Trios Health is pleased to announce its $10 sports physical clinic brought in $7,380 to donate to local schools.

Trios Health offered $10 sports physicals at its Urgent Care to local middle and high school students throughout the summer, with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated directly back to students’ respective schools.

“We have conducted this event for more than 20 years as a one-day clinic, but with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we decided to not host a large event,” said Lorie Orozco, Director of Trios Medical Group Operations. “We are grateful that we found a way to conduct our annual sports physical clinic through our Urgent Care. This actually allowed us to serve more families and students.”

Typically, Trios Health sees approximately 300 students during its annual one-day sports physical clinic. This year, however, the Urgent Care conducted 738 sports physicals. Trios is currently in the process of sending letters and checks to the respective schools.

“We are thrilled to have been able to offer the sports physicals and that we were actually able to do more of them than ever before. It is so important to us to be able to support our local community and our schools and offer this affordable option for families,” Orozco said. “We are excited to be able to give back to our local schools through this program and hope that they will be able to purchase athletic safety equipment for their school sports programs.” 

Students from 33 area schools participated in the sports physical offering. Schools included, 3 Rivers Home Link, Bethlehem Lutheran School, Calvary Christian School, Carmichael Middle School, Chiawana High School, Chief Joseph Middle School, Chinook Middle School, Christ the King Catholic School, Columbia High School, Columbia Middle School, Desert Hills Middle School, Enterprise Middle School, Finley Middle School, Hanford High School, Highlands Middle School, Horse Heaven Hills Middle School, Kamiakin High School, Kennewick High School, Kiona-Benton High School, Kiona-Benton Middle School, Leona Libby Middle School, Liberty Christian School, McLoughlin Middle School, Ochoa Middle School, Park Middle School, Pasco High School, Reynolds Middle School, Richland High School, River View High School, Southridge High School, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Stevens Middle School, and Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School. 

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has created a virtual manufacturing tour in conjunction with the 10th annual Manufacturing Day on October 1. The celebration of manufacturing was created by the National Association of Manufacturers and its social impact arm, The Manufacturing Institute. The purpose of the day is for manufacturers across the U.S. to highlight and teach about manufacturing through events and educational opportunities.

While in-person manufacturing tours have been limited due to COVID-19, SEL is opening its doors virtually by offering community members a chance to tour its Pullman manufacturing operation via a new video.

“In a typical year, we take hundreds of people on tours of our manufacturing locations,” said Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Leith Sorenson. “While our facilities currently have COVID-19 safety protocols in place, which limit in-person visits, we wanted to take part in Manufacturing Day by showcasing what we do and what modern manufacturing looks like.”

In addition to the virtual tour, SEL’s K-12 Outreach team has created the Career Sneak Peek: Manufacturing Classroom Kit, where students learn about manufacturing by setting up their own “paper circuit” factory. The activity guides them through solving a variety of management and production problems to make their factory more efficient and resilient.

As part of its internal celebration, SEL will recognize employees and teams who have invented and implemented new ways of improving manufacturing processes. 

To view the virtual SEL manufacturing tour, visit selinc.com/virtualtour, and to learn about Manufacturing Day, visit https://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/students/manufacturing-day.

Fuse Fund—a startup fund focused exclusively on promoting entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with a presence in the Tri-Cities region—invested in three startups and is monitoring several others for possible investment. Fuse Fund raised nearly $1.5M from local, community-minded investors; the fund’s goal is to exceed $2M in funding commitments. Fuse Fund’s investments made to date range from $150K to $200K in each of the following startups:

Carbitex pioneered flexible carbon fiber composites; currently, they focus on performance footwear, but there are many other potential applications. On the strength of their innovative products, Carbitex grew rapidly over the past few years, and they now have more than 50 employees. Most of their employees work at Carbitex’s manufacturing facility in Kennewick, shipping to clients around the globe. Adidas, a major client, incorporates Carbitex flexible carbon fiber into their performance footwear.

