Local Bounti Corporation (NYSE: LOCL) (“Local Bounti” or the “Company”), a breakthrough U.S. indoor agriculture company, announced today that it will mark the opening of its new controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility in Pasco, Washington with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm local time. Members of the Company’s management team will be joined by industry leaders, local officials, and members of the community at this invitation-only event.
Craig Hurlbert, Local Bounti’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are proud to officially be able to call Pasco home with the opening of this latest facility, which enhances our rapidly growing distribution footprint across the US. Our state-of-the-art CEA facility, which is underpinned by our innovative and patented Stack & Flow Technology®, enables us to support existing customer demand in Washington, Oregon, and adjacent markets in the Pacific Northwest. We are excited about the opportunities this facility creates, not only for our Company but also for the local economy and the environment. Our pledge to sustainability and community engagement remains unwavering, and we look forward to contributing positively to Pasco and the broader Pacific Northwest region.” The facility is expected to generate more than 40 jobs throughout Tri-Cities region and will focus on growing and selling Local Bounti’s greenhouse fresh line of packaged leafy greens. Varieties include spring mix, butter lettuce, romaine crisp, green leaf, and additional blends. “Pasco extends a warm welcome to Local Bounti in our community and the Tri-Cities region. Their dedication to integrating into the community, creating jobs, and prioritizing sustainable practices represents a substantial investment in Pasco’s future,” said Jacob Gonzalez, Director Community & Economic Development for the City of Pasco. “We are eager to collaborate with Local Bounti as they contribute to our city’s growth and diversity of economic opportunities.” The Washington facility spans across three acres and was seeded in January 2024. In April, the facility completed the Food Safety certification, which came in with a score of 100%, and will be shipping to its first national retail customer’s northwest division this month. The addition of the new facility fortifies Local Bounti’s distribution to directly service local retail distribution centers within the Pacific Northwest region and provide additional capacity to meet existing demand from the Company’s direct relationships with blue-chip retail customers. Local Bounti’s patented Stack & Flow Technology seamlessly blends the advantages of vertical and greenhouse cultivation, setting the stage for a new era in sustainable agriculture. With a focus on maximizing efficiency, the Washington facility boasts significantly higher yields while utilizing less water, land, and pesticides compared to traditional farming methods. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Local Bounti’s mission to revolutionize the agricultural landscape and reduce its environmental impact.
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Alaska Airlines today announced new nonstop service between Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The daily route will begin October 1, 2024.
The LA Basin is currently the largest market for PSC without daily flights. In addition to direct access to Los Angeles, LAX is the busiest commercial airport on the West Coast, and will provide connectivity to Latin America, Europe, Asia, and more. “Daily nonstop service to Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines has been a long time coming for the Tri Cities,” shared Buck Taft, Director of Tri-Cities Airport. “Our airport staff and regional partners have spent years working to connect to the airline’s Southern California market, and we are thrilled to see Alaska Airlines bring this important route to the community.” “A direct flight to LAX opens up so much opportunity for Tri-Cities businesses and residents,” said President and CEO of Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) Karl Dye. “The easy access to Latin America is especially important for our region. Being able to hop on an Alaska Airlines flight in Tri-Cities and connect through to Guadalajara? That’s huge.” The announcement continues PSC’s growth in popularity for both passengers and airlines. Last year was the airport’s busiest year on record, with 872,578 total passengers, and the Alaska Airlines flight to LAX will be the third new PSC route to launch in 2024—American Airlines began service to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) in February and Avelo Airlines will start twice-weekly service to the Sonoma wine country May 1. Alaska Airlines will serve the PSC-LAX route on a three-class Embraer 175, with 76 seats. Tickets are on sale now at alaskaair.com. The Friends of the Richland Library’s Spring 2024 book sale begins Thursday, April 25, at 5:00 p.m. for members, and Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27 at 10:00 a.m. for the general public.
