Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:24:55 -0700EditMySiteTue, 15 Sep 2026 00:01:37 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/lourdes-health-trios-health-welcome-jason-stanek-as-market-assistant-chief-financial-officerLourdes Health and Trios Health announced today that Jason Stanek has been named Market Assistant Chief Financial Officer, effective August 31, 2026.

“Jason brings a strong foundation in healthcare finance, accounting, budgeting and operational analysis to this role,” said Charlie Pearce, Market Chief Financial Officer. “His experience leading monthly close processes, audits, budget development, variance analysis and financial reporting will be a valuable asset as Lourdes Health and Trios Health continue working to support efficient operations and make communities healthier.”

Stanek is a well-trained business professional with more than 13 years of experience in accounting and finance, including healthcare finance leadership, budgeting, financial modeling, forecasting, audit preparation, cost reporting, variance analysis and financial statement preparation.

In his role as Market Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Stanek will work closely with leaders across Lourdes Health and Trios Health to strengthen financial planning, support strategic growth and help ensure both organizations are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of patients, employees and the community.

Stanek holds a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Portland State University.
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“I am honored to join Lourdes Health and Trios Health and contribute to organizations with such a strong commitment to serving the Tri-Cities community,” said Stanek. “I look forward to using my experience in finance, budgeting and operational analysis to support thoughtful decision-making and help strengthen the systems that allow our teams to continue providing high-quality care.”]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:54 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/costina-papatheodorou-do-family-medicine-joins-lourdes-health-and-trios-healthLourdes Health and Trios Health are pleased to announce that Costina Papatheodorou, DO, will join their medical teams to provide family medicine care for patients and families throughout the Tri-Cities region.

Dr. Papatheodorou provides care for patients of all ages, with services that include preventive health, annual, school and sports physicals, chronic and acute illness care, minor conditions and injuries, hypertension and diabetes care. Her clinical interests include obesity medicine, women’s health and mental health care.

Dr. Papatheodorou completed her family medicine residency with the Trios Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Kennewick, where she also served as Chief Resident. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University in Orange, California, where she graduated cum laude.

A member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Dr. Papatheodorou is committed to patient-centered care and building long-term relationships with patients and families.

As Chief Resident, Dr. Papatheodorou helped coordinate resident schedules, educational conferences and clinical rotations; served as a liaison between residents and faculty; mentored junior residents; and supported quality improvement and residency program development initiatives.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Papatheodorou to Lourdes Health and Trios Health,” said Emilia Keener, Senior Market Director, Medical Group Services, Lourdes Health and Trios Health. “Through her time in the Trios Family Medicine Residency Program and her service as Chief Resident, she has demonstrated strong leadership, clinical skill and a genuine commitment to patient-centered care. Her interest in family medicine, women’s health, mental health care and obesity medicine will help support the evolving needs of patients and families across our community.”
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Dr. Papatheodorou will serve patients at both Lourdes Family Medicine, located at 7425 Wrigley Drive, Suite 101, Pasco, WA 99301, and Trios Care Center Chavallo, located at 7211 W. Deschutes Ave., Suite B, Kennewick, WA 99336. To schedule an appointment at Lourdes Family Medicine, call 509.416.8888 or visit yourlourdes.com. To schedule an appointment at Trios Care Center Chavallo, call 509.221.6930 or visit TriosHealth.org.
]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:56:27 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/hapo-expands-support-for-local-students-through-scholarships-and-cbc-partnershipHAPO Community Credit Union is deepening its investment in the future of our region by championing higher education through its annual scholarship program and continued partnership with Columbia Basin College (CBC). This year, HAPO awarded $70,000 in scholarships to outstanding students recognized for their academic achievement, community involvement, and dedication to personal growth. These scholarships reflect HAPO’s belief that when students succeed, communities thrive.

Beyond scholarships, HAPO is proud to continue its partnership with Columbia Basin College as a key supporter of the First-Year Introduction (FYI) Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. The FYI course is designed to help first-year students confidently transition into college life by equipping them with essential tools for success, including critical financial education skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Through HAPO’s support, the FYI program reached more than 2,100 incoming students this year, expanding access to vital coursework and helping students build a strong academic and personal foundation from day one.