Humming Hemp produces several hemp-based products including their signature Hummingbar, which is a hemp protein bar. Hummingbars are a healthy snack that are made with hemp seeds and other all-natural ingredients including raw honey. Humming Hemp initially launched with the help of Fuse programs and resources, and its products are sold by Kroeger, Fred Meyer, and Amazon.

Brook developed a remote patient monitoring and health coaching platform using artificial intelligence to help manage chronic health conditions. Brook enables health care providers to proactively monitor patients’ chronic conditions, track progress, and provide coaching and health advice. While Brook is headquartered in Seattle, they agreed to locate an engineering team in the Tri-Cities on the strength of the Fuse Fund investment.

About Fuse Fund: The purpose of the fund is to enable the success of entrepreneurs in eastern Washington. Investors in Fuse Fund not only bolster regional startups, but over the life of the fund, Fuse Fund intends to achieve solid returns for investors as the startups increase in value. Fuse Fund will close the fund to new investors by the end of 2021. Fuse Fund is operated by Fuse Advisors, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuse, SPC. Anyone interested in learning more about Fuse Fund or becoming an investor may contact Marty Conger, Managing Partner of Fuse Advisors, LLC, or any of the other board members (Brett Spooner, David Lippes, Meghan Chalk, and Ron Boninger).

About Fuse: Fuse is an SPC (Special Purpose Company) with a mission to enable an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Tri-Cities region and provide resources to support the success of local entrepreneurs and startups. Fuse is located at the Fuse-operated coworking facility at 723 The Parkway in Richland. For more information, go to https://fusespc.com/.

​What do Chicago, Denver, Orlando, Sydney (Australia), and the Tri-Cities have in common? All have been named “Trailblazers,” or high performing destinations, according to an assessment conducted by an industry-leading consulting firm specializing in travel and tourism.
 
Visit Tri-Cities contracted MMGY NextFactor to lead the organization’s development of a three-year strategic plan. The process included an assessment of the Tri-Cities using DestinationNEXT, a tool which uses data-driven methodology to create a shared vision and practical strategies for ongoing success as premier destination. The assessment categorizes destinations (Trailblazers, Mountaineers, Voyagers and Explorers) based on it’s the success factors of destination strength and community alignment, with “Trailblazers” being the sought-after category.
 
“Every destination that we have assessed aspires to be a Trailblazer, but only about 40% of the more than 200 destinations we have worked with are in that category,” said Paul Ouimet, Partner and President of MMGY NextFactor. “The Tri-Cities being a trailblazer among world renown destinations is a testament to what can be achieved when you have an amazing destination and strong community partnerships.”
 
MMGY NextFactor engaged with residents, community leaders, elected officials and industry stakeholders through in-depth interviews, focus groups and surveys. Feedback regarding Visit Tri-Cities included:

• High level of trust in current team to lead on regional issues and opportunities
• Collaborative – able to facilitate multiple groups/agendas
• Leadership innovative, creative and energetic
• Team proactive with clients and highly responsive overall
• Remarkable leadership during COVID
• Great work in curating the sports/outdoor recreation market
• Much support for the partnership model (replacing membership model)
• Excellent marketing/digital advertising
• People love the community calendar

 
“It was evident during our research the community is proud of the Tri-Cities as place to live, work and play,” said Deb Archer, Executive Consultant for MMGY NextFactor. “Thanks to the innovation of Visit Tri-Cities, their strong strategic partnerships and the community’s shared values, the Tri-Cities is well positioned to take on unique challenges the tourism industry is facing.”
 
The insights gathered from the community helped shape the strategic initiatives Visit Tri-Cities will be using as a road map for the next three years.
 
For more information about Visit Tri-Cities, check out VisitTri-Cities.com. 

Baker Boyer announced that it has been selected as a winner of a 2021 FIS Impact Award. The annual program recognizes forward-looking organizations that use FIS technology to enhance customer service and drive tangible business results. Winnings go to charitable organizations supporting local communities.

