Energy Northwest is proud to announce that it has earned the Military Friendly Employer designation for 2022. This is the seventh year in a row that EN earned this designation.

“Veterans come to Energy Northwest with a diverse set of experiences, technological expertise and well-developed leadership skills,” said CEO Bob Schuetz, who is also a retired captain from the U.S. Navy. “The contributions of our veterans and their experiences make our tremendous workforce even stronger. Their diverse perspectives and experiences help to stimulate the innovation that is necessary for us to continue our excellence journey.”

More than 30% of EN’s employees are veterans.
 
Institutions earning the Military Friendly Employer designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over a thousand companies participated in the 2022 Military Friendly survey. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for Applicant, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover, and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees.
 
“Companies earning the Military Friendly Employers ® designation create and elevate the standard for military programs across the globe, they have invested in substantive programs to recruit, retain and advance the veterans and service members within their organizations,” said Kayla Lopez, Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly. “To them, hiring veterans and servicemembers is more than just the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.”

Energy Northwest will be showcased along with other 2022 Military Friendly Employers in the December issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

Washington State University Tri-Cities has launched a new online Wine Tasting Room Certificate that trains winery and tasting room servers on wine business customer service, knowledge of Washington wines, sensory attributes of wine, as well as suggestions for selling wine.

The course, which costs $249, is comprised of four modules that take approximately eight hours to complete:

• Exploring wine
• Wines of Washington
• Keys to proper wine service and sales
• Wine tasting, evaluation and food pairing
  
  

“We worked closely with winery owners and tasting room managers to determine their needs and develop content that is specifically geared toward what wineries require for customer experience,” said Joan Giese, WSU Tri-Cities Carson College of Business director of lifelong learning. “The outcomes of this program are well-trained servers that are confident in their abilities to know, serve and sell wine, as well as well-served guests that are delighted with enjoyable tasting room experiences.”

For more information on the Wine Tasting Room Certificate program and to sign-up, visit tricities.wsu.edu/wine-tasting-room-training.

Within the modules, individuals who complete the course will learn about:

• How wine is made
• Styles of wine
• Types of grapes
• Unique aspects of Washington wines
• American Viticultural Areas specific to Washington state
• How to deliver great wine service to guests, including suggestions for selling wine and wine club memberships
• How to taste and describe wines
• How to serve wine flights
• How to determine wine faults
• How to make suggestions for wine and food pairings
  
  

“Upon testing this course in partnership with regional wineries, it has shown to provide winery and tasting room servers with the quality knowledge they need to enter into the profession, as well as a great baseline knowledge of what to know when working with customers in wine businesses,” Giese said.

For questions about the Wine Tasting Room Certificate program, email [email protected].
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WSU Tri-Cities is one of few universities nationwide that feature both programs in wine and beverage business management and wine science on the same campus. It is home to the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center – one of only a handful of comprehensive wine research facilities in the world.

For more information on WSU Tri-Cities’ wine and beverage business management program, visit tricities.wsu.edu/business/undergraduate/wbm. For more information on WSU Tri-Cities’ viticulture and enology (wine science) program, visit tricities.wsu.edu/wine-science-degree.

On Wednesday, October 28, 2021 Commissioner Robert Larson announced his retirement from the Port of Benton Commission where he served in District 2. Revised Code of Washington Chapter 42.12 sets forth the appointment process for filling vacancies of nonpartisan elected offices. 

Applications and complete application details are available now online on the Port’s website or in-person during walk-in hours (Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). Please visit the following link for immediate access to the application materials: 
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portofbenton.com/commissionvacancy 

The following schedule applies to the vacancy and application process: 

• Monday, November 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Applications posted on the Port of Benton Website and available in the Port's offices 
• Friday, November 19, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Deadline to submit application for vacancy 
• Monday, November 22, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Special Commission Meeting to review applications and announce finalists for interview 
• Monday, November 29, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Final Interviews held at special commission meeting and announcement of appointment of District 2 Commissioner 

 
For questions about this process please contact David Billetdeaux at 509-375-3060 or by email at [email protected].  

The Kennewick Fire Department is planning for the future and would like to hear from anyone who lives, works, studies, or plays in Kennewick. A community survey has been launched and will be available until 11:45pm on Sunday, November 14.

The survey is only 10 questions and will take approximately 3 minutes to complete. We hope our community will share their voice and take our survey. We also ask for help in spreading the word to family and friends about the survey. The survey is available in both English and Spanish: 
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English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KFDenglish 
Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/KFDespanol

Washington State University Tri-Cities is partnering with Blue Mountain Community College for a direct student transfer program that will save students costs, increase pathways for STEM careers and help students graduate on-track and on-time with a bachelor’s degree.

