Eight years ago, when the Journal last caught up with Denielle Waltermire-Stuhlmiller, owner of Simply Northwest gift shop, sloths, unicorns, mermaids, and llamas reigned in popularity. While current tastes have shifted to cherries, chickens, book-lover merchandise, and bees, the Spokane Valley-based retailer maintains a proactive approach to stay ahead of the curve.

After years of organizing events, supporting Native artists, and operating a nonprofit focused on Indigenous communities, Spokane Tribe member Jeff Ferguson has opened a new brick-and-mortar business designed to give Native artists a permanent place to showcase and sell their work.

For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Ryan Herzog, an economics professor at Gonzaga University, for its Mid-Year Economic Outlook.

Spokane International Airport is in the process of relocating key utilities, setting the stage for the second phase of its Terminal Renovation and Expansion, or TREX program, which aims to build a 255,000-square-foot Central Hall.

The city of Spokane is preparing to bolster its general fund by $2.1 million following the sale of its 11,800-square-foot North Monroe Public Defender Building. The deal, which is expected to close this month, is under contract for purchase by Ryan Best, of Spokane-based Best Law PLLC, and Beth Pierce according to a 14 page sale and lease agreement on file with the city.

Westside Church Spokane is building a $2.2 million, 12,000-square-foot sanctuary at 11916 W. Melville Road, in Cheney, that will provide a permanent home for the congregation.

Since January, the Inland Northwest has seen several business acquisitions, suggesting that merger and acquisition activity may be on the rise.

Spokane City Credit Union is planning a new administrative annex building next to its existing property, at 1930 N. Monroe, that will provide more space for its employees.

Refinancing activity in the Spokane market is expected to remain low but steady, as ongoing market uncertainty and global events keep interest rates elevated, according to some industry experts here.

Kootenai Health has added one of the most advanced robotic-assisted surgical platforms available today to its main campus in Coeur d'Alene as part of a strategy to expand specialized care and invest in emerging medical technologies.

Mary McDirmid, co-founder of All Needs Planning, has co-authored a book designed to help educate and empower families caring for loved ones with disabilities as they navigate the complexities of wealth management, caregiving, and long-term planning.

Danny Scalise is the newest administrative officer for the Spokane Regional Health District. The Journal of Business sat down with Scalise to discuss his background in finance and public health, his goals for the health district under his leadership, and more.