Baker Boyer Asset Management worked with the IT Solutions team who was behind the project to create two-way data integration streamlining the account opening process to be set up within minutes instead of hours. The goal of these new automations was to create efficiencies for employees so they could better serve clients. For clients, the result was that the account opening experience has been greatly improved.

“This initiative is part of our continuing dedication to constantly work toward improving the client experience. It was an ambitious project, and I am really proud of everybody that worked so hard to make it a success. We are grateful that our efforts also benefited Blue Mountain Action Council which provides such important services and resources to our community.” said Baker Boyer Asset Management Manager, Vesna Dodge.

Winning this award involved selecting a charitable organization to partner with in giving back to the community, one of Baker Boyer’s greatest values. They chose to donate the $10,000 award to Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) who serves southeastern Washington and provides several resources for those experiencing poverty.

“These generous funds will allow us to offer financial foundation courses in English and Spanish, allowing the community free access to personalized learning that helps teach the basics of financial independence. Together, Walla Walla Valley residents will build greater financial security and stability for themselves and their families.” said BMAC Development and Outreach Manager, Tracy Parmer.

To learn more about the FIS Impact Awards, visit https://www.fisglobal.com/impact-awards.

​The City of Kennewick is pleased to announce that Anthony Muai has accepted the Community Planning Director position. The City began a recruitment process for the position after the retirement of Community Planning Director Greg McCormick in July.
 
Anthony Muai has worked for the City of Kennewick since April 2007, most recently as the Planning Manager and Interim Community Planning Director. He graduated from the University of Washington - Tacoma with a degree in Urban Studies and a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. He also holds certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners.

A material resembling small glass beads will serve as a critical ingredient to heating up the first melter at the Hanford Vit Plant, set for later this year, and is being provided by Richland-based company Fluid Controls and Components Inc (FCCI).

Glass frit is a mixture of chemicals that will mimic Hanford tank waste materials during the melter heatup process in the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility. The melter is at the heart of the vitrification process that transforms radioactive and chemical waste into an immobilized glass form safe for disposal through the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program. The DFLAW Program is a system of interdependent projects and infrastructure improvements, managed and highly integrated, that must operate together to vitrify the waste.

FCCI was contracted by Bechtel National Inc. (BNI), the prime contractor designing, building, and commissioning the plant, to provide 108,000 pounds of the frit. FCCI has also provided valves, piping, and piping components for plant construction.

“It was the first time we dealt with frit,” said Russ Watson, FCCI vice president. “The chemistry and physical profile of the frit were very complex. The specifications were strict, and the monitoring process was extensive.”

During vitrification, radioactive and chemical tank waste is pretreated near large underground tanks to remove radioactive cesium and solids. It's then fed to the LAW Facility where it will be mixed with glass-forming materials, transferred to two melters, heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers for disposal at the nearby Integrated Disposal Facility.

The frit will be used only during melter heatup. It mimics waste by dissolving into a solid form at high temperatures. During the heatup process, the glass frit will be flushed out of the melter with a simulated feed.

“Partners like FCCI are crucial to the success of the project,” said Frank Salaman, procurements and subcontracts manager for BNI. “We rely on them to meet the complex specifications the project requires.”
The project team is scheduled to initiate heatup of the first melter by the end of 2021. Information on the commissioning process, including a loss-of-power test and melter heatup, is available on the Journey to Melter Heatup website.
​
The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour.

Calling all beer and dog lovers! Visit Tri-Cities has launched the Tri-Cities Ales & Tails Pass, a free mobile pass with exclusive deals at local dog-friendly breweries and restaurants.
 
The adventure begins at VisitTri-Cities.com under the “Deals” section, where visitors and residents alike can download the Ales & Tails Pass. After signing up, the pass is instantly delivered via text and email and is ready to use. When visiting a participating business, passholders may present the offer to a staff member to redeem the offer. Passholders that redeem five or more offers earn a free dog-centric gift.
 
