Monday, June 8, 2009

Nice article about Fidelity Associates’ president Scott Jones in the June-July issue of the Journal of Business’ Inland Northwest Homes and Lifestyles magazine. The story is about his extensive volunteer efforts on behalf of Spokane schools and other charitable work. Jones is the fourth generation of his family to run Fidelity Associates, Inc., an insurance and financial services business that has served Spokane for over 100 years.

Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops in the Doubletree Hotel is starting a new and exciting chapter in their 12 year history. They’ve changed their menu for the first time since they opened in 1997 to include a variety of fresh, new items that are innovative, regional and natural. Ellensburg lamb, Snake River Salmon and local, fresh chicken has been added to compliment the prime steaks on the menu. Spencer’s will also be open for lunch on weekends featuring a new, fresh lunch menu. Also, on June 22nd at 6:30, Spencer’s is planning a wine dinner with Charles Smith of K Vintners of Walla Walla. The evening includes 4 Courses, 5 Wines and colorful commentary by Charles Smith. The menu includes a Charcuterie Board, Chop House Salad, Rib Eye Filet, Peppercorn Encrusted Salmon, Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans and a Sorbet Sampler for dessert. The cost is $90.00 plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Call 509-744-2372.

The Greater Spokane Valley's 2nd Annual Power Women's Summit "Staying Up in Down Times" is tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9th, 7am to 3pm at the Mirabeau Park Hotel Convention Center, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. The event is geared toward helping women refine their skills to be competitive in business and the workplace. The program, which includes a continental breakfast and a plated lunch will consist of morning and early afternoon programs as well as networking opportunities with over 100 local business women. The cost $69.95 per person. Exhibit tables are available for $175.00, includes 1 registration. Visit www.spokanevalleychamber.org for a registration form or call 509-924-4994 for more information.

Comcast Spotlight, the advertising sales department for Spokane’s cable provider, has a new local sales manager. Tery Garras, formerly with KXLY Radio Group and the Inlander, joins Comcast June 15.

The Salvation Army of Spokane welcomes 6 new Advisory Board Members to their team. Michael Allen, City Council Member, City of Spokane; Catherine Brazil, Director of Public Affairs, Cowles Publishing; Albert Buss, SVP/General Auditor and Secretary; Washington Trust Bank; Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, Spokane County Sheriff’s Department; Kelly Ruggles, President, American Reliance Group; and Captain Glenn Winkey; Spokane Police Department.

Huckleberry's Natural Market presents the 60,000 pound Food Challenge. They want to collect 60,000 pounds of food for 2nd Harvest Inland Northwest by Saturday, June 13th! Every dollar donated buys 6 pounds of food to feed hungry people right here in Spokane. Donations can be made today through June 13th at Huckleberry's Natural Market at 926 South Monroe. Just pick up a scan tag and add it to your purchase at the register, or bring some canned food for the barrel. Every donation helps relieve hunger in Spokane. Call 509-624-1349 for more information.

Hospice of Spokane is already planning their 10th Annual Scramble for Hospice Golf Tournament! All of the proceeds benefit the community’s hospice house. The event takes place at Indian Canyon Golf Course on Friday, August 7 with a 1:30pm shotgun start. Your $100 registration fee includes greens fees, cart rental and dinner. Enhancements, as well as a silent auction and raffle, are also available. To register call Jackson in the Hospice of Spokane Development Office at 509-456-0438 or visit www.hospiceofspokane.org/scramble.

SCORE presents "How to Write a Business Plan", Wednesday, 9am-noon, on June 10 and July 8 at the SBA Training Room in BIZStreet, 801 West Riverside Ave, 2nd Floor, in downtown Spokane. Discover why successful businesses operate with a plan. Learn how to write a comprehensive business plan. Get assistance of a SCORE counselor to review and help you refine your plan. The cost is $35 per person (pre-registered), $40 day of class (walk-ins). Two people from the same company may attend for $10 additional. To register and prepay go to SCORE's Web site: www.scorespokane.org, and click on: "Workshops" or email workshop pre-registration information to info@ScoreSpokane.org. By Phone: Call SCORE at 353-2821 on Tuesday or Wednesday from 8am-12pm, or call Spokane SBA at 353-2800 Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm.

