​In each election cycle, voters are faced with important decisions that shape the future of our communities. For those who care about the health and success of our local economy, having the right information is critical. That’s why the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce publishes the Vote for Business Guide — the only voter guide in the Tri-Cities that focuses specifically on business issues.

The 2025 edition of the Vote for Business Guide is now available, featuring responses from candidates running for local office in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and West Richland. This year’s guide highlights how candidates view the role of their office in supporting small businesses, encouraging job growth, and removing barriers to economic development. Each candidate was asked to respond to four key questions reflecting real challenges and opportunities for businesses in the region.

The Chamber does not endorse candidates. Instead, this guide serves as an informational tool to help voters better understand where candidates stand on business-related topics. By focusing on business policy and economic development, the Vote for Business Guide provides clarity on which candidates are ready to tackle the issues that matter most to local employers, employees, and entrepreneurs.

Whether you are a business owner, employee, or simply a voter who cares about economic prosperity, we encourage you to explore this year’s guide and become an informed participant in the upcoming election. Your vote matters, and so does the future of our business community.

You can read the 2025 Vote for Business Guide here.

Looking to make smarter business decisions or get a clearer picture of what is happening in Tri-Cities? Benton‑Franklin Trends is your go-to source for uncovering the story behind the numbers. This dynamic, easy-to-use website offers an in-depth look at how Benton and Franklin Counties are growing, changing, and performing across a wide range of categories, from the economy and workforce to health, housing, and education. Whether you are an entrepreneur, civic leader, educator, or just someone who loves data, this site puts the power of local insight at your fingertips.

What makes Benton‑Franklin Trends so valuable is how it transforms complex data into visually rich, easy-to-digest charts and graphs that reveal real trends over time. The site is organized into thematic categories, such as Economic Vitality, Public Safety, Environment, and People, allowing users to quickly dive into the areas that matter most to them. With nearly 180 indicators available, you can track progress, spot challenges, and uncover opportunities across nearly every facet of life in the Tri-Cities region.

Data that Speaks to Business
For business owners and investors, Benton‑Franklin Trends offers practical, decision-ready data. For example, monthly unemployment rates can help gauge the local labor pool and hiring conditions. Another valuable tool is the median home sale price, which offers insight into regional housing affordability and real estate trends and is helpful for industries tied to development, construction, or workforce recruitment. The site also tracks taxable retail sales per capita, a strong indicator of local consumer spending patterns that can help businesses forecast demand and plan for growth.

Example: Economic Vitality
One crucial category for businesses is “Economic Vitality,” which includes indicators such as taxable retail sales, GDP per capita, new business applications, and real estate permits. For instance, tracking quarterly retail sales per capita helps local retailers understand consumer demand cycles and compare performance against broader trends, which is valuable for inventory planning and expansion decisions.

Example: Population & Workforce
Another significant area is the demographic and labor force‑ data. Metrics such as the total population and annual growth rate, median age, unemployment rates, and labor force‑ participation offer insights into labor availability, consumer base size, and workforce trends. For example, businesses that recruit talent or launch new products can use adult unemployment and population growth data to gauge regional hiring conditions.

Understanding Your Market
Beyond economic indicators, businesses can tap into rich demographic and workforce data under the “People” and “Labor Force” categories. How fast is population growth? What’s the median household income? How many people are participating in the labor market? This kind of local insight can help tailor marketing efforts, anticipate workforce trends, and better understand the customer base, especially in a fast-growing, evolving region like Tri-Cities.
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In a world where information is power, Benton‑Franklin Trends delivers the facts that matter. It is not just for researchers or policymakers— it is a tool for anyone who wants to make smarter, more informed decisions. With beautiful visuals, real-time updates, and content that’s both approachable and impactful, it is worth a visit for anyone invested in the future of the Tri-Cities. Explore it for yourself at www.bentonfranklintrends.org and discover the trends shaping our region’s tomorrow—today.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has played a significant role in helping communities and businesses thrive. While most people do not think about it often, this state agency is working behind the scenes to grow the economy, support small business owners, and help create jobs. From training programs to low-interest loans, the Department of Commerce offers a wide range of tools designed to make running a business easier.

So, how does this department work? The Department of Commerce is funded by state and federal dollars. Some of its money comes from the Washington State Legislature, while other funds come from national programs such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This means that they are trusted with public money to carry out programs that support the economy, especially for smaller businesses that might not have access to the same resources as larger companies. Commerce uses this funding to offer grants, loans, training, and free business advice.

There are many programs offered by the Department of Commerce, but four in particular are especially helpful for small businesses.

The first is the Startup 365 program, which helps small businesses get off the ground or grow through online training and workshops. This includes topics such as finance, marketing, and how to manage a business day to day. One part of this program, called ScaleUp, offers over 30 hours of expert-led training to help business owners improve their operations and plan for future growth.

The second is Small Business Flex Fund 2, a loan program supported by SSBCI funding. This program offers loans up to $250,000 at low interest rates and is designed for very small businesses, especially those owned by people in underrepresented or rural communities. This can be a lifeline for businesses that need help to cover costs, buy equipment, or make improvements.

Third, the Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Loan Program provides help for small businesses that want to buy or refinance buildings they use for their own operations. It is geared toward helping business owners who may not qualify for traditional loans and gives them a path to owning their space rather than renting.

The fourth is the STEP Export Voucher Program, which helps Washington’s businesses expand into international markets. If a business wants to sell products in other countries, this program offers small grants (up to $10,000) to help pay for things such as trade shows, marketing translation, and shipping costs. It is a smart way to grow your customer base outside the U.S.

If you are a small business owner or thinking about becoming one, there are many ways to learn more about these programs. The Washington State Department of Commerce has an easy-to-use website with details about each program. You can also contact them directly to ask questions or connect with someone who can walk you through the options. Whether you need funding, training, or advice, they have resources ready to help.

In conclusion, the Washington State Department of Commerce offers powerful support to small businesses across the state. Their programs are designed to ensure that more people have the chance to succeed, especially those who have historically been left out. With training, funding, and expert guidance, Washington businesses have a strong partner in Commerce.

Sources:

• Washington State Department of Commerce – https://www.commerce.wa.gov
• Startup 365 – https://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com
• Small Business Flex Fund 2 – https://www.smallbusinessflexfund.org
• State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) – U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Washington STEP Program – Export Washington – https://www.commerce.wa.gov/promoting-washington-state/export-assistance/step/

Congratulations to Town Square Innovative Adult Day on their ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 1. The adult day service center is located at 825 N. Edison St., Ste. 130 in Kennewick.