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Congratulations to HAPO Community Credit Union on the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of their brand-new Belmont Financial Center! Check out the beautiful new branch at 6185 Keene Rd. in West Richland.
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 Washington State has recently undergone a significant legislative redistricting process, resulting in changes to electoral boundaries. A federal judge's ruling has redrawn district maps, impacting both lawmakers and voters. In this article, we'll explore the redistricting process, its ramifications for Eastern Washington, and the implications for representation and political dynamics.
The redistricting process occurs every ten years following the U.S. Census. Its purpose is to adjust electoral boundaries to ensure equal representation based on population shifts. In Washington State, the bipartisan Washington State Redistricting Commission is responsible for drawing new district lines. A federal judge ruled that the original district maps drawn in 2021 violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting power of the Latino community in the Yakima Valley and Pasco areas. As a result, the court ordered a redrawing of legislative district boundaries. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik approved a new legislative map (Remedial Map 3B) that addresses voting rights concerns. Notably, it creates a majority-Latino voting district in Central Washington, uniting Latino communities across the Yakima Valley into the 15th legislative district. This move aims to empower Latino voters to elect representatives aligned with their priorities. The redistricting decision impacts several current lawmakers. Senator Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), the only Latina in the Senate Republican Caucus, will no longer be able to run for re-election within her current district boundaries. Redistricting is a complex process with far-reaching consequences. While the new map aims to rectify voting rights violations, it remains a topic of debate. As Eastern Washington adjusts to these changes, voters and legislators must adapt to the reshaped political landscape. The current ruling is being challenged in court with the results due in the next month or two. Thank you to the 650 attendees who celebrated with the Regional Chamber at the 2024 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 20 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. Thanks to Breshears Professional Photography for snapping these wonderful photos! Luncheon and ProgramBusiness ExpoVIP Reception  Thank you to the 650 attendees who celebrated with the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (TCRCC) at the 2024 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 20 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. The Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the accomplishments of TCRCC and its members. Click on the awards below to learn about the winners and why they were selected. CHAMBER S.T.A.R. AWARD - Matt sweezea, primerica
Non-Stop Local Tri-Cities Lead Anchor Liz Burch, Matt Sweezea, and TCRCC President & CEO Lori Mattson
The Chamber S.T.A.R. Award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond for the Chamber. S.T.A.R. is an acronym for Service, Time, Attitude, Reliability. Matt Sweezea served seven years on the Regional Chamber's Board of Directors and Executive Committee - from 2017 and 2023. He also served as treasurer in 2022 and 2023. In addition to volunteering in this leadership capacity, Matt is very active in the Chamber, participating in many events and ribbon cutting ceremonies. COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD - BENTON COUNTY
Marsh Mclennan Agency Personal Lines Director Roxann Shuck, Benton County Commissioner Michael Alvarez, and TCRCC President & CEO Lori Mattson
The Community Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization or government entity that provided the Chamber with the most financial support over the previous year. Since 2022, Benton County has partnered with TCRCC to offer the Business Resource Initiative Program (BRI). Through Benton County BRI, the Regional Chamber awarded a total of $3 million in grant funds to Benton County businesses that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CORPORATE IMPACT AWARD - WASHINGTON RIVER PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
TCRCC President & CEO Lori Mattson, WRPS President & Project Manager Wes Bryan, and President of Trios Health & Lourdes Health David Elgarico
The Corporate Impact Award is given to the business that provides TCRCC with the most financial support over the previous year. Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is a Stakeholder-level member of TCRCC – that’s the highest level possible. They are also the sponsor of the Small Business Incentive Program, which annually provides $30,000 in grant funds to small businesses in the Tri-Cities. WRPS is also the sponsor of the Meet the Buyer program, connecting businesses with government agencies and prime contractors. NON-PROFIT ON A ROLL AWARD - THERAPEUTIC RIDING OF TRI-CITIES (TROT)
2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, TROT Founder and Executive Director Cynthia MacFarlan, and Kadlec Director of Communication Emily Volland
