Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Top Stories

The Mercantile: coworking space expands to meet demands of downtown Wenatchee

The Mercantile at Ellis-Forde offers a large and open coworking space in addition to office suites.
WENATCHEE - The Mercantile owners Rick and Cory Wray and Jeff and Heather Ostenson opened the original Ellis-Forde coworking space in 2019 with a vision to foster economic development and build …

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Executive Q&A
Barbara Walters<br> Executive Director of NCW Libraries

Meet Barbara Walters, Executive Director of NCW Libraries

NCW Libraries covers 14,500 square miles with branch locations from Curlew in Ferry County to Mattawa in Grant County. Walters took on the Executive Director role at NCW Libraries in 2018 after …
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 …

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Other News
Ward Media proudly dedicates a special section to Giving Tuesday, a global movement that champions generosity, connection, and community spirit. Highlighting the incredible work of nonprofits …
Members of the Washington Public Employees Association voted down a tentative agreement containing the state’s last, best offer. Members may have to go without a wage hike for a year absent a new deal.
OLYMPIA - A 5,000-member public employee union in Washington that overwhelmingly rejected a new two-year contract in September is accusing the governor’s office and several community colleges …
Boeing’s planned job cuts will include 2,199 layoffs in Washington, according to a notice issued Monday by the state’s Employment Security Department. The Society of Professional …

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E-edition

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Keeping up with People
Marcine Miller
WENATCHEE - Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) has announced the appointment of Marcine Miller as its new executive director of communications, marketing, and media relations. Miller, who will serve …
Samantha Louderback, the newly appointed lobbyist for the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce will represent the organization's interests in Olympia. Louderback, of SL Public Affairs, succeeds Bruce Beckett, who is retiring from the position.
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce has appointed Samantha Louderback of SL Public Affairs as its new lobbyist, replacing retiring advocate Bruce Beckett. Louderback will …
BJ Andersen, newly appointed Executive Director of Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, demonstrates her passion for animals while horseback riding with her canine companion. Andersen, a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator with nearly 20 years of experience in animal welfare, will bring her expertise to WVHS starting November 4.
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society (WVHS) announced the appointment of BJ Andersen as its new Executive Director, effective November 4. Andersen, a Certified Animal Welfare …
Vita Monteleone
The Lake Chelan Health & Wellness Foundation has named longtime community member Vita Monteleone as its new Director of Community Relations. Monteleone, a resident of the Chelan Valley since …
Molly Elder
The P.E.O. Chapter JF - Leavenworth has announced the recipients of its local scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. The organization, which supports women in their educational pursuits, awarded …

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Local Features
The Cashmere event space Brick and Rafters is now offering coworking space during the work week. The space features tables for working, a comfortable living room space and a kitchenette.
CASHMERE – Brick and Rafters, an event space owned by Lisa and Tom Kriskovic, has expanded to offer coworking space for local residents during the week. Venue manager Leisa Osburn said the …
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Buckshot Honey owner and chef, Dave Storm, prepares some of his signature Cascadian Barbecue.
CASHMERE– With dreams of cooking local meat for small-town customers, professionally trained chef Dave Storm looks forward to bringing his iconic Cascadian Barbecue techniques to Cashmere as he …
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More Business News

Boeing strike drives WA job losses in October

OLYMPIA — Washington state's economy shed 35,900 jobs in October, primarily due to a major strike by Boeing machinists, while the unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.7%, state officials …

Washington Trust Bank named among 2024's Best Banks to Work For

SPOKANE - Washington Trust Bank has been recognized as one of American Banker magazine's "Best Banks to Work For" in 2024, marking its sixth recognition since the program's inception in 2013. …

Amazon opens new delivery station in NCW

EAST WENATCHEE — Amazon has opened a new delivery station in the Wenatchee area, expanding the e-commerce company's logistics network in North Central Washington. The facility, designated …

Cascade Medical Foundation receives $10,000 grant for Mobile Healthcare Initiative

LEAVENWORTH — Cascade Medical Foundation has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Community Partnership Fund. The grant, jointly …
STEM College Innovator of the Year: Nathan Holterhoff, University of Washington, Wenatchee.

NCW Tech Alliance honors regional innovators at 23rd Annual Awards Luncheon

WENATCHEE — The NCW Tech Alliance celebrated innovation and technological advancement in North Central Washington during its 23rd Annual Innovator Awards Luncheon, drawing more than 320 …

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Regional news from the NCW News network
Opinion
Amy Yaley<br> COO<br> Ward Media
Why one marketing trick isn't enough: building a winning business strategy
As a small business owner, you're probably wearing many hats. You're the boss, the accountant, human resources, customer service, and yes, the marketing department. It's tempting to find one …
Terry Ward
Community spirit drives growth and innovation in North Central Washington
This month's Wenatchee Business Journal showcases the powerful combination of compassion and innovation driving growth in North Central Washington. Our region isn't just expanding; it's evolving in …
Tyler Kert<br> Tamarack Wealth Management
What investors should know about dropping interest rates
On Wednesday, September 18, the Federal Reserve announced a pivotal decision to reduce interest rates by 50 basis points, or ½ of a percent. This move comes after rates had reached their …

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Labor Reports
Washington State proposes 3.8% hike in workers' comp rates for 2025
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed a 3.8 percent increase in workers' compensation insurance rates for 2025. If adopted, the proposal would raise …
U.S. job growth slows in August, unemployment rate holds steady
U.S. employers added fewer jobs than expected in August, signaling a potential cooling in the labor market amid economic uncertainties. The unemployment rate remained relatively stable, according to …
Washington State unemployment dips to 4.8% in August, adds 1,600 jobs
Washington state's unemployment rate decreased to 4.8% in August from 4.9% in July, according to the latest Monthly Employment Report released by the state's Employment Security Department. The …

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Real Estate

Home sales dip 2.5% in August amid inventory gains and price increases

The U.S. housing market exhibited further signs of deceleration in August as existing home sales declined for the second consecutive month, according to a comprehensive report released Tuesday by the …

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 …

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 …

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Health Care
Dr. Andrew Jones
Patients win big in Confluence Health shift
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 …
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 …

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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
The event is an opportunity for community members to support CHS students during the holiday season.

Leavenworth community invited to grant students’ holiday wishes for CHS Winter Wishes event

LEAVENWORTH—This December, the community will have an opportunity to create holiday magic for Cascade High School (CHS) students by participating in the first-ever Winter Wishes event. …
Bridgeport clerk/treasurer Judy Brown, right, reviews the six and 20-year capital facilities projects with city council members.

Bridgeport updates six and 20-year capital facilities plans

BRIDGEPORT—In compliance with the state Growth Management Act (GMA), the City of Bridgeport has a comprehensive plan that includes six-year and 20-year capital facilities projects. The city is …

Chelan council approves fee hikes, emergency services, biosolids

CHELAN – The city council addressed a range of issues, from biosolids to bulk water fees, during the second of its bimonthly meetings on Nov. 26. Biosolids Contract Chelan has had a …

NCW Libraries launches Winter Reading Program

WENATCHEE — NCW Libraries launched its annual Winter Reading Program on Dec. 1 to promote literacy across North Central Washington during the winter months through a combination of traditional …
Debbie Benbow

Wenatchee volunteer named 2024 Master Gardener of the Year

WENATCHEE — The Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program has named Debbie Benbow of Wenatchee as its 2024 Master Gardener of the Year, recognizing her extensive …
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