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Women leaders should assess communication habits

Well-meant behaviors sometimes work against those in governing roles

June 3, 2021

Women leaders bring tremendous strengths, insight, and value to the workplace. But let's face it, we still confront a number of barriers. As a result of centuries of social and cultural programming, seeds individually planted as early as childhood

Corporate America is at crossroads to retain women

Pandemic pressures now threaten to reverse gains in female representation

June 3, 2021

Robin Pickering

Though employees everywhere report a host of pandemic-related challenges, women disproportionately are struggling, reporting less optimism about career prospects, decreased mental health, and increased stress and burnout.

Childcare help is coming, but will it be enough?

Even so, providers say staffing shortages make availability elusive as ever

June 3, 2021

Virginia Thomas

A scarcity of child care options that worsened in 2020 has led to legislation that ultimately could increase the number of working women, child care providers here and industry organizations say.

2021 Women in Leadership: Women drive pandemic-era entrepreneurship in Spokane area

WSBDC, SNAP see surge in new interest in business startups

June 3, 2021

Natasha Nellis

Following a lull early last year in new business starts, entrepreneurship is surging again, with women leading the charge, industry observers here say.

Whitworth students develop Camp Kesem chapter

Organizers hope to offer first camp in summer '22

May 20, 2021

Virginia Thomas

A Whitworth University student duo has founded a local chapter of a national organization that trains college students to create free, weeklong camps for children whose parents have cancer.

Many nonprofits stay afloat with PPP

Some seek loan forgiveness; others receive it

May 20, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Applying for a nearly $2 million federally backed Paycheck Protection Program loan to help cover payroll presented an unprecedented shift in The way Arc of Spokane operates, its executive director says.

Artisans moves office, looks to increase employees

Labor demand leads to referral increases

May 20, 2021

Natasha Nellis

A spike in demand for employment services has led Spokane-based nonprofit Artisans to increase its North Side office space and bring on more staff. Work is underway on the organization's new 3,000-square-foot location, at 220 W. Francis, where

2021 Business Icons: Marilyn Thordarson, of Sacred Heart Medical Center

Longtime curator of Sacred Heart narrative still active in community

May 6, 2021

Mike McLean

Marilyn Thordarson, who was the voice of Sacred Heart Medical Center for nearly a quarter-century, says she firmly believes it's the hospital's responsibility to make its story known in the community it serves.

2021 Business Icons: Carol and Dick Wendle, of Wendle Motors

Couple owned dealership, created lasting legacy for Spokane youth

May 6, 2021

Erica Bullock

Dick and Carol Wendle, both 79, say they've made a good team throughout nearly 55 years of marriage. The Wendles say they have a passion for giving back to youth and the community. Those around them notice the ripple effects that continue to make

2021 Business Icons: Judy Cole, of Avista Corp.

Fruits of Cole's labor remain apparent today

May 6, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Judy Cole says it's gratifying to see the fruits of her 35-year career at Avista Corp. continue to flourish. Cole, former senior director of business and public affairs at the Spokane-based power company, says she's watched as Avista's corporate