The Non-Profit on a Roll Award recognizes a non-profit organization that achieved great success over the previous year while positively impacting the community. The mission of Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT) is to promote physical, psychological, and social well-being of people with special needs by providing animal-assisted therapies and activities. TROT experienced significant growth in 2023 and were very involved with the community. Most importantly, their work made an impact on our region through bridging the gap between individuals with special needs and the transformative power of equine therapy. SMALL BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (1-10 EMPLOYEES) - STRICKER CRE
2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, Stricker CRE Owner and Designated Broker Derrick Stricker, and Partner of Prime Dental Partners Paul Madsen
The Business on a Roll Awards recognize TCRCC members that achieved significant success over the previous year. Criteria includes revenue, sales, employee growth, awards, and community involvement. Stricker CRE was selected because of their impressive growth in revenue, clients, and staff size. They are also committed to helping local non-profits and giving back to the community. MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (11-50 EMPLOYEES) - AGAPE PEDIATRIC THERAPY
2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, Agape Pediatric Therapy Owner and CEO Amy Low, and Sculpt Wellness Owner Lindsay Kirby
The Medium-Sized Business on a Roll Award went to Agape Pediatric Therapy. The Regional Chamber's Awards and Recognition Council was impressed by Agape's staggering list of community involvement, including their dedication to helping the future workforce through partnering with Tri-Tech Skills Center. LARGE BUSINESS ON A ROLL AWARD (OVER 50 EMPLOYEES) - HEALTH FIRST URGENT CARE
2024 TCRCC Board Chair Amy Basche, Health First Urgent Care Owner, CEO, and Medical Director Dr. Jyoti Kahlon, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Executive Director of Communications and External Engagement Jaime Shimek
The Large Business on a Roll Award went to Health First Urgent Care. Health First has been operating in the Tri-Cities since 2020, offering a high-quality level of customer service, medical experience, and commitment to health and wellness to all their patients. The woman-owned business nearly doubled their staff size in 2023. Health First's community involvement includes school sponsorships, food drives, and partnerships with local senior living care facilities to support seniors during the holiday season.  16 Legislative District Legislators: Sen. Perry Dozier, Rep. Mark Klicker, and Rep. Skyler Rude With the end of the 2024 Legislative Session, wrap-up meetings in the communities have begun. Both the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pasco Chamber of Commerce have legislator meetings scheduled in May. The legislators themselves have also begun to plan their own town hall meetings. The first have been announced by the delegation from the 16th Legislative District, which includes portions of Benton, Walla Walla and Columbia counties. Senator Dozier, Representatives Rude and Klicker invite you to attend one of their three town hall meetings. Meetings will be held:
Congratulations to Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT) on their ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating their new office addition. TROT is located at 104 E. 41st Pl. in Kennewick.  At the State of the Ports Membership Luncheon on February 28, the three local ports - Port of Benton, Port of Kennewick, and Port of Pasco - all gave presentations on what was happening in their respective areas.
Here are some highlights from each of the ports, as well as a link to their State of the Port video, which does a great job in outlining all of the ongoing projects as well as celebrating the recent accomplishments. Port of Benton The Port of Benton has completed some great projects over the past few years and has many more in the works. Among the upcoming projects planned for the Port of Benton include Prosser & Richland Airport upgrades and upgrades to rail crossings. A couple of industrial projects include the VERTical Innovation Cluster and a Green Fertilizer Plant, a project by Atlas Agro. Here is a link to their 2024 update video. Port of Kennewick The Port of Kennewick recently received the Smart Communities Award from the Governor’s Office for its work on Clover Island. The future of the Port of Kennewick includes some very nice developments around Vista Fields. Vista Fields is destined to become a walkable, lively district where residents, business owners, and visitors can gather and interact. Check out their update video here. Port of Pasco The Port of Pasco is an exciting hub of activity in the northeast Tri-Cities. The Tri-Cities airport is growing, and American Airlines just added nonstop service to Phoenix, adding to the ever-growing number of destinations available. Future plans include an Aerospace Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Center, a new 300-acre industrial park, and a 500,000 square foot Darigold facility. You can see their update video here. There are lots of great things happening in the Tri-City Area, all aimed at keeping the economic climate vibrant and growing.  During the 2023-2024 legislative s |
