Gesa, a community-focused credit union, is partnering with the American Red Cross Northwest region to support the “Sound the Alarm (STA). Save a Life.” campaign, which provides free smoke alarms to those in need and educates the public about home fire safety. Gesa is encouraging the community to join its efforts by donating and volunteering for the campaign if they are able, in order to help keep more community members safe.
“Everyday families throughout the Northwest are tragically affected by home fires. That’s why our volunteers and staff work to not only deliver vital services, like providing relief and support to those in a crisis, but also to help the public feel prepared to respond in times of disaster,” said Hannah Christen, Red Cross Regional Preparedness Manager. “This national initiative has helped thousands of people in the Northwest over the last 10 years, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors.” From now until May 3, community members can visit a Gesa branch or go to gesa.com to donate money to the STA campaign, which will be used to help communities across the Northwest prepare for, respond to, and recover from house fires. The credit union will provide a matching donation of up to $10,000. Additionally, Gesa team members will volunteer to help with installing free smoke alarms and providing home fire safety education to community members who sign up for a free home visit with their local Red Cross here. The campaign is still in need of additional volunteers, especially individuals that are bilingual. To become a volunteer, community members can sign up here. Every day, an average of seven people in the U.S. die in home fires, often in homes without working smoke alarms. Since the campaign began in 2014, more than 2.5 million free smoke alarms have been installed and more than 1 million households have been made safer across the country, resulting in more than 2,000 confirmed lives being saved. “We are honored to partner annually with the American Red Cross Northwest region on this vital campaign. Our joint efforts not only aid those in need but also contribute to a broader initiative aimed at enhancing household safety and preventing fires across the Northwest,” said Amber Merrill, Community Relations Manager at Gesa Credit Union. “Since the start of the program, American Red Cross has helped thousands of people and installed free smoke alarms to millions of households. Our team at Gesa is proud to support these efforts that will undoubtedly save more lives each year.” Each year, the American Red Cross Northwest region assigns a signature city for the STA campaign, where the non-profit will allocate more time and resources during the campaign. This year, the signature city selected is Aberdeen, Washington. For more information about Gesa Credit Union visit www.gesa.com. For more information about the Sound the Alarm Campaign, visit redcross.org/sound-the-alarm.
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The City of Richland is pleased to announce the selection of Craig Meidl as Interim Chief of Police. Chief Meidl brings over 30 years of distinguished law enforcement experience, including seven years as the City of Spokane's Chief of Police.
Meidl was selected after a comprehensive background investigation, consistent with RCW 43.101.095, and is expected to serve in the interim role for 3-6 months. This will allow the City of Richland ample time to conduct a thorough search for a permanent Police Chief. Before his role as Chief of Police, Meidl served in a wide range of positions within law enforcement, including Patrol Officer, Tactical Team, Special Investigations Unit, SWAT Team, Traffic Unit, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, School Resource Officer Sergeant, Traffic Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant (Shift Commander), Crisis Intervention Team Commander, Internal Affairs Lieutenant, Liaison to the Office of Police Ombudsman, Precinct Captain, Major in Charge of Operations Support Bureau, and Assistant Chief of Police. Chief Meidl is also a proud United States Marine Corps Active Reserves veteran. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. “We are confident that Chief Craig Meidl’s extensive experience, proven leadership, and commitment to community policing will serve the City of Richland exceptionally well during this transitional period,” said City Manager Jon Amundson. Meidl will begin his service on Monday, April 15, 2024. The City of Richland will provide additional updates on the search for a permanent Police Chief as the process progresses. The City of Richland’s Permitting Office is moving to an all-digital permitting process beginning Monday, June 3, 2024. The self-service portal will allow applicants to apply for Building Permits, Planning Applications, Right-of-Way Permits and Fire Permits online via desktop, mobile, and other devices, making it a convenient way for applicants to complete and track permit activities.
The City’s implementation of a new permit management software system is designed to help the City improve efficiency, provide greater transparency into City processes, and deliver better customer service. During the transition period, from Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, May 31, 2024, there will be a temporary closure of the Permitting Office as the City integrates the new system. The closure will impact new submittals, permit issuance, and inspections, so please plan all permit and inspection activities accordingly, bearing in mind that no permits or inspections will be processed during this time frame. It is anticipated that public access to the new system will be fully operational on Monday, June 3, 2024. You can use the portal to:
More information can be found by visiting www.ci.richland.wa.us. Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Honors Dedicated Volunteers During April Volunteer Appreciation Month4/3/2024 Tri-Cities Chaplaincy proudly recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of its dedicated volunteers, especially during April, which is Volunteer Appreciation Month. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. Without their commitment, compassion, and selflessness, we wouldn't be able to make the profound impact we do on our community.