Memberships are available for $10.00 per individual, or $15.00 for a family. There are thousands of books and a wide variety of subjects and genres to choose from. Prices range from .25 to $1.00 per item. There are also some puzzles, CDs and DVDs too. On Saturday, you can fill a bag for only $5.00. Bring your own or one will be given to you. All proceeds are redirected back to support and expand library activities and programs. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofrichlandpubliclibrary. Tri-Cities, WA – Lourdes and Trios Health are partnering to host a sports physical clinic on Saturday, May 18, 2024, for all local middle and high school students entering grades seven to 12.
The sports physical clinic will be held at the Trios Care Center at Vista Field located at 521 N. Young Street in Kennewick, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students must bring their school’s physical form completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian before an examination will be completed. Physicals will cost $10 each, with 100 percent of the fee returning to each student’s school sports program. No appointment is necessary. The physicals will be completed by Lourdes Physician Clinics and Trios Medical Group providers, as well as Trios Health resident physicians. They will be donating their time to provide this service. Volunteers from Lourdes and Trios will also be helping at various stations prior to the physical exam with a provider, including registration, a height and weight check, blood pressure station, and eye exam check. “This is a great community event with the dual purpose of being able to serve our local students with a low-cost option for their required sports physical and giving back to our local schools in a meaningful way,” said David Elgarico, Trios Health CEO & Market President. “Lourdes Health and Trios Health are excited to be co-hosting this event.” said Lourdes Health CEO, Mark Holyoak. “The sports physical clinic offers a great opportunity for our community to get to know our providers at Lourdes and Trios while also allowing us to serve a great need by making the event accessible and affordable.” Students who wear glasses or contacts should bring them to their visit for the eye exam portion. Cash or check will be the only forms of payment accepted. Checks should be written out to Trios Health. Sports physical forms for the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts are available at TriosHealth.org/Sports-Physicals and YourLourdes.com/Sports-Physicals and should be filled out prior to the event and ready to go when registering. A limited number of forms will be available at the time of the event. Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, TC Black, in collaboration with Century 21 Tri-Cities, is thrilled to announce the inaugural Celebrity Charity Dinner featuring Erik "The Peanut Guy" Mertens. This exclusive event promises an evening of luxury and philanthropy, all supporting a worthy cause.
The brainchild of TC Black's founder, the Celebrity Charity Dinner, aims to bridge the gap between celebrities and the community while supporting charitable initiatives. "I realized early on in my TC Black venture that I was extremely privileged to drive around celebrities/VIPs that I otherwise would never have had the opportunity to meet. I wanted to be able to share that experience with other people in the community, but I needed to figure out how to get my 'celebrity' contacts to spend time with strangers willingly. That's where the idea for the Celebrity Charity Dinner was born!" said David McClain, owner of TC Black. This unique event offers attendees the chance to enjoy an intimate dinner with Erik "The Peanut Guy" Mertens, renowned for his presence at Dust Devil baseball games. After dinner, guests will be treated to prime seats behind home plate for nine innings of exhilarating Dust Devil baseball action. "We've been fortunate to have great donations and sponsors over the years, and now Century 21 Tri-Cities," added David McClain, owner of TC Black. The highlight of the evening, however, lies in its philanthropic purpose. All proceeds raised during the event will directly benefit Erik's chosen local charity, Cork's Place Kids Grief Center. By participating in this event, attendees will indulge in luxury and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. "Cork's Place Kids Grief Center is deeply honored to be selected as the beneficiary of this esteemed event," remarked Tara Divers, Director of Philanthropy at Cork's Place. "This support means the world to our team, volunteers, and participants. It enables us to continue providing essential support and resources to children and families navigating the grieving process in Benton and Franklin Counties." Cork's Place Kids Grief Center has served Benton and Franklin Counties for 20 years, providing essential support to those navigating grief. The center's continued operation and impact are made possible through the generous support of the community. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience luxury while supporting a noble cause. The online auction is now live and ready for community members to outbid the competition for a chance to attend this exclusive event. For more information and to participate in the auction, visit www.tricitiesblack.com/celebritydinner. Port of Kennewick and Benton County invite the community to a celebration on Monday, April 29, at 10 a.m. to mark the start of renovating Vista Field’s southern gateway. The “Southern Gateway Transformation” event will be held at 6600 West Deschutes Avenue in Kennewick.
