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Issue 10 | July 15, 2025

A Message from our President...

Dear Spokane Community, 

Over the past 57 years, I’ve lived in 15 cities across five states—from large metropolitan areas like Dallas and St. Louis to smaller communities like Midland, College Station, and Kerrville. Each place, no matter its size, brought with it a unique culture, rhythm, and approach to local government. In nine of those cities, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with city council members and mayors—some experiences better than others, but always rooted in the belief that we all want what’s best for our communities.

When I moved to Spokane, I knew I was stepping into a new chapter, full of opportunity and challenge. What I didn’t anticipate was how complicated and strained the relationship between elected officials, residents, and the business community would feel. I’ve often spoken about the importance of representative government—how we entrust our neighbors to speak on our behalf at every level. That trust is sacred. And today, it's being tested.

As someone who grew up in Kentucky, I’ve always carried our state motto with me: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” It’s not just a saying—it’s a truth. And it’s hard to ignore that Spokane feels increasingly divided. There’s a growing disconnect between the values and concerns of many in our community and the decisions being made by those elected to serve.

I’ve always believed that strong communities are built when diverse voices come together—not in agreement on everything, but in commitment to listen, learn, and lead with mutual respect. That belief is at the heart of every thriving business association or chamber I’ve known. Yet today, Spokane’s City Council seems marked more by division than collaboration. Requests for dialogue are too often dismissed. Good-faith proposals from fellow council members or stakeholders are sidelined—not because they’re unworthy, but because they come from a different perspective.

One recent example: a “streamlining” ordinance—quietly in the works for a year—was introduced that could require vacant property owners to install security systems or hire private security, without clear guidelines or sufficient input. Even two council members only learned of it weeks before the vote, and their request to delay for stakeholder feedback was denied.

This isn’t about ideology. It’s about process. Respect. Inclusion.

Spokane’s business community—its property owners, entrepreneurs, and employers—contribute more than jobs and services. They are also among the city’s largest taxpayers and most consistent civic partners. When their concerns are brushed aside, the entire city loses—not just in dollars, but in trust, momentum, and hope.

If we want to hold onto the best of Spokane—its spirit, its potential, its heart—we need to change course. Not by fighting, but by reaching out. Not by assigning blame, but by calling each other in.

What can you do?

Reach out to your elected officials. Share your story. Ask questions. Invite conversation. Democracy doesn’t survive on silence—and the future we all hope for will only take root if we speak up, together.

Let’s choose unity over division. Let’s return to a government that listens, represents, and respects every voice at the table.

Your partner in business,

  Brad

GET INFORMED. GET INVOLVED. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.

Sprague Union Terrace Community Room

1420 E Sprague Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202

12 PM | 4th Wednesday of Every Month

East Central matters—and so do you. Let’s get to work.

Guest Speaker - Lt. Justin Elliott, Spokane County Sheriff's Office

Lt. Justin Elliott serves as the Commander of the Intelligence Division and the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. With more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, Lt. Elliott is a recognized leader in data-driven public safety, having spearheaded Spokane County’s groundbreaking RTCC initiative—an innovative, tech-enabled hub that fuses real-time data, regional collaboration, and precision policing. Under his leadership, the center has rapidly delivered results: recovering stolen vehicles, locating missing persons, and assisting in hundreds of arrests. A champion of both innovation and accountability, Lt. Elliott remains committed to enhancing public trust, safeguarding civil liberties, and delivering measurable impact through smart policing strategies.

On June 11th, a dedicated group of North Spokane business owners, managers, and community leaders came together—not out of routine, but out of urgency. They gathered as part of the North Spokane Focus Council to discuss the real issues affecting their livelihoods: rising crime, the impact of “road diets” on accessibility and customer flow, and the growing strain on businesses already fighting to stay afloat.

This wasn’t a box-checking meeting. It was a frank, honest conversation about the mounting pressure local employers face—how employee safety, customer convenience, and long-standing economic stability are being compromised by policies that too often ignore the day-to-day realities on the ground.

Those in the room spoke not just for themselves, but for the people they employ and serve. They spoke with clarity, with resolve, and with the shared belief that Spokane deserves better. This is what civic engagement looks like—when business leaders decide they won't be silent observers to their own decline. They show up. They speak out. And they push for change.

In response to our recent survey, a clear message emerged: our dedicated members are eager to meet more frequently to stay ahead of the urgent issues impacting our businesses and our community. Your voices are driving this momentum—and we’re listening. Beginning in August, this focus council will meet monthly.  We'll share more details with you next week!

Watch for details on our next North Spokane Focus Council meeting, coming soon. If you care about protecting your business, supporting your employees, and strengthening Spokane’s economic future, we invite you to join the conversation.

Your seat at the table matters.

Watch for details on our next North Spokane Focus Council meeting, coming soon. If you care about protecting your business, supporting your employees, and strengthening Spokane’s economic future, we invite you to join the conversation.

LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

REGISTRATION BEGINS NEXT WEEK!

SBA ANNUAL DINNER

The Spokane Business Association’s Annual Dinner is just around the corner—mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

This year promises to be our most impactful yet. It’s more than a meal. It’s a moment. A gathering of Spokane’s business leaders, visionaries, and changemakers—coming together to celebrate how far we’ve come, ignite bold ideas, and shape what’s next.

We are honored to welcome David Bieter, former mayor of Boise, as our guest speaker. Known for his dynamic leadership and forward-thinking approach to urban development, Bieter will bring invaluable perspective to our shared challenges and opportunities.

Join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and momentum. This is where the future of Spokane takes root—around the table, among allies, with purpose.

WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGAN...

MEMBERSHIP

Spokane Business Association gives businesses a united voice, direct access to decision-makers, and a seat at the table where real change happens. Together, we advocate, connect, and grow Spokane’s business community.

SBA THANKS OUR VALUABLE INVESTORS

PINNACLE INVESTORS

DIAMOND INVESTORS

PLATINUM INVESTORS

GOLD INVESTORS

Bank of America

CPM Development Corporation

Diamond Parking Services

Goodale & Barbieri Company

Hainsworth Laundry Company

Linden Street Solutions

Lukins & Annis Attorneys

Lydig Construction, Inc

Mackin & Little Inc

NAI Black | Black Realty Management

RenCorp Realty

Spokane Hardware Supply, Inc

STCU

SVN | Cornerstone

SILVER INVESTORS

Alliant Insurance Services

Anthony's Restaurants

Bouten Construction Company

Budinger & Associates, Inc

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

CollinsWoerman

DCI Engineers

Merit Electric of Spokane, Inc

Randall & Hurley Inc

Tom Simpson

Umpqua Bank

Walker Construction

BRONZE INVESTORS

Able Label

Allstar Glass Company

Arby's Of Spokane

Associated Industries of the Inland NW

Baker Construction

Banner Bank

BECU

Bernardo Wills

Breakthrough, Inc

Coffman Engineers

Comcast Business

Commercial Construction & Improvements

Copenhaver Construction, Inc

Devries Business Services, Inc

Dupree Building Specialties

Empire Bolt & Screw, Inc

Finley Construction, Inc

GoJoe Patrol

GT Capital

Integrus Architecture

Kiemle Hagood

Marsh & McLennan Agency

MJM Grand

NW Granite

Pella Inland Northwest

Peppertree Hospitality Group

Perlo Construction

Selkirk Development

Spokane Regional Plan Center

Stifel Financial

Summit Electric LLC

Surface Experts Franchising

The General Store

Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters

Trudeau's Marina

Vandervert Developments

West Plains Development, LLC

PASS IT ON

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.

LEADERSHIP

SBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS