Answer: When the Washington State Legislature says so!
Thanks to Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6538, sole proprietors and the self-employed may find it easier to get group health coverage in 2011. Under the bill, passed in the Senate Feb. 16 and in the House Feb. 28, small groups can be as small as one or as large as 50. Such groups will be able to obtain health insurance in a larger risk pool, gaining broader coverage at lower premium cost, and these groups will be spared the more restrictive health screening requirements of individual health plans.

From PFLAG to SAN to INBA, mental health counselor Helen Bonser has left her imprint on many of our LGBT community's flagship services. On a trip to Seattle in the early part of the 1990s, she came across a Gay Yellow Pages, a concept that intrigued her. She shared the idea with a handful of business leaders and in 1994 became one of 25 charter members of the INBA.

Helen's practice has taken various forms over the course of nearly a quarter century. At present, she works under the business name Diversity Counseling Services.

INBA joined representatives of 16 LGBT-serving nonprofits invited to the Saranac Building Feb. 18 to discuss community organizing and fund-raising in difficult times. The LGBT Center spearheaded the gathering that yielded tentative plans for consolidating community calendars and cross-promoting events. Board members Darrin Belgarde and Dan Brown spoke on our behalf. We'll let you know when we have a better understanding of the role we might play in addressing meeting goals.

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) presented Morgan Stanley with the annual award at a ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange January 11. Corporate, community and political dignitaries were on hand for the celebration. INBA's Marnie Schroer, board member and a financial planning adviser for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Spokane, expressed delight at this honor.

"Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney just merged," said Schroer. "I've been really pleased with the increased effort to reach out both to LGBT employees and to sponsor on a national level LGBT-related events."

Officers are Marvin Reguindin, Thinking Cap Communication and Design, Inc., president; James Mellot, Washington Trust Bank, vice president; Barrie Ryan, U.S. Bank, treasurer; and Paul Tiesse, John L. Scott Real Estate, secretary. Directors are Darrin Belgarde, Avista Utilities; Dan Brown, retired educator; Sandy Davidson, Brighton Court Assisted Living; Steve Faust, Faust Law Firm; Steve Rodenbough, Northern Exposures Photography; and Marnie Schroer, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Shawna Sampson, Spokanimal was appointed to fill a two-year open board position. Two additional seats on the board are open. If you are interested in serving, e-mail marvo@inbaspokane.org.

The March luncheon meeting is this Wednesday, March 10, at Europa (125 S. Wall). Latisha Hill and Nancy Holmes from Avista will give us a short take on the ever-changing energy industry. They'll tackle smart grid technology, going green, utility rates, renewable energy, and the role of the consumer in the larger story. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion.
Networking from 11:30-noon; lunch and guest presentation from noon to 1 p.m.
$20 Members and First Time Guests
$25 Returning Guests
RSVP at inba@inabaspokane.org

What you may of missed last month.
February's speaker, Katie Coker, executive director, Spokane AIDS Network, overviewed the agency's current programming and plans for 2010. Some observers were surprised to learn the enormity of SAN's service area.

As you see, our content will be fluid, quick bits of information you can skip, skim or scrutinize as time and curiosity allow. We will feature member profiles, introduce new members, recognize member achievements and inform you about local, state and national business matters that will affect you.

Our plan is to publish online each second and fourth Monday of the month, with interim e-mail alerts and/or updates as circumstances dictate. We want to keep you informed and promise not to inundate you with frivolous e-mail.

This is also your chance to get your moment in the spotlight. If there's something you think INBA members should know about you or your business, local activities and events that affect Inland Northwest business, shoot us an e-mail: news@inbaspokane.org.

INBA has joined the Constant Contact Chamber Program and added yet another benefit for our members. Both existing customers and users new to Constant Contact are eligible to receive a 20% or 25% discount.

If you are already using Constant Contact email us and we'll have your account added to the discount list.

New members can sign up by clicking on the Constant Contact logo in this article to try Constant Contact risk-free for 60 days plus receive a 20% or 25% discount.