Greater Spokane Incorporated

📰 This year, let’s make a big impact by shopping small! 💕 Did you know businesses with fewer than 9 employees make up 70% of Spokane’s economy? The dollars spent at these local shops are reinvested into our community six times more than at big chains. Our VP of Economic Development, Gary Ballew, CEcD, and Director of Public Policy, Jake Mayson, shared the incredible benefits of initiatives like Pink Friday, championed by local boutiques like Rebel Hart Co. Let's celebrate the passion of small business owners who pour their hearts into our community. 🛍️ Make it a priority to shop local this Pink Friday and throughout the season—you’re not just buying gifts, you’re building Spokane! https://lnkd.in/gHU9mMQg #ShopSmall #PinkFriday #SupportLocal #SpokaneSmallBusiness

Partner Testimonial: Matt Paulson, Highstreet Insurance and Financial Services – The Paulson Becker Agency "Being a part of this group has been a great benefit to me personally and professionally. Keep being involved, seek connections and build relationships with members and friends." Positive feedback like this is why we do what we do! Huge thank you to Matt for such an amazing testimonial.

Over 500 business leaders and students gathered at the Spokane Convention Center for the 2025 Economic Forecast, presented by U.S. Bank. Moderated by Paul Read of the Journal of Business, the event featured expert insights from Steve Scranton, CFA  (Washington Trust Bank), Dr. Vange Ocasio Hochheimer, Ph.D. (Whitworth University), and Dr. Grant Forsyth  (Avista Corp). The theme, "Embracing Growth in Uncertain Times," highlighted discussions on workforce shortages, housing affordability, healthcare, and international trade impacts, all while forecasting continued—but slower—economic growth. Key takeaways? Economic growth is expected to continue but at a slower pace, with discussions on workforce shortages, housing affordability, healthcare, and the impacts of international trade shifts. Prepare to tackle 2025 with confidence! Video recap🔗➡️: https://lnkd.in/gaAFHiei Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible.: 💎PRESENTED BY: U.S. Bank  💎EXECUTIVE SPONSORS: Alaska Airlines, Idaho Central Credit Union  💎MAJOR SPONSORS: DoorDash, Gesa Credit Union, Kalispel Tribe of Indians 💎SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Community Colleges of Spokane, Global Credit Union  💎EVENT SPONSOR: Whitworth University, Spokane Public Facilities District

🎉🎀✂️ We were thrilled to celebrate with our partners Hayden Homes at the ribbon cutting for the newest phase at The Summit!  It was an incredible event filled with energy, networking, and great food as we cut the ribbon on this exciting new development. Congratulations to Hayden Homes and the team on this milestone—here’s to the continued success and growth of The Summit! Make sure to check out this amazing community and sign up for more info to learn about our next phase of The Summit:  https://lnkd.in/gYHcjB7c

✨ Leadership Lights the Way Gala - February 1, 2025! ✨ We’re thrilled to support Leadership Spokane and its mission to foster a legacy of leadership in our community! Join us on February 1st at Northern Quest Resort & Casino for the Leadership Lights the Way Gala, where we’ll unite diverse, collaborative leaders to ensure a vibrant Spokane. Doors open at 5 PM for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration. Let’s shine a light on the future of leadership in our region! Link in comments.

🎄✨ Join us for the Vested  Holiday Mingle! Let’s celebrate the season with an evening of connection, collaboration, and inspiration! Whether you’re a college woman exploring entrepreneurship or an experienced female business owner, this is your chance to connect with like-minded peers and mentors shaping our community. 📅 December 12, 2024 🕖 7-9 P 📍 Elevar, 1407 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA Enjoy: A festive photo booth by Electric Photoland  📸 Delicious treats from women-owned eateries Cozy, seasonal mocktails Together, we’ll share ideas, build relationships, and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit for 2025! 🎓 Students: Don’t forget to bring your student ID for entry. Tag your entrepreneurial crew and RSVP today! Link in comments #VestedHolidayMingle #WomenInBusiness #gsicommunityevents Events

🎉🎀✂️We were honored to attend Compass Career Solutions A Dungarvin Company's Ribbon Cutting and Open House at their new location: 528 E Spokane Blvd., Suite 504. This centrally located space enhances access for clients, partners, and the diverse communities they serve. It’s designed to better support walk-ins, confidential meetings, and stronger collaboration with nearby social service agencies. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours, and celebrations—we’re thrilled to continue empowering our community together! 💙

🎉🎀✂️ We enjoyed celebrating the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Rice Fergus Miller, Inc. - a B Corp’s new Spokane office! This beautiful space reflects their dedication to meaningful, community-centered design. Guests enjoyed local bites from Indigenous Eats and had the opportunity to connect with RFM’s talented team of designers and architects. Welcome to Spokane, RFM! Your expansion is a win for our community, and we’re excited to see the impact you’ll make in the Inland Northwest.

📢 How will the Spokane economy evolve in 2025? Our 2025 Economic Forecast explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the year ahead. Regional economists shared their insights on slowing growth, housing affordability, labor shortages, and more, offering valuable perspectives for businesses and our community. Want to dive deeper into the conversation? Check out this article by Treva Lind for The Spokesman-Review highlighting key takeaways from the event.

Looking to grow your business and secure stable revenue? Join us for Meet the BIGS! on November 20 at Northern Quest Resort & Casino. Connect with prime contractors, government agencies, and industry leaders to unlock millions of dollars in contracting opportunities.  Learn insider tips, network with decision-makers, and position your business for success in government and large-scale contracts. Don’t miss this premier event! Register now and get ready to transform your revenue strategy. 🔗Link in comments