Business Briefs: Gold Bar food cannery’s license suspended over sanitation issues
Published 11:16 am Tuesday, September 24, 2013
A Gold Bar canning company that cans and jars products from small farms has had its food-processing license suspended after ongoing sanitation problems, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
G. Wolf Enterprises, also known as Wolf Pack Cannery at 14811 Moonlight Drive, also has violations of food-processing standards, and the management failed to cooperate with the state inspectors, according to the state agency. The company was ordered to cease all food processing operations as of Sept. 13.
In previous visits, food safety inspectors have noted violations of food processing laws and standards that included wooden storage trays that could not be properly sanitized, a lack of clear separation between processing rooms and a machine shop and mildew in a walk-in cooler.
Inspectors also found jar lids stored in open containers leaving them easily contaminated and deviations from proper canning processes that could lead to illness.
During the second week of September, food safety officers began a routine inspection of the facility, but were unable to complete their inspection because of interference by company management, a violation of state regulations.
The agriculture department may re-instate the company’s license if the company allows the inspectors access and complies with all food processing requirements.
Representatives of Wolf Pack did not return phone calls.
The family-owned business has several dozen customers including small businesses and farms. The agriculture department would like to reach those customers who have used Wolf Pack Cannery to process their products.
Those people should contact the agriculture department’s Food Safety and Consumer Services Division at OCO@agr.wa.gov or 360-902-1942.
Announcements
EVERETT — The Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking nominations for their annual Real Heroes Breakfast event on Dec. 12 at the Tulalip Resort Casino. Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 30. Find out more information at www.redcross.org/snoco or call 425-252-410
MUKILTEO — Diamond Knot Craft Brewing of Mukilteo will release its Vienna Ale in time for Oktoberfest. Reddish amber in color, Vienna Ale has a bright, crisp flavor with a malty finish and a mild 5.6 percent alcohol by volume. Diamond Knot Craft Brewing operates three restaurants, its Brewery and Pizza House in Mukilteo and the Camano Lodge on Camano Island.
EVERETT — Cafe Zippy in downtown has extended its business hours to 10 p.m. every day except Sunday. All-ages happy hours will apply on weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. Happy hours include $1 off specials on coffee and snacks and $1 off specials on beer and wine for those 21 and older.
EVERETT — TD Curran, one of the top 10 certified Apple specialists in the country, is moving from Everett to a larger location in Kirkland on Oct. 26. The Everett store, located at 1402 S.E. Everett Mall Way, will close Sept. 30. The Kirkland store will include a service center and a learning center that were not available in Everett.
EVERETT — Fluke Biomedical has announced the launch of its first-ever mobile iPad application. Designed with field service professionals in mind, the app is simple to use and offers detailed product information for all biomedical, diagnostic imaging, radiation, and nuclear power products. The app is free and currently available for download via the iTunes App Store.
OLYMPIA — A $2,205,753 National Emergency Grant was announced by the U.S. Department of Labor to assist about 645 workers affected by layoffs at Boeing. Boeing notified employees that 1,291 workers would be laid off starting June 7, 2013 due to a decline in demand for the company’s products. Of that $2,205,753 grant, $980,847 will be released initially.
OLYMPIA — The Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced that more than 1,000 registered insurance brokers will be available to help Washingtonians enroll in new health coverage options through Washington Healthplanfinder. Washington Healthplanfinder is a new online marketplace where you can find, compare and enroll in health insurance and gain access to financial help starting Oct. 1.
Bartell Drugs has launched an extensive seasonal flu vaccination program offering in-store vaccinations for individuals at 61 Bartell Drugs locations and an off-site flu clinic program serving area businesses and retirement communities. For more information on Bartells and their locations, visit www.bartelldrugs.com. For more information on Bartell’s off-site flu clinic program for businesses, call 206-764-5574 or email flu@bartelldrugs.com.
MARYSVILLE — The new Marysville Walmart celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting on Sept. 18. The new store is located at 8713 64th St. NE. and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will provide Marysville residents with one-stop shopping for grocery and general merchandise needs. The store also offers pharmacy services.
BOTHELL — Ivar’s has opened a completely new store at Bothell’s Lakeside at Canyon Park Shopping Center. The new 2,020 square-foot Seafood Bar features seating for 94 people. Now through Oct. 27, customers who visit the new Bothell location will have a chance to win an iPad, Coca Cola-branded bicycle, Amazon gift cards and Seattle Aquarium tickets.
Nominations for the March of Dimes Western Washington Nurse of the Year Awards are being accepted through Friday, Sept. 27. Nomination forms can be found online at www.marchofdimes.com/washington, or obtained by calling 206-624-1373. The event, which will be held Nov. 21 at the Meydenbauer Conference Center, is presented by Premera Blue Cross.
From Sept. 30 to Oct. 27, Washingtonians are invited to join Washington Moves — a four-week fitness challenge powered by EveryMove that turns active living choices into donations for statewide charities. For every active day participants log, featured sponsors will donate money to one of the five selected charities. Participants can enroll online starting today at www.everymove.org/WAmoves.
ARLINGTON — Foster’s Corn Maze and Produce will host its annual Pumpkin &Corn Maze Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily all during October. Fosters Produce and Corn Maze is a member of the Red Rooster Route, a group of family-friendly Arlington-area farms. To learn more, visit www.redroosterroute.com.
