Tri-Cities Chaplaincy is pleased to announce its much-anticipated annual fundraiser, the "Lighting the Path Breakfast," which will take place on October 4th at the Three Rivers Convention Center. This breakfast serves as a valuable opportunity for the community to come together, raise funds for critical end of life care services and gain essential insights into advance care planning while discovering the profound impact of Tri-Cities Chaplaincy in Benton and Franklin Counties.
 
Advance care planning is a crucial aspect of healthcare that ensures individuals have a voice in their medical decisions, even when they cannot speak for themselves. The "Lighting the Path Breakfast" aims to raise funds and awareness about the importance of advance care planning and help community members better understand its benefits.
 
Throughout the morning, attendees will have the privilege of hearing from Laurie Jackson, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy CEO, who will speak about the positive outcomes of advance care planning firsthand. Her informative presentation will shed light on the importance of having conversations about healthcare wishes, establishing durable power of attorney, and documenting healthcare directives.
 
"We look forward to welcoming our community at the "Lighting the Path Breakfast" said Laurie Jackson, CEO at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy. "This event offers a platform for our community to give back and have meaningful conversations that helps to foster a deeper understanding of advance care planning and recognize the invaluable contributions of Tri-Cities Chaplaincy in Benton and Franklin Counties."
 
There is no cost to attend the breakfast, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy asks you consider making a gift to the agency so they can continue to provide critical hospice, palliative care, and bereavement services to those who need us most.
 
Lighting the Path Breakfast
October 4th, 2023 | 7:00 a.m.- 7:30 a.m. community expo & networking, 7:30 am – 8:30 a.m. programming

Three Rivers Convention Center
7016 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick
Admission: Free, reserve your seat or table of six!
 
All community members are encouraged to attend this enriching event. To RSVP or learn more, please visit TCCBestLife.org/lighting-the-path/ or contact [email protected]. 
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Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has promoted Dr. Greg Zweigle to chief technology officer, a role formerly held by SEL Founder and President Edmund O. Schweitzer, III.

In this role, Zweigle will set the technical direction of the company, working in collaboration with executives and technical leads, and will foster the development of innovative technologies.
 
“Greg has played a key role in the invention and design of so many SEL products,” said Schweitzer, who will continue in his role as president and chairman of the board of directors of the company. “He’s creative and intelligent in his approach, but he’s also a back-to-the-basics guy, and I love that! When you start with first principles, you will get the right answers.”
 
Zweigle joined SEL in 1998 as a development engineer. Over the years, he held a variety of roles in the Research & Development division, related to the development of protective relays, software and programmable integrated circuits. Since 2013, he has served as an SEL R&D fellow engineer, leading research and software teams.

He has a bachelor's degree in physics from Northwest Nazarene University. He also earned a master’s degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in electrical engineering and a doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from Washington State University. He has authored and co-authored more than 35 technical papers and holds 32 patents. He serves as the chair of the Washington State University School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Executive Council and is a senior member of the IEEE.
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“Electric power is critical to modern society worldwide,” Zweigle said. “SEL has always been a technology leader, and I am excited to collaborate across SEL so we will continue leading the advancement of even safer, more reliable and more economical electric power every day.”

​Gesa, a community-focused credit union, announces the strategic hiring of five new team members to its growing Vancouver Home Loan market. Adam Railing, Peter Wease, AJ Crawford, Christina Merritt, and Tracy Woods bring multiple decades of experience in the mortgage industry to their new roles, along with a strong familiarity with the market as proud natives of the Northwest.

“As we continue to grow in the Vancouver market, we're excited to welcome these passionate professionals to our team,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “Their expertise and dedication strengthens our team and provides invaluable resources to our current and future members as they approach major life milestones.”

In Wease’s new position as Production Manager/Team Leader, he will oversee Gesa's Home Loan Officers and manage the loan organization process. He will provide his team with mentorship and coaching and leverage tools to enhance efficiency and workflow, enabling them to reach their personal and professional objectives. Additionally, Wease will monitor key performance indicators, implement strategies to improve productivity, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. 