The project will turn two former hangar buildings into open-air pavilions connected by a sheltered courtyard with a stage and add other amenities to the public space. The port is using a Benton County Rural County Capital Fund grant to create these lively community-use facilities. Who: Media and community invited What: Vista Field “Southern Gateway Transformation” event When: Monday, April 29, 2024 from 10 – 10:30 a.m. Where: 6600 West Deschutes Avenue, Kennewick Port commissioners awarded a $2.137 million contract, plus applicable taxes, to Goodman & Mehlenbacher Enterprises (GAME Inc.) to remove metal siding from the hangars and construct pergolas, storage areas, sound walls and restrooms. The project also includes installing lighting, industrial fans, landscaping, a new crosswalk, wayfinding signage, a “paper airplane” metal sculpture and an artistic reuse of distinctive metal carrier-decking artifacts to share the story of Vista Field’s WWII Naval history. Columbia Ability Alliance (CAA) is proud to announce the hiring of David Haldeman as its Divisional Programs Manager. He will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s Employment Services and Empowerment Place resource center, fostering partnerships with employers, and driving initiatives to empower individuals with disabilities and barriers in the community. Haldeman brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having previously served at Columbia Ability Alliance as an Employment Specialist. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in providing resources to the community and supporting clients in their journey towards employment. "I am thrilled to return to Columbia Ability Alliance in this new capacity," said Haldeman. "Having previously been part of this dedicated team, I am excited to contribute to the organization's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and making a tangible difference in their lives." As Divisional Programs Manager, Haldeman will focus on increasing the number of job placements and positioning Columbia Ability Alliance as the premier choice for employment services in the community. His expertise in providing resources and employment services to clients with barriers will be instrumental in driving the organization towards its goals. "The primary goal of our Employment Services program is to assist clients in finding meaningful employment opportunities and supporting them in maintaining their jobs," he explained. "By actively engaging with the community and fostering partnerships with employers, we aim to create inclusive workplaces that benefit individuals with disabilities and contribute to the overall well-being of our community." For more information about Columbia Ability Alliance and its programs, visit columbiaabilityalliance.com. Prosser Memorial Health proudly announces the addition of Mariana Neeway, PMHNP-BC, to its Benton City and Prosser Clinics. Mariana brings a wealth of experience as a certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric care. A native of Eastern Washington, Mariana has deep roots in the region, having spent over a decade serving the community in the Tri-Cities area. Her journey in healthcare began with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Washington State University in Pullman, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at WSU in Spokane. She furthered her education with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric and Mental Health at WSU Tri-Cities. Since 2019, she has served at WSU Tri-Cities as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Mariana's passion for mental health advocacy was ignited during her tenure as a nurse in the Pasco School District, where she recognized the pressing need for mental health support in the community. At Prosser & Benton City Clinics, Mariana offers a comprehensive range of psychiatric services including mental health evaluations, medication management, crisis intervention, and coordination of care. Beyond her professional pursuits, Mariana finds joy in running marathons and spending quality time with her husband, two dogs, and four cats. Prosser Memorial Health is thrilled to have Mariana Neeway on board, enriching our commitment to providing accessible and high-quality psychiatric care to the communities we serve. For more information about Mariana or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Prosser Clinic at 509.786.1576 or the Benton City Clinic at 509.588.4075. Visit us online at prosserhealth.org for additional details. AtkinsRéalis, a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, opened its new $20 million AtkinsRéalis Technology Center (ATC) in Richland, Washington today. The ATC will be used for the further development and application of innovative nuclear and environmental cleanup technologies, Engineering Net Zero (ENZ) and hydrogen clean energy advancements, digital solutions and robotics implementation.
