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Up Close

Home » Topics » Up Close
  • Lawton (45) web
    May 7, 2026
    By Dylan Harris

    2026 Icons: Ray Lawton

    Four generations of the Lawton family have maintained leadership of Lawton Printing Inc. and FILE-EZ Inc. — an accomplishment many family businesses can’t claim. Instrumental to that level of continuity has been Ray Lawton, 79, who, along with his late brother Gary Lawton, represents the third generation to lead both Spokane companies.


  • Simer (8) web
    May 7, 2026
    By Ethan Pack

    2026 Icons: Bill Simer

    Retired certified public accountant and Spokane community leader Bill Simer says his life would have looked much different had he not happened to meet a young woman and her brother in Spokane more than 50 years ago.



  • Barry baker (10) web
    May 7, 2026
    By Mike McLean

    2026 Icons: Barry Baker

    Barry Baker, longtime head of prominent Spokane-based general contracting company Baker Construction & Development Inc., says he doesn’t need to go into the office every day, but now he’s having too much fun there to stay away for long.

Read More
  • Phyllis campbell portrait web
    May 7, 2026
    By Karina Elias

    2026 Icons: Phyllis Campbell

  • Philipps (3) web
    May 7, 2026
    By Matt Stephens

    2026 Icons: Jeff Philipps

  • Elaine 6 c
    May 7, 2026
    By Erica Bullock

    2026 Icons: Elaine Couture

  • Tribe (14) web
    April 23, 2026
    By Karina Elias

    New transfer agreement targets workforce gap

  • Steiner (1) web
    April 23, 2026
    By Matt Stephens

    Cybersecurity program expands in scope at EWU

  • Pace (9) web
    April 9, 2026
    By Karina Elias

    Providence ElderPlace supports senior autonomy

  • Grand (2) web
    April 9, 2026
    By Johnny Fulfer

    Clarion Partners acquires The Grand at Spokane

  • Cheney (6) web
    April 9, 2026
    By Ethan Pack

    Cheney Care Community advances expansion plans

  • Barrouk mahoney web
    April 9, 2026
    By Alex Barrouk

    Passing the torch: from operator to adviser

  • Sunshine corporate vertical full color cmyk
    March 26, 2026
    By Dylan Harris

    2026 Large Business of the Year Finalist: Sunshine Health Facilities Inc.

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Authors

  • 3ad05d77f20feb803d3db3a699fb8758
    Karina Elias
  • Michael Maehl
  • Dylan cropped
    Dylan Harris
  • 8b0d8f2e5a0ff00b8fa362a4d99e8752
    Erica Bullock
  • Samantha Peone
  • Virginia Thomas
More Authors

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