W E E K L Y N E W S L E T T E R
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A Message from our President...
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As a former small business owner, I know just how vital it is to have the support of your hometown. That support can truly make or break a business.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us grew accustomed to the ease of shopping online—just find what you need, click “buy,” and it shows up at your door a few days later.
But I’d like to challenge each of you: whenever possible, shop local.
Buying local isn’t just about convenience—it’s about connection. It’s about seeing what you’re buying, meeting the people behind the counter, and investing in the heartbeat of our city.
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Online purchases from large, out-of-town retailers may offer convenience, but they do little to support the communities we call home. Most of that money leaves the local economy entirely, contributing nothing to neighborhood businesses, local jobs, or essential public services. By contrast, nearly half—about 48%—of every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays in the community, strengthening the local economy from within. Even national chain stores fall short, with less than 14% of spending recirculating locally. The difference is clear: when we choose to shop local, we’re investing directly in Spokane’s future—its people, its prosperity, and its unique sense of place.
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Shopping local also gives you a chance to discover new faces and hidden gems that make this city special. So next time you need to buy something, consider stopping by one of your neighborhood businesses. Your choice matters—to them, and to Spokane.
Your partner in business,
Brad
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As a dynamic focus council of the Spokane Business Association, ESBA’s mission has always been bold and unapologetic: to preserve, elevate, and champion the unique character, businesses, and infrastructure that make East Central shine.
If you live, work, or just love the East Central neighborhood, why not plug in and power up your impact? We're always looking for new voices. Not a member yet? No problem, sign up today!
🏢Where: Sprague Union Terrace | 1420 E Sprague Ave | enter in the back | Noon - 1 PM
📅 When: Every 4th Wednesday of every month
See below for details on our next meeting!
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Up Next: ESBA Guest Speaker | Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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Judge Gloria Ochoa-Bruck has built a distinguished career rooted in perseverance, justice, and service to the Spokane community. As a first-generation college graduate, she overcame early challenges to rise through the legal ranks and was elected in 2021 to serve as a municipal court judge for the City of Spokane. In this role, she brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to justice, striving for outcomes that serve both the individual and the broader community.
Her dedication extends well beyond the bench. Judge Ochoa-Bruck has played active roles on several influential boards, including the Providence Health Systems Mission Board and the Empire Health Foundation, and has contributed her expertise as a trustee for the Washington State Bar Foundation. She also shares her knowledge with future legal professionals as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law and Whitworth University. Her career reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of education, community involvement, and equitable justice.
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Contractors & Developers
Focus Council
The Spokane Business Association, in collaboration with the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development, has partnered with some of Spokane’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses to streamline the permitting process and support the city’s construction momentum. From affordable housing developments to luxury high-rises, Spokane’s skyline is rising—and the future is looking up.
Join the Contractors & Developers Focus Council and be part of the conversation driving real change. Whether you’re building affordable housing or commercial high-rises, your voice matters. Help us create smarter policy, faster processes, and a stronger foundation for Spokane’s growth.
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Division Street
Focus Council
Reducing vehicle lanes to make room for bike paths, expanded sidewalks, or transit options may sound appealing in theory, but it comes with significant tradeoffs—especially in communities that depend on car travel and lack sufficient alternative infrastructure.
Learn how this issue may impact you or your business? We want to talk! Please plan to contribute to this impactful conversation with SBA's newest focus council coming in June.
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Gabriel's Challenge | Sunday, May 11 - Sunday, June 15, 2025
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Gabriel’s Challenge is a grassroots effort born out of Spokane’s urgent fight against the fentanyl crisis. Named in memory of 24-year-old Gabriel Fensler, who lost his life to a fentanyl overdose, the initiative calls on the community to come together in his honor and take action to prevent further tragedy.
Spanning 36 days—from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day—the challenge invites residents to take part in small, intentional acts that foster connection and awareness. Participants are encouraged to “Adopt a Block” by walking their neighborhoods and building relationships with those around them, and to join local mapping sessions aimed at identifying service gaps in Spokane’s addiction and recovery network.
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The heart of Gabriel’s Challenge lies in the belief that when people show up, engage with their neighbors, and work together, they can spark real and lasting change. It’s a movement rooted in love, loss, and the unwavering hope of building a safer, more connected Spokane.
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Curious to learn more? Text “SHOW UP” to 53123 for daily action challenges.
Join the community mapping sessions every Tuesday night, 5:30 to 7:00 PM at City Hall.
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Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | Featured Voice
Lauren Davis, Mental Health Therapist, State Representative, and author of Ricky's (Involuntary Treatment) Law
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BOMA Spokane Membership Luncheon | Wednesday, May 21, 2025
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This event offers a unique chance for property professionals, business owners, and anyone invested in Spokane’s future to connect with the mayor and join in meaningful dialogue with BOMA members and local leaders.
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Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center
When: May 21st - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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DSP 2025 State of Downtown | Friday, May 30, 2025
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Downtown Spokane Partnership invites the community to help write the next chapter in the story of downtown Spokane.
The annual State of Downtown & Awards event will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Spokane Convention Center. This year’s program will feature keynote speaker Peter Kageyama, acclaimed author of For the Love of Cities, whose work explores the emotional connections people form with their cities and the power of community-driven development.
The event will also recognize individuals and organizations making a lasting mark on the urban core with the presentation of the annual Legacy and Impact Awards.
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Location: Spokane Convention Center
When: May 30th - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
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Lunch Breaks that Mean Business | Coming Soon!
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New SBA Lunch & Learn Series Coming This Summer!
Hungry for knowledge? Grab your brown bag and join us for a bite-sized brainstorm! Each month, the SBA will serve up fresh topics and expert voices to fuel your mind and spark real conversations.
Bring Your Own Lunch, Leave with Insight 🍎 🧃 🛍️
Details Coming Soon!
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YOUR VOICE. YOUR IMPACT. YOUR MEMBERSHIP.
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Downtown Spokane is at a crossroads. Business owners are confronting the impacts of addiction, homelessness, and public safety challenges every single day. These aren’t abstract policy debates—they’re lived realities. But change doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from stepping in.
The Spokane Business Association exists because a group of business leaders chose to stop accepting the status quo. We walk the streets before sunrise. We talk directly with policymakers. We advocate for solutions rooted in both accountability and compassion. This work is not easy, but it is necessary—and it’s powered by the people who refuse to give up on Spokane.
If you care about building a safer, stronger, more equitable city, then your voice belongs here. Not because we have all the answers, but because together, we’re asking the right questions—and demanding better. This is how change starts. Join us.
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Tell Us What’s on Your Mind—We’re Listening
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We want to hear from you! Your insights, questions, and feedback help shape the direction of our work and ensure we're addressing the issues that matter most to our community. Whether you have an idea, a concern, or just something on your mind—don’t keep it to yourself. Drop us a line and be part of the conversation. Your voice truly makes a difference.
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SBA THANKS OUR VALUABLE SPONSORS
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If you believe in what we're building and want to see Spokane thrive, don’t keep it to yourself—share this with your neighbors, colleagues, and friends. The more voices we have, the stronger our impact.
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