Join us for an evening of reflection
Keynote Speaker
MICHAEL POWELL
Prize-Winning Journalist | The Atlantic
Formerly The New York Times &
The Washington Post
Michael Powell is a prize-winning journalist with The Atlantic and one of the nation’s most experienced reporters examining the complicated forces shaping American cities.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Powell has reported for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other leading publications, covering politics, public safety, homelessness, addiction, race, culture, and the difficult choices communities face when policy meets reality. His reporting has earned national recognition, including a George Polk Award, and he was part of a New York Times team awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting.
Known for rigorous, on-the-ground reporting and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking, Powell is the author of the recent Atlantic article “The Cities That Said Yes to Drugs,” a provocative examination of drug policy and its consequences in American cities.
Making Spokane the City of Choice has long reflected the vision behind the Spokane Business Association: a stronger, safer, more vibrant community where people want to live, work, build businesses, and create a future.
This summer, those words have taken on a deeper meaning.
In the weeks since the devastating wildfires, we have seen Spokane tested in ways none of us could have anticipated. We have watched first responders run toward danger, neighbors open their doors, businesses step forward, and organizations across our region work side by side to help those whose lives were suddenly changed.
Through tremendous loss, we have also witnessed the strength of this community.
Because a city of choice is defined by more than growth, opportunity, or economic success. It is defined by its people. By how we respond when our neighbors need us. By whether we stand together when circumstances are hardest. And by our willingness to rebuild, recover, and keep moving forward.
The fires showed us Spokane at its most tested. At this year’s Annual Dinner, we gather to talk about Spokane at its most possible.
As we look toward the future, we do so with a renewed understanding of what makes this community worth choosing, worth investing in, and worth fighting for.
September 22, 2026
Spokane Convention Center
334 W Spokane Falls Blvd
Exhibit Hall A
Doors open at 4:45 PM
***SBA sponsors already have reserved tables and dinner tickets included with their sponsorship, so no additional purchase is necessary. To reserve your seats, simply send each guest’s name and email address to Sherri at sherri@sbaspokane.com
A LOOK BACK
2025 Annual Dinner
David Bieter, former four-term Democratic mayor of Boise
We were honored to welcome David Bieter, former four-term Democratic mayor of Boise, as our guest speaker at our 2025 Annual Dinner Event. Bieter's leadership and vision have set a national example for addressing homelessness with both order and compassion. His approach-keeping public spaces safe and accessible while expanding outreach for shelter, treatment, and long-term housing-has informed leaders across the country seeking balanced solutions.
Spokane has 'great bones,' former Boise mayor says. Is it enough to reduce homelessness?
2024 Annual Dinner
Dr. Thayne McCulloh, President of Gonzaga University
Dr. Thayne McCulloh
The Spokane Business Association’s Inaugural Dinner brought together nearly 700 business leaders, elected officials, and community partners at the Spokane Convention Center for an evening centered on the future of our city.
The event featured Dr. Thayne McCulloh, then president of Gonzaga University, and marked an important moment for SBA as the organization shared its vision for a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Spokane.
Throughout the evening, the conversation focused on the challenges facing Spokane’s business community, particularly public safety and the health of our downtown.
More than an annual gathering, the 2024 dinner reflected what continues to drive SBA today: bringing people together, elevating the voice of business, and working toward a Spokane where businesses and communities can thrive.
Great Beginnings
We welcomed Annise Parker, former three-term Democratic mayor of Houston and a recognized leader in addressing homelessness.
In September 2024, Hello for Good hosted its Fall Symposium at the Davenport Grand Hotel, featuring former three-term democratic Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The conversation focused on the importance of a regional approach to housing and homelessness, drawing on lessons from Houston’s nationally recognized efforts to coordinate services, housing, and community resources. Parker shared insights from Houston’s experience and explored how similar collaboration could help strengthen outcomes across the Spokane region.