Through the WSU Tri-Cities-BMCC Bridges Program, students do not pay an admissions application fee, nor do they pay for access to transcripts to transfer to WSU Tri-Cities. Students in the program also benefit from in-state tuition rates once attending WSU Tri-Cities.

Throughout their time at both schools, students work with an academic advisor at both BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities to develop a complete program of study. Through that process, students know what classes they need to take and what will directly transfer, helping to cut down on unnecessary classes that won’t transfer between the two institutions.

“We are excited to partner with Blue Mountain Community College to create access to a baccalaureate degree for more students,” WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said. “With our close proximity to BMCC in Oregon, this program creates an ideal partnership between our two institutions to serve students in both areas and help students save on costs.”

Mark Browning, president of Blue Mountain Community College, said he is excited for the opportunities that the Bridges program presents for students from the Blue Mountain region.

“Bridges is what we hope to see for all our students who see a path to their future through a regional research university like Washington State University Tri-Cities,” he said. “Blue Mountain students will now be able to pursue a complete program right here. The resources available through WSU Tri-Cities are now available to those BMCC students who enroll in Bridges – including those in a variety of STEM programs ranging from engineering, to computer science, to the sciences. Talk about a bright future.”

Requirements for the program

To qualify for the WSU Tri-Cities-BMCC Bridges program, students must have taken less than 45 quarter credits at BMCC with a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average. Additionally, they must be in the process of completing one of the following degrees: AAOT, ASOT/BUS or ASOT/CS.

To apply for the Bridges program, students should submit the Declaration of Intent on the Bridges website. The WSU Tri-Cities Bridges academic advisor will follow-up individually with students to set up meetings to talk about next steps.

When getting ready to transfer to WSU Tri-Cities, students should submit the WSU Tri-Cities admissions application by Nov. 15 for spring admission, or by Jan. 31 for fall admission, to ensure they are eligible for merit-based awards.

Students to feel right at home

WSU Tri-Cities is the closest four-year public university to BMCC students in Hermiston, making it a great option for students interested in earning an excellent education close to home, Browning said.

At BMCC, more than 41% of students are students of color and the majority are the first in their family to attend college. Similarly at WSU Tri-Cities, nearly 48% of students are students of color and nearly 44% are the first in their family to attend college.

“We look forward to welcoming a bunch of new Timberwolves to the Coug community where they will feel right at home,” Haynes said.

Crossing the Columbia to become a Coug

BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities alumnus Kyle Kopta said he enjoyed the ease of the transfer process from BMCC to WSU Tri-Cities and also benefited from in-state tuition rates as a Hermiston, Oregon, resident.

“My pathway through BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities was the perfect fit for me,” he said. “It allowed me to accomplish my personal and professional goals in the most timely and affordable way possible.”

Kopta is a Hermiston High School graduate and decided on attending both BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities due to the programming available through both institutions, as well as both schools’ proximity to his hometown. Interested in a multimedia degree, Kopta said he was able to complete his pre-requisite courses at BMCC, followed by his upper-level major courses for the digital technology and culture program at WSU Tri-Cities.

“Both institutions set me up for success in my career,” he said. “I hope others take advantage of this incredible opportunity and enjoy it as much as I did.”

For more information about the Bridges program, visit tricities.wsu.edu/bridges or contact WSU Tri-Cities Bridges academic advisor Rafa Pruneda at [email protected].

In response to the Pandemic and its continued impact on local non-profits, Baker Boyer is announcing $45,000 in donations to organizations in Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, and Yakima. This funding will be directed towards the operational costs of these organizations as that has been a huge challenge for some. Baker Boyer is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and doing everything it can to support people, businesses, and non-profits through the Pandemic.

“At Baker Boyer we believe it is our responsibility to give back to our communities, especially during difficult times like these,” said Mark Kajita, Baker Boyer President and CEO. “We understand that the Pandemic has affected everyone, and certainly our critical non-profits that help some of the most in need. We are all in this together and everyone is hopeful that things will return to the new normal as soon as possible.”

Baker Boyer worked with local United Way representatives in Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, Milton-Freewater, and Yakima to determine the greatest need for the non-profits in each area. Many of these organizations are experiencing unique challenges due to the Pandemic,

Here are the recipients of contributions made:
Safe Harbor, a shelter for homeless teens ages 13-17 that provides counseling for substance abuse - $5,000, Tri-Cities

Wellness House, offers free support services, education and resources to individuals suffering from cancer or other life-challenging illnesses - $10,000, Yakima

Voices for Children, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of neglected and abused children in the foster care system - $5,000, Yakima

The Health Center, provides mental health support for children in many schools in the Walla Walla area - $10,000, Walla Walla
Lillie Rice Center, provides employment and support services to individuals with developmental disabilities - $10,000, Walla Walla

Milton-Freewater Neighborhood Senior Center, provides discounted meals for Seniors and runs the Meals on Wheels program to provide meals to seniors at home - $5,000, Milton-Freewater

Baker Boyer is proud to support the many non-profits and businesses that make an impact in the community. Throughout the Pandemic, Baker Boyer has done all that they can to help local non-profits, including rerouting funds for special Pandemic funding. Each year, Baker Boyer contributes several hundred thousand dollars in donations and sponsorships to support local non-profit and community organizations and programs.

