobs, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.9% for the second consecutive month, according to the latest …
U.S. economy adds 206,000 jobs in June, unemployment rate at 4.1%
The U.S. economy continued to show signs of resilience in June, adding 206,000 jobs while the unemployment rate remained relatively steady at 4.1%, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau …
The top five industries by percent of total covered employment in Chelan County for 2023. Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing leads at 18.0%, followed by Health Services at 15.2%, Local Government at 12.0%, Accommodation and Food Services at 10.5%, and Retail Trade at 9.8%. The remaining 34.6% is comprised of other industries not among the top five.
Wenatchee area sees job losses and rising unemployment
WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area, comprising Chelan and Douglas counties, saw its unemployment rate rise and nonfarm employment decline in June compared to the previous year, …

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Real Estate

North Central Washington’s Changing Real Estate Market

Adam Rynd<br> Owner and Designated Broker of Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate
This year’s residential real estate season began with optimism, improving inventory as sellers grew more comfortable with current pricing. Buyers also re-entered the market after slow demand …

Foreign investment in U.S. housing market plummets

Foreign investment in the U.S. housing market has hit its lowest point in over a decade, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The annual study, released in …

Existing home sales drop 5.4% as prices hit new record high in June

Existing home sales in the United States fell significantly in June, while the median sales price reached a new record high for the second consecutive month, according to a report released Monday by …

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Health Care
 WA company aims to bridge healthcare gap in rural areas
LEAVENWORTH – Dopl Technologies is on a mission to improve healthcare access in rural underserved areas of Washington state and beyond.  The Bothell-based software company provides …
An architectural rendering of the planned expansion to Family Health Centers' Omak campus. The expanded facility will include a new dental clinic with 18 additional operatories, allowing FHC to significantly increase access to oral health care services for the Okanogan County community. The modern, spacious design of the building aligns with FHC's mission to improve the health and well-being of the populations they serve.
Family Health Centers expanding dental care access in Okanogan County
OMAK - Family Health Centers (FHC) has announced plans to expand its Omak campus at 1003 Koala Drive by adding a new dental clinic. This expansion aims to increase access to oral health care for all …
After a decade, Mall Boyd is wrapping up her term on the Cascade Medical Board of Commissioners.
Cascade Medical bids adieu to Commissioner Mall Boyd
LEAVENWORTH—After a decade of dedicated service, Commissioner Mall Boyd bid farewell to her role on the Cascade Medical Board of Commissioners, marking the end of an era in community healthcare …
Five from Confluence Health honored with 2024 Champion of Public Health Awards
WENATCHEE - Three staff members and two providers at Confluence Health were recently honored with the 2024  Champions of Public Health Award, presented by the Chelan-Douglas Health District …
Confluence Health honored with two awards for excellence in organ donation efforts
WENATCHEE - Confluence Health Hospital Central Campus was recently recognized with two hospital achievement awards by LifeCenter Northwest for excellence in organ donation efforts. LifeCenter …

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Bonus coverage from the web
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
Chelan County officials said Leavenworth’s meeting had impressive attendance, compared to an empty open house in Wenatchee earlier that day.

Chelan County initiates public engagement on Hazard Mitigation Plan update

CHELAN COUNTY – Chelan County is currently in its public engagement phase of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update, seeking feedback on the draft plan until Oct. 17. The HMP is used to …
Caroline Menna

Cascade High School Student named National Merit Scholar semifinalist

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade High School student Caroline Menna was named a 2025 National Merit Scholar semifinalist, representing North Central Washington as the only semifinalist in the region. …

Chelan Douglas Port Authority to hold board meeting Oct. 8

WENATCHEE - The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority (CDRPA) will hold its next board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Confluence Technology Center in …

Leavenworth seeks applicants for vacant city council seat

LEAVENWORTH—The City of Leavenworth is accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on its City Council. Position No. 4, previously held by Rhona Baron, will be open for appointment starting …

Leavenworth Council to consider state initiatives, property annexation

LEAVENWORTH - The City of Leavenworth will address multiple measures at its October 8 City Council meeting, including resolutions against two state initiatives and the annexation of a property for …
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