“As a company, we are constantly researching and refining impactful new approaches across the entire end-to-end lifecycle of an asset,” said Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis. “From developing clean nuclear energy solutions, to pioneering safer ways of disposing legacy waste material, having access to a world-class facility like this enhances our team and partners’ ability to innovate, collaborate and lay the groundwork that will enable us to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.” The new AtkinsRéalis Technology Center is adjacent to the existing AtkinsRéalis Engineering Laboratory (AEL) and the Washington State University Tri-Cities (WSUTC) Campus. Construction of the facility began in September 2022 and was completed in 15 months. The ATC features 16,000 square feet of open “hot desk” office space designed to foster teamwork and collaboration as well as traditional private offices. Two workshops and an additional 16,000 square feet of a 59-foot high-bay testing area with an overhead crane complete the cutting edge testbed facility. The opening of the ATC furthers AtkinsRéalis’ plans for a campus-like technology hub in the Pacific Northwest as part of the Company’s rapid growth across US markets. “This beautiful space clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuing nearly 20 years of successful engineering and technology development along side Washington State University, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Department of Energy here in the Tri-Cities Community,” said Jim Rugg, President, US Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis. “We look forward to seeing these partnerships flourish in this new space.” The City of Richland issued a proclamation, delivered by Mayor Theresa Richardson, declaring Wednesday, April 17th as “AtkinsRéalis Day”. A grand opening ceremony was held to mark the occasion with remarks by Mr. St. Julian and Mr. Rugg, the US Department of Energy’s Manager of Richland Operations Office and Office of River Protection at the Hanford Site Brian Vance, Mayor Richardson, WSU Tri Cities Vice Chancellor Dr. Kathleen McAteer and Tri City Development Council CEO Karl Dye. Guests participated in a “Tour of Technologies,” showcasing capabilities at the ATC including:
Gesa, a community-focused credit union, announced today it is partnering with three Tri-Cities schools to launch new co-branded Affinity Debit Cards to raise funds for programs benefiting local students. With every swipe, the new co-branded Affinity Debit Cards will support Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School, River’s Edge High School, and Tri-Tech Skills Center students.
“This initiative underscores Gesa's commitment to our community and provides a tangible way for our members to support education and join us in giving back through their everyday purchases. We are honored to bring this impactful program to more schools so that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of students throughout the region,” said Brandon Allison, AVP of Training, Education and Community Relations at Gesa Credit Union. Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School The Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School Affinity Card launches today, and is the first partnership between Gesa and Tri-Cities Prep. “We are so proud to partner with Gesa Credit Union as a member of their Affinity Card program,” said Katie Nelson, Development Director at Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School. “This program gives our students, their families, and our entire community a way to support Tri-Cities Prep by doing something they already do as part of their routine - using their Tri-Cities Prep debit card to make everyday purchases.” River’s Edge High School The River’s Edge High School Affinity Card is the latest addition to Gesa’s existing partnership with the Richland School District. The new card will launch on April 17. “We are excited to continue our outstanding partnership with Gesa, offering River’s Edge High School students and families a new way to display their Firebird pride,” said Shawna Dinh, Public Information Officer for the Richland School District. “Everyday purchases made with the Affinity Debit Card will provide support for school programs and guarantee equitable access for all River’s Edge students.” Tri-Tech Skills Center As part of an existing partnership with the Kennewick School District, the new Affinity Debit Card for Tri-Tech Skills Center launches on April 18. “We are thrilled to provide students with the opportunity to engage in real marketing initiatives through our continued partnership with Gesa Credit Union and its Affinity Card program,” said Robyn Chastain, Executive Director of Communications & Public Relations at Kennewick School District. “Not only does this program give our community a way to show their Tri-Tech pride, but they also support students across our district by doing something they already do every day – using their debit card to purchase things like groceries, gas, and households.” Program Impact Gesa’s Co-Branded Affinity Debit Card Program supports local schools by donating money to partner districts each time a card is used. Launched in 2015, to date the Affinity Debit Card Program has raised more than $1.34 million for local partner school districts and universities, awarding more than $340,000 in 2023 alone. The co-branded Affinity Debit Cards are available exclusively at Gesa Credit Union and are free to Gesa members with a checking account. There is no fee for members to switch their card to any of the school designs. Anyone who lives, works, or worships in Washington is eligible to become a member and support their local schools. For more information about Gesa Credit Union and its Affinity Debit Card Program, visit www.gesa.com. |
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April 2024
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