Washington State University Tri-Cities is partnering with Blue Mountain Community College for a direct student transfer program that will save students costs, increase pathways for STEM careers and help students graduate on-track and on-time with a bachelor’s degree.
Through the WSU Tri-Cities-BMCC Bridges Program, students do not pay an admissions application fee, nor do they pay for access to transcripts to transfer to WSU Tri-Cities. Students in the program also benefit from in-state tuition rates once attending WSU Tri-Cities. Throughout their time at both schools, students work with an academic advisor at both BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities to develop a complete program of study. Through that process, students know what classes they need to take and what will directly transfer, helping to cut down on unnecessary classes that won’t transfer between the two institutions. “We are excited to partner with Blue Mountain Community College to create access to a baccalaureate degree for more students,” WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said. “With our close proximity to BMCC in Oregon, this program creates an ideal partnership between our two institutions to serve students in both areas and help students save on costs.” Mark Browning, president of Blue Mountain Community College, said he is excited for the opportunities that the Bridges program presents for students from the Blue Mountain region. “Bridges is what we hope to see for all our students who see a path to their future through a regional research university like Washington State University Tri-Cities,” he said. “Blue Mountain students will now be able to pursue a complete program right here. The resources available through WSU Tri-Cities are now available to those BMCC students who enroll in Bridges – including those in a variety of STEM programs ranging from engineering, to computer science, to the sciences. Talk about a bright future.” Requirements for the program To qualify for the WSU Tri-Cities-BMCC Bridges program, students must have taken less than 45 quarter credits at BMCC with a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average. Additionally, they must be in the process of completing one of the following degrees: AAOT, ASOT/BUS or ASOT/CS. To apply for the Bridges program, students should submit the Declaration of Intent on the Bridges website. The WSU Tri-Cities Bridges academic advisor will follow-up individually with students to set up meetings to talk about next steps. When getting ready to transfer to WSU Tri-Cities, students should submit the WSU Tri-Cities admissions application by Nov. 15 for spring admission, or by Jan. 31 for fall admission, to ensure they are eligible for merit-based awards. Students to feel right at home WSU Tri-Cities is the closest four-year public university to BMCC students in Hermiston, making it a great option for students interested in earning an excellent education close to home, Browning said. At BMCC, more than 41% of students are students of color and the majority are the first in their family to attend college. Similarly at WSU Tri-Cities, nearly 48% of students are students of color and nearly 44% are the first in their family to attend college. “We look forward to welcoming a bunch of new Timberwolves to the Coug community where they will feel right at home,” Haynes said. Crossing the Columbia to become a Coug BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities alumnus Kyle Kopta said he enjoyed the ease of the transfer process from BMCC to WSU Tri-Cities and also benefited from in-state tuition rates as a Hermiston, Oregon, resident. “My pathway through BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities was the perfect fit for me,” he said. “It allowed me to accomplish my personal and professional goals in the most timely and affordable way possible.” Kopta is a Hermiston High School graduate and decided on attending both BMCC and WSU Tri-Cities due to the programming available through both institutions, as well as both schools’ proximity to his hometown. Interested in a multimedia degree, Kopta said he was able to complete his pre-requisite courses at BMCC, followed by his upper-level major courses for the digital technology and culture program at WSU Tri-Cities. “Both institutions set me up for success in my career,” he said. “I hope others take advantage of this incredible opportunity and enjoy it as much as I did.” For more information about the Bridges program, visit tricities.wsu.edu/bridges or contact WSU Tri-Cities Bridges academic advisor Rafa Pruneda at [email protected].
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In response to the Pandemic and its continued impact on local non-profits, Baker Boyer is announcing $45,000 in donations to organizations in Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, and Yakima. This funding will be directed towards the operational costs of these organizations as that has been a huge challenge for some. Baker Boyer is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and doing everything it can to support people, businesses, and non-profits through the Pandemic.
