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W E E K L Y N E W S L E T T E R |
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Issue 12 | July 29, 2025 |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT... |
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Dear Spokane Community, |
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Your partner in business, Brad |
SBA FOCUS COUNCILS |
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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. |
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On April 8, 2003, the East Spokane Business Association was formally established as the organization we know today. But its foundation was built long before that—in the grit of local entrepreneurs, the vision of community leaders, and the unshakable belief that East Spokane deserved a stronger voice.
Born out of a need to unify the area’s businesses and advocate for growth, safety, and opportunity, the Association became more than a name—it became a movement. Prior to its official formation, informal collaborations and neighborhood alliances had already begun laying the groundwork. These early efforts—small business meetings over coffee, grassroots discussions about infrastructure and safety—sparked the idea that together, East Spokane’s business owners could accomplish far more than they could alone.
By April 2003, those sparks ignited. The East Spokane Business Association was formalized to represent and amplify the concerns and contributions of the east side’s commercial corridors. Since then, the organization has grown into a powerful force for business advocacy, economic development, and civic engagement—shaping policies, supporting local entrepreneurs, and helping ensure that East Spokane isn’t just seen, but heard. |
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MEET YOUR ESBA LEADERSHIP |
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Barbara Woodbridge President |
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Wendy Fishburne Vice President |
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George Demakis Treasurer |
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Jake Swartz Secretary |
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Doug Trudeau Past President |
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LaVerne Biel Executive Director |
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Jim Hanley Board Member |
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Cyndi Fridye Board Member |
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Franc Quinto Board Member |
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Your seat at the table matters. |
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LUNCH & LEARN SERIES |
Bring Your Lunch, Leave With Insight! |
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We’re excited to partner with the Washington Policy Center for the kickoff of our new Lunch and Learn series! Bring your own lunch and join us for a thoughtful, engaging session—you’ll leave with fresh insight and meaningful takeaways.
Join Eastern Washington Director Chris Corry who will be there to discuss WPC's findings and ongoing work—like the Report Card for Washington, a tool to help citizens evaluate the performance of their state government.
Whether you’re a small business owner, an engaged resident, or someone who wants to better understand state policy, this event is opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Join us for this free, informative event —reserve your spot below! |
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SBA ANNUAL DINNER |
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Registration Begins Soon! |
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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. |
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David Bieter is the longest-serving mayor in Boise’s history, known for his visionary leadership and deep commitment to community. Over four terms, he expanded parks and open space, opened new neighborhood libraries, championed early childhood education, and pioneered a “housing first” approach to homelessness. A former land-use attorney and state legislator, Bieter remains a respected voice in civic innovation. |
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WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGAN |
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Keep watching to see what happens next |
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Now she gives back to the very community that saved her—because addiction may have tried to write her ending, but a parent’s love refused to let go, and the strength of community resources carried her through. She didn’t just survive; she transformed.
As our story continues, be on the lookout for our next episode—a deeply personal journey told first-hand, where resilience meets redemption and hope comes full circle. |
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MEMBERSHIP |
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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. |
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SBA THANKS OUR VALUABLE INVESTORS |
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PINNACLE INVESTORS |
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DIAMOND INVESTORS |
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PLATINUM INVESTORS |
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GOLD INVESTORS |
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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 STCU SVN | Cornerstone |
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SILVER INVESTORS |
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Alliant Insurance Services Anthony's Restaurants Bouten Construction Company Budinger & Associates, Inc CliftonLarsonAllen LLP CollinsWoerman DCI Engineers Kiemle Hagood Merit Electric of Spokane, Inc Pella Inland Northwest Randall & Hurley Inc Spokane Symphony Tom Simpson Umpqua Bank Walker Construction |
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BRONZE INVESTORS |
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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 |
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GT Capital Integrus Architecture Marsh & McLennan Agency MJM Grand NW Granite 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 |
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PASS IT ON |
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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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LEADERSHIP |
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SBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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