Annually, volunteers contribute 5% of the Chaplaincy’s total patient care hours, based on a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirement. From connecting deeply with patients and their families to providing essential support in our hospice house by preparing warm, comforting meals, and assisting with light housekeeping, our volunteers go above and beyond to ensure that everyone in our care feels supported and cared for during challenging times. Additionally, our volunteers are vital in facilitating Cork's Place Kids Grief Center sessions, offering a safe and supportive environment for children to process their emotions and find solace during times of loss and grief. Beyond direct care, our volunteers also generously lend their time and skills to assist with administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of our programs and services. Furthermore, they actively engage with the community, spreading awareness about Tri-Cities Chaplaincy's mission and programs and rallying support for those in need. We are especially proud to offer Veteran volunteer opportunities as part of the We Honor Veterans program. Volunteers actively engage with veteran patients to provide support and closure. These dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in honoring and supporting our community's veterans. "We are immensely grateful for the dedication and compassion demonstrated by our volunteers every day," said Laurie Jackson, CEO at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy. "Their commitment to serving others embodies the true spirit of volunteerism and profoundly impacts the lives of those we serve. During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every volunteer who contributes to our mission of providing comfort, support, and hope to individuals and families in our community." Tri-Cities Chaplaincy encourages individuals who are looking to apply their skills for good to learn more about its many volunteer programs and opportunities. For more information, visit tccbestlife.org or contact volunteers@tccbestlife.org. Apollo of Kennewick has agreed to be the Title Sponsor of the Tri City Water Follies Hydroplane races, now named the Apollo Columbia Cup. The commitment has been made for the next three years.
After suffering financial losses since 2020, the Tri-City Water Follies Association was in critical need of securing financial support from a Title Sponsor to continue the 59-year event. Apollo, with over 40 years in the community and over 30 years involvement, stepped up to allow the largest event in the Tri- Cities to continue its legacy. Apollo is a Native American owned business that officially began operations in 1981 under the guidance and vision of owner Bruce Ratchford. Over the past 40+ years, the company has grown from humble beginnings to successfully perform $1 Billion in annual revenue. Their service expertise encompasses Commercial and Industrial Construction worldwide. From Apollo’s earliest beginning Bruce held the belief that building something truly requires the effort of every team member. Their slogan “Building People Who Build Great Things” is a testament to their success. Nathan Craghill, President of Tri City Water Follies expressed his gratitude for the generous support from Apollo. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, approximately 1200 volunteers, and our loyal race fans, we are incredibly thankful for Apollo’s investment and collaboration to allow us to continue the hydroplane races which has been a tradition for generations.” STCU is the sponsor of the Over the River Airshow. Other sponsorships include marketing and advertising opportunities customized to individual needs and include V.I.P. ticket packages, media coverage, community outreach, and exposure to an average of 50,000 attendees. Petersen Hastings Wealth Advisors is proud to announce the addition of Hayden McEachen as an Associate Wealth Advisor for the firm. As an Associate Wealth Advisor at Petersen Hastings, Hayden will assist the Advisory Team in managing existing client relationships and supporting their development of new client relationships. The firm’s commitment to serving our clients at the highest level, investment philosophy, and core values are what drove him to Petersen Hastings, as they closely align with Hayden’s personal values. Hayden earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Linfield University in 2022, where he also excelled as a linebacker on the college football team. Additionally, he holds a Certificate of Spanish Fluency from Linfield, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals. Hayden joins us after spending time as a Financial Representative for a national wealth management firm, gaining valuable experience in financial planning and client relations. “It is very exciting to see our firm continue to expand as we welcome Hayden to his position at Petersen Hastings,” said Matt Neff, Director of Advisor Services. “Hayden’s industry experience and a passion for helping our clients achieve continued financial success makes me confident that he will not only be a great advisor, but also an educator and an advocate for our clients.” Beyond his professional endeavors, Hayden is deeply passionate about sports, particularly football, and he also enjoys practicing Jiu Jitsu. He finds relaxation and fulfillment in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Music is another significant part of Hayden's life; he is proficient in playing both guitar and piano. Furthermore, Hayden serves as the Defensive Coordinator for the Tri-Cities Prep football team, combining his love for