Business Beat
Floral
Lavender and Thyme, a floral boutique, has opened at Eastside Marketplace, 1420 S. Blaine St., Suite 27, in Moscow. Lavender and Thyme, operated by Tammy McGreevy, has been in business for six years, although this is the first storefront for the florist. The store specializes in gifts and custom arrangements. Store hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m Monday-Saturday.
Finance
RBC Wealth Management LLC has announced Leslie Danielson has joined the Monarch Financial Advisors Group.
Hospitality
Julie Cohen has been recognized at the Stars of Washington Lodging awards dinner with the first Paving the Way Award, recognizing her leadership in the industry. Cohen is the regional general manager of the Holiday Inn Express Downtown Spokane/Sterling Hospitality. Cohen is now a candidate for the national Paving the Way Award, which is presented by the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
Insurance
MetLife Auto and Home has opened in Coeur d’Alene. The new office, at 1038 Northwest Blvd., Suite 150, will offer auto, home, business and life insurance. Jon Mitchell, an insurance adviser with 16 years of insurance experience, and Kelly Weir, marketing assistant, are both lifelong Coeur d’Alene residents. The office will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment.
Newspapers
The Pacific Northwest Newspaper Association has recognized the editorial and marketing departments of The Spokesman-Review with top awards in four categories. The Spokesman-Review app won best single house ad or series. The best special section was awarded to the Fairchild 75th Anniversary section. Evercannabis, the state’s first printed news publication focusing on the legal cannabis industry, won best of the best and best niche product awards.
Public Safety
On Jan. 1, Craig Etherton, fire investigator with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, will become president of the Idaho Chapter, International Association of Arson Investigators. Etherton is one of 15 certified fire investigators in Idaho and currently serves as first vice president of the association. This will be Etherton’s second time as president.
Recreation
Mark Gardner has been retained in his capacity as head professional/manager at The Creek at Qualchan by city of Spokane Parks and Recreation. Gardner, a PGA professional, has served in the position since the course opened in 1992. He has been Inland Empire PGA Professional of the Year seven times and was the 2015 Pacific NW PGA Senior Players Champion. His new contract is for five years with an option to extend an additional five years.
Utilities
Chris Sands has been named new operations manager for Avista’s St. Maries operating district. In his new role, Sands will be oversee all electric operations in the district. Sands has over 24 years of operations experience.