W E E K L Y N E W S L E T T E R
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Issue 15 | August 19, 2025
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT...
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Dear Spokane Community,
The Spokane Business Association (SBA) was founded on July 2, 2024, as an outgrowth of the East Spokane Business Association (ESBA). Our mission is simple but urgent: to advocate for all businesses in Spokane.
Below is a list of SBA’s key priority areas. While not exhaustive, every organization must have clear priorities to advance its goals. For us, that goal is to build a Spokane that can.
A Spokane where:
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Everyone can enjoy one of the best downtowns in the nation.
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Businesses can thrive and grow.
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Our dedicated law enforcement officers are empowered to enforce the law.
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People struggling with mental health challenges and addiction can access the help they need.
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Yes, the issues we face can feel overwhelming—but together, we can make a difference. Still, to move Spokane forward, our elected officials must step up and lead. And when they don’t, we must keep calling, emailing, and showing up at City Council. Your voice matters. The battle will not be easy, but the future of Spokane hangs in the balance. You can—and must—be heard.
SBA Focus Areas
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Say NO to open drug use — Say YES to a safe downtown.
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Say NO to sleeping on public sidewalks — Say YES to a clean downtown.
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Proposed Charter Amendment — Require city officials to enforce laws based on the will of the people.
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Joint State of Emergency — Unite City, County, and State in coordinated action.
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Register to Vote — Research the candidates and then VOTE.
What ties all of these together? A Spokane where businesses can grow and all taxpayers can enjoy a vibrant downtown.
Weekly Call to Action
Over 2,500 people read this newsletter every week. This week, I’m asking each of you to contact Spokane City Council. Tell them where you stand. Tell them whether you approve of the direction they’re taking our city.
Your voice matters. You CAN make a difference.
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Your partner in business,
Brad
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September 23rd, 2025
at The Spokane Convention Center
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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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Get your tickets or reserve your table today!
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Grab Individual Dinner Tickets or purchase a Table (8)
Ticket Prices
Individual Dinner Tickets $150
Table $1,400 (logo on the event centerpiece, receive visibility on all promotional material and advertising)
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If you have already renewed your Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond or Pinnacle membership for 2025-2026, the SBA Annual Dinner is included. Click here to submit the names and email addresses of your attendees so that we can register your table(s).
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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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Next Member Meeting Wednesday, August 27th
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Lynden P. Smithson
Running for Municipal Court Judge Pos. 2
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For the past twenty-three years I have worked for the City of Spokane. I have held positions as head of our Domestic Violence Unit, I was Chief Assistant City Prosecutor. And most recently I was Spokane’s City Attorney; supervising, twenty-three lawyers in the Prosecutor’s Office and City Legal. My office advised over thirty City departments, the Mayor and City Council. I was charged with developing policy in many areas including criminal justice and homelessness response. I worked closely with the Mayor, Council and SPD to further sound policies to enhance our constituents experience in the downtown core. We were required to bring suit against the State of Washington to close the largest homeless encampment in the area and I led the charge in this endeavor.
In 2011 I was asked to establish a Domestic Violence Unit in the Prosecutor’s Office. I worked with the Spokane Police Department to establish policies and procedures to hold offenders responsible and to give victims the support they needed. We reduced recidivism and gave victims a voice in the legal proceedings. I continue to be involved in the Spokane Domestic Violence Consortium where I hold a board seat.
This opportunity to run for judge is the culmination of over twenty-five years in the practice of law. I have learned much during that time and I want to use my skills to better serve our community from the Municipal Court bench.
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Coming September 24th for Meet The Candidates
Alejandro Barrientos | Running for City Council District 2
Judge Mary Logan | Incumbent, Running for Spokane Municipal Court
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Coming October 22nd for Meet The Candidates
Jonathan Bingle| Incumbent, Running for Re-Election City Council District 2
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Thursday, September 11th
Ruby River Inn
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
Doors open at 11:30 AM
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Tuesday, September 30th
Ruby River Inn
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
Doors open at 11:30 AM
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SEE YOU TOMORROW AT THE LIBRARY
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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.
Stay tuned for our next Lunch & Learn, September 17th!
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WHY RESOURCES FOR ADDICTION ARE SO VITAL
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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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Able Label
Associated Industries of the Inland NW
Baker Construction
Banner Bank
BECU
Bernardo Wills
Coffman Engineers
Comcast Business
Copenhaver Construction, Inc
Devries Business Services, Inc
Dexter's Demolition
Dupree Building Specialties
Empire Bolt & Screw, Inc
Finley Construction, Inc
GoJoe Patrol
GT Capital
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Integrus Architecture
Marsh & McLennan Agency
NAI Black | Black Realty Management
NW Granite
Peppertree Hospitality Group
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
Wendle Ford
West Plains Development, LLC
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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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