Avista

For more than 75 years, Ritters Garden & Gift has been a household name in the Inland Northwest. First founded by the Ritter family, the small flower shop has blossomed over the years into an extensive Spokane nursery and garden center. In 2008, Ginger Wyman purchased the business. She was a registered nurse at the time and had recently lost three family members, including her mother. She needed the healing that plants can bring and realized this was an opportunity that would allow her to continue helping others heal, too. She’s continued the tradition of keeping Ritters Garden & Gift family-owned and operated and focuses on growing her employees while supporting local businesses and various nonprofits. Over the last 16 years, the family has made several changes to the iconic Spokane business. They closed the floral shop in 2020, prompted by the pandemic. The company focuses on selling environmentally friendly products, utilizing environmentally friendly growing practices, and offering high-quality products and customer classes. One recent change significantly improved their facility’s ambiance and energy efficiency. Ritters utilized Avista’s Small Business Direct-Install Lighting Program to upgrade all the lighting throughout its three-acre property. Ritters upgraded eight structures on the property with new interior and exterior lighting. Best of all, the program covered the entire project cost, making the over $107,000 upgrade free for Ritters. “We did a full retrofit of Ritter’s lighting,” said Rachelle Humphrey, Avista Senior Program Manager. “We changed out over 250 fluorescent lights to LEDs, which use significantly less wattage.” Saving energy is a good investment for businesses like Ritters and Avista. “Energy costs are tied to energy usage. It’s why Avista offers programs like this to help make energy-saving projects more affordable for our customers,” said Rachelle. Using less energy isn’t just good for operating budgets, though. It’s also good for the environment and supports a more sustainable energy future. “Energy efficiency is really a win-win for all of us,” said Rachelle. Small business customers on Avista rate schedules 11 or 12 in Washington and Idaho can qualify for this program. Participants receive an initial assessment from a trained and vetted vendor who provides Avista with an estimate outlining the project costs and energy-saving potential. After that, projects can begin. “We aim to cover 100% of the costs,” said Rachelle. “Sometimes, if major upgrades or wiring are needed beforehand, customers may incur some costs, but typically the amount is minimal.” If your small business could benefit from new energy-efficient lighting, sign up now for Avista’s Small Business Direct Install Lighting Program at https://lnkd.in/g4UV8ise.

For owner Nicholas DeCaro, Island Style Food & BBQ pays homage to his family and cherished memories of preparing authentic Micronesian cuisine together. Despite his family’s influence, Nicholas worked outside the food industry, finding success in real estate. Then, a car accident changed everything. It led him through a vicious cycle of crippling pain, loss, addiction, and, eventually, prison. The love he had for his son helped him turn things around. "I lost a great deal. Then I realized my son lost all that, plus his father," said Nicholas. "I vowed to change my life." One week after leaving prison, he enrolled in Spokane Community College. He then earned a full scholarship to Whitworth University, where he went on to earn a bachelor's degree in sculpture and administration. In a class taught by Kevin Parker, Dutch Bros. Coffee owner, Nicholas focused on his business plan to open a food truck. The class gave him the momentum he needed to chase his dream. Determined to succeed and assuming the name Chef Sin, which in Chamorro means warrior, he started preparing cultural delights in an 18-foot food truck. He and two partners opened Island Style Foods & BBQ during the pandemic to lines of hungry patrons who waited patiently for his creative entrees. Growing demand prompted a transition from his food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which took 11 months to renovate. DeCaro utilized Avista's Small Business Direct-Install Lighting Program to upgrade lighting throughout the 2,000-square-foot building and its parking lot. The program covered the entire $6,452 project cost, making the upgrades free of charge for Nicholas. "Lighting can influence the mood of a restaurant and make the space feel more inviting," said Rachelle Humphrey, Avista Senior Program Manager. "From reading the menu to enjoying the food, new lighting can improve customer experience – which is good for any business." Avista small business customers in Washington and Idaho can easily qualify for lighting upgrades like this. Plus, Avista is typically able to cover 100% of the project costs. "The LED lights in the parking lot are phenomenal," said Nicholas. "They brightened it up and made it safer for our employees." Now, with both the restaurant and life shining brightly, Nicholas is looking forward. He’s working on a 24-foot trailer for catering and events, which will expand his services and allow for travel. If your small business could benefit from fresh lighting and energy savings, sign up for Avista’s program now at https://lnkd.in/g4UV8ise.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

With her sleeves rolled up and wearing a vibrant yellow safety vest, Lacey McKenna leads a group of women on a four-hour expedition deep inside the West Central neighborhood of Spokane, Washington. Carrying shovels and pickaxes, the small group is planting trees. Lacey's crew is part of a larger collective of volunteers who worked to increase Spokane’s urban canopy coverage during the Lands Council SpoCanopy Week. The unique event was part of the overall Expo '74 50th Anniversary celebration. Over the five-day event in May of 2024, hundreds of volunteers planted 782 mature street trees, targeting low-income neighborhoods with the least canopy coverage and disproportionate environmental disparities. In addition to West Central, the week focused on the Emerson-Garfield neighborhood, Spokane Conservation District, and the Appleway Trail. Increasing urban green spaces provides significant environmental, economic and health benefits. A healthy canopy can filter pollutants, lessen the urban heat dome effect and lower energy costs. It further creates a habitat for migratory birds and enhances property value. Each tree location was carefully considered, putting the right tree in the right place to ensure the trees do not interfere with power lines, other utility connections, or sidewalks. Avista championed the week-long event by awarding the Lands Council a Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) grant. This crucial funding enabled the nonprofit to develop outreach materials for planting sites, coordinate the event and provide refreshments for the volunteers. “We reached out to Avista because they invest back into the community, especially marginalized communities,” said Jasmine Vilar, Development Director for the Lands Council. The SpoCanopy project represents a collaboration between the Lands Council, the City of Spokane Urban Forestry and the Spokane Conservation District. Avista's Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) was approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission as part of the company's Clean Energy Investment Plan (CEIP) to meet compliance targets for the state's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA, 2019). The NCIF will invest up to $5 million annually in projects, programs, and initiatives that benefit Avista's Washington electric customers residing in historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities (i.e., "Named Communities"). Community-based projects will be selected for funding through a competitive grant application process. Application information and eligibility guidelines can be found at myavista.com/NCIF.