EVERETT — Burlington, a new retailer to the Everett Mall, officially opened to the public on Sept. 20 after a ribbon cutting ceremony with Everett mayor Ray Stephanson. It marked the completion of a year-long multi-phase redevelopment project. The Mall has added array of new stores, services and amenities and remodeled all existing restrooms.
BECU is now accepting nominations for the inaugural People Helping People Awards. The awards recognize and honor BECU members and local non-profits supported by the membership in the Puget Sound area. Until the end of September, BECU members can nominate their favorite local non-profits to receive a $10,000 Community Benefit Award. For more information, visit www.becu.org/awards.
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has announced that grant applications for the 2014 Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund are being accepted. The deadline for submitting applications is Oct. 16. Established in 1997, the program has awarded grants to 99 projects totaling nearly $90,000 in funding to local historic preservation organizations and advocates engaged in the important work of preserving Washington’s cultural heritage.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman warn consumers about a troubling practice by some individuals who solicit donations near retail stores on behalf of charities. There is reason to believe some solicitors personally pocket most of the money instead of giving it to the intended charity. Consumer information about charity donations is available at www.sos.wa.gov/charities/givewisely.aspx
Snohomish County PUD wants customers to know about the many ways to pay their bills. In addition to mail, customers can pay at PUD local offices, pay online through their bank or the PUD’s SnoPAY program or use a credit or debit card to pay by phone. There are also resources for budgeting and giving or receiving assistance. Call 425-783-1000 for details.
Kudos
EVERETT — Fluke CNX Wireless Test Tools have won the Silver Award in the testing and monitoring products category of the 2013 Dealer Design Awards sponsored by Air Conditioning Heating &Refrigeration News magazine. The award recognizes excellence in HVAC/R product design. This is the fifth award Fluke CNX Wireless Test Tools have won this year.
MARYSVILLE — Hundreds of Edward Jones Investments employees and clients joined forces last month to help 500 students in the Everett, Marysville and Shoreline school districts prepare for the new school year. Backpacks and other items were collected and donated through the Marine Corp Toys for Tots program to help families in need. Walmart in Marysville hosted the event.
EVERETT — To celebrate its 56th anniversary on Aug. 22, Brown Bear Car Wash provided 27,223 free Bear Essential car washes at 21 locations throughout the Puget Sound area. This brings the free wash total to 186,511 over the past eight years. The company also provides free car washes to current and former members of the military on Veterans Day.
MONROE — Monroe-based Canyon Creek Cabinet Company has been presented with the 2013 Reader’s Survey Bronze Award for Best Cabinets. Sponsored by the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine, thousands of surveys were collected from readers over a three-month period, in over 100 categories, ranging from public figures, to trendiest restaurants, to the finest wineries.
Good deeds
EVERETT — Judd &Black recently held its annual charity golf tournament at Battle Creek Golf Course. At the conclusion of the event, Cory Long of Judd &Black presented an $8,000 check to Christmas House board members. Also presented was a check for $3,000 to the Boys &Girls Clubs of Snohomish County and the Everett Boys &Girls Club.
EVERETT — Camp Fire Snohomish County received $25,901 from Fred Meyer customers and employees, who donated more than $467,000 toward youth development in the first quarter by dropping their change in the coin boxes located at Fred Meyer check stands. The money dropped in the coin boxes stays in the community where it is donated.
EVERETT — A third free emergency dental care day has been completed at All Family Dental Care in Everett. Over 60 people were waiting in line for the recent event when it opened at 7:30 a.m. With the help of four doctors and a support staff, 46 of those patients were able to be treated that day.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY — In an effort to streamline the delivery of services, five Snohomish County nonprofits will learn about lean manufacturing techniques that may be adapted to their organizations. This is thanks to $25,000 in grants funded by Boeing and administered by United Way of Snohomish County.
STANWOOD — AT&T and Jobs for America’s Graduates have announced a $30,000 award to the Stanwood-Camano School District. The funds will be used to expand efforts to ensure that more students finish high school. The Stanwood-Camano School District award will be distributed by JAG’s Washington State affiliate, Jobs for Washington’s Graduates.
EVERETT — Sportsman Channel and Comcast teamed up with the Everett Coho Derby on Sept. 21 and 22 to donate fish caught by tournament anglers to the Volunteers of America food bank in north Everett. This event was part of Sportsman Channel’s Hunt Fish Feed outreach program that uses game meat and fish donated by sportsmen to feed those in need.
EVERETT — The Greater Everett Community Foundation hosted its 12th annual breakfast event last month for 280 community leaders from across Snohomish County. The event raised more than $74,000 to support the foundation’s philanthropic work with the nonprofit sector. The community foundation provides grants, training and workshops to nonprofits in Snohomish County and charitable giving services to individuals and families.
Wells Fargo hosted a Student Financial Education Day at most of its banking locations in Washington on Saturday, Sept. 21, reaffirming its commitment to financial education and helping its customers succeed financially. The purpose of the event was to help educate students and their parents about the importance of money management, establishing credit and preparing to pay for college.
From HBJ staff reports
