Economic Development

Sept. 21: Kaiser Permanente president to speak at annual WSU Seattle Power Breakfast

By Sue McMurray, Carson College of Business SEATTLE, Wash. – Susan Mullaney, president of Kaiser Permanente Washington, will present “Health Care: Bold Moves in a Time of Uncertainty” as the keynote speaker at the annual Power Breakfast networking event sponsored by the Washington State University Carson College of Business.

Experienced employee grabs reins as owner with SBDC support

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington Small Business Development Center EVERETT, Wash. – Carrie deKubber has held just about every position at Bob’s Burgers and Brew over the past 20 years, but thanks to the Washington Small Business Development Center, she added a new title this year — owner.

Beer-themed bakery grows with upcycled grains

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC RENTON, Wash. – When Marley Shain Rall wanted to open a retail store to sell beer-themed baked goods, she decided to run her idea past an expert advisor at the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) who was encouraging – and skeptical.

Yoga business grows, flexes to deliver corporate classes

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – When successful small business Three Trees Yoga determined to offer classes in the workplace, it needed to learn how to attract companies, rather than individuals, as clients. An ongoing relationship with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided support the expanding yoga business could […]

Fruit, nut exporter connects U.S. farms, China markets

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC TACOMA, Wash. – Farm Breeze International, a specialty crop export company headquartered in Tacoma, did $7.5 million in revenue in its first year selling tree nuts and fruit concentrate to China. In its second year, 2016, it shipped 15 million pounds of tree nuts and revenue more than tripled.

Business advisor connection sparks electrical service success

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC YAKIMA, Wash. – When Rod Cassel met Yakima business advisor Linda Johnson, he was looking for a lifeline. After several decades as general manager at a large, well-established electrical service company, the family-owned business reorganized and he was out of a job.

Hands-on oilseed workshops begin Jan. 26

RICHLAND, Wash. – A new format and hands-on, interactive sessions about canola will highlight three workshops about oilseed crops to be held in the Washington communities of Hartline, Jan. 26; Ritzville, Jan. 31; and Clarkston, Feb. 2.