Member News

The next seminar in Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Community Science and Technology Seminar Series, “Securing the Electric Grid,” presented by Seemita Pal, Research Engineer in the Energy and Environment Directorate at PNNL, will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Dr.). 

How do we generate electricity and get it to our homes, offices, hospitals and other places? What are the technical challenges in operating the electric grid which is the biggest and the most complex machine in the world? What are the various causes that can lead to outages? Can the electric grid be target of cyber-attacks? 

Come learn the answers to above questions and more! It is easy to switch on or off devices at our will but ensuring continuous supply of electricity to all the devices at different locations and at all times is not easy as it is might seem. On top of the technical challenges that already exist there are emerging challenges related to integration of unpredictable and variable energy resources, extreme weather events, and cybersecurity. Get an overview of the work that researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are doing to ensure that the electric grid is secure, reliable and flexible. After the talk build your own electric grids on an interactive grid game board.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Community Science and Technology Seminar Series was launched to help the general public better understand and explore how science transforms our world. 

Digital Crush, the Inland Northwest’s first Digital Marketing Summit, will be held Friday, October 11, 2019, at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Tri-Cities, Washington. 

Digital Crush is a full-day conference for digital marketers and business professionals looking to grow their digital marketing skillset and toolbox. Bringing together and educating digital marketers and small business members of the inland northwest on practical and important digital marketing practices, the goal is to drive increased market share, new customers, and profitability for regional businesses, through utilization of the newest and best practices in digital marketing.

Announcing the 2019 Digital Crush Summit Speaker Lineup: 

• Ali Schwanke, CEO Simple Strat, Lincoln, Nebraska - Keynote
  
• Paul Warner, Marketing Campaign Manager Schweitzer Engineering, Pullman, WA - Keynote
  
• Cindy Krum, CEO & Founder, MobileMoxie, Denver, CO - Keynote
  
• Torey Azure, CEO BrandCraft, Tri-Cities, WA
  
• Manny Rivas III, CMO Aimclear, Duluth, MN
  
• Diane Mahan, Chief Digital Strategy Officer Klü Digital, Spokane, WA
  
• Matt Johnston, CEO Guide Social, Philadelphia, PA
  
• Spencer Haws, Blogger at NichePursuits.com + Founder LongTailPro.com & LinkWhisperer.com, Tri-Cities, WA
  
• Chris Davis, Performance Marketing Manager ConnectYourCare, Tri-Cities, WA
  
• Barrett Pryce, Director of Marketing Vivid Learning Systems, Tri-Cities, WA
  
• Thomas Kratsch, President & CEO Activities & Tours Marketing by TRK Creative, Seattle, WA
  
• Dee Boyle, Digital Marketing Strategist BrandCraft, Tri-Cities, WA
  
• Travis Scott, Director of Marketing at ISM, Spokane, WA
  
• Bethany Lee, Digital Marketing Manager Visit Tri-Cities, Tri-Cities, WA
  
• Elsie Puig, Marketing Manager, Flex Rental Solutions, Tri-Cities, WA
  
• Jordan Beilin, Director of Advanced Advertising Sales Spetrum Reach, Denver, CO

Speakers will share their expertise on digital marketing trends and topics including content strategy, search engine optimization, analytics insights, mobile and video digital marketing, B2B digital marketing, call tracking, and more. 

Torey Azure, BrandCraft CEO and a member of the Digital Crush Planning Committee, said “we’re excited to bring a digital summit to the Inland Northwest, providing both an opportunity for the exchange of best practices and good ideas around digital marketing, and equipping regional business professionals and digital marketers with additional education opportunities and resources to help realize an even greater return on their digital marketing investments.”

While digital marketing summits are held around the country, this will be the first summit of its kind held in Eastern Washington. Tickets and more event info can be found at https://thedigitalcrush.com/. 

About Digital Crush
Digital Crush is a one-day conference for digital marketers and business professionals looking to grow their digital marketing skillset and toolbox. In a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere, participants will be able to learn, exchange ideas, network and establish relationships with others in the area.

Across the US children are back in the classroom which means a return to quick breakfasts and boxed lunches. As parents struggle to replace chips and sugary snacks with healthier options, a trend toward better-for-you snacks has emerged. For Chukar Cherries, simple ingredient lists are nothing new. 

In fact, Chukar committed to using clean ingredients over 30 years ago when Founder & CEO, Pam Montgomery, pioneered drying cherries without added sugar or preservatives. Since then, the company has sought new ways to offer delicious snacks that feature whole dried cherries without additives, and their products remain focused on local dried cherries without added sugar or artificial ingredients. Montgomery often remarks that a simple cherry is delicious enough. 