With the help of Avista, the Kettle Falls Community Chest food bank has undergone a major energy efficiency renovation that will help them continue their work to feed hundreds of families in rural Eastern Washington. The community was able to see the upgrades at an open house in June. Some improvements include: 💡 energy efficient lighting 🌟 new windows ✔ improved insulation Upgrades like this will help the Kettle Falls Community Chest reduce their energy costs so they can put more resources toward serving the community. The Community Chest provides free food to more than 160 families every month from across #KettleFalls and nearby areas. This renovation was made possible thanks to a grant from Avista’s Named Community Investment Fund, Avista rebates and a USDA Rural Development loan and grant. For more information about how Avista can help small businesses with energy efficiency upgrades, search for the Small Business Partner Program on our website. Avista's Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) was approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission as part of the company's Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) to meet compliance targets for the state's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA, 2019). The NCIF will invest up to $5 million annually in projects, programs, and initiatives that benefit Avista's Washington electric customers residing in historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities (i.e., "Named Communities"). Community-based projects will be selected for funding through a competitive grant application process. Application information and eligibility guidelines can be found at myavista.com/NCIF.

Avista employees are rolling up their sleeves to help save lives this summer. Several of our workforce donated blood during a recent blood drive; according to Vitalant, their donations have the potential to save as many as 96 lives. Blood donations often slow in the summer, but the need is still great, as every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Vitalant to make a difference in our communities. #AvistaUtilities #Vitalant #DonateBlood

We're glad to have partnered with Seattle-based car-sharing firm ZEV Co-op and community partners Urbanova and Gonzaga University to launch the first electric vehicle car-sharing program in Spokane, making it possible for people to be able to pay an hourly fee to borrow a car by joining the ZEV Co-op. Vehicle charging stations have been installed behind Gonzaga University’s Sustainability Office on Sharp Avenue, across from the main entrance to College Hall. “Electric vehicle car sharing provides a practical, affordable, clean and convenient transportation solution for city residents,” said Mason Burley, CEO of Urbanova. “We are pleased to partner with ZEV Co-op, Gonzaga and Avista to launch this pilot program and expand transportation options in Spokane. We are particularly grateful to Avista for providing charging infrastructure for this opportunity.” “New car-sharing technologies and business models hold great potential to benefit our communities”, said Rendall Farley, Manager of Clean Energy Solutions at Avista. “Through innovative partnerships and technology demonstration grants such as the ZAP grant, we can better utilize EV charging infrastructure in our communities to provide greater access to the clean and low-cost transportation that electric vehicles offer. Avista is excited to support this pilot project in partnership with ZEV Co-op, Urbanova, and Gonzaga University.” The project was awarded funding from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Zero Emission Access Program.

We've partnered with Edo to begin recruiting for our Connected Communities program - get the details, here.

Latisha Hill, Avista's VP Community Affairs & Chief Customer Officer, shares her thoughts on our partnership with Bidgely and some of the outstanding results we've realized so far. Thanks to Gautam M. Aggarwal for the post! #AvistaUtilities #Bidgely #Innovation #Sustainability

Camberia Swearngin lives in a vintage three-bedroom, two-bath, double-wide manufactured home in Springdale, north of Spokane. Her idyllic setting comes with cold winters and hot summers. "My electricity bill can be shocking," said Camberia, who moved into the home in 2008. "I'm paying a lot for heating." Her older duct system allowed air to leak through holes and cracks, consuming more energy than necessary. After seeing a social media post about a free duct sealing program from Avista, Camberia scheduled an appointment to have it done. "I knew the service would be great for me and my home," said Camberia. "The best part is that it was free. I've recommended it to several people." Together, Avista and family-owned and operated KW Energy, LLC of Chewelah, are offering a pilot program to address air duct leaks like Camberia’s. The program is free for Avista customers who live in manufactured or mobile homes heated by electricity in Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties. The program utilizes advanced Aeroseal technology, which targets and seals invisible leaks – even those hidden behind walls. It’s quick, noninvasive, and only takes a few hours to complete. "The main ingredient in Aeroseal is in chewing gum," said Kirby Weythman, owner of KW Energy. "It's very safe to use." "On average, about 25% to 40% of the air that moves through a duct system is lost due to leaks and holes," said Kirby. After receiving the Aeroseal service, Camberia's home reflected an 81% reduction in leakage. "I estimate a 30% reduction in energy usage by the Aeroseal customers," said Kirby. “That's because the heat gets to where it's supposed to go." Although using less energy is good for everyone, access to innovative energy-saving technologies can be challenging for customers in outlying areas. It’s why Avista’s Named Community Investment Fund is supporting the year-long pilot program. If you or someone you know could benefit from this free energy-saving home upgrade, call Kirby’s KW Energy team at (509) 506-2962 to sign up. Avista's Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) was approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission as part of the company's Clean Energy Investment Plan (CEIP) to meet compliance targets for the state's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA, 2019). The NCIF will invest up to $5 million annually in projects, programs, and initiatives that benefit Avista's Washington electric customers residing in historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities (i.e., "Named Communities"). Community-based projects will be selected for funding through a competitive grant application process. Application information and eligibility guidelines can be found at myavista.com/NCIF.