As External Home Loan Officers, Railing, Crawford, Merritt and Woods will assist Gesa’s members in identifying the most suitable loan program to meet their needs. They will also cultivate new business relationships, contributing to the credit union's growing market share.  

Railing, a Camas, Washington native, has been in the business for more than a decade. His extensive knowledge spans a range of loan products, including conventional, FHA, and VA options. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of the loan application process, he is committed to assisting clients at every stage and helping them achieve their home mortgage goals.

Crawford, a Portland resident, has dedicated over 40 years to the mortgage industry, helping her clients secure the financing they need to achieve their goals. Her commitment extends to educating customers about loan programs that align with their goals while contributing to Gesa's membership expansion.

Merritt, a Medford, Oregon native, is a seasoned financial industry professional, bringing her expertise as a loan originator. With a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals, she deeply understands various loan products. Merritt's proactive approach and extensive knowledge make her a trusted partner in securing a loan. Merritt's extensive knowledge and proactive approach make her a trusted partner in the loan-securing process.

Woods, who is from Camas, Washington, has more than a decade of experience in the mortgage industry and is committed to providing high-quality services to her clients. She also actively engages with various community organizations in Southwest Washington, reflecting her passion for positively impacting both in and outside the workplace.

Chaplaincy Health Care is excited to announce its return to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy. This rebranding initiative is part of our commitment to better serve our community members and enhance our mission of guiding individuals to live their best lives, especially through the end of life.

We are proud to introduce our new logo, which reflects the core programs that make up our agency and our dedication to providing compassionate care in the region. Our logo's design has been unveiled on our website, which has also been revamped to provide an enhanced user experience. You can visit our new website at tccbestlife.org.

"Our redesigned identity as Tri-Cities Chaplaincy is a brilliant reminder of who we are and who we serve," said Laurie Jackson, CEO at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy. "This rebranding reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our community while remaining within the scope of our work. Our new website, tccbestlife.org, will serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking information and support during life's most critical moments."

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy remains dedicated to its core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence in all aspects of care delivery. We look forward to continuing our mission of providing expert guidance, comfort, and support to Benton and Franklin County. 

Prosser Memorial Health is inviting seniors and caregivers of seniors to an informational Lunch & Learn event. It will take place on Thursday, October 12, at Bethel Church in Prosser from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. PMH attempts to educate our communities as much as possible on public resources and help available to better the health and well-being of the community members. This event aims to do just that by providing information on resources intended for those caring for an aging, seriously ill, or disabled family member or friend. And you get lunch including dessert, coffee, and tea too! This is a free community event, but space is limited. Attendees must RVSP by October 5.

Last year’s event was well attended with several community partners on-hand to meet with attendees and answer questions. If you are a senior or caregiver for a senior, and would like to attend the Lunch & Learn, you can RSVP or reserve a table before October 5th by contacting Kristal Oswalt at [email protected] or calling 509.786.6600. You can also visit prosserhealth.org or follow us on social media to stay updated on their news and events.

A follow-up meeting to share the latest draft of the Leslie Groves Park long-range plan is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leslie Groves Park Shelter #1.  

The updated draft plan includes citizen and stakeholder input from previous comment opportunities. Those unable to attend in person can view the plan and comment until October 22, 2023. 

The park is located at 40 Park Place in North Richland. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. 
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For more information or to see the plan online, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/lesliegrovesparkplan or call 509-942-7501.

​Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, founder, president and chief technology officer of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, delivered a keynote at the WSU Power Professorship Program 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 15, 2023, in Pullman.
In his keynote, Dr. Schweitzer highlighted the roots and importance of the WSU Power Professorship Program:
 
“Professors Glen Hower and Attie Betts established the Power Professorship Program within the Electrical Engineering department at WSU 50 years ago,” said Schweitzer. “Regional electric power utilities have supported the program continuously ever since, and our local utility Washington Water Power—now Avista—was one of the first.”
 