Sugar can sneak into kids’ diets in seemingly wholesome choices like juice boxes, granola bars, and cereal. The Specialty Food Association cites Samantha Cassetty, a leading dietician, as stating that “Popular buzz words include ‘no added sugar’ and ‘plant based,’ but these alone aren't indicators of healthfulness unless the ingredients are made from mostly whole food sources, like fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.” Chukar’s fruit & nut mixes fit the bill—whole fruits and nuts that are high in fiber, protein, and vitamins but still taste 100% delicious.

Chukar’s most popular snack offering is the Energy Mix Variety 12 Pack which contains all four of Chukar’s no sugar added fruit & nut mixes in handy 1.85 oz. bags. “The snack packs are a top seller this time of year,” says General Manager Tim Oten, “pure fruits and nuts pack a ton of energy and they’re easy to toss into lunch boxes or care packages for college students. They’re my kids’ go-to snack for after school, ballet rehearsal, and soccer practice.” Each fruit & nut mix is also offered in larger, resealable pouches. 

Chukar’s naturally dried cherries, organic offerings, and fruit & nut snacks are available online at chukar.com, at the company’s flagship store in Prosser, in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, and at a host of premier retailers. 

Wholesail Networks announces a definitive agreement to acquire Noel Communications for an undisclosed purchase price. This acquisition will allow Wholesail Networks to expand their fiber footprint and network operations.

Noel Communications has been serving the central Washington state area with network, telecom and internet services for nearly 30 years. “Folding Noel Communications into Wholesail Networks is a win-win deal,” said Rodger Noel, owner of Noel Communications. “Their focus on the Northwest with modern fiber-based network infrastructure continues our vision of bringing high quality and competitive telecommunication services to the underserved portions of our region. The Noel family has been long term supporters of eastern Washington businesses and residents and we believe Wholesail Networks will continue the legacy of supporting our region.”

Wholesail Networks was founded in 2018 by John van Oppen after realizing the need for a robust, independent transport and transit operator in the Pacific Northwest. Wholesail Networks is focused on providing fiber-based connectivity to empower the Pacific Northwest region’s largest users with quality telecommunications products. Wholesail Networks fills a unique gap in the marketplace combining in-house network assets that are operated by a team with the market knowledge to source almost any capacity need to any location in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

“Since founding the company last year,” said Wholesail Networks’ CEO and Founder John van Oppen, “we have had explosive growth which validates our belief that there is a high demand for the types of quality service we provide. Bringing the Noel Communications network and team into our organization helps us rapidly expand our network services and augments our team with the high-quality support and expertise that our customers expect.”

The expanded company plans to maintain Noel Communications’ network operation center in Yakima.

Benton PUD’s Commission approved a 2.9 percent retail rate increase effective October 1, 2019.  Benton PUD’s last overall revenue increase was 1.9 percent, which occurred two years ago in October 2017.

For an average residential customer, this will result in an increase of about $3.00 per month, from $116 to $119.    The median monthly residential bill for comparable Northwest utilities is $127.

The residential daily system charge will increase from 62 cents per day to 63 cents per day, and the residential kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate will increase from $0.0718 to $0.0739.  

The major driver of the rate increase is rising power costs, which make up over 60 percent of Benton PUD’s budget.  Power costs are increasing due to the following:

• An October 1, 2019 increase in the rates Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) charges utilities.  
  
• A decrease in the amount of hydro-electric generation received under contracts with BPA due to a trend of lower water flows in the summer and court-ordered spill (water releases) over the dams to enable juvenile fish migration.  This results in Benton PUD having to buy higher-priced power from the market during peak summer usage periods.
  
• An increase in requirements under the Energy Independence Act to purchase 15 percent (up from 9 percent in 2019) of qualifying renewable energy (wind and solar) which adds to overall power costs.

For other customer classes, the 2.9 percent increase will apply to all rate components including daily system charge, kilowatt-hour rate, and demand charge (where applicable). The Unmetered rate class (less than 1 percent of total customers) will see a slightly higher increase to better align rates with the cost to serve the class.

Two open houses have been scheduled to share information on the exciting Public/Private Partnership Opportunity at the Three Rivers Entertainment District Campus. Each open house will be held at the Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W Grandridge Boulevard, between 4:30-6:30pm with the first scheduled for Monday, September 30th and the second on Thursday, October 17th.

Staff from the City of Kennewick and Kennewick Public Facilities District will be available to provide information on the project vision, the public and private investment components, economic impacts, the complementary nature of the project to the entertainment district vision and Vista Vision, and the financing needed to accomplish this partnership and spur significant economic development in the heart of our Tri-Cities community. The open houses will provide the public the opportunity to view concept renderings of the project, make comments and asks questions.

