Is the next Jordan Allen working among us right now? It’s a good question--and one we’re hoping our readers answer for us in the coming weeks.

Starting today, July 3, the Journal is accepting nominations for its 2019 Rising Stars. We’re looking for professionals in the their 20s and 30s who are most likely to become Spokane’s future business leaders.

Allen, CEO of Spokane Valley-based urban vacation rental company Stay Alfred Inc., recently was named 2019 EY Entrepreneur of the Year, consumer service category in the Pacific Northwest. The company has reported tripling its revenue between 2016 and 2018 and hopes to increase its employment to 400 from 230 by the end of the year.

Three years before receiving the prestigious EY award, the Journal featured Allen as one of its 2016 Rising Stars. 

Clearly, it would be hard to argue against the notion that he has risen to become a star of the Inland Northwest business community.

He didn’t make the list because we’re so smart; he was included because you’re so smart. Our readers had foresight to nominate Allen, making a compelling case for recognizing him.

It isn’t just Allen, of course. 4 Degrees Real Estate’s Jordan Tampien. Avista Corp.’s Latisha Hill. Bank of America’s Katherine Morgan. The list could go on. Many of those whom we’ve honored during the past five years have become more integral fixtures in the Inland Northwest business community since being recognized as Rising Stars.

With that in mind, let us put this question to you: Among our emerging professionals, who is most likely to be playing a more significant role three to five years from now? 

We’re looking for entrepreneurs, professionals, and people who are exceptionally good at what they do. 

Try to think of small-business owners who could be growing something much larger, managers who are pegged to become executives, and top-end employees who could become thought leaders.

Most successful candidates have established themselves to a certain extent and have some degree of accomplishment already. Even so, we’re looking for high ceilings of potential, even for those who have built firm foundations in their careers.

Last year, as in past years, our readers submitted in excess of 100 nominations. The process of whittling that down to 10 honorees is a big challenge, but it’s one we accept gratefully. We’re hoping for a similar response this year.

To submit a nomination, go to spokanejournal.com/rising-stars-event and fill out the simple form. We’ll take nominations through July 22 and inform honorees in early August. The Journal will host an event Sept. 12 to shine a spotlight on the 2019 Rising Stars class. Of course, we’d like it if you joined us for that
as well.

As always, feel free to reach out to me at linnp@spokanejournal.com or call me at 509.344.1265 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your consideration. We’re looking forward to seeing your suggestions. 

Linn Parish is the editor of the Journal of Business.