“At HAPO, investing in local students means investing in the future of our entire community,” said Crystal Contreras, VP of Community Engagement for HAPO Community Credit Union. “Our partnership with Columbia Basin College allows us to walk alongside students as they begin their college journey, providing real-world financial knowledge and meaningful support at a pivotal time in their lives.”
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These initiatives reflect HAPO’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening local connections, and helping remove barriers to higher education. Through strategic scholarships and hands-on educational partnerships, HAPO continues to champion the next generation of leaders and professionals in our community.]]>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:03:29 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/h2c-provides-a-major-contribution-to-meet-the-moment-with-10000-gift3 Rivers Community Foundation is proud to announce a generous $10,000 contribution from H2C — Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure in support of the Meet the Moment campaign. The gift comes at an especially important point in the campaign, providing major momentum as we enter the final push toward 3RCF's fundraising goal. The campaign ends on September 30th. This demonstrates what is possible when local organizations invest in the community they call home.
H2C works with the U.S. Department of Energy to safely remove, treat, and dispose of tank waste at the Hanford Site. H2C manages one of the country’s largest and most complex cleanup jobs, which includes the eventual closing of underground tanks that hold 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste, left over from plutonium production. In 2027, H2C will begin operating parts of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant to finish taking care of Hanford’s tank waste. H2C’s Mission is to solve the Department of Energy’s largest environmental challenge in order to provide a positive legacy for future generations. (Hanford Tanks)
That commitment to the future makes H2C's support of Meet the Moment particularly meaningful. Large community investments like this help 3RCF strengthen the network of nonprofits serving Benton and Franklin Counties and create opportunities for organizations addressing needs throughout our region. Just as importantly, a gift arriving at a pivotal moment can provide the momentum needed to turn an ambitious community goal into an achievable one.
H2C's $10,000 gift helped provide that momentum. 3RCF is deeply grateful to H2C—and to every donor, nonprofit, volunteer and community partner that contributed to Meet the Moment. Each gift is part of the same larger story: people and organizations choosing to invest in one another and build a stronger community together.
Together, we Meet the Moment.
]]>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:32:28 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/port-of-kennewick-is-seeking-applicants-to-represent-district-1-on-its-board-of-commissioners​Port Commissioners Skip Novakovich and Raul Contreras Gonzalez will appoint a replacement by the end of November to fill the District 1 position, which was vacated on Sept. 1 by the retirement of Commissioner Ken Hohenberg.
 
The candidate appointed to replace Commissioner Hohenberg will serve in that capacity until certification of the 2027 election (and may choose to run in that election). Interested candidates must:
 

• Be a registered voter who resides within Port of Kennewick’s District 1, as required by state law (confirm with Benton County Auditor’s office)
• Submit a completed application, a consent to background review form and a resume

 
District boundary maps, application materials, important dates and more details are available on Port of Kennewick’s website at portofkennewick.org/commission-candidates. Application packets may also be picked up at the Port of Kennewick administration office on Clover Island located at 350 Clover Island Drive, Suite 200, in Kennewick on weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
 
There are two opportunities to apply as a candidate (only submit one application):
 

1. First Invitation: Submit completed application package no later than Sept. 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Pacific
2. Second Invitation: Submit completed application package no later than Oct. 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Pacific

 
The final deadline for all applications is Oct. 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Pacific.
 
Qualified candidates who submit a complete application package by Sept. 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. will be announced during the commission’s regular meeting on Sept. 22, 2026. Additional qualified candidates who submit a complete application package after the first-invitation deadline will be announced at the meeting on Oct.13, 2026.
 
Submit applications to the Clerk of the Board via email at clerk@portofkennewick.org. If email is not possible, candidates may drop off completed applications on weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Port of Kennewick administration office on Clover Island located at 350 Clover Island Drive, Suite 200, in Kennewick.
 
During the November 2027 election, voters in District 1 will elect an individual to serve as their representative on the Port of Kennewick Board of Commissioners for a full six-year term.
 
Commissioners are responsible for representing public interests, setting policies, determining program direction, setting short- and long-term goals, approving the annual budget and assisting with leadership development for the organization.
 
