December 21, 2009 How's Business Newsletter

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We look forward to bringing you all the good business news of 2010, each week, right here in the How's Business newsletter. Thanks very much for reading.

Please share your blessings! The Salvation Army needs your donations to make the holidays a little brighter for those in need throughout our community. As you go about your business and holiday shopping drop some money in a Red Kettle, or you can make a donation to the Salvation Army directly. Your help is especially needed this year as the need is great. For more information contact Joanne Bradley at 509-329-2732 or via email Joanne.Bradley@usw.SalvationArmy.org. The website is http://www.MakingSpokaneBetter.com.

The employees at Deaconess Medical Center have brightened the holidays for 18 families who have stepped up and stepped out of The Salvation Army's Family Emergency Shelter and Housing Programs. A team of Santa's helpers led by Kathy Villemure, Chaplain at Deaconess, adopted families who are in The Salvation Army's aftercare program. Each Deaconess Department adopted one of the families and collected the needs and wants on their wish lists. The Salvation Army has begun distribution so that the families will have their gifts in advance to put under the Christmas tree. It makes me very proud to report this story, because Kathy Villemure is my sister!

Pure Filtration Products is a company established in 2009 by Shawn Mitchem and Lynn Sebert, that specializes in air filtration merchandise used for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, indoor air quality, for both commercial and residential applications, as well as liquid process filtration. They're located at 4008 East Broadway, selling a wide variety of products including furnace filters that are considerably lower in price than big box stores, and they'll even call or email you with a reminder that it's time to change your filter. The phone number is 509-315-8460 and the website is http://www.pfpspokane.com.

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In less than one month, on January 15th at 8:45 AM, the Junior Men's Short Program kicks off the 2010 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships and there are still good seats available for this great event for our community. Ticket sales have been steady, but it will take very strong sales in December and early January for Spokane to beat its national attendance record set at the 2007 event. That 2007 achievement attracted national attention and is helping Spokane to attract larger and higher caliber events. We'd love to see the 2010 event beat that attendance record. Let's show the country Spokane is a great place to bring major sporting events! Local residents can still get tickets for all of the 23 events. Ticket prices start at $15, and there are nine different events priced at $20 or less, so there's something for every budget. Every ticket sold in December and early January will put the event closer to beating the 2007 record. Individual ticket and ticket package information is available online at http://www.spokane2010.com by calling 1-888-SK8-2010, or to save ticketing fees they can be purchased at the Spokane Arena Box Office. BUY TICKETS NOW FOR CHRISTMAS!

Magner Sanborn, a full-service advertising, brand design and marketing communications firm has hired Nicole Schofield for the position of broadcast producer. She'll primarily be responsible for overseeing the agency's television production on the national Qualcomm account. Schofield has national and international experience producing work for Burger King, Volkswagen, DIRECTV, Play station and Expedia at major ad agencies Crispin Porter + Bogusly, Deutsch LA, Publicist in the West and Wesley School for Girls. Her work has taken her to Germany, the UK and Spain. She graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Advertising.

The Spokane Arts Commission has announced that local photographer Rick Singer's recent Chase Gallery show Spokane Musicians, an exhibition of 182 individual and group portraits involving over 400 Spokane musicians, has been donated to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture permanent collection. Singer's portraits honor Spokane's incredibly talented musicians in a wide range of genres including classical, rock, folk, country, bluegrass, Irish, swing and vocalists. Spokane virtuosos like Arnie Carruthers, Dennis Carey, and Patrice Munsell share space with contemporary musicians Cary Fly, Joe and Tera Brasch, and Dead Man's Pants. Singer's exhibit Spokane Musicians has been donated to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture permanent collection through generous donations by the artist and one dozen individual donors. Rick Singer has been creating photographs in Spokane for over 25 years and is best known as a superb portrait photographer. Spokane Musicians represents another aspect of his work, showing off his terrific sense of humor and generous spirit, which brings out the best in his subjects. Singer's previous Chase Gallery exhibit, Spokane Artists and Arts Patrons, was donated to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture permanent collection in 2007. For more information about the Chase Gallery visit http://www.spokanearts.org. To learn more about Rick Singer, you may visit his website at http://www.ricksingerphotography.com.

Spokane's big New Year's Celebration, First Night, is coming up a week from Thursday. First Night organizers have worked all year long to bring lots of new exciting things to the Inland Northwest for the 9th Annual First Night Spokane; Five Party Zones, A Fantastic Variety Show , The Snowboard Rail Jam and a great Prize Drawing are just a few of things you have to look forward to. Buttons for this year's event are on sale at the following locations:
All Spokane area Zip Trip Stores, River Park Square-Concierge, Aunties Book Store, Bergman Luggage, Spokane Visitors Bureau, Mountain West Bank, and Paul Mitchell-The School Spokane. Cost is $12 prior to the event, $15 the day of the event. Kids get in free when accompanied by button. Everything you want to know about this year's event is available to you at firstnightspokane.org.

Plan a weekend getaway to Walla Walla's historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, and explore unique shops and wonderful wineries. The impeccably restored Marcus Whitman offers affordable, spacious rooms; a grand and elegant but comfortable lobby; a quaint gift shop, and an excellent restaurant, the Marc, that serves a wonderful buffet breakfast that is included with your room. The second floor of the hotel has a business enter, and a gallery filled with original, historic paintings that depict the establishment of the Whitman Mission in Walla Walla, as well as the famous Whitman Massacre. Very interesting Washington history. Go to http://www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com or call 866-826-9422 for information and reservations.

Before you deck the halls, paint some walls. Call The Paintworks for a free estimate. Over 25 years of quality workmanship, quality paint, affordability, and on-time schedules.
Call 509-838-6067.