Tickets for Disney’s THE LION KING go on sale this Friday, June 12 at 10am. Performances begin on Wedneday, November 11 and run through Sunday, December 6 at the INB Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices range from $22.50 to $72. Premium ticket packages are available. Tickets are available at the Spokane Arena Box Office, select Rosauers outlets, online at www.ticketswest.com or by calling 800-325-SEAT. Orders for groups of ten or more can be placed by calling 509-777-6253. The Lion King is the winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, among many other awards including a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. The Spokane engagement of The Lion King is presented by arrangement with WestCoast Entertainment and is a subscription offering of the Best of Broadway Series.

The Inland Northwest Business Travel Association (INBTA) will hold it's monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 9th, 11:30am-1:30pm at the Spokane Masonic Center. This month's speakers will be Todd Woodard, Spokane International Airport, and Chris Cox, TSA. Todd's subject will be on "The Latest and Greatest News Affecting the Traveler In and Out of Spokane" and Chris will speak on "Update on Secure Flight and What to Expect When You Go Through Security". Please RSVP on their web site at www.inbta.org.

Greater Spokane Incorporated has announced the winners of the 2009 AGORA Awards, recognizing businesses in our region that exemplify leadership in supporting a strong economy and quality of life. The winners were announced at the AGORA Awards ceremony at The Davenport Hotel. Winners were selected by an independent team of volunteer judges based on a list of criteria including company growth, marketing strategy, employee environment, response to adversity, customer service, community service and contribution to economic development and job creation. Winners don't have to be members of Greater Spokane Incorporated. This year’s winners are:
Small Business: Just American Desserts.
Medium Business: Beacon Hill
Large Business: LeMaster Daniels, PLLC.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Dry Fly Distilling, Inc.
Nonprofit 501(c)3: Women's and Children's Free Restaurant.
Nonprofit 501(c)6: Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) / Business Improvement District (BID).
The C. Michael Archer Community Service Award went to Klundt Hosmer, Inc.

Hoopfest announces a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the NBA's all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. A six-time league MVP, Abdul-Jabbar will be giving a presentation, question and answer session, and book signing in the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox on Friday, June 26 at 7:00 pm. Abdul-Jabbar, known for his undefendable "Skyhook" shot, has been sharing his experiences and inspirational knowledge with basketball enthusiasts through his fundraising program, "Raise Your Hoop I.Q." (www.hoopiq.com) for basketball related organizations. Each ticket includes an autographed book "On the Shoulders of Giants", an audio documentary CD, and a Skyhook T-shirt. Tickets for the event are $50 each and are available at www.ticketswest.com or 1-800-325-SEAT, and at the Fox Box Office 509-624-1200.

Rockin’ B Ranch celebrates their 15th year of Cowboy Supper Shows and opens for the season this Friday, June 12. These shows have pleased and thrilled family audiences for 14 years with their dedication to Western/Cowboy musical tradition and to genuine hospitality. Shows are Friday and Saturdays in June with the exception of June 20, and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September. Show tickets include a complete barbecue dinner, $29 for adults and $10 for children ten and under. Rockin’ B Ranch is located off I-90 at Exit 299. For reservations, call 509-891-9016, toll free 1-888-rockinb (1-888-762-5462), or at twister61565@yahoo.com.

Paine Hamblen LLP announces that Michael B. Hague has assumed the position of Managing Partner effective June 1, 2009. Mr. Hague has been practicing law in the Coeur d'Alene office since 1986 and a partner with Paine Hamblen since 1994.

Spokandy has consolidated their business, closing retail stores at Northtown Mall and Valley Mall, and originating all Spokane operations, including retail, from the newly expanded and renovated Spokandy factory headquarters, located downtown at 1412 West Third Avenue. The retail store in Ironwood Center in Coeur d’Alene will remain open to serve North Idaho customers. This year also marks the launch of the Spokandy dessert line, including ice cream toppings, dessert coffee, cocoas and sipping chocolate. Tradition plays a daily role in the making of fresh candy at Spokandy. The very same candy making traditions are being practiced today as when Terrence J. Riley opened his candy store in 1913. For over 96 years, Spokandy has used the best recipes, the finest ingredients and the highest personal care to create delectable chocolate specialties. Retail sales soar during holidays and other gift giving occasions. Wholesale business has increased dramatically over the past year. For more information about Spokandy go to at www.spokandy.com.

The business thought of the week is from novelist Muriel Spark: "Be on the alert to recognize your prime, at whatever time of your life it may occur."

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