Chukar Cherries’ Organic Rainier Cherries have moved on to the finals in the prestigious 2023 Good Food Awards. Hosted by the Good Food Foundation, the awards are based on both quality and sustainability. Organically grown by Inland Northwest farmers and dried on-site in Prosser—Chukar’s Organic Rainiers excel on both accounts.
2023 marks the 13th year of the Good Food Awards. Each year, judges evaluate over 2000 entries via blind tasting. Fifteen winners are chosen in each specialty food category—showcasing the best sustainably-produced foods available in the USA. In 2022, Chukar’s Organic Chocolate Tart Cherries made it into the finals in the chocolate category. This year, winners will be announced in April at the Good Food Awards Ceremony in Portland, Oregon. Organic Rainier Cherries have been a top seller since Chukar launched their Certified Organic product line in 2013. Located in the heart of Washington cherry country—Chukar sources their cherries locally and dries them without added sugar, preservatives, or sulfites using a natural process the company pioneered in the 1980’s on the family cherry orchard. To make Chukar’s Rainier cherries even more exceptional, the original Rainier tree grows just 5 miles from Chukar’s headquarters at the Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research & Extension Center. Chukar’s Organic Rainier Cherries are USDA Certified Organic, Certified KOF-K Kosher, and contain only one ingredient—Washington cherries. According to Kathleen Young, longtime Director of Operations at Chukar Cherries, quality is paramount: “the cherries are taste tested by our quality control personnel to ensure they meet our ‘gold standard’ before packing. We measure brix and size in the orchard before picking and on arrival at Chukar before processing. Cherries are chilled, rinsed, sorted, pitted, and dried within days of picking. We want customers to know that every time they purchase Organic Rainier Cherries, they will receive the same quality and flavor.” Chukar Cherries is also a regional leader in sustainability initiatives including local sourcing, biodegradable packaging, and waste reduction. For example, Chukar’s catalogs and brochures are printed on Forest Stewardship Council Certified Paper, much of their packaging is plant-based, retail bags are made from OceanPoly® (which contains a minimum of 25% plastic recovered from coastal pollution areas), and the company’s UPS packages ship Certified Carbon Neutral. Chukar’s Organic Rainier Cherries can be purchased at their flagship store and factory headquarters in Prosser, at their store in the center of Seattle’s Pike Place Market, or at chukar.com.
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![]() Prosser Memorial Health is excited to welcome gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael McDonnell, to the Prosser Digestive Health Center. Dr. McDonnell brings with him a decades-long career within the medical field, which includes roles as staff physician, Unit Chief, and Associate Chief of Gastroenterology. He holds board certifications for Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr. McDonnell started his medical career in Michigan, along with his wife, before making his way to the Pacific Northwest in 1997. Dr. McDonnell made the move to Prosser Memorial on the recommendation of long-time colleague and friend, Dr. Mitchell Cohen, who started and has been building up PMH’s Gastroenterology program. Dr. McDonnell is excited to help grow the program, as well as provide new services to our communities. Dr. McDonnell is bringing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to Prosser Memorial, a service new to us and not currently offered in nearby healthcare facilities. Along with ERCP, he will be providing a variety of services such as treatment for Celiac disease, liver and pancreatic disorders, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, and many others. Prosser Memorial Health is very excited to watch our Digestive Health Center grow and have Dr. McDonnell join the team! To learn more about Dr. McDonnell and his services, or to schedule an appointment, visit prosserhealth.org or call 509.786.5599. Join Visit Tri-Cities in sharing and celebrating the value of travel to quality of life for Americans during National Plan For Vacation Day, January 31, 2023!
This day highlights the importance of taking time off to travel. As stewards in the travel and tourism industry, Visit Tri-Cities is committed to helping Americans reclaim their vacation days and reconnect through travel. Visit Tri-Cities.com is the premier resource for those seeking adventures, flavors, and experiences in the Heart of Washington Wine Country™. Each day this week we are posting an inspirational post to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for those seeking new outdoor recreational adventures, dining experiences, craft beverages, and entertaining educational experiences. Tourism in our area is an impactful and a vital component of the Tri-Cities economy. Each year, visitors spend $489.3 million in Benton and Franklin counties which generates $51.2 million in state and local taxes. These new dollars to the community support a thriving local business economy and 4,739 jobs in the Tri-Cities. The tax revenue generated by visitors helps fund police and fire, teachers and schools, the maintenance of our roadways, and the beautification of our parks. It reduces individual Tri-Citians’ household tax burden by over $500 each year. In short, the visitor economy enhances quality of life that touches every single Tri-Citian. Find inspiration for your next adventure in Tri-Cities at VisitTri-Cities.com/national-plan-your-vacation-day/. @VisitTriCities on Twitter, @VisitTriCitiesWA on Facebook, @TriCitiesWA on Instagram. Gesa, a community-focused credit union, announced its distinguished Scholarship Program will be accepting applications until February 28, 2023. Gesa encourages any students who have active student loans, are entering college for the first time, or are pursuing higher education to apply by the deadline for the chance to receive some of the more than $100,000 available in scholarships.
