Member spotlight: A historic hotel’s refresh that revived a city
By Paul Schlienz In his 1947 classic, “Inside U.S.A.,” journalist John Gunther described Spokane’s Davenport Hotel as the best between Seattle and Minneapolis. From its opening in 1914, the Spokane landmark that is now known as The Historic Davenport...
Member spotlight: Azteca and Aqua by El Gaucho partner with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission to feed the homeless
By Paul Schlienz The hospitality industry is working hard to better the lives of Seattle’s vulnerable homeless population. In partnership with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, Azteca Mexican Restaurants and Aqua by El Gaucho provide monthly lunches for hundreds...
Member spotlight: Meet the ‘fearlessness, grit, grind and hustle’ behind Slurp-C
By Paul Schlienz You’ve never seen anything like the Slurp-C straw. It’s a two-piece silicone straw that separates and snaps back together, much like a sandwich bag, allowing the straw to be taken apart for a complete cleaning of its interior and exterior. And with...
Member Spotlight: Hampton Inn & Suites Portland/Vancouver: Caring for guests, caring for the world
By Paul Schlienz The Hampton Inn & Suites Portland/Vancouver runs an environmentally sustainable operation. It’s a strong advocate for the hospitality industry. And it’s loved by its guests. General Manager Steve Bowers, who is also an...
Member Spotlight: Adam Hegsted – expanding Spokane’s palate, making his community a better place
By Paul Schlienz Adam Hegsted’s Eat Good Group is one of the biggest things to ever hit Spokane and Northern Idaho’s culinary scene. “We have 10 restaurants, all of them are different concepts,” Hegsted said. The restaurants include the Eat Good Cafe, in...
Member spotlight: Tacoma’s Elks Temple gets a new lease on life thanks to McMenamins
By Paul Schlienz You’ve never seen anything quite like McMenamins’ Elks Temple. It’s a hotel, a shopping mall, a brewery, a tasting room and bottle shop, several bars and a concert venue all in one of Tacoma’s most historic buildings, beautifully restored, renovated...
Member Spotlight: Chelan Cafe
By Paul Schlienz In business since 1938, it’s hard to imagine West Seattle without the Chelan Cafe, and it’s done much to make its community a better place. Located in the shadow of the West Seattle Bridge and near the Port of Seattle’s Harbor Island facilities, the...
Member spotlight: Resort at Port Ludlow
By Paul Schlienz People know the Resort at Port Ludlow for its amenities and beautiful setting. What they may not know is the depth of its ties to its community. Located in the northeastern part of the Olympic Peninsula, the resort is comprised of a 37-room boutique...