Elevating The Conversation

Mike Marzetta, president of Altek Inc., sits down with the Spokane Journal of Business to discuss manufacturing and innovation.

Ryan Herzog, an economics professor at Gonzaga University, sits down with the Spokane Journal of Business for its Mid-Year Economic Outlook.

Joel White, the executive officer of Spokane Home Builders Association, sits down with the Spokane Journal of Business to discuss the Inland Northwest Housing Market.

Aaron Wilson, the CEO of CHAS Health, sits down with the Spokane Journal of Business to discuss the health of health care.

Keytra Lewis, the associate vice president of Spokane Sports, sits down with the Spokane Journal of Business to discuss the business of sports.

Natalie Gauvin, an Inland Northwest corporate wellness coach and yoga instructor, sits down with the Spokane Journal of Business to discuss wellness in the workplace.

Wade Larson, the executive director of the Production & Manufacturing Institute and the owner of Optimal Talent Dynamics, sits down with the Spokane Journal of Business to discuss the Inland Northwest labor market.

Vange Hochheimer, economics and finance professor at Whitworth University and CEO and chief economist at Grand Fir Analytics, sits down with the Journal of Business for its Economic Outlook episode.

Tom Simpson, the CEO of Ignite Northwest and president of the Spokane Angel Alliance, sits down with the Journal of Business to discuss Spokane's startup scene.

Katia Passerini, the new president of Gonzaga University, sits down with new Journal Editor Erica Bullock to discuss women in leadership.

Greg Hansen, the recently-retired chief credit officer at Numerica Credit Union, discusses how he wound up in the banking industry, the role he played in launching a cannabis-banking program, and future financial industry trends.

Craig Soehren, a real estate broker with Kiemle Hagood, discusses the current state of the Inland Northwest office market.

Steven Daines, owner of Daines Capital Commercial Real Estate, discusses recent growth in the Liberty Lake-Spokane Valley area and his expectations for the future.

Linn Parish, the outgoing editor of the Spokane Journal of Business, discusses his new job at Eastern Washington University, changes in the journalism industry, and the Spokane business community.

Mark Norton, executive director of the Northwest I90 Manufacturing Alliance, discusses aerospace manufacturing in the Inland Northwest, as well as other innovations and opportunities.  Aerospace Manufacturing Challenges (5:15) Medical and Space/Satellite Diversification (11:57) Advanced Aerospace Tech Hub Status (19:40) Other Innovative Areas of Growth (30:58)        

Isaiah Clow, owner of Cornerstone Construction & Development Inc., talks about his acquisition of a longtime, Spokane-based general contracting company, the vision moving forward, and the industry challenges. 

Grant Forsyth, chief economist for Avista Corp., discusses the economic health of the Inland Northwest as we prepare to move into the second half of 2025.  Effects of Tariffs (2:58) Inflation Trends (7:38) Interest Rate Expectation (10:54) Housing Challenges (19:50) Data of Interest in the Current Environment (31:03)  

Mike McBride, new regional labor economist with the Washington state Employment Security Department, talks about his career path, his expansive territory, and the Eastern Washington job market.  Silver Tsunami Effect on Labor (8:22) Health Care Job Trends (9:30) Construction Career Dynamics (14:57) Labor Participation Rate (25:21)      

Jordan Tampien, co-founder of 4 Degrees Real Estate, discusses Spokane's moderating single-family housing market and dynamics affecting the region's apartment market.  Challenges in a changing market (2:32) Realtors leaving the market (15:15) The Mulifamily Market (28:33) Apartment vacancy-rate trends (35:35)    

Susan Stacey, chief executive of Providence Inland Northwest, talks about the challenges that health care systems face in the post-pandemic era and the effort to return to pre-pandemic norms.  Health Systems' Budget Challenges (2:49) Staffing Efforts (15:22) Charity Care (21:00) Heart Institute Upgrades (34:54)  

Dr. Elizabeth Cantwell discusses opportunities, challenges, and the way forward for Washington State University during her first week on as WSU president. 

Albert Tripp, city manager for the City of Airway Heights, talks about the growth of the West Plains and the opportunities and challenges that come with it. 

Lars Gilberts, vice president of equity and community development at Numerica Credit Union, discusses inclusive workplaces and the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion work in professional settings.  DEI's Bad Rap (10:06) DEI Integration as a Best Practice (20:05) Belonging and Psychological Safety (24:14) Advice For Small Businesses (30:21)  

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)