Schweitzer went on to recount that professors Hower and Betts hired Clifford C. Mosher, III, under this program, and he started the Western Protective Relay Conference (WPRC) shortly thereafter. WPRC has become the best-attended conference on power system protection in the U.S. The conference will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, and Schweitzer will deliver a keynote at the event which will take place at the Spokane Convention Center October 9–12. 
 
Mosher joined a team of power professors, including John Szablya, Dick Baker, and Al Flechsig. The group closely collaborated with other WSU electrical engineering professors, including Bob Olsen and David Seamans.
 
Schweitzer expressed his gratitude for the program, explaining that he had searched for a university with a strong power program and applied to WSU. “Professor Mosher was the first person I talked with at WSU.” Schweitzer recalled, along with the first question Mosher asked him: “His voice boomed into the telephone, ‘What’s this latent interest in electric power?’”
 
Schweitzer began graduate studies at WSU in 1974 and was granted a PhD in 1977. His thesis, which detailed using microprocessors and digital signal processing to protect electric power systems, was the basis for later forming SEL.
 
“Without the WSU Power Professorship Program, SEL would never have been born,” Schweitzer concluded.
 
Today, SEL employee over 6,600 people worldwide, and several of the streets on its Pullman campus are named after the WSU professors who contributed to the education of thousands of power engineers.
 
To learn more about SEL partnerships with colleges and universities, visit https://selinc.com/company/university-relations/, and to learn more about WPRC, visit https://web.cvent.com/event/7e651078-f475-46ab-a914-34cbec6af565/summary.

​Gesa, a community-focused credit union, is partnering with Innovia Foundation to raise funds and provide support for the victims of the Spokane regional wildfires. As part of the Gesa Cares Campaign, the Gesa Community Foundation will donate $25,000 to Innovia Foundation to assist with its emergency and long-term wildfire relief efforts in Spokane County.
 
In conjunction with The Salvation Army, the donated funds will be used to provide back-to-school gift cards for 260 children in Medical Lake and Elk. The remaining funds will be directed toward additional relief efforts under three core pillars: Education, First Responders, and Essential Needs.
 
Gesa recently launched the Gesa Cares matching donation campaign, which will match up to a total of $100,000 in donations to the credit union’s 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Gesa Community Foundation. To date, the campaign has raised over $33,000. With Gesa’s matching contribution, the total amount reaches over $66,000. Donations to the campaign can be made online or in person at any of the credit union’s 28 branch locations.
 
Gesa joins local organizations Giving Back Spokane, Washington Trust Bank, Premera, and STCU in partnering and raising money for Innovia Foundation’s relief efforts.
 
“There is no greater power than that of a community banding together to help out our neighbors in times of need. That’s why we are honored to collaborate with our partner, Innovia Foundation, and other local organizations who have generously offered to help prove that strength comes in numbers,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “We all proudly stand with those affected by the wildfires, and we hope that through our collective efforts, we can continue to raise impactful funds that will help the Spokane region recover.”
 
Gesa assists its members in finding the best possible financial solution based on their individual situation, whether through emergency relief loans, fee waivers, loan assistance, or other resources. Affected members are encouraged to visit one of Gesa’s branches or call (888) 946-4372. 
 
To learn more about the Gesa Cares Campaign and how you can donate, visit www.gesa.com/GesaCares. To learn more about Innovia Foundation and its wildfire relief efforts, visit innovia.org/wildfire-relief/.  

Ryan J Redmond, CEO of Benton REA, recently announced a plan to restructure internal operations at the electric cooperative effective immediately. The purpose of the changes is to create a structure that enhances Benton REA’s ability to provide exceptional service to its member-owners. This is accomplished in part by bringing all member facing departments under one umbrella with the singular focus of exceeding the members’ expectations and creating an excellent member experience. This new Member Experience Department is already working on realigning job responsibilities and developing goals that support creating exceptional member experiences.
 
