Tuesday, September 8, 2009

An ad for your business, here on the How’s Business newsletter will reach over 6,000 influential, successful, upscale, affluent, interesting, good-looking readers just like you every week. It’s an affordable and effective way to promote your company to the Spokane business community. Call 509-838-4080 or email info@spokanehowsbusiness.com for rates and more information.

A couple of years ago, JD Dewitt took her talented 15 year old son to LA for some movie and commercial auditions. He did well and his future was promising, but they didn’t want to move to California, so she came back to Spokane and started representing him herself, then added some of his friends who were budding actors. Now, 18 months later JD is the owner of The View Talent Agency, with over 75 clients, including children, who are getting a lot of work in local and national TV commercials, modeling, print advertising and movie roles. Two of her women have even landed speaking parts in upcoming movies. They’re looking to expand to 150 clients over the next year. The phone number is 509-928-0716, the email is jd@theviewtalent.com. You can check out the talent at the website www.theviewtalent.com.

Melissa Murphy George, of Windermere Manito was the #1 real estate agent in Spokane for August based on volume, selling $924,875 worth of inventory. The website tells it like it is: www.melissageorgesells.com.

The Spokane Symphony is holding a fundraiser, The Wine Soiree at Beacon Hill, this coming Thursday, September 10, from 5:30 to 9pm. You’ll have an opportunity to taste 35 wines along with a French Bistro Buffet. There will be silent and live auctions, and live music. They are also launching two new Symphony wines –blended by Townshend Cellar with label art by local artist Kay O’Rourke. All proceeds benefit the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $45. For reservations, visit their website, SpokaneSymphonyAssoc.org or call 509-458-8733.

William L. Gilbert has been named the new chief executive officer of Deaconess Medical Center starting in early October. He spent the past 10 years running Regional Medical Center, a 204-bed hospital in San Jose, California.

Churchill’s Steakhouse is making a come back. After being closed for more than a year due to a fire July 24, 2008, Churchill’s is undergoing a $1 million reconstruction at their 165 South Post location, and plans are to reopen by the end of the year.

The dedication ceremony for the new North Spokane YMCA-YWCA will be n Saturday, September 12 at 9:30am. Immediately following the ceremony the Y will be officially open for members and tours. Although the Aquatic Center will open within the next two weeks, following there will be plenty to see and do in this attractive 54,000 square foot facility. The entrance to the new North Y is located at the intersection of Newport Hwy. and Nevada, one mile north of the Division Y. Special Charter memberships and sneak peak tours will be available until 8pm on Friday, September 11. Call 777- YMCA (9622) for more information.

Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS) in partnership with eHealth Initiative and will hold the Northwest Medical Informatics Symposium (NMIS), a health information technology conference featuring national and regional speakers on September 10 and 11 in Spokane. NMIS brings together urban and rural healthcare professionals to learn about the latest in health information technology including evolving national and regional initiatives. A major focus of the conference is improving patient outcomes, and safety. Anyone interested in health information technology, with emphasis on the health care delivery system in the Northwest should attend this conference. Pre-Conference Workshops are featured on September 8 and 9 for individuals who would like to learn more about applications. For information or to register visit www.nmis.info.

TOC, The Office Connection has awarded Chuck Teegarden of Lukins and Annis the Ben Franklin MasterMind Award for 2009. TOC is an organization of people who, like Benjamin Franklin's Junto Group, help each other to become more successful through MasterMind Business Brainstorming Sessions and Business Development Workshops. Members help each other to achieve goals, celebrate successes and come up with innovative ideas and proven strategies to overcome any challenges they may be facing. There are several groups in the Spokane area who are accepting new members. Please visit www.toctheofficeconnection.com for more information or contact Genia Seghetti at 509-362-5043.

Chipman Moving and Storage of Spokane was awarded United Van Lines "Agent of the Month" for June. Chipman was selected for this award out of 424 agents nationally based on its quality customer service scores. Chipman Moving / United Van Lines is located at 2704 North Moore Lane in Spokane. The phone number is 800-776-3081 and the website is www.chipman-spokane.com.

Friends of First Night presents their First Annual "Artists Classic" Golf Tournament, Friday, September 25th at Downriver golf course. Get a taste of what First Night is all about by viewing live artists and performers throughout the course. The event features food, entertainment, prizes and the added benefit of becoming a member of Friends of First Night with your entry fee. The total cost to golf is $150, however, $100 of that goes to the "Friends of First Night" group. With their entry fee the golfer automatically becomes a "Friend of First Night" and receives the following in addition to their golf, prizes, food etc.: 2 First Night Spokane Admission buttons with specially designed flashing lanyard button holder and blinky light accessory that identifies you as a Friend of First Night. (Kids 10 & under get in free when accompanied by a button wearing adult); 2 VIP admissions to the Midnight Fireworks Spectacular reception at the Spokane Convention Center; a 2010 Collector's Edition Poster autographed by the artist, and a $76 tax deduction for your donation to First Night Spokane. For more information please go to www.firstnightspokane.org or call 509-252-5027.