“Gesa recognizes the everlasting impact an education can have on someone, no matter what age they are, which is why we’re incredibly proud to open our Scholarships Program to students across Washington,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “Through this program, we’re able to support students in different stages of their education, from entering college freshmen to those wanting to go back to school to pursue higher education, and provide support to those who have completed their education.” Of the available scholarships, $50,000 is offered to high school seniors who have participated in Gesa’s High School Credit Union program; $30,000 is provided for high school seniors who are entering their freshman year at college; $15,000 is available for members who are looking to continue their higher education; and $5,000 is offered to members who have active student loans. The Gesa Community Foundation, established in 2022, will be selecting this year’s scholarship recipients. Scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 school year close February 28, 2023. Applicants must be Gesa members and submit their application through the online portal found on Gesa’s website. For more information on grant eligibility and to apply, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/scholarships/. Trios Health today announced the completion and opening of its newly renovated and expanded medical and surgical floor. The 18-month, 11,574 square foot project was part of the $28 million investment for a new birth center and med-surg expansion at Trios Health’s Southridge campus.
“This is truly an exciting time for Trios Health and the entire region we serve,” said Jeff Bourgeois, Trios Health’s Interim Market President and Chief Executive Officer. “The expansion and renovation of our med-surg unit increases our facility’s capacity to care for patients and demonstrates our commitment to investing in our hospital to meet the needs of our growing community for generations to come. The addition of these beds means that more patients can receive quality healthcare and treatment right here, close to home.” The expansion takes the Trios Health med-surg unit from 44 to 48 rooms that are slightly larger in size, and also results in an additional 14 rooms transitioning to a new progressive care unit. The new rooms, which are located on the third floor of the facility, also feature new furniture, cardiac monitoring technology and vital sign machines. The med-surg floor expansion is phase two of the construction project, which began with a more than 23,000 square foot addition to construct the new Trios Birth Center, which opened in March of 2022. “Our commitment to expanding and renovating the med-surg unit at Trios Health brings our mission of making communities healthier® to life in an incredibly meaningful way,” shared Sandy Podley, president of Lifepoint Health’s Western Division, of which Trios Health is a part. “We are proud to support this important project which will not only expand the availability of med-surg beds, but also elevate the level of service and proximity of care available to the citizens of the Tri-Cities area.” “We are very thankful for Lifepoint’s continued investment in our organization and community,” Bourgeois said. “These projects highlight their ongoing commitment to making communities healthier and mark the future of Trios Health’s service to the Tri-Cities and surrounding region. We also thank our community for their support and shared excitement as we executed these projects and Layton Construction for their partnership in the completion of both the birth center and the med-surg expansion. Their collaboration and professionalism delivered two beautiful and efficient units which will serve our community for years to come, and continue to prove that great care lives here.” ![]() Prosser Memorial Health is proud to announce Dr. David Carl as the new Chief of Staff starting January 2023. Dr. Carl, MD, leads Benton City Clinic’s Pediatrics department and previously held the position of Vice Chief of Staff. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, among many other professional certifications and associations. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead Prosser Memorial Health during the time of growth. As always, our focus is on our patients and delivering high quality, affordable healthcare to our community,” said Dr. David Carl. Outgoing Chief of Staff, Dr. Jared Clifford, Podiatric surgeon at Prosser’s Orthopedic Center, held the two-year position from 2021 to 2023. Grandview Clinic provider Dr. Jose Santa-Cruz, MD, will serve as the new Vice Chief of Staff. For more information, contact Chief Communications Officer Shannon Hitchcock in Prosser Memorial Health’s Community Relations office at 509.786.6601. Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association recently announced the promotion of six employees, effective January 1, 2023.