sports with a commitment to mentorship and leadership. Family and friends are central to Hayden's life, and he prioritizes spending quality time with them whenever possible. At a special council meeting held today, City Council adopted a resolution to appoint Ms. Erin Erdman as the new City Manager for the City of Kennewick and approved an employment agreement. “I want to thank the City Council for entrusting me with this role. I am very excited to get to know the staff, the council, and the City as a whole and dive into the many exciting opportunities the City has on the horizon,” said Ms. Erdman. Ms. Erdman has over 22 years of public service experience. During this span of time she worked her way up as City Planner for Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Government (WA), Permit Center Manager for the City of Vancouver (WA) and Community Development Director for the City of Battle Ground (WA), where she has been serving as City Manager. Ms. Erdman holds a Bachelors in Geography, specializing in Urban Planning, from Central Washington University. City Council has been engaged in a competitive recruitment process since November 2023 to fill the City Manager position. The City Council conducted interviews with the top four candidates on March 8, 2024. The General Manager of Ben Franklin Transit (BFT), Rachelle Glazier, will step down effective April 1. However, she will continue to assist in a limited consulting role throughout the transition process. She informed BFT staff of her decision on Friday afternoon. Glazier has held the position since July of 2022.
She states, “I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity by our Board of Directors, and it has been my honor to serve our community alongside the dedicated BFT staff. Working for this board has been the best experience of my career. However, a family issue must take priority at this time in my life. It was not an easy decision, but it is the right one.” Chief Financial Officer Sarah Funk has been designated as Interim General Manager while the BFT Board conducts a search for Glazier’s replacement. The search is expected to take several months. BFT Board Chair Will McKay stated, “I am sad to see Rachelle leave, but family comes first. She was great to work with and improved so many aspects of Ben Franklin Transit to make it more efficient and better serve the community.” The Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Board has approved awarding (1) $2,000.00 scholarship for each of the three high schools in the Prosser Memorial Health services area including: Prosser, Grandview, and Kiona-Benton. There is also one at-large scholarship that will be offered to students that are outside of the three school districts we currently serve. This scholarship is available to seniors pursuing a higher education degree in the healthcare industry.
“The Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Board and its Auxiliary Volunteers are excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to seniors in our community. We want to encourage and support students who are interested in a career in the healthcare industry whether that be as a doctor, nurse, or healthcare administrator – all play an important role in Prosser Memorial Health’s ability to deliver high quality, affordable healthcare to the communities we serve,” said Shannon Hitchcock, Executive Director. Applications must be received by April 15, 2024, and are available now on the Foundation website at www.prosserhealth.foundation. Completed applications may be emailed to Foundation Executive Director Shannon Hitchcock at shannonh@prosserhealth.org. Cork's Place Kids Grief Center is thrilled to announce its 20th-anniversary celebration, set to take place on April 27th at Wheat Head Brewing Co. This milestone event promises an unforgettable evening of commemoration and fundraising in support of children coping with loss.
"For two decades, Cork's Place has been a beacon of hope and healing for children navigating the complex grief journey," said Tara Divers, Director of Philanthropy. "As we mark this significant milestone, we invite the community to join us in honoring our past, celebrating our present, and embracing our future." The anniversary celebration will be a highlight of the year on Saturday, April 27th, at Wheat Head Brewing Co. in Kennewick. Guests will indulge in a culinary journey with a delectable food and beverage experience curated especially for this occasion. Every bite and sip, from craft brews to gourmet delights, promises to tantalize the taste buds. But the festivities don't end there. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a mega raffle and bid on exclusive items in a silent auction, offering remarkable opportunities to win fabulous prizes while supporting a worthy cause. From entertainment and lifestyle packages to one-of-a-kind experiences, there's something for everyone to covet. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit Cork's Place Kids Grief Center, ensuring we can continue providing essential support services to children and families in need. Your participation makes a difference in the lives of those facing loss, offering comfort, healing, and hope during their darkest days. Join us as we raise a glass to 20 years of compassion, resilience, and community support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of grieving children. For tickets and more information, please visit TCCBestLife.org/corksanniversary or contact Fundraising@TCCBestLife.org. |
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April 2024
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