Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to get outside.
Spring also means two of Spokane’s premier events are around the corner: Bloomsday and the Lilac Festival. Both are near and dear to Spokane’s heart, and both have an impact on the community and the economy.
Bloomsday has an economic impact estimated at $14 million. That includes money spent on travel, lodging, food, entertainment and other products (as illustrated on Bloomsday’s website). The business community joins in the fun with the Corporate Cup division – which sold out in 14 minutes this year, we’re told. Thousands of employees from various companies also serve as volunteers during the race.
(As an aside, Junior Bloomsday will make its return this year the day before Bloomsday for 3rd and 4th grade kids)
Businesses from throughout the region get involved in Bloomsday, whether it’s through a Corporate Cup team, sponsorships or other ways. This community event has grown since its inception in the 1970’s, and has put Spokane on the national map.
The festival is one way Spokane shows its appreciation for our armed forces. The Torch Light Parade on Armed Forces Day is the nation’s largest of its kind. Members of our military in the area march in the parade to standing ovations along the entire route.
These two events are staples of Spokane’s spring season. The impact they have on our economy and our community is immense. If you haven’t witnessed these events, it’s never too late!
Time for another member web video! This week, Liz Nelson, the co-owner of The Steelhead Bar and Grille talks about how her membership helps Greater Spokane Incorporated work with the City of Spokane and other municipalities to streamline regulatory processes like the permitting process.
Make sure you visit JoinGSI.org to see other member web videos and get more information on membership in our organization. Stay tuned – we’ll have two more member web videos in the next couple months.
Delta Airlines announced yesterday new nonstop service from Spokane to Los Angeles and back. The flight will
leave Spokane early in the morning and return later the same evening, making business travel to the Los Angeles area a day trip. The nonstop service to L.A. is in addition to the nonstop service to Denver and Minneapolis that Spokane already enjoys with Delta Airlines.
For this blog’s purposes, this isn’t about getting to Disneyland or the Southern California beaches (though we all agree that both sound great). What is the benefit of nonstop service for businesses?
The old adage “time is money” can mean a lot of things for a lot of people. Being on the road for a long period of time – whatever a “long period of time” means for your company – can cost money. Hotels, rental cars, food – it’s not cheap.
Being able to fly somewhere in the morning and fly home at night is a luxury. Say, for instance, you were recruiting a new employee from Southern California. You might want as much time with that person as possible. If you had to stop in one or more places on your way, that takes up time. Getting a nonstop flight can work a lot better for you and your company.
Nonstop flights open the gates for new business opportunities. During the event to announce Delta’s new nonstop service for Spokane, Mayor David Condon talked about how this is a different kind of “North-South Corridor” for the region. So much business depends on transportation.
This nonstop service allows businesses in the Spokane region to be competitive with other, larger markets. It also makes it easier for Southern California residents to choose to visit our region, providing tourism dollars that impact our economy immensely.
Making it easier to do business is what everyone wants. Direct flights can make a big difference.
The greater Spokane region is the best on the planet. That’s a bold statement that we’re not afraid to make. Let’s face it, we have everything we need here – great schools, great neighborhoods, great outdoor recreation, a 20-minute average commute to work, and a garbage eating goat (video).
But don’t take our word for it. We thought we’d back up our claim and share some of the accolades our region and our state have received in the past year or so. We’ll also add some comments. (more…)
Tweet We are all aware that today’s youth are our country’s future. Spokane invests in the young people who live here with care and respect, which translates into a bright future for youth, and a bright future for Spokane. Keep reading and find out why it is no surprise that Spokane is a fifth-time winner of the 100 Best Communities for Young People.
OXARC, Inc., a family-owned company headquartered in Spokane, Wash, has accomplished tremendous success with more than 40 years in business. It began in 1968 as a retail and wholesale distributor of welding supplies, gases, safety and industrial supplies with 15 employees and two stores. Since then, it has expanded product lines and services, negotiated multiple acquisitions, added 16 more locations in three states, developed a welder training school, and multiplied its workforce –now employing 292 company-wide. (more…)
Let’s face it. There are so many good reasons to live in Spokane, we’d blow our servers on this blog listing them all. With affordable housing, great schools, the two biggest state parks, five incredible ski resorts all within a two-hour drive, golf courses that Jack Nicklaus admires, and so much more, why would we want to live somewhere else?
Living in Spokane also allows us to enjoy a great summer. Let’s take a look at ten reasons summer in Spokane is simply the best.
“My responsibility as the Mayor of this city is to keep Spokane working.”
That’s how City of Spokane Mayor Mary Verner opened up her presentation this week for our “Conversation With…” series, as part of our BIZStreet Small Business Program.
The City of Spokane has made it a priority to help with the growth and retention of small businesses. This will keep jobs here in Spokane. The state and national economic picture may be a little blurry, but the Mayor and her staff are taking steps to help Spokane.
Spokane is the exciting hub of Inland Northwest events and festivals from early May to late September for locals, tourists and everyone else. These events have a huge positive impact on our economy. Don’t believe me? Just take a gander at the numbers below. (more…)
