Elevating The Conversation

Grant Forsyth, chief economist for Avista Corp., discusses the economic health of the Inland Northwest as we prepare to move into the second half of 2025.

Effects of Tariffs (2:58)

Inflation Trends (7:38)

Interest Rate Expectation (10:54)

Housing Challenges (19:50)

Data of Interest in the Current Environment (31:03)

Mike McBride, new regional labor economist with the Washington state Employment Security Department, talks about his career path, his expansive territory, and the Eastern Washington job market.

Silver Tsunami Effect on Labor (8:22)

Health Care Job Trends (9:30)

Construction Career Dynamics (14:57)

Labor Participation Rate (25:21)

Jordan Tampien, co-founder of 4 Degrees Real Estate, discusses Spokane's moderating single-family housing market and dynamics affecting the region's apartment market.

Challenges in a changing market (2:32)

Realtors leaving the market (15:15)

The Mulifamily Market (28:33)

Apartment vacancy-rate trends (35:35)

Susan Stacey, chief executive of Providence Inland Northwest, talks about the challenges that health care systems face in the post-pandemic era and the effort to return to pre-pandemic norms.

Health Systems' Budget Challenges (2:49)

Staffing Efforts (15:22)

Charity Care (21:00)

Heart Institute Upgrades (34:54)

Dr. Elizabeth Cantwell discusses opportunities, challenges, and the way forward for Washington State University during her first week on as WSU president.

Albert Tripp, city manager for the City of Airway Heights, talks about the growth of the West Plains and the opportunities and challenges that come with it.

Lars Gilberts, vice president of equity and community development at Numerica Credit Union, discusses inclusive workplaces and the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion work in professional settings.

DEI's Bad Rap (10:06)

DEI Integration as a Best Practice (20:05)

Belonging and Psychological Safety (24:14)

Advice For Small Businesses (30:21)

Kevin Parker, owner of Spokane Dutch Bros., talks about attracting employees, retaining them, and trends within the workplace.

Talent Acquisition (2:20)

Employee Retention Strategies (5:39)

Leading Multiple Generations (7:15)

Return To Work Trends (15:22)

Hiring Advice (20:09)

Steve Scranton, chief economist at Washington Trust Bank, discusses inflation, interest rate, jobs, and other factors that could make or break the economy in 2025.

Inflation and interest rates (0:53)

Potential implications of tariffs (8:13)

Jobs outlook (16:58)

Immigration policy (30:10)

Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall discusses the current state of public safety and effort to combat drug use, property crimes, and other issues in the community.

Neighborhood Resource Officers (1:48)

Technology in Policing (8:38)

21st Century Policing Practices (24:50)

Recruiting Officer (27:12)