Visit Tri-Cities recognized the Tri-Cities tourism and hospitality workforce, from baristas to front desk agents to servers and beyond, as the 2021 Kris Watkins Tourism Champions of the Year during Visit Tri-Cities Annual Meeting: Champions of Tourism Recovery held virtually Nov. 4.

The Kris Watkins Tourism Champion of the Year award is the organization’s most prestigious honor and recipients are carefully chosen based on their dedication to the tourism industry and supporting the efforts of Visit Tri-Cities to continually elevate the region as a premier tourism destination.

“The Tri-Cities is a vibrant destination because of our region’s talented hospitality and tourism employees,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “Tourism was one of the most severely impacted industries over the last 20 or so months and yet we continue to persevere. As travel and tourism continues to return, much of the credit goes to these employees who have worked tirelessly to ensure our industry flourishes. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of the Kris Watkins Tourism Champion of the Year Award than all of the resilient employees who make visiting the Tri-Cities an incredible experience.”

Visit Tri-Cities also announced the 2021 Excellence in Service award during the program. Kathy Nutt of Frichette Winery was recognized for providing outstanding customer service. She was one of 37 nominees who were recognized by the community for exceptional hospitality. Nominees were judged on following criteria: the ability to serve as an example to others, provide exemplary customer service and create a memorable visitor experience. Kathy is a standout amongst her peers and is well deserving of Visit Tri-Cities’ 2021 Excellence in Service award.

The 2021 Visit Tri-Cities Annual Meeting: Champions of Tourism Recovery may be viewed on Visit Tri-Cities’ YouTube Channel. For more information about Visit Tri-Cities, check out visittri-cities.com. 

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation is hosting their 21st annual Autumn Affair on November 13, 2021. This year’s event will be held virtually and is open to the community. The community is invited to register and bid on over 200 unique and fun auction packages.

Some of this year’s auction packages that can be bid on include a Cancun, Mexico vacation, an outdoor movie theatre package that includes a screen, projector, cozy furniture, and movie snacks. There is also a package to host a NFL tailgate party at your house with Non-Fiction Food Truck and J.Bookwalter wines.
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What: Autumn Affair 2021
When: Bidding opens at 8 AM on November 8th and concludes on November 13th
How to participate: Register to bid at tccancer2021.ggo.bid

Gesa, a community-chartered credit union, recently announced the recipients of their first Local Heroes Grant Program, which provides grant funds to organizations that support local heroes within the community. In the program’s first year, Gesa awarded $110,000 in grants to 23 organizations across Washington state. The top earning organizations earned $5,000 each to support their individual needs.
 
Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program provides grants to organizations that support any of Gesa’s outlined Local Heroes populations, including firefighters, law enforcement, teachers, healthcare workers, and veterans in the state of Washington. Some of this year’s recipients include the City of Walla Walla Fire Department, Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, Friends of Disabled Veterans and the K9 Foundation Yakima Valley, among many others.
 
“Gesa recognizes and appreciates our local heroes who serve our communities across Washington state,” said Richard Waddle, Executive Vice President of Gesa Credit Union. “As we watched the videos that applicants had sent in, we were inspired by the clear passion they have for uplifting our communities. We’re thrilled to honor that passion and the invaluable work that these organizations have done, and we thank them for their selfless efforts in serving our community.” 
 
With every swipe of a Local Heroes co-branded Gesa Visa® Debit Card, Gesa members earn funds designated for grants in that card’s Local Heroes category. Funds accumulate over the course of a year and are disbursed annually.

For more information about Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program, including eligibility requirements, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/local-heroes/. 

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation was nominated and has been named Event of the Year for the Washington Festivals & Events Association (WFEA) Southeast Washington Chapter (budgets under $250,000) for their Dine Out Road Trip event.

The Foundation is being honored at the WFEA Awards Dinner on Wednesday November 3rd and is also up for the Statewide Event of the Year Award that will be announced during the ceremony.

Dine Out Road Trip is an event created in partnership with the local restaurant community to raise awareness that healthy, cancer-crushing eating can be fun and convenient. Event participants travel around the Tri-Cities sampling cancer crushing dishes created by each participating restaurant’s chef and they vote on their favorite dish at the conclusion of the event. This unique event has educated hundreds of Tri-Citians and has been the cornerstone of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center’s Cancer Crushing Cuisine initiative.