The Spokane LDS community now has a source for local news in a weekly on-line publication called Latter-day Sentinel. Each week stories are published about local LDS involvement in current events, business, sports, and the arts. Also, included on the site are as LDS Business Directory and free classifieds. Visitors to the site can subscribe for free weekly e-mail updates and are eligible to participate in occasional contests and promotions. Latter-day Sentinel also provides an excellent opportunity for advertisers to reach a very targeted market. To see what Latter-day Sentinel has to offer, visit http://spokane.latterdaysentinel.com.

The Lion's Share, a center for celebrations and creativity, has opened in a Victorian home near downtown Spokane on the corner of Atlantic and Augusta. When guests enter the door, the aim is to invite imaginations to "soar and roar" like the lion! The Lion's Share is owned and operated by Jim and Joan Becker, retired teachers of theatre and communication. The Beckers hope to use their experience, talents and training to contribute to the Spokane community. The multifaceted business has four basic offerings. (1) The lovely old home hosts custom designed parties for both children and adults. A unique aspect of these parties is the availability of costumes. (2) The Lion's Share is also a costume shop. (3) Classes in various arts are taught at scheduled times. (4) The Beckers are also available to schools for storytelling and drama events as well as for workshops for teachers in art, writing, public address, and theatre. Coming this fall is a variety of events. A class on writing memoirs for older adults starts September 15 and a discount costume sale will be featured on Saturday, October 3. A special holiday event will occur on December 4, 5, 11, and 12 when the first annual, "A Dickens of a Dinner" will usher in the Christmas season. This is a five course Victorian feast with music and a production of "A Christmas Carol" taking place throughout the evening. Information on all events can be obtained at www.lionaround.org or by calling 509-327-1113.

The CFA Society of Spokane’s Inaugural Northwest Investment Forum, September 16 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Davenport Hotel, will include investment presentations from local company CEOs and CFOs, a keynote presentation, access to local portfolio managers during the equity panel and will conclude with a cocktail and networking hour. Members: $25; Non-members: $35; Table Sponsors: $500. For more information, contact Colin Kelly, CFA at 509-444-7007 or via email at colin@hartcap.com.

Here are more winners of the 2009 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility distinguishing them as leading practitioners of workplace flexibility in the Spokane region and across the nation. In addition to Humanix Staffing and Recruiting other companies receiving the awards this year are: BDO Seidman, LLP; Desautel Hege Communications; Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS); Principal Financial Group; Quisenberry Marketing & Design; Spokane Occupational and Hand Therapy; and St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute. Congratulations to the recipients.

Cindy W. Morrison is featured in the PRSA Teleseminar "The Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Local Media Expert: Be a Go-to Source for Journalists and Showcase Your Business" during the PRSA Greater Spokane Chapter’s Thursday, September 17th "Third at Four" Greater Spokane Chapter meeting. The teleseminar, wine down and reception start at 4:00 pm at Associated Industries, 1206 N Lincoln, Suite 200. The Cost: Free to members, $15 for non-members. RSVP: Online at http://www.prsaspokane.org.

If your taste buds long for Japanese sukiyaki and rice - or Irish colcannon - or maybe Korean kimchee - or possibly Chinese braised meatballs - topped off with good old fashioned USA apple pie ala mode with huckleberry sauce, you’re in luck. All those delectables are on the menu for the Spokane Sister Cities Association’s "Cultural Feast" scheduled for Friday, September 25th at the Student Union Building of Spokane Falls Community College. The banquet caps a "Sister Cities Week" that begins Monday September 21 with a series of events that highlight each of four overseas countries that have Sister City affiliations with Spokane - Japan, Ireland, China and South Korea. Tickets for the banquet, at $30 each, must be purchased in advance (deadline of Sept. 19) and can be obtained through the Mayor’s office from Catherine Gallaher at 847-4170, email catgotyertongue@yahoo.com or from Marlene Feist at mfeist@spokanecity.org. The event is designed to raise funds for scholarships and other programs and to promote understanding between Spokane and her Sister Cities.

The Annual Leisure Lavender Farm Plant Sale is this Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13. Hours are 10am to 4pm. It’s a perfect time for planting and many different size plants are available with discounts for quantity orders. Store front will be open and the full Lavender product line will be available. Visit www.leisurelavender.com for directions and more information.

The business thought of the week is from Howard Schultz, founder and chairman of Starbucks: "Who wants a dream that's near-fetched?"

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