“At Baker Boyer we believe it is our responsibility to give back to our communities, especially during difficult times like these,” said Mark Kajita, Baker Boyer President and CEO. “We understand that the Pandemic has affected everyone, and certainly our critical non-profits that help some of the most in need. We are all in this together and everyone is hopeful that things will return to the new normal as soon as possible.” Baker Boyer worked with local United Way representatives in Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, Milton-Freewater, and Yakima to determine the greatest need for the non-profits in each area. Many of these organizations are experiencing unique challenges due to the Pandemic, Here are the recipients of contributions made: Safe Harbor, a shelter for homeless teens ages 13-17 that provides counseling for substance abuse - $5,000, Tri-Cities Wellness House, offers free support services, education and resources to individuals suffering from cancer or other life-challenging illnesses - $10,000, Yakima Voices for Children, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of neglected and abused children in the foster care system - $5,000, Yakima The Health Center, provides mental health support for children in many schools in the Walla Walla area - $10,000, Walla Walla Lillie Rice Center, provides employment and support services to individuals with developmental disabilities - $10,000, Walla Walla Milton-Freewater Neighborhood Senior Center, provides discounted meals for Seniors and runs the Meals on Wheels program to provide meals to seniors at home - $5,000, Milton-Freewater Baker Boyer is proud to support the many non-profits and businesses that make an impact in the community. Throughout the Pandemic, Baker Boyer has done all that they can to help local non-profits, including rerouting funds for special Pandemic funding. Each year, Baker Boyer contributes several hundred thousand dollars in donations and sponsorships to support local non-profit and community organizations and programs. ![]() Visit Tri-Cities recognized the Tri-Cities tourism and hospitality workforce, from baristas to front desk agents to servers and beyond, as the 2021 Kris Watkins Tourism Champions of the Year during Visit Tri-Cities Annual Meeting: Champions of Tourism Recovery held virtually Nov. 4. The Kris Watkins Tourism Champion of the Year award is the organization’s most prestigious honor and recipients are carefully chosen based on their dedication to the tourism industry and supporting the efforts of Visit Tri-Cities to continually elevate the region as a premier tourism destination. “The Tri-Cities is a vibrant destination because of our region’s talented hospitality and tourism employees,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “Tourism was one of the most severely impacted industries over the last 20 or so months and yet we continue to persevere. As travel and tourism continues to return, much of the credit goes to these employees who have worked tirelessly to ensure our industry flourishes. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of the Kris Watkins Tourism Champion of the Year Award than all of the resilient employees who make visiting the Tri-Cities an incredible experience.” Visit Tri-Cities also announced the 2021 Excellence in Service award during the program. Kathy Nutt of Frichette Winery was recognized for providing outstanding customer service. She was one of 37 nominees who were recognized by the community for exceptional hospitality. Nominees were judged on following criteria: the ability to serve as an example to others, provide exemplary customer service and create a memorable visitor experience. Kathy is a standout amongst her peers and is well deserving of Visit Tri-Cities’ 2021 Excellence in Service award. The 2021 Visit Tri-Cities Annual Meeting: Champions of Tourism Recovery may be viewed on Visit Tri-Cities’ YouTube Channel. For more information about Visit Tri-Cities, check out visittri-cities.com. The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation is hosting their 21st annual Autumn Affair on November 13, 2021. This year’s event will be held virtually and is open to the community. The community is invited to register and bid on over 200 unique and fun auction packages.
Some of this year’s auction packages that can be bid on include a Cancun, Mexico vacation, an outdoor movie theatre package that includes a screen, projector, cozy furniture, and movie snacks. There is also a package to host a NFL tailgate party at your house with Non-Fiction Food Truck and J.Bookwalter wines. What: Autumn Affair 2021 When: Bidding opens at 8 AM on November 8th and concludes on November 13th How to participate: Register to bid at tccancer2021.ggo.bid Gesa, a community-chartered credit union, recently announced the recipients of their first Local Heroes Grant Program, which provides grant funds to organizations that support local heroes within the community. In the program’s first year, Gesa awarded $110,000 in grants to 23 organizations across Washington state. The top earning organizations earned $5,000 each to support their individual needs.
Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program provides grants to organizations that support any of Gesa’s outlined Local Heroes populations, including firefighters, law enforcement, teachers, healthcare workers, and veterans in the state of Washington. Some of this year’s recipients include the City of Walla Walla Fire Department, Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, Friends of Disabled Veterans and the K9 Foundation Yakima Valley, among many others. “Gesa recognizes and appreciates our local heroes who serve our communities across Washington state,” said Richard Waddle, Executive Vice President of Gesa Credit Union. “As we watched the videos that applicants had sent in, we were inspired by the clear passion they have for uplifting our communities. We’re thrilled to honor that passion and the invaluable work that these organizations have done, and we thank them for their selfless efforts in serving our community.” With every swipe of a Local Heroes co-branded Gesa Visa® Debit Card, Gesa members earn funds designated for grants in that card’s Local Heroes category. Funds accumulate over the course of a year and are disbursed annually. For more information about Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program, including eligibility requirements, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/local-heroes/. The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation was nominated and has been named Event of the Year for the Washington Festivals & Events Association (WFEA) Southeast Washington Chapter (budgets under $250,000) for their Dine Out Road Trip event.
The Foundation is being honored at the WFEA Awards Dinner on Wednesday November 3rd and is also up for the Statewide Event of the Year Award that will be announced during the ceremony. Dine Out Road Trip is an event created in partnership with the local restaurant community to raise awareness that healthy, cancer-crushing eating can be fun and convenient. Event participants travel around the Tri-Cities sampling cancer crushing dishes created by each participating restaurant’s chef and they vote on their favorite dish at the conclusion of the event. This unique event has educated hundreds of Tri-Citians and has been the cornerstone of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center’s Cancer Crushing Cuisine initiative. Life is good in the Tri-Cities! That sentiment will be amplified and echoed throughout the Tri-Cities thanks to Visit Tri-Cities’ newly minted partnership with Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo). CPCCo, the prime contractor for the safe, environmental cleanup of the Central Plateau at the Hanford Site, will sponsor Visit Tri-Cities’ efforts to promote quality of life endeavors in our community.
“Visit Tri-Cities is ecstatic to partner with CPCCo to promote the Tri-Cities’ excellent quality of life through tourism,” said Michael Novakovich, President and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “Visitor spending brings new dollars to the community, establishing a vibrant business climate for new opportunities, generating jobs while stimulating state and local tax revenues that lower our tax burden. All of these components enhance an excellent quality of life for all Tri-Citians.” Visit Tri-Cities traditionally promotes the region in markets outside of the Tri-Cities to attract visitors. However, the partnership with CPCCo allows Visit Tri-Cities to create and deploy local marketing campaigns that will highlight tourism businesses and encourage community engagement with local businesses and events, while building and strengthening residents’ positive image of the Tri-Cities. “Who do we turn to when asking for recommendations? Friends and family. Deepening the community’s appreciation for the place we all call home creates brand ambassadors for the Tri-Cities, promoting the destination as a great place to live, work and play,” said Novakovich. “This ultimately encourages residents to invite their friends and family for a visit to the Tri-Cities.” The partnership with CPCCo will not only inspire visitation to the Tri-Cities, but generate greater opportunities for workforce development, both in employer recruitment and employee retention. For more information about the Tri-Cities, check out VisitTri-Cities.com. ![]() Maria Alleman, Convention Sales Manager of Visit Tri-Cities, earned her Certified Faith-Based Meeting Professional credentials through the Religious Conference Management Association in October 2021. The Religious Conference Management Association’s certification program is designed to equip meeting professionals in the essentials of faith-based meeting planning. The course is comprised of eight classes with an exam following each class. Upon completion and successfully passing all eight exams, a certification of completion is given along with permission to use the CFMP designation. Certification is valid for 5 years, after which time, those holding the certification will be required to re-certify by verifying their continued involvement in the faith-based event industry. “Credentials like the CFMP show convention, meeting and other group planners that we’re operating with a high-level of expertise, customer service and professionalism,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “Maria has once again demonstrated great commitment to our community, our stakeholders and our team by earning her CFMP. These types of designations set the Tri-Cities apart from other destinations, which is critical as we work to bring back group business following the impact of the pandemic.” For more information about the Tri-Cities, check out visittri-cities.com. Commissioner Robert Larson announced today that he will retire from his elected post of Port of Benton Commissioner where he holds the position of Vice-President of the three-member board. Commissioner Larson has served as a Port of Benton Commissioner since 1994 while championing numerous remarkable projects in his twenty-seven years in service to the community. Commissioner Larson and wife Shirley look forward to leisure time spent with their two daughters as well as plenty of golf and travel adventures.