Troy Berglund, a 23-year veteran of Benton REA was promoted to Deputy General Manager and Vice President of Member Experience. In this new role, Berglund will provide oversight to Billing, Engineering & Operations Administrative Services, Information Technology, Member Services and Meter Reading.
 
Additional staff changes in this restructure include:
Shannon Olsen accepted the position of Member Services Manager. In this position she will direct and manage programs within the member experience group to include communications, marketing, energy efficiency, power quality, net metering, key accounts, economic development, and other member driven programs. Olsen was first hired as Benton REA’s Assistant Member Services Manager. She joined Benton REA in 2019.
 
Jeb Knox accepted a promotion to Operations Manager. Over the last few months, Jeb has worked as both the Interim Operations Manager and Line Superintendent. In this position he ensures Benton REA’s existing distribution and transmission system is maintained, provides support to line superintendents, and directs the planning of maintenance to ensure the system is as dependable and reliable as possible. Jeb first began his career at Benton REA in 2004 as a groundman.
 
Nick Pryor accepted the position of Member Engineering Manager. Along with his current engineering duties and supporting the staking team, Pryor will take on more system planning as he works with both engineering and operations on construction work plan projects, system improvement projects, and various mitigation projects to increase system reliability and capacity to the membership. Nick is a 17-year veteran of Benton REA. He was first hired as a Staking Technician in 2006.
 
Missy Jasso accepted the position of Facility Services and Safety Manager in which she is responsible for the facilitation and oversight of Benton REA’s facility repair and maintenance, as well as contract compliance, contract management, and document retention. Missy began her career at Benton REA in 2001 as tech support in PowerNET and has held other positions, most recently as Executive Assistant to the CEO.
 
Ryan J Redmond, CEO of Benton REA
In December of 2022 Benton REA’s Board of Trustees and hiring firm GreatCo-Ops started the process of searching for a new CEO. After consideration of all applicants and a thorough interview process, the Board of Trustees announced their decision on April 20, 2023.
 
Redmond brings over fifteen years of experience in the utility industry and has been in leadership roles for over 20 years. He has a proven track record of leading effective, high performing teams, executing long-term strategic business policies and contracts, and successfully leading teams through extreme change.
 
Redmond earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washington State University and a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga School of Law. He has worked for Puget Sound Energy, Bonneville Power Administration and most recently was the Chief Resources Officer at Peninsula Light Company in Gig Harbor, Washington. 
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The City of Richland Chief of Police Brigit Clary today announced her retirement, effective January 1, 2024. 

“I am humbled and grateful for the trust placed in me by the City, the community, and by our officers to lead the Richland Police Department (RPD),” said Chief Clary. “The RPD staff, both sworn and civilian, are the most caring and professional individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I take comfort in knowing the high level of service the community will continue to receive after my retirement. After over 25 years in law enforcement, I am excited to start this new chapter.” 

Chief Clary has led the Richland Police Department (RPD) since January 2022, having served as interim chief before being officially appointed to the role in April 2022. The first female Chief of Police in Richland’s history, Chief Clary joined the RPD in 2017 as a lateral with previous supervisor experience and quickly rose through the ranks. She served as a sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before being promoted to deputy chief in November 2021. 

Some of Chief Clary’s accomplishments during her tenure include forming both Drone and Major Incident Reconstruction Teams, securing multiple grants to support new Officer wellness programs, establishing a recruiting team and mentorship program for new hires, and redeploying RPD’s Traffic Unit. She was also responsible for rebranding the department in March 2023, delivering the newest patch and badge designs, which have been well-received by the Richland community. 
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“I wish to commend Chief Clary for her leadership of our police department,” Richland City Manager, Jon Amundson, said. “Chief Clary leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, and exceptional dedication and commitment to our city’s residents and police department. I have initiated a national search for our next Chief of Police and will appoint Deputy Chief of Police David Neher to serve as interim chief after Clary’s retirement.”