Dan Gaulke has been promoted to Executive Vice President/Treasurer. Dan joined Yakima Federal as a management trainee fresh out of college and has over 32 years of service with the association. His job roles have included loan officer, internal auditor, Internal Audit Manager and Compliance Officer. Kyle Harrington has been promoted to Vice President/Accounting Manager. Kyle came to Yakima Federal in 2018 having previous experience with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. Lottie Biehl has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Orchard Park Branch Manager. Lottie began her Yakima Federal career as a teller in the Downtown Yakima Branch in 1990. Lottie has been the manager at Orchard Park since May of 2022. Tony Mayorga has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Kennewick Branch Manager. Tony was hired as a Management Trainee in October of 2020 and has been the Kennewick Branch Manager for the past year. Erin Thierolf has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Human Resource Generalist. Erin joined Yakima Federal in 2003 as a Management Trainee. She moved to the Human Resource department in 2019 after leading the association’s Marketing efforts since 2012. Paul Crawford has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Marketing Manager. Paul was hired as Marketing Manager in October 2018. His previous work experience included positions as Digital Director in the newspaper industry. ![]() Lourdes Health announced today that Mark Holyoak has been named its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 20. He joins Lourdes Health from Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, North Carolina, where he has served as CEO since 2018. “We are pleased to share that Mark will be serving the Pasco, Washington area through his leadership at Lourdes Health,” said Sandy Podley, president of Lifepoint Health’s Western Division, of which Lourdes Health is a part. “Mark’s vast operational and clinical leadership will undoubtedly be an asset to Lourdes and the entire Pasco community. Mark began his healthcare career as a nurse, and he is passionate about supporting frontline caregivers. His track record in provider recruitment, patient satisfaction and improving quality care will serve our Lourdes Health patients and the entire Pasco community.” A seasoned healthcare administrator with significant operational and clinical experience, Holyoak has served in diverse leadership positions in North Carolina, Utah and Nevada. Prior to his role at Wilson Medical Center, Holyoak served as CEO of Castleview Hospital in Price, Utah for seven years and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for two years. He also previously served as Chief Nursing/Clinical Officer for Ashley Regional Medical Center in Vernal, Utah for ten years. “Mark is a proven leader, as evidenced by the operational, quality, patient satisfaction and recruitment achievements during his years in nursing and executive leadership roles in the health systems he has served,” said Julie Killian, chair of the Lourdes Health board of trustees. “His commitment to frontline caregivers underscore his achievements in advancing quality care at the hospitals he’s led previously. We are excited to welcome him to Pasco and look forward to working with him to continue to drive the positive momentum we have at Lourdes Health.” “I am looking forward to joining the beautiful Tri-Cities community and Lourdes Health,” said Holyoak. “I know how talented, passionate and resilient our people are, and I am committed to working alongside our co-workers and providers to ensure our hospital continues to provide the Pasco community with high quality healthcare.” Holyoak earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology & Chemistry from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Lifepoint Health Fleetwood Operational Excellence Award Winner. City of Richland offices and facilities will be closed to the public on Monday, January 16, 2023, for an all-staff training day. This includes Richland City Hall (Customer Service), Richland Community Center, Richland Public Library, and the City Shops. Essential services will continue such as police, fire, and trash collection. The Horn Rapids Landfill will also remain open. The Richland Community Center and the Library will remain closed through the evening as well.
WSU Tri-Cities Announces Return of 'Point to Success' Carson College of Business Fundraising Brunch1/11/2023 After a two-year hiatus, Washington State University Tri-Cities Carson College of Business announces the return of the Point to Success fundraising brunch on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Anthony’s at Columbia Point in Richland.
The event, sponsored by Anthony’s at Columbia Point and Alaska Airlines, features a brunch, keynote presentation from a former Tri-Citian and prominent WSU alumnus, a live auction and games. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be dedicated to student support and faculty development to improve the Carson College of Business education program. “We are looking forward to finally being back in person to support future Carson Cougs. This event benefits not only our students but the growth of the college through updating programming, creating workshops for our students and providing scholarships for Carson Cougs,” said Tim Baker, academic director of the Carson College of Business at WSU Tri-Cities. The emcee for this year’s event is KNDU’s news anchor, Tracci Dial. The keynote speaker, Cole Morgan, is co-founder and chief executive officer of Snap! Raise, a comprehensive platform designed to help coaches, group leaders and administrators build programs that support students. Morgan was named the 2018 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Pacific Northwest and was a former quarterback for Washington State University Pullman. Paul Carlisle, WSU Tri-Cities alumnus and chair of the Carson College of Business Board is excited about the event and what it means for students. “Tri-Cities Carson Cougs are the future of our workforce. It’s an exciting time to be supporting WSU Tri-Cities Carson College of Business,” he said. Early bird ticket price is $100 per person until midnight on January 25, then pricing goes up to $125. Tickets include brunch and champagne. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets at tricities.wsu.edu/ccbbrunch. |
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