The Port of Benton was formed in 1958 for the express purpose of creating economic development opportunity in the northern and western portions of Benton County, including the jurisdictions of Prosser, Benton City, and Richland. Commissioner Larson has been innately linked to many of the Port’s major modern investments and expansions. His tenure on the commission shared in the first transfer of federal land under the 1994 Defense Authorization Act – resulting in the transfer of the Hanford 3000 and 1100 areas into Port ownership and operation, transfer of the Port’s 16-mile short-line railroad, expansion of the Tri-Cities Research District and acquisition of the 1,641 acres by local jurisdictions for the development of an advanced clean energy manufacturing park. Commissioner Larson’s personal efforts resulted in his most prized accomplishment of the Port, securing the USS Triton sail and conning tower from the US Department of the Navy and having it placed in the purpose-built USS Triton Sail Park in North Richland. Reflecting on his decision, Commissioner Larson feels confident in the capability of his fellow Commissioners and Port of Benton staff, noting, “While there is rarely a good time to step down from public service, I’ve had the pleasure to see our community, staff, and fellow commissioners partner to bring forth many transformative projects to our region. With the announcement of the White Bluffs Archive and Storage Project, foundations for a community led supply chain alliance, and WSU Tri-Cities involvement in the Walter Clore Center I feel many of my personal goals for the Port’s growth are well on their way to fruition.” Commissioner Larson extends his appreciation to the community for their trust in his contributions to the Port over the past twenty-seven years, and notes that he will continue to remain active in the community through his participation in the Richland Rotary Club. The Port of Benton will soon announce an application process for eligible residents to apply for the newly vacated seat on its website portofbenton.com and vet the qualifications of applicants at an upcoming special commission meeting. Walmart announced today, plans to hire thousands of supply chain associates across the United States during a two-day hiring event on November 3 - 4, 2021. The news comes following the company’s September 2021 announcement, where the retailer revealed plans to hire 20,000 permanent Supply Chain Associates to support its growing supply chain network.
“Whether customers are shopping in stores or online, they are relying on Walmart Supply Chain now more than ever for the necessary items they need every day.” said Karisa Sprague, Senior Vice President, People, Supply Chain, Walmart U.S. “Walmart’s more than two million associates are residents, neighbors, friends and family members in thousands of communities across the globe and we work to strengthen local communities through job creation, as well as our retail business and community giving.” Across the country, the company is planning to hire new Walmart Supply Chain associates for many of its facilities in the supply chain network, including lift drivers, order-fillers, shipping loaders, power equipment operators, diesel technicians and drivers. Average wages for full-time hourly associates are $20.37 an hour based on position, shift and schedule. All positions are considered full-time qualifying for benefits, including medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, a quarterly incentive program and access to a college degree through Walmart’s Live Better U (LBU) – which, in October 2021, added three leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in partnership with Guild Education. To prioritize the health and wellness of Walmart associates and their families, Walmart’s medical coverage plans starts at $30.50 per pay period – approximately one-third less than the average premium employees pay at other companies. In addition, the retailer offers maternity and paternal benefits, emotional well-being benefits, healthcare tailored to the LBGTQ+ community and veteran and military spouse support. Grandview’s hiring event will be taking place at the Walmart Distribution Center at 546 Woodall Road Nov. 3-4, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., local time. Applicants can also TEXT 240240 to apply by phone. To see additional hiring sites or to apply, visit walmartcareers.com/hiringevent! |
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July 2024
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