Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower and sustain the growth of local businesses by fostering a thriving economic environment in the City of Spokane. As a staunch advocate for the business community, our CEO will represent the interests of our members, engaging with legislative and policy matters. We will champion beneficial legislation, seek constructive compromises, and actively oppose detrimental legislation. We are committed to developing strong relationships with elected officials and relevant organizations, enhancing collaborative opportunities. Maintaining our independence and commitment to our members, we accept no government funding with the exception of membership/sponsor fees. Our aim is to ensure that our region remains vibrant, competitive, and prosperous, guided by the principles of integrity and transparency.
The Spokane Business Association Board of Directors brings together dedicated leaders who generously share their expertise, insight, and commitment to helping shape a stronger future for our organization and the community we serve.
Board Chair
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Larry Stone
Stone Group of Companies
President
Larry Stone has founded several manufacturing and real estate development companies, including SCAFCO Steel Stud Manufacturing Company, L.B. Stone Properties Group, and CWallA Building Materials. Stone also acquired manufacturer Steel Construction Systems in 2016.
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Vice Chair
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Chris Batten
RenCorp Realty
Principal and Designated Broker
Chris Batten's primary focus has been on adaptive reuse and renovation of historic properties in and around downtown Spokane. To date, RenCorp Realty has been involved in more than 20 historic properties being listed on the Spokane Historic Register.
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Treasurer
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Sue Horton
Wheatland Bank
President & CEO
Susan M. Horton is the President and CEO of Wheatland Bank, headquartered in downtown Spokane. Ms. Horton serves on the national FDIC Community Banking Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors of the Washington Bankers Association.
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Secretary
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Tom Simpson
Ignite Northwest
CEO
Tom Simpson has over 35 years of experience as an investment banker, venture capitalist, angel investor and entrepreneur. He is CEO of Ignite Northwest, which focuses on funding, accelerating and mentoring explosively growing companies in the Spokane region.
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Director
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Danny Beard
Union Gospel Mission
Strategic Partnerships
Beard retired in 2017 as the Senior Vice President of NBC Camps, the world's largest residential basketball camp, where he worked for 40 years mentoring young people. He now serves part-time for the Union Gospel Mission, a homeless shelter in Spokane.
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Director
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Jack Heath, III
Washington Trust Bank
CEO
Jack Heath is Chief Executive Officer of Washington Trust Bank. He is also a member of the Washington Trust Bank and W.T.B. Financial Corporation Boards of Directors. Jack most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer.
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Director
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Dr. Thayne McCulloh
Higher Ed Leadership Partners, LLC
Founding Partner & Principal Consultant
Thayne McCulloh is a nationally recognized higher education administrator and consultant with more than 30 years of experience guiding his and other institutions through transformation, growth, and challenge. As the 26th President of Gonzaga University (2009–2025), he led the university through a period of historic achievement — strengthening academic excellence, expanding access, and deepening community impact. Dr. McCulloh is currently President Emeritus of Gonzaga University.
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