Port of Kennewick’s District 1 is in Benton County and includes the area generally North of Interstate 82 and State Route 397; East of Leslie Road; South of Gage Boulevard; and West of Olympia Street; and generally encompassing the Southeast Richland/Meadow Springs; Central and West Kennewick; and Southridge/Canyon Lakes neighborhoods. 
]]>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:35:19 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/trios-health-names-nicole-barber-as-daisy-awardr-for-extraordinary-nurses-recipient

Trios Health is proud to announce that Registered Nurse Nicole Barber has been selected as a recipient of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses, a recognition reserved for nurses who exemplify exceptional compassion, clinical excellence, and dedication to patient care.

Nicole has served patients and families in the Birth Center at Trios Health since 2025 and is recognized for her outstanding teamwork, leadership, and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care during critical situations.

Nicole’s nomination stood out to the DAISY Committee because of the compassionate care she provides to patients and her willingness to support her team when she is needed most. Nicole joined Trios Health in May 2025 as a labor and delivery nurse in the Trios Birth Center, where she helps care for some of the hospital’s most complex patients.

Her nomination was submitted by a patient who described Nicole’s calming presence, thorough communication, and attentive care during the birth of her child. The patient shared that, as a first-time mother being induced one month early, she and her husband were frightened and hoped to follow a specific birth plan. From the moment they were admitted, Nicole was warm and welcoming, took time to review their birth plan, and made sure they felt informed and comfortable throughout the experience.

As labor progressed, the patient said Nicole remained calm and supportive, helping her change positions, anticipating her needs, holding her hand through contractions, and offering reassurance during some of the most vulnerable and intense moments of her life. The patient described Nicole as “truly a light” and expressed deep gratitude for the care Nicole and the Birth Center team provided.

“Nicole represents the heart of nursing through the compassion, patience, and steady support she provides to patients and families during some of life’s most meaningful moments,” said Kena Chase, Market Chief Nursing Officer at Trios Health. “Her ability to listen, reassure, and provide exceptional care reflects the very best of Trios Health. We are proud to recognize Nicole with this well-deserved DAISY Award.”

The DAISY Award® is an international program established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes to honor the extraordinary nursing care he received. Today, the award continues to celebrate nurses who exemplify exceptional compassion and clinical excellence around the world.
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To nominate a nurse or to learn more about The DAISY Award®, visit https://www.trioshealth.org/daisy

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]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:14:28 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/port-offering-free-public-bus-tourPort of Benton is hosting a free bus tour of the port’s district for the community on Wednesday, September 30, beginning at 8 a.m. The bus will depart from the port’s main office at 3250 Port of Benton Blvd. in Richland. Light snacks and water will be provided.

The tour will showcase the port’s industrial facilities and rail network, including updates on port-wide capital projects.
Additionally, attendees will see the port’s Richland Airport and Prosser Airport, and locations in Prosser, such as Vintners Village, Prosser Wine & Food Park, Clore Center and a stop at Chukar Cherries. The tour will conclude back at the port office, with the option to tour the USS Triton.
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Space is limited, and registration is required. Register by September 23 at portofbenton.com/tour.]]>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:53:44 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/lourdes-behavioral-health-to-host-free-community-wellness-event-september-12Lourdes Behavioral Health will host a free Community Wellness Event on Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lourdes Behavioral Health, located at 1175 Carondelet Drive in Richland, WA. The walk-in event will feature wellness education, screenings and supportive conversations focused on mental health, primary care, prevention, stress management and whole-person wellness. Registration is not required.
Community members are invited to stop by, meet members of the Lourdes care team and take part in a variety of wellness-focused booths and activities in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Booths and activities will include behavioral health information, crisis stabilization services, adult inpatient and outpatient services, Senior Life Solutions, sleep health education, substance use disorder resources, housing and social services, blood pressure checks, stress management tools, a raffle basket and more.
The event will also feature interactive wellness activities designed to make the experience engaging for attendees, including a mental health trivia wheel, art therapy activities, stress management resources and outdoor courtyard activities. Community members can enjoy free popsicles, enter a raffle giveaway, speak with providers and staff, and gather information to support their mental, emotional and physical wellness.
“This event is an opportunity to bring important wellness and behavioral health education directly to the community in a way that feels approachable, supportive and easy to navigate,” said Brian Sims, CEO, Lourdes Health. “We want attendees to feel comfortable asking questions, learning about available services and taking meaningful steps toward their overall health and well-being.”
“Our goal is to create a welcoming space where people can learn more about behavioral health, ask questions and engage in activities that support mental and emotional well-being,” said the Senior Director of Lourdes Behavioral Health. “Events like this help reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about the many ways people can care for themselves and one another.”
Event Details:
What: Community Wellness Event
When: Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: Lourdes Behavioral Health, 1175 Carondelet Drive in Richland
Cost: Free and open to the community
For more information about Lourdes Behavioral Health, please visit YourLourdes.com or call 509.943.9104.
]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:13:47 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/wsu-tri-cities-manager-coaching-series-aimed-at-strengthening-regional-workforce-returns-this-fallWashington State University Tri-Cities’ continuing education program, Cougar Tracks, has announced fall 2026 dates for its Manager Coaching Series, an applied, four-part leadership development program designed to strengthen management capacity across the Tri-Cities region. 
 