Participating breweries and restaurants are offering enticing deals and discounts. Local favorites are featured, such as Doggie Style Gourmet, Moonshot Brewing, J. Bookwalter Winery, Ice Harbor Brewing and more.
 
“Visit Tri-Cities has offered multiple passes, but the Ales & Tails pass is one of my favorites,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “Not only is the pass a great opportunity to experience the amazing craft beverage and food scene with our dogs, but it generates foot traffic to our local tourism-related businesses, driving economic recovery in the Tri-Cities.”
 
Visit Tri-Cities also currently offers the Tri-Cities Wine Pass featuring exclusive deals and discounts at more than 25 local wineries. The Tri-Cities Wine Pass is also free and may be obtained at VisitTri-Cities.com  
 
To learn more about Visit Tri-Cities or download the free passes, check out VisitTri-Cities.com/deals/.

Lourdes Health is pleased to announce it is celebrating its 105th birthday on Friday, Sept. 24.
 
On Sept. 8, 1916, six Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in Pasco via the Northern Pacific Railroad with the intent to establish a hospital. Just 16 days later, Our Lady of Lourdes opened its doors and began providing medical care for the sick of our community.
 
“We are grateful to serve the Tri-Cities and for our deeply rooted foundation that has allowed us to be a central organization in this community for more than 100 years,” said Joanie White-Wagoner, Chief Executive Officer of Lourdes Health. “We are proud of our history and humbled to be part of such an incredible organization and community. We would not have made it as far as we have without the amazing support of the Tri-Cities throughout the years and our dedicated staff and providers.”
 
To mark its 105th birthday, Lourdes Health employees are hosting a prayer service at 11 a.m. in the courtyard in front of Lourdes Medical Center on Friday, Sept. 24. Social distancing and masking will be required, in line with COVID-19 safety protocols. Staff are also celebrating throughout the week with employee activities, and Wagoner will be sharing a message via a pre-recorded video on social media and the Lourdes Health website on Friday. Additionally, Lourdes Health will be sharing historical stories on its social media platforms this week.
 
“From our humble beginnings in the Montana Hotel, we have come a long way. Today, we have more than 800 employees and more than 40 providers serving the Tri-Cities region,” Wagoner said. “We are proud to be Making Communities Healthier® as a CMS 5-star rated hospital with our medical center to serve acute hospital needs, Lourdes Counseling Center to care for those with mental health needs, Lourdes Occupational Health to care for our local businesses and their employees, and a growing network of physicians to care for our community and meet the healthcare needs of those we serve.”

Port of Benton has received $3,156,583 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) intended to provide electrical, lighting, and guidance system upgrades at the Richland Airport.
 
To participate in the FAA Airport Improvement Program, the Port must identify the projects in the airport master plan. At its August 18, 2021 meeting, the Port of Benton Commission accepted FAA grant funds for the replacement of existing medium intensity runway lighting and electrical room modifications. This follows a prior award from FAA in June 2021 for lighting design, and implements the full project scope.
 
These improvements allow for replacement of electrical and lighting equipment, as well as airport guidance equipment, that is decades old and are years beyond their useful life.  The current Richland Airport Master Plan update is currently underway to identify potential projects and amenities for the future. Community input is an essential part of this process, and the feedback received was focused on providing for airport safety, increased area for aeronautical activities, and future runway extension. The plan must also consider existing barriers to grant assurance compliance and highest and best use of future expansion areas.
 
Design is currently underway for the current lighting and electrical replacement project and construction is planned for June – December 2022, depending upon availability of equipment and materials.
 
Previous updates to the Richland Airport as a result of the Airport Improvement Program federal grants included:
 

• Airport runway lighting design
• Airfield pavement rehabilitation, crack seal/fog seal
• Additional taxilanes and hangar sites
• Additional land purchase and obstruction removal

 
For information about the Richland Airport Master Plan, or about these grant improvements, please contact the Port of Benton at 509-375-3060. More information on the Richland and Prosser Airports may be found at https://portofbenton.com/our-properties-facilities/airports/.