Winston & Cashatt attorneys Ryan Yahne and Kammi Mencke Smith have been named "Rising Stars" by Washington Super Lawyers. Yahne, a principal, is one of 22 recognized statewide in the construction litigation category. Mencke Smith, also a principal, is one of 25 recognized for her work in employment and labor law. No more than 2.5 percent of the state's eligible attorneys are named a Rising Star, according to Super Lawyers. Rising stars are nominated by their peers and must be 40 years old or younger. Super Lawyers and Washington Law & Politics magazine, which publishes the list of Rising Stars, evaluates the nominated lawyers on 12 indicators. Those are: peer recognition and professional achievement; verdicts and settlements; transactions; representative clients; experience; honors and awards; special licenses and certifications; position within law firm; bar and or other professional activity; pro bono and community service as a lawyer; scholarly lectures and writings; education and employment background; and outstanding achievement.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has invited Gonzaga University and 11 other colleges and universities to join 24 schools in the Science Education Alliance, a national experiment that aims to change the future of undergraduate science education. Gonzaga science faculty and students will be among hundreds of students and faculty at 35 other large universities and small colleges nationwide engaging their students in scientific discovery on a national scale. HHMI created the SEA in 2007, hoping it would become a resource for science educators. Faculty participating in the SEA work together to deliver innovative science education programs and bring the excitement of doing science directly to students in a novel, collaborative way.

Apple Computer™ has released "Bugfarm™ Mobile," the first iPhone™ software to result from a joint venture between ARO Designs, Inc. of Spokane and Sterling International, Inc. of Spokane Valley. ARO's director, Michael Sheets, describes the new program as "a fast-paced, casual game, ideal to play while waiting in lines or between 'phone calls. It's also somewhat addictive." A free demo and the full version are available now through iTunes™ or downloadable directly from Apple's "App Store." ARO and Sterling join a small handful of companies in the Spokane area with a published iPhone title. Those include Sheets' former employer, "Cyan Worlds" who released a version of "Myst™" earlier this year. More applications are planned for release by ARO in early 2010. ARO Designs, Inc. is a design studio co-founded and directed by Michael and Lynda Sheets. Their services include developing interactive applications and games for individuals, institutions and companies. For more information, please visit http://www.arodesigns.com. The phone number is 509-747-7519.

Numerica Credit Union recently welcomed Margot Petersen as the new branch manager for the Sullivan branch. Petersen has over 15 years of professional experience in insurance and financial service, and most recently worked as an independent consultant in the credit union industry. She earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University. Petersen is committed to community involvement and achieved a Service to Youth Citizen Volunteer Award. Numerica Credit Union currently has over 75,000 members throughout Central and Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho and over $900 million in assets. It offers a full line of financial products and services, including mortgages and business products. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the State of Washington or the Idaho Panhandle. The website is http://www.numericacu.com.

The kids are cookin' on "Foodie Kids" starring Spencer's Executive Chef Jonathan Holden and Kitchen engine co-owner, Nicole Frickle. This new half hour show has been developed by Brightcast Media and sponsored by Lloyd Industries, makers of Manpans. This show brings kids, food preparation and eating all together in wonderfully charming way. "Foodie Kids" will air on KAYU FOX 28 on Saturday mornings. It's shot in Spokane at the Kitchen Engine, located in the Flour Mill, and features local children. It will air on Saturday mornings, 11:30 on FOX 28. The season preview will air this Saturday, December 26th at 11:30A. For more information contact: Jeff Mooring (509) 720-1807 or whispering26@q.com

The East Spokane Business Association will be recognizing former Spokane City Councilman Mike Allen with a plaque showing appreciation for his help in facilitating the development of the Spokane International District. The Spokane International District is a 10 block area in the East Central Neighborhood. Mr. Allen worked with the Mayor, Impact Capital and SNAP to coordinate a community revitalization effort in the East Sprague neighborhood. The mission of the Spokane International District program is to build partnerships with various community stakeholders in creating a full action plan for the development of services targeted specifically along the East Sprague corridor. A recognition ceremony will take place during the ESBA business meeting, Wednesday December 16th at noon at Strong Solutions, 1718 E. Sprague.

The Spokane Home Builders Association is making Christmas magical for a local family of 7. The Nelson Family was gifted with the generosity of Association member volunteers and materials to bring a glimmer of the Christmas season into the lives of a single mother and her six children. Members provided a basic kitchen & bath remodel in addition to carpet, paint, doors, & trim work in the Nelson's 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in 4 days. From plumbing to carpeting and paint to trim, this family will be touched by the "Helping Hands" of SHBA members like Alderson Custom Homes, Haase Landscaping, Avista, Fred's Appliance, Great Floors, Ferguson, Country Homes Supply, Waste Management, Huntwood Cabinets, Carpet One, Spokane Hardware, and others. Representing more than 1,150 local businesses, the Spokane Home Builders Association is the definitive voice of the building industry, and trusted community resource. We are focused on promoting responsible development of local neighborhoods and policies which encourage the American Dream of homeownership.

Spokane Valley's BrickHouse Massage & Coffee Bar, at 14222 E. Sprague Avenue, is celebrating its 5th anniversary. The BrickHouse features a unique menu of "all natural" spa services from pedicures and facials to waxing and massage. The business has been so successful that owner Carrie Magruder is entertaining the idea of expansion to an additional location in the Spokane area. Nominated twice as the "Small Business of the Year" by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, The BrickHouse Massage & Coffee Bar has been featured in Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living, Catalyst Magazine, Northwest Woman Magazine and The Inlander. The phone number is 509-891-1999 and the website is http://www.brickhousemassage.com

The business thought of the week is from Arthur Rubenstein: "There is no formula for success, except perhaps, an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings."

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