Delivered in person on the WSU Tri-Cities campus, the series equips new and mid-level managers with practical tools, proven frameworks and hands-on coaching techniques that support organizational performance, employee engagement and regional workforce readiness. 
 
“As industries across the Tri-Cities continue to evolve, there is a growing need for managers who can lead with clarity, communicate effectively and support high-performing teams,” said Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks Continuing Education. “This series supports employers by developing confident leaders who are ready to meet today’s workforce challenges and drive our region’s economic vitality.” 
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Each 4-hour session blends interactive learning with real-world scenarios, enabling participants to apply new skills immediately. Workshop topics include: 

• Sept. 22: Manager Essentials — building trust, setting expectations and coaching performance 

• Sept. 29: Leading Performance and Change — navigating complex priorities and guiding teams through transitions 

• Oct. 6: Building the Team — hiring, onboarding and developing talent 

• Oct. 13: Communicating With Influence — facilitating effective meetings and driving action through clear communication 

The series is designed for new managers, aspiring leaders, experienced supervisors and organizations seeking to strengthen leadership capacity and build effective teams. Participants may register for the full series or for individual workshops.
 
Supporting workforce growth through community partnerships 
The Manager Coaching Series is offered through the Resilient Business Builders Network and aligns with Cougar Tracks’ broader mission to serve as the region’s educational partner of choice for non-credit professional development, fostering an inclusive learning community that reflects the needs of the Tri-Cities workforce.
 
Thanks to the partnership with the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cougar Tracks can offer the coaching series at a reduced priced, reducing barriers to professional development and expanding access to high-quality training opportunities.
 
“By joining forces with WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks, the Chamber is advancing our mission to support small business growth and ensuring that high-quality workforce training is accessible to organizations of all sizes across our region,” said Austin Regimbal, vice president of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
 
“These partnerships reflect our commitment to ensuring that every motivated learner in our community — regardless of background or industry — has access to programs that build confidence, strengthen leadership skills and create pathways to economic mobility,” Hrycauk Nassif said.
 
The cost of the workshop is $499. The public is invited to learn more and enroll by visiting www.bit.ly/CTWORKSHOPS. 
]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:13:04 GMThttps://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/member-news/childrens-reading-foundation-of-the-mid-columbia-launches-first-teacher-libraries-programThe Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) is proud to announce the launch of its First Teacher Libraries program, designed to support new elementary teachers across Benton and Franklin Counties.

Recognizing the financial challenges educators face in building their classrooms, CRFMC is equipping first-year, certificated teachers in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade with a 75-book starter library. These collections, curated with a range of engaging titles, provide the foundation for in-room readings, story times, and diverse literary experiences that inspire a lifelong love of reading in students. Each library is designed to grow with the teacher, moving with them from class to class and grade to grade.

“A new teacher's first year is full of expenses, and books are often the thing they pay for out of their own pocket. We want them to walk into their classroom with a library already on the shelf ,” said Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, Executive Director of CRFMC. “When we invest in teachers, we invest in every child who walks through their door across our region.”

The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia is grateful to the Three Rivers Community Foundation Health and Wellness Fund, whose support made this year's First Teacher Libraries possible. Their investment recognizes literacy as a cornerstone of lifelong health and wellbeing.  In addition, we thank local donors for their generosity towards this program.
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Eligible teachers can apply now at www.read20minutes.com.
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