Elevating The Conversation

Kevin Parker, owner of Spokane Dutch Bros., talks about attracting employees, retaining them, and trends within the workplace.  Talent Acquisition (2:20) Employee Retention Strategies (5:39) Leading Multiple Generations (7:15) Return To Work Trends (15:22) Hiring Advice (20:09)        

Steve Scranton, chief economist at Washington Trust Bank, discusses inflation, interest rate, jobs, and other factors that could make or break the economy in 2025.  Inflation and interest rates (0:53) Potential implications of tariffs (8:13) Jobs outlook (16:58) Immigration policy (30:10)

Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall discusses the current state of public safety and effort to combat drug use, property crimes, and other issues in the community.  Neighborhood Resource Officers (1:48) Technology in Policing (8:38) 21st Century Policing Practices (24:50) Recruiting Officer (27:12)  

Chandler Baird, founder of Spokane Eats, discusses the ever-changing world of social media and influencer marketing.  Founding of Spokane Eats (1:48) Influencer Ethics & Responsibilities (5:28) Social Media's Market Saturation (9:25) Microinfluencers (12:05) Advice for Small Business (24:07)      

Skye Henderson, vice president of venture investments at Cowles Ventures, discusses Spokane's entrepreneurial ecosystem.    Venture capital landscape: 9:59 Challenges for startups: 17:20 Growing companies: 22:15 Advice for startups: 28:43  

Ezra Eckhardt, CEO of STCU, talks about the challenges and opportunities for banks and credit unions in the current environment.  Interest rate environment: 0:46 Deposit activity: 10:18 Inflation stabilization: 14:53 Merger and acquisition activity: 32:07 Historical context: 45:27        

Harry Sladich, cofounder and chief development officer at GoJoe Patrol Inc., discusses the rising demand for private security amidst increased concerns about public safety.  Why Private Security Demand Is Growing (7:05) The Private Sector's Role In Deterring Crime (11:14) State of Downtown (26:27) Franchising Security (39:52)  

Rose Noble, CEO of Visit Spokane, discusses visitor activity in the Inland Northwest.  COVID-era Bounce Back (2:45) Destination Development (5:30) Economic Impact of Visitors (17:14) Spokane's Hotel Inventory (24:03)

Grant Forsyth, chief economist for Avista Corp., talks about the state of the Inland Northwest economy and what to expect in the second half of the year.  Inflation rate sweet spot (9:10) Jobs Market (16:09) Recession Factors (28:38) Advice For Small Business (31:00)      

Yanek Kondryszyn, intellectual-property attorney and partner at Spokane-based Lee & Hayes PLLC, talks about emerging technologies in the AI and machine learning world—and how businesses can navigate this new terrain.  Who owns the data? (8:40) Treatment of client information (14:06) Small-business advice (21:38) Tools to consider (27:40)

Journal reporter Karina Elias talks about her recent piece titled "The Collective Effort," in which she describes the emergence of NIL Collectives intended to help Inland Northwest universities remain competitive in recruiting and retaining athletes. 

Windermere Real Estate Chief Development Officer Scott Wetzel talks about home sales activity in Spokane and the Inland Northwest, in the post-pandemic environment.  Mortgage Rate Trends (4:15) Housing Market Correction (8:08) Baby Boomers Effect on the Market (13:59) Investment Activity (23:50) NAR Settlement Ramifications (26:45)    

USL Spokane President Katie Harnetiaux talks about the launching new professional sports franchises, with the Spokane Velocity men's soccer team and the Spokane Zephyr women's team.  The New Stadium (3:49) Sports Team Revenue Streams (13:10) Fan Experience (18:27)

The Journal of Business talks with Downtown Spokane Partnership CEO Emilie Cameron about the future of the city's core.  Essential Services For People Living Downtown (13:00) The State Of The Office Market (18:05) Public Safety (27:22) Downtown Business Improvement District Expansion (34:49)

The Journal of Business talks with Excelsior Wellness Chief People Officer Kitara Johnson-Jones about the evolution of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.  Creating Psychological Safety At Work (11:05) DEI Best Practices (21:00) Neurodiversity in the Workplace (34:15) Small Business Advice (40:32)

Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh discusses declining enrollments vexing colleges and universities nationwide.