Regional Voices: Adam Smith – Cheney High School
Adam Smith teaches business education at Cheney (Wash.) High school. He moved from the Tri-Cities to Cheney two decades ago to attend Eastern Washington University. “This was definitely a place I planned to live only a short time,” he recalls. “However, a job opportunity opened immediately after I graduated, and I’ve been here ever since – teaching the same classes in the same room, and loving every second of it.”
How Spokane has changed: The city – especially the downtown core – has a more modern feel. The new Davenport Grand Hotel and expansion of the Spokane Convention Center were improvements. And the buildup of Airway Heights has been a big deal. Its proximity to Spokane International Airport and the freeway make it a prime location for further development.
What he considers the community’s greatest assets: Affordable land, office space and room to expand. A lot of land out on the West Plains is well suited for development.
Career opportunities: I think Spokane is a technology hotbed just waiting to break out. We have cheap energy, a very stable climate, a solid workforce with very good local college programs, plus affordable housing and office space. It’s just a matter of time before somebody realizes what a great place this would be to set up shop. When it happens, this place is going to boom.
Goals that Adam would like Spokane to embrace: All of my students who earn degrees from Spokane Community College are finding jobs. That said, I would love to see more technology internships.
What he likes most about living in the Inland Northwest: The four seasons, and the fact that I can own my own home. Looking at the prices my friends pay around the country, we are very affordable – particularly considering the opportunities we have here.
What Adam enjoys showing out-of-town visitors: Our golf courses. We have great facilities for a fraction of the cost of other places. My friends cannot believe the quality of our courses and how little we pay to play them.
How he relaxes: I golf a couple times a year, try to go fishing a time or two, and coach Little League Baseball. But my favorite pastime is sitting in the backyard with my family.