On September 3, 2019, City Council approved a Purchase and Sales Agreement between for the sale of property adjacent to the Convention Center and Toyota Center, approximately 3.56 acres to A-1 Pearl, LLC for the development of a convention hotel to be connected to the expanded Convention Center and a separate retail component. In addition, the agreement grants the option to purchase the adjacent property for phase two of the project which would create residential, commercial, and public spaces with water features and boardwalk. The City’s portion of the project would be to expand the Three Rivers Convention Center with a performing arts theater. The full Council packet and presentation can be viewed at:
www.go2kennewick.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032019-1181

The Purchase and Sales Agreement was the first step in furthering this public/private partnership opportunity. The next steps will be the due diligence period provided to both parties to ensure viability of the project and will require coordinated effort for the private and public entities to work simultaneously to secure the financing and jointly begin the construction of the expansion of the Three Rivers Convention Center, hotel and retail component of the project.

What:
National Alpaca Farm Days at Sandollar Farms & Alpacas

When:
September 28 and 29, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Where:
Sandollar Farms & Alpacas
2001 S Washington St, Kennewick
Between 10th and 27th Aves
​
Why:
A great opportunity for the public to come meet alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce, and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals. Free fun family event!

• Experience alpacas up-close! Visit the “selfie” booth!
• Meet the Livestock Guardian Dogs, Gabe, Valentina and Savannah!
• Feel the soft alpaca fleece!
• Tour the farm, see the chickens, bees, orchards!
• Shop for alpaca products!

For more information, contact Nikki Griffith, 509-378-6909, email info@sandollaralpacas.com or visit www.sandollaralpacas.com for a complete list of participating farms and ranches, visit www.alpacafarmdays.com.

Tanya Bowers Consulting, a Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Member, has been certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) as a Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE).
​ 
Principal Tanya Bowers said, “After I attended Washington PTAC’s ‘Government Contracting Essentials’ session, it became clear that this certification would be an asset to Tanya Bowers Consulting as a firm owned by an African-American female.”

Through personalized services and expertise around diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and organizational development, Tanya Bowers Consulting guides businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and professionals in building meaningful connections and inspiring growth.  

With over twenty-one years professional experience in DEI, Tanya has called the Tri-Cities home for five years.  She works with clients in Washington State and across the country through speaking engagements, workshops, and strategy development.  Find out more about how Tanya Bowers Consulting’s services can benefit your particular entity at www.tanyabowers.com.  Need more information?  Reach out to tb@tanyabowers.com or 509-430-8772.

The Academy of Children’s Theatre will be providing a community update on the progress of its theatre expansion project at an annual fundraising luncheon on Thursday, September 26 at noon at ACT.    

ACT Board member Cathy Kelly and Executive Director Anne Spilman will provide remarks outlining details of the work-in-progress and the event is being held at the new theatre site.  Entertainment by youth actors participating in ACT’s upcoming production of Frozen, Jr. also will be featured.  

Construction of the 300 seat theatre is underway, with occupancy planned for late 2020.  The new theatre is located at the rear of the existing Academy of Children’s Theatre facility at 213 Wellsian Way in Richland. 

To attend the event, there is a suggested minimum donation of $100 per person. In addition, guests will have an opportunity to make a pledge for a theatre chair naming sponsorship for a $1,000 contribution.  For details contact ACT at info@actstaff.org or call 509-943-6027. 

The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers return to the B Reactor National Historic Landmark to present the world premiere of a musical work entitled “Nuclear Dreams: an Oral History of the Hanford Site,” by composer Reginald Unterseher and librettist Nancy Welliver.

The technical achievements of the Manhattan Project are storied. But what about the people who worked on one of the greatest and most challenging scientific works of the 20th century? How did they feel about their work? What did they dream at night? And what about the people who lived on the land before the Manhattan Project was conceived? 

“Nuclear Dreams: an Oral History of the Hanford Site” is an oratorio for chamber chorus, small orchestra, and two soloists that explores the history, memories, night-dreams, and inner lives of the people who lived on the land or worked at Hanford, one of three sites within the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The piece was commissioned by the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Manhattan Project, and will feature mezzo soprano Sarah Mattox and baritone Charles Robert Stephens with chamber orchestra and chorus directed by Justin Raffa.

Three performances will be given over the weekend of September 27-29, and will be held inside the B Reactor facility's main room where the front face of the reactor is visible. Performances will include an add-on optional pre-concert reception at the historic former home of Colonel Franklin Matthias. Bus transportation to the B Reactor is included. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance and none will be sold at the door. For more information, call (509) 460-1766, email info@mcmastersingers